Get ready to roar ladies and gents – on 14 February 2010, we entered the Chinese Year of the Tiger. The tiger is dynamic, powerful, unpredictable, courageous and explosive, so expect a turbulent year full of big changes.

In terms of your health, it’s a year to be proactive so you can ride out the storm.

In the Chinese calendar, 2010 is represented by the elements metal and wood. Metal corresponds to the lungs, colon, skin and immune system so this year you may be more prone to sinus problems, infections, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, bowel problems, rashes, compromised immunity, arthritis and eczema. The wood element correlates to the liver, gall bladder and nervous system, which means 2010 may be bring increased stress and tension, depression, anxiety, gallstones, hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Combat this by eating foods that cleanse the liver, such as green leafy veg, carrot, beetroot and soy beans. Herbs and spices like dill, oregano, rosemary, sage, peppermint, turmeric, basil, coriander, fennel, anise, cardamom, ginger and parsley all boost the immune system. And I know it’s boring, but reducing your intake of dairy, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, wheat, deep fried and fatty foods, processed and refined foods will help too.

Regular exercise that strengthens the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, such as yoga and qigong, as well as breathing exercises and walking in the fresh air also can help you feel tip top at tiger time.

‘Til next time, take care tigers – it’s jungle out there.