A new year is an opportunity to bring more calm and serenity into life.
Therefore, instead of browsing the treatment menu and getting lost, we asked a consultant and lecturer in Chinese astrology to match each sign with the most precise wellness treatment for it. “Everyone already understands that body and mind are connected, so wellness is not a passing trend,” she tells us.
“There is understanding that each of us needs treatment, relaxation, touch and deep connection to what our body and mind ask for in order to be happy, calm, and above all more balanced.
” How does this relate to our sign?
“We know our Western sign and whether we are Sagittarius, Libra, Virgo, or Aries.
But do you know your Chinese zodiac sign? Just like in Western astrology, Chinese astrology also has 12 signs named after animals and arranged in a fixed order.
Each Chinese sign contains traits, characteristics, behaviors, and preferences and it is governed by the five elements of nature fire, earth, metal, water and wood.
“In fact, in the Chinese birth chart, there is a sign for the four time components year, month, day and hour.
To match the best and most precise wellness and spa treatments to your Chinese sign, I chose to use the month of birth, as it has a deep impact on our energetic needs.”
Water signs: Pig and Rat
- Pig month: 7.11-6.12
- Rat month: 7.12-5.1
Those born in water energy months are winter born and carry an energetic load saturated with cold energy.
Spa treatments that benefit them are those that warm the muscles and tissues, such as: - Hot stone massage a holistic treatment combining manual massage with smooth basalt stones heated to approximately 50°C to relieve muscle pain, improve blood flow, and induce deep relaxation.
- Ayurvedic or Abhyanga massage with sesame oil a holistic massage from ancient Indian medicine aimed at restoring balance and harmony to the body.
It is done with warm oil to release muscles, remove toxins, and improve circulation. - Also recommended: sauna, treatment rooms with warm colors and candlelight to enhance the experience.
Wood signs: Tiger and Rabbit
- Tiger month: 4.2-5.3
- Rabbit month: 6.3-4.4
Those born in wood energy months are spring-born and their energy relates to growth, space, creativity, but also irritability, stress, and impatience.
Recommended spa treatments focus on relaxation, grounding and stress relief, such as: - Shiatsu – a treatment to bring awareness and reduce stress, done fully clothed without oils.
- Swedish massage – relaxes body and mind and promotes blood and oxygen flow.
- Also recommended: calming background music and slow, deep breathing to enhance the experience.
Fire signs: Snake and Horse
- Snake month: 5.5-4.6
- Horse month: 5.6-6.7
Those born in fire energy months are early summer-born and carry a natural energetic load of heat and fire.
Cooling treatments and those combining deep energy, awareness, and spiritual connection bring optimal results. - Watsu – part of hydrotherapy, a body treatment using water for relief and healing.
The method includes shiatsu pressure, stretches and gentle movements.
Water combined with movement helps release tension, inner connection and improves blood and energy flow (chi). - Lomi Lomi massage – a Hawaiian method combining special techniques with a spiritual aspect to bring the client to a state of calm and meditation.
Metal signs: Monkey and Rooster
- Monkey month: 8.8-7.9
- Rooster month: 8.9-7.10
Those born in metal energy months are pre-autumn born and have a strong metal energy characterized by logic, boundaries, aesthetics, rational thinking, order and self control. Recommended treatments release rigid energy, open emotions, and relax the body.
Metal signs are sensitive to aesthetics and cleanliness, so the treatment space should be tidy, organized, and visually pleasing. - Deep tissue massage – penetrates the deepest layers of the body, releasing physical and emotional blocks.
- Facial treatment – as the skin corresponds to the metal element, treatments that cleanse, nourish, and remove waste are recommended.
Earth signs: Ox, Dragon, Sheep, Dog
- Ox: 2.1-6.2
- Dragon: 4.4-5.5
- Sheep: 7.7-6.8
- Dog: 8.10-6.11
This group is the largest, spanning four months.
Earth signs have a tendency for overthinking, even during treatment.
Therefore, it is important to create an immersive experience combining all senses – smell, sound, touch, atmosphere and most importantly, pleasant and engaging communication from the therapist.
Recommended treatments: - Reflexology – therapeutic foot massage relieves tension through the most grounded part of the body.
- Thai massage – as earth signs tend toward physical, emotional and mental heaviness, stimulating treatments improve flexibility, movement and create a lighter feeling.
Proper pressure and energizing techniques help release heaviness.