On February 9, 2008 (year 4706 in the Chinese calendar) the Acupuncture & Massage College in Miami held its 9th Annual celebration for Chinese New Year.

The festivities kicked off at 10 a.m. with lines of attendees eagerly signing up for free fun of all kinds to officially ring in the Year of the Rat pain-free, rejuvenated, and de-stressed.

Part of the excitement that filled the more than classrooms included demonstrations in acupuncture, Qigong and yoga and many more interesting and smart ways to begin a health and wellness regimen. Studies show Qigong and yoga have been found to stimulate and promote healthy functions in the kidney/adrenal, hormonal and reproductive systems, which correlate to the Water element.

Dr. Richard Browne, licensed acupuncturist, president and founder of the Acupuncture & Massage College personally led a class on the basics of Qigong, encouraging individuals to “get to their core” and start moving.

The college pharmacy, laden with exotic natural specimens, was the first introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese herbs, for many at the event.

Because the Chinese calendar is amazingly accurate and records not only time, but also is ideal for forecasting Dr. Richard Browne invited noted astrologist Jeffrey Brock to chart out the future for interested guests.

Comfortably seated in the college’s prestigious library, Brock began with intriguing and detailed displays of famous charts, including President George Bush’s.

The energetic relationship between instructors and guests filled the hallways at the college, small reminder that all Five Elements, an energy transformation in nature, was in play making it a happy new year for everyone indeed.