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.

 

Stay hydrated through winter

Stay hydrated through winter

Staying well hydrated is one of the most fundamental principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, but during the cooler months, it can become difficult to stay on top of.

Drink warm water

When winter rolls around, we tend to seek warmer foods and beverages to heat us up from the inside out – so why not do the same with water? A glass of lukewarm water will quench your thirst just as well as a cool cup

Sip throughout the day

Rather than consuming large quantities in one hit, it’s best to sip water steadily throughout the day, so try to make a habit of carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go.

Try herbal tea

If you’re after something with a little more flavour, try some different herbal teas and see if any take your fancy. As well as helping to get your water intake up, herbal teas can offer a wide range of other health benefits too.

Make you own infusions

If tea isn’t for you, consider making your own fruit infusions to add some extra flavour to water. A few slices of lemon or lime along with some sprigs of mint make for a refreshing beverage you’re going to love.

Avoid alcohol

If you’re struggling to meet your daily waiter intake, it’s best to avoid alcohol as this can only dehydrate you further. If you don’t want to give up the drink, make sure you add an extra glass of water between every beverage.

Go easy on the coffee

How dependent are you on your daily dose of java? While one cup won’t hurt, it’s worth noting that coffee is a diuretic and will have you needing to urinate much for frequently. Like with alcohol, it’s best to add an extra glass of water for every coffee you consume.

Acupuncture and labour

For many expectant mothers, the last few weeks of their pregnancy are often spent trying to induce labour.

While there is an endless number of home remedies and urban legends about how to hurry the process along, acupuncture can offer a simple solution to help bring on the birth of your baby.

A variety of studies suggest that regular acupuncture sessions leading up to your due date can help bring on labour earlier and eliminate the need to be medically induced or for further invasive hospital-based alternatives.

As well as this, acupuncture can also offer a variety of other benefits to assist women to have a more enjoyable pregnancy. By working to reduce stress and anxiety, acupuncture can help relax the muscles, which in turn can lead to a reduced labour time.

Furthermore, acupuncture can also be a valuable tool for naturally reducing pregnancy-related pain such as back, neck and pelvic pain.

To experience the full benefits the acupuncture can offer, it is recommended that women commence their acupuncture treatment at around the 36-week mark.

However, the benefits of acupuncture of endless, and many expectant mothers find acupuncture to be the perfect way to unwind and help restore balance through a time where many changes are occurring within their body.