Cloud Forest Health

29/01/2025

The Year of the Wood Snake: January 29, 2025 – February 16, 2026

The Year of the Snake holds deep significance in Chinese culture, embodying themes of wisdom, transformation, and introspection. As the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac’s 12-year cycle, the snake symbolizes a time for reflection, deliberate decision-making, and personal growth.

In 2025, the snake aligns with the element of wood, adding versatility, growth, and creativity to its traditional attributes. The wood element enhances the snake’s adaptability and fosters innovation, making this year an auspicious time to embrace change and pursue meaningful goals.

Traits and Symbolism of the Snake

The snake is celebrated for its intuitive and strategic nature. Known for its ability to sense opportunities and navigate challenges, it represents careful planning and wise action. Its connection to renewal and transformation is exemplified in its ability to shed its skin—a powerful metaphor for releasing the past and embracing new beginnings.

This act of renewal inspires individuals to let go of outdated habits and thoughts, allowing space for growth and positive change. During the Year of the Snake, people are encouraged to pause, evaluate their paths, and make intentional, well-considered choices.

The Snake in Chinese Tradition

In Chinese traditions, the snake is often associated with mystery, divination, and acumen. It is seen as a spiritual guide, offering clarity and insight to those who listen. Its quiet yet powerful presence reminds us of the value of inner reflection and thoughtful action.

The Five Elements and the Snake

Each Snake year in the 12-year zodiac cycle is influenced by one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water. These elements add unique qualities to the snake’s character:
• Wood Snake (2025): Symbolizes growth, creativity, and flexibility. A time for innovation and collaborative efforts.
• Fire Snake: Brings passion, determination, and courage.
• Earth Snake: Represents stability, practicality, and reliability.
• Metal Snake: Embodies strength, focus, and resilience.
• Water Snake: Enhances intuition, sensitivity, and adaptability.

As the Year of the Wood Snake unfolds, it offers a rare opportunity to cultivate balance, seek inspiration, and pursue personal and spiritual development. By honoring the snake’s wisdom and embracing its transformative energy, individuals can navigate 2025 with confidence and purpose.

29/01/2025

05/08/2024

For a limited time we are still offering:
Cupping
Gua Sha
Acupoint Injection Therapy
Scalp Acupuncture
Our clinic transition time is fast approaching, when the current class graduates and a new class begins their clinical internship. As a patient in our clinic, you can journey with them! You benefit from all the experience of our clinical supervisors and our dedicated interns plus a great price.

09/05/2024

Here at Gratitude for wellness our thoughtfully curated practitioners encourage you to re-engage with your innate healing wisdom. Together we will walk with you on your healing journey. Visit our website and schedule your session today. Link in bio

09/05/2024

It’s been a little over three months since joining Gratitude for Wellness in Willsboro, NY. So grateful to the owner and my Five Element mentor Melissa Maki for allowing me to be part of this community. She has cultivated an amazingly dedicated group of clients and like minded practitioners. There is a magic and healing energy on the Willsboro peninsula that transcends and heals. I’m truly honored to be able to practice acupuncture and Chinese herbalism here!

16/02/2024

We have fresh flower bouquets!💐 Stop in the wellness center and pick out the perfect arrangement for your special person🥰 We love celebrating love! 💗

10/02/2024

A visual guide to welcome the Dragon and celebrate the new lunar year.

10/02/2024

Wishing everyone a prosperous and happy ! May your path of fortune keep guiding you toward victory and success! Calligraphy by Joon Thomas, Academy faculty member.

09/02/2024

From Melissa Maki, Founder and Practitioner at Gratitude for Wellness Acupuncture in Willsboro, NY:


I am thrilled to announce the arrival of Gratitude's new acupuncture clinician, David Kruse.

David attended my alma mater, The Academy of Five Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, FL and graduated in August 2023.

David studied both Five Element Acupuncture as well as Chinese Herbs. Combined with his prior career, the herb world came alive quickly for him and he fell more deeply in love with medicinal plants than he had before. He has already started practicing herbs and is ready to work with anyone who would like to use Chinese herbal formulas to support their health and/or chronic medical issues in lieu of other options. Some of our clients have already chosen this path!

"David has been a pleasure to work with. He is knowledgeable and willing to to research based on your particular needs and what will work best for you! He is very easy to talk with and I'm excited to learn more from him and to see results in my personal health journey!"
MD, Willsboro

He has already made several trips to Willsboro to shadow me and has had the opportunity to meet clients and see the area. He is so excited to be part of our family. If you see him out and about, please welcome him to our neck of the woods - he would very much enjoy meeting you!

From David:

I am thrilled to be joining the Gratitude for Wellness family.

Over the past 5 months, I've visited Willsboro multiple times, immersing myself in the energy and beauty of the area while observing Melissa with patients. I've had the pleasure of meeting some of you already and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with others once I permanently relocate and start practicing.

My previous professional background is in botany, with a focus on Conservation Biology at San Francisco State University. I dedicated 12 years to the San Francisco Botanical Garden, serving as Associate Curator.

This role was a dream job, providing me with the incredible opportunity to guide and curate numerous collections crucial for the conservation of rare and endangered species.

During my tenure, I organized and participated in various seed and plant collecting expeditions, spanning locations such as China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Indonesia, and numerous trips throughout California. These experiences hold a special place in my heart, and it's immensely rewarding to know that many of the plants and seeds collected continue to thrive at the botanical garden.

My deep love for plants and nature, coupled with a lifelong aspiration to delve into eastern healing modalities, brought me to the realms of Five Element Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Five Element Acupuncture aligns with the cyclical changes of seasons, acknowledging that the same energy present in nature is mirrored within each individual. The wisdom gained from observing nature directly informs our approach to self-healing, employing techniques with needles, moxa, Qi gong and lifestyle adjustments. Additionally, the use of Chinese herbs, as a potent and tangible form of medicine that can be integrated into daily routines, resonated strongly with me, especially with my background as a botanist. It all became clear and fell into place.

I'm filled with inspiration and prepared for the upcoming phase in my life's journey. It's a true honor to embark on this path right here in Willsboro alongside all of you.

In Health and Happiness,
David Kruse
Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner

For anyone interested in working with David as an herbalist, you can contact him via his website.

www.cloudforesthealth.com

Gratitude For Wellness | 128 Corlear Dr., Willsboro, NY 12996

Where patients and practitioners work together to heal At Cloud Forest Health, we believe everyone has the ability to grow and evolve to their utmost potential when daily health practices are aligned. We utilize Chinese herbs to focus on the cause or "root" of a given health condition, and then

08/02/2024

We are a not-for-profit graduate institution in Gainesville, FL. We offer a Master of Acupuncture and certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine. We also offer continuing education courses throughout the year for licensed acupuncturists.