Welcoming the Year of the Horse – with Shiatsu
From 17 February 2026 to 5 February 2027, we step into the vibrant Year of the Horse; a cycle of bright, warm energy, movement, and renewed courage. After times of reflection, the Horse invites us to move forward with an open heart and a clear sense of direction.
In Chinese medicine the Horse is linked with the Fire element, the energy of summer. Fire lives in the Heart and Small Intestine meridians: pathways that govern warmth, circulation, emotional balance, and our ability to discern what truly nourishes us. When these are in harmony, we feel steady, connected, and able to express ourselves with ease.
Shiatsu during this year can help to:
• calm a busy mind and support restful sleep
• open the chest and breath
• free stuck Qi so energy moves with natural rhythm
• balance enthusiasm with gentle grounding
Just as the season moves toward greater light, the body longs to stretch, breathe deeply, and feel the pulse of life again. The Horse teaches us to travel lightly, to trust our instincts, and to meet the world with friendliness and spirit.
May this year bring you:
• the courage to follow what makes your heart feel alive
• steady energy for the paths ahead
• freedom in body, breath, and mind
To welcome this new cycle, you’re warmly invited to book a Shiatsu treatment.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, emotional balance, or support for aches and tension, sessions are tailored to meet you where you are in this season.
BOOK HERE:
@ The Shiatsu Sanctuary, North Norfolk
I look forward to supporting your wellbeing throughout the Year of the Horse.
2026 YEAR OF THE HORSE WITH SHIATSU
SEASONAL BREAKDOWN
Lìchūn: Beginning of Spring (Wood rising) – Feb–April 2026– Igniting Momentum
Spring is Wood energy: growth, vision, new beginnings. When Fire (Horse) meets Wood (Spring), the fire is fed.
What this may bring:
- A surge of motivation after winter
- Fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm
- Desire to make changes or start projects
- Strong emotional expression
Watch for: impatience, frustration, doing too much too quickly.
Shiatsu focus: Support Liver & Gallbladder (flexibility & direction) while gently preparing the Heart for the rising Fire.
Lìxià – Beginning of Summer (Fire emerging) – May–July 2026
Summer is Fire season, so during a Fire Horse year, this is the most intense energetic period.
What this may bring:
- High social energy and connection
- Creativity and visibility
- Confidence and bold decisions
- Passion projects flourishing
Watch for: burnout, overexcitement, sleep disturbance, scattered focus.
Shiatsu focus: Calm and anchor the Heart, regulate circulation, balance excitement with grounding.
Cháng Xià – Late Summer (Peak Fire) – Aug – Sept 2026 – Integration
Late Summer, known in Chinese medicine as Cháng Xià (Long Summer), relates to the Earth element — nourishment, digestion, and stability.
Fire begins to soften here.
What this may bring:
- Reflection after a busy period
- Evaluating what truly sustains you
- Desire for comfort, routine, and grounding
- Emotional digestion of earlier experiences
Watch for: energy dips or emotional fatigue.
Shiatsu focus: Support the Spleen and Stomach meridians to stabilise and prevent depletion after summer intensity.
Lìqiū – Beginning of Autumn (Metal descending) – Sept–Nov 2026 – Refining & Letting Go
Autumn is Metal — clarity, boundaries, discernment. Fire energy becomes more refined and internal.
What this may bring:
- Clear decisions about what stays and what goes
- Honest conversations
- Simplifying commitments
- Emotional maturity
Watch for: abrupt endings or cutting things off too quickly.
Shiatsu focus: Support Lung & Large Intestine — letting go physically and emotionally.
Lìdōng – Beginning of Winter (Water storing) – Dec 2026–Feb 2027 – Resting
Winter is Water — rest, depth, restoration. In a Fire year, winter becomes essential to prevent depletion.
What this may bring:
- Need for deeper rest
- Reflecting on how you used your energy
- Wisdom gained from bold action
- Quieter but clearer direction emerging
Watch for: exhaustion if you ignored rest earlier in the year.
Shiatsu focus: Nourish Kidney energy to replenish after a dynamic year.
In essence, the Year of the Horse may feel like:
- A year of movement after stillness
- Courage to be visible
- Heart-led action
- Learning to balance enthusiasm with sustainability
