By Lara Endreszl
Published: Saturday, 22 August 2009
Medical astrology—the practice of an astrological sign ruling over a specific body part—may be keeping you healthy. Adapted from the book by Stephanie Gailing, Planetary Apothecary: An Astrological Approach to Health and Wellness, check out which regions of the body are taken over by your sign and which foods will support your health:
Capricorn: If you are a Capricorn, the biggest source of worry under your sign is the knees. Take precautions to ward off arthritis, eat foods chock full of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants like popcorn and keep your lifestyle stress-free. Gailing suggests that the best food for the health of a goat, the symbol behind Capricorn, is goat’s milk.
As an Aquarius, or water bearer, your Achilles tendon is the weakest spot on your body and you should also watch out for the lower half of the leg. Aquarians may be susceptible to shin splints, muscle spasms, and ankle problems. Make sure you stretch well before and after exercise and eat foods high in magnesium and potassium like the exotic fruits (Acai, papaya, guava, etc.) that are a supportive food.
The fish symbol, or Pisces, is mainly concerned with feet. People born under this sign may not be quick on their feet and because of that, their feet tend to get bruised and beaten up easily. Wear comfortable and covered shoes when you can and remember your omega-3s as seafood and shellfish are your power foods as they help your skin and hair glow.
Aries—the level-headed Ram—uses the brain so much that it throws the head into overload and headaches can come quite easily. The biggest thing to remember is to relax and don’t let every little thing go to your head. As a fire sign, the color red rules and the food selections are no different. Eat beets, tomatoes, and peppers to ensure a satisfied body and an ache-free head.
The bull, Taurus, takes over the throat and Taureans are advised to drink lots of water daily to stave off sore throat or dehydration. Marshmallow root and slippery elm can soothe the throat and are often found in teas, maintaining plenty of vitamin C in your diet as to steer away from sickness. Fresh herbs are needed for keeping the throat and the bull in check throughout the year.
Gemini – The twins are gatherers and collect so much information they tend to get stressed easily causing muscle pain. Geminis should take a break from technology every once in a while and eat plenty of orange veggies and fruits, as the beta-carotene offers great support for the lungs, which are also taken over by this sign.
Stubborn crabs like me, or those born under the rule of Cancer, tend to have problems with the esophagus and stomach. Watch out for caffeine and foods that cause allergic reactions. Keep slippery elm handy for heartburn and eat broccoli, cabbage, and other foods in the family like cauliflower to keep your insides clean and running smoothly.
Leo, the loud lion controls the heart so regular heart scans and blood pressure tests are in your future. Keep stress levels low and stick to a consistent exercise routine. Eat grapes to keep antioxidants up…yes, this does include the occasional glass of wine!
The virgin, the symbol of Virgo, is shown holding grains which are the supportive foods of people born under this sign. Virgoans should pay attention to digestion and grains like wheat and fiber can help smooth over the digestive tract.
Libras are fixers, and back pain is often a problem and can lead to stress for many people. Alternative medicine practices like massage, acupuncture, Pilates, and chiropractic services are seen as helpful in Libras. Eat a lot of berries to keep inflammation at bay.
The scorpion, Scorpio, is the ruler of the bowels and if a Scorpio is not considered regular, he or she could develop intestinal problems, constipation, even weight loss and low energy as a result of being temporarily stopped up. Take a yoga class and eat lots of fiber but remember you can splurge a little because dark chocolate is your power food.
Flex those muscles, Sagittarius! As Sagittarians are constantly in motion, the thighs and backside muscles are usually tight. Stretch and get massages regularly to keep blood flow circulating correctly. Olives are your sign’s food, promote good fats and the kinds of antioxidants you should be eating.
Next time you go to check your horoscope—even if it’s just for fun—think about what’s on your day’s menu too and you may add more health and save yourself some discomfort.