Could Chinese medicine help clear up your acne?

Could Chinese medicine help clear up your acne?

Acne is something that most of us will experience in our lives at one point or another, but for some, it’s a condition can be particularly challenging to overcome. While most western remedies advocate for a variety of medicated ointments and washes, Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach, and aims to treat acne from within.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Chinese medicine practitioners understand that each case is unique, and that the symptoms should be treated accordingly. While for some, the answer could be as simple as a change in diet, other patients’ conditions may require further investigation and a more thorough treatment plan.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, acne is one of the many different effects that can occur when the body’s internal system falls out of balance. This can occur for a variety of reasons, but in terms of acne, it is like to be owing to things that cause excess heat to rise up through the body, such as stress, agitation, hot foods and poor circulation.

As well as this, excess dampness can have an undesirable effect on the skin, and things such as damp environments, raw foods, insufficient sweating and poor digestion could all contribute to the overall condition.

With so many possible causes, it’s important to talk to an experience Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner who can uncover the root of your condition and create a customised treatment plan to get you back on your way to clear and healthy skin.

To book a consultation with Luciferous Traditional Chinese Medicine, contact us today on (03) 9576 8538 or make an appointment online now.

How to keep your allergies under control this spring

How to keep your allergies under control this spring

While many of us have been eagerly awaiting the warmer weather, spring can also signal the beginning of hayfever season and make those with seasonal allergies truly miserable!

Clinically known as Allergic Rhinitis, hayfever is one of the most chronic respiratory conditions in the country and can cause symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, a runny nose as well as having a whole host of other unpleasant effects.

While seasonal allergy sufferers often tend to turn towards pharmaceutical medication for relief first, there are actually a variety of natural options that can have a tremendous effect on reducing the symptoms of hayfever.

Herbal medicines

When it comes to beating hayfever, Chinese herbal medicine can have an incredibly useful as they work to treat the underlying cause rather than managing the symptoms alone. Depending on the symptoms you personally experience, an experienced practitioner will determine the best possible combination of herbs for your treatment. Common options include

Goldenrod, rosemary, sage, nettles, eyebright, jing jie and quercetin.

Acupuncture

Depending on the symptoms you experience, acupuncture may be even more effective than some over the counter medications in providing immediate. Acupuncture aids in clearing nasal passages congestion, eliminating a post-nasal drip, reducing inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages and soothing itchy noses and eyes.

Holistic diet

Something many fail to realise is that your diet can play an important role in the way your body reacts to seasonal allergies. When excessive mucus accumulates in the system, allergens stimulate a much stronger allergic reaction, which is why it is recommended that hayfever sufferers avoid sweets, dairy products, and cold foods which can actually increase mucus buildup.

For further support in overcoming your allergies this spring, book a consultation at Luciferous Traditional Chinese Medicine today.

Beat the bloat with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Beat the bloat with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abdominal bloating is something that affects thousands of Australians each and every day. While most cases are mild, others can cause intense discomfort as well as a slew of other symptoms.

According to the ancient principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, bloating occurs when there is no smooth flow from the spleen and stomach, or the qi or energy becomes stuck.

Fortunately, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a range of effective natural treatment options to reduce bloating. Here are some simple tips to have you feeling better in no time.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the most effective treatment options for bloating as it can regulate the digestive system, aid metabolism and support the stomach to move the stuck energy or qi – and in some cases the effects are almost instantaneous.

Herbal medicine

Another highly effective option to help reduce bloating is Chinese herbal medicine. An experienced practitioner will be able to prescribe you with a customised concoction of concentrated herbs to regulate the stomach and spleen to move the energy downwards rather than having it remain in the abdomen.

Monitor your diet

An important component of maintaining a balanced lifestyle is to ensure that you are closely monitoring your diet. Be aware of what you are consuming and take note of any certain goods that may exacerbate your symptoms, as well as any that have a relieving effect.

Consume warm beverages

If bloating is becoming a common concern, Traditional Chinese Medicine principles advocate the consumption of warm beverages over cold ones. Warm beverages like tea or warm water are notably gentler on the stomach whereas cold drinks can worsen existing symptoms.

Can acupuncture improve physical endurance?

Can acupuncture improve physical endurance?

Traditional Chinese Medicine has become increasingly popular with athletes all over the world, with acupuncture being the number one treatment of choice – but can it really affect physical endurance?

Recent studies show that acupuncture can boost athletic performance in several different ways, and regular treatments can actually improve an athlete’s ability to perform at a higher capacity for a longer period of time.

Reduces recovery time

One of the main reasons why acupuncture helps athletes to perform is because it can drastically reduce recovery time, allowing them to keep to a more intensive training schedule without risking injury.

Combats muscle fatigue

Another great reason why acupuncture can promote endurance is because it stimulates blood flow to the various parts of the body. In turn, this encourages muscles to repair at a faster rate and limits soreness an athlete may experience after training.

Improves oxygen transmission

As well as this, acupuncture also encourages a more efficient degree of oxygen transmission in the body. In order to perform at their best and for longer periods of time, athletes require a strong transmission of oxygen to their lungs, liver, and digestive system.

Aids in sleep

An additional benefit of acupuncture is that many recipients of the treatment report markedly improved sleep – which plays a critical role in the recovery process. Athletes require around 7-8 hours of undisturbed sleep per night in order to perform at their peak

So, whether you’re an elite athlete or simply starting out, regular acupuncture treatments can make a real difference to your endurance levels and have you on your way to running a marathon in no time!

Can acupuncture help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy?

Can acupuncture help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy?

As we all know, acupuncture offers a vast number of benefits – but exciting new research suggests it could also help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy treatment in cancer patients.

According to Cancer Australia, it is estimated that up to 138,321 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia in this year alone and many will be required to undergo chemotherapy treatment.

While symptoms vary from person to person, chemotherapy treatment is generally considered to be an unpleasant experience. Side effects can often include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, hair loss, muscle soreness, reduced concentration, mood changes and many more.

However, acupuncture can offer some much-needed relief and improve cancer patients overall health and wellness as they undergo their rigorous treatment.

Reduce nausea

One of the most notable changes which chemotherapy patients may experience after an acupuncture session is a reduction in nausea and improved sense of wellbeing.

Reduce muscle soreness

Another great way that acupuncture treatment can also help chemotherapy patients is by reducing muscle soreness and nerve tingling, allowing patients to continue on with their daily lives and exercise routines.

Reduce anxiety

A diagnosis of cancer can be incredibly confronting and it’s common for patients to experience feelings of anxiety. Regular acupuncture treatments can help lower patients anxiety levels and allow them to focus on their recovery.

Recent studies indicate that for the best results, a regular acupuncture plan should be followed with sessions up to twice per week.

An experienced practitioner will be able to customise an individual plan for their patient’s own specific needs to support them to get the most out of their acupuncture treatment and support them through the recovery process.