Year of the Rat

The Rat has a tendency to ignore health problems and wait for them to go away. This may not be the correct approach -- the best thing to do would be to seek medical attention, or at least the opinion of those who care, before simple symptoms blossom into full-fledged diseases. Anxiety must be caressed away and not suppressed until it erupts as bodily discomfort. The Rat is associated with the Water Element, which accounts for its traditional connection to the urinary and renal systems, the kidneys and the bladder. These organs merit special attention, or else an operation to correct the presence of stones will result at some point later in life. Try not to cross the line into chronic hypochondria!

Year of the Ox

The health of the Ox person is directly related to the Element of the Ox, Water -- every Ox should drink plenty of it. The kidneys are also an area of some risk, so be sure to take the appropriate measures to guard against stones or incontinence. Prostate trouble may rear its ugly head in those who have prostate glands. The Ox also has a tendency to become hard of hearing in their old age. Exercise is recommended, as Oxen who don't work out can grow fat and lazy from too many creature comforts. An effort should also be made to overcome the habit of taciturnity, for it is only by learning to express their inner feelings that the specter of mental illness can be fully laid to rest. Last but not least, it is important for the Ox to eat a lot of green, leafy vegetables.

Year of the Tiger

The Tiger is a formidably healthy Sign. The Tiger's Element, Wood, is traditionally associated with the liver, so Tigers should pay particular attention to that organ and perhaps moderate their drinking habits to forestall a bout of cirrhosis in later life. Physical activity of all kinds is very important to the Tiger, so exercise will always be an integral component of their routine, with the focus on more daring sports like hang-gliding, snowboarding or surfing. These also allow the release of suppressed emotional tension so crucial to maintaining that trademark surface calm, without which the Tiger would degenerate into a jumpy bundle of paranoia and suspicion. A well-exercised Tiger is a happy beast indeed.

Year of the Rabbit

Rabbit health is mainly a matter of paying strict attention to the liver, as this organ is traditionally associated with the reigning Rabbit Element of Wood. The endless round of socializing preferred by members of this Sign should be monitored closely to make sure that the intake of alcohol (or less legal stimulants) be kept to a reasonable level, or else the dreary specter of alcoholism may rear its ugly head later in life. The tendency to lounge must also be leavened with the occasional spurt of physical activity (in other words, run, Rabbit, run!) in order to prevent the sort of figure that is no longer capable of an active social life. Psychologically speaking, Rabbits should acquire a focus of interest that allows them to stop dwelling upon their own psyches day in and day out.

Year of the Dragon

The Element of the Dragon is the Wood Element, which is traditionally associated with the liver. Dragon people ought to monitor closely their intake of intoxicants in order to avoid serious disease, such as cirrhosis, in later life. Despite being associated with health and vitality, Dragons also suffer from insomnia and can develop respiratory problems, such as asthma or emphysema. However, since Dragons generally take very good care of themselves, occasions of illness are kept to a minimum, and when they do fall ill, they heal very quickly and are back on their feet in no time. When feeling depressed or vulnerable, Dragons can tend to solace themselves with food, and should take care not to overindulge for psychological reasons.

Year of the Snake

The Element of the Snake is Fire, which is traditionally associated with the heart and the intestines -- Snakes should take good care of both their circulatory and their digestive systems. To no one's great surprise, Snakes are very visceral people, and watch what they eat, or else stomachaches, diarrhea, heartburn and ulcers may be the inevitable result of unhealthy eating habits. Beware rich unfamiliar foods, and avoid drive-throughs and other modern excuses for proper nutrition -- they'll clean you out like a spoonful of Drano. Snakes need to learn when enough is enough, to control their sensuous natures and avoid overindulgence, as it will cause more trouble than it is worth in the long run. They are also somewhat edgy, and as such, prone to nervous disorders.

Year of the Horse

The Fire Element, traditionally associated with the Sign of the Horse, is connected to the heart and intestines in the human body. Horses should take great pains to keep everything connected with these organs systems in smooth running order, especially by avoiding fatty foods, which can clog arteries and produce horrific bouts of indigestion. Dieting and regular exercise schedules are a must! Horses are very energetic people, and exercise allows them to blow off steam that would instead be transmuted into suppressed nervous behavior, which could eventually lead to an entire array of psychosomatic stress disorders, such as insomnia, constipation, and anorexia nervosa. Chronic manifestation of these symptoms may require the intervention of a psychiatrist.

Year of the Goat

The Fire Element is traditionally associated with the heart and intestines, and since it is also the Elemental characteristic of the Goat Sign, Goats should pay very close attention to those two organ systems -- one might say, they should listen to their hearts, as well as their guts. Goats should spend more time preventing illness rather than trying to cure an illness that has already manifested itself. Goats are very anxious creatures, and should take care that their habitual worried nature doesn't worry them into some sort of psychosomatic disease -- they need to relax occasionally, and while they're at it, to avoid extremes of temperature. Meditation is recommended as a method by which Goats may achieve peace of mind and focus their energies.

Year of the Monkey

The Metal Element traditionally associated with the Monkey Sign governs the lungs and the kidneys, and Monkeys should pay extra special care to these organs in order to avoid health complications later in life. The demands of the renal system require restrictions upon the consumption of such substances as coffee and especially salt. Despite their lack of organized exercise practices, Monkeys are surprisingly fit body types, and will remain wiry and slim to a great age. Neglect of a proper diet may result in an unhealthy thinness, whether by accident or by design. Psychological eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa may become evident if external pressures in life become too great for the Monkey mind to withstand.

Year of the Rooster

The Metal Element, most closely associated with the Sign of the Rooster, is the Element that governs the lungs and kidneys, so Roosters should take steps to see that these two systems of organs are kept in tip-top shape. A series of respiratory problems, including but not limited to asthma, emphysema and tuberculosis, could be in the offing unless certain preventative measures are taken early in life. Roosters also need time out to relax and think, and need to slow themselves down before the stress gets to them. This should supplement, rather than supersede, a regular exercise program coupled with a sensible diet. Old Roosters can grow somewhat obese, which will mortify them in public situations, especially for those critical first impressions.

Year of the Dog

The Metal Element is traditionally associated with the lungs, and since Dogs are closely associated with the Metal Element, it is necessary for them to pay careful attention to their lungs in order to avoid respiratory distress later in life. Dogs who smoke should quite immediately -- there is a tendency for cancer of the indicated area. Insomnia and other stress- related disorders are a hallmark of the ever-neurotic and tense Dog, too. It is important for members of this Sign to maintain a balanced outlook on life, so as not to be eaten up with unwonted tension. Generally, their overall health is quite good and they are accustomed to it -- the only precaution being that they watch what they eat so as not to become overweight.

Year of the Pig

The traditional Pig Element, Water, is usually associated with the renal system and bladder in the human body, so Pigs should take care to drink plenty of water and to watch their salt intake so that they don't develop stones or urinary tract infections. It is useless to counsel moderation of diet, as all Pigs, true to their namesake, cannot resist dining exceptionally well and exceptionally often, so watch out for the inevitable weight gain! Perhaps a substitution of healthier foods for those rich in calories, or the institution of a regular workout program, would help to convert a few of those unwanted pounds into muscle, or even shed them entirely. Hedonism will out, and obesity may spell health problems later in life, most notably heart attacks and strokes. Health for Western signs