How to start the day with a spring in your step

How to start the day with a spring in your step

Do you often find yourself repeatedly hitting the snooze button and struggling to get out of bed? If so, you’re far from alone, but there are actually a few very simple Traditional Chinese Medicine inspired solutions that can help you start every day with a positive outlook and wake up with a spring in your step.

  1. Plan ahead

According to TCM principles, too much stress can wreak havoc on our internal systems and cause a variety of undesirable effects. Avoid the morning rush and any unnecessary stress by planning for your day the night before, whether it be laying out your clothes, packing your bag, or preparing a simple breakfast to eat before you head out the door.

  1. Avoid screens

For many of us, our entire day can revolve around screens, so it’s best to avoid them for as long as possible when we wake up. Rather than reaching for your phone or turning on the TV, consider reading a book, listening to some music or tuning into a podcast, and save your screen time for later in the day.

  1. Hydrate

After going hours without water, it’s best to start hydrating as soon as you wake up to start clearing away any toxins that may have built up in your digestive tract overnight. For an extra boost of vitamin C that kickstarts your metabolism, try adding a splash of fresh lemon juice!

  1. Stretch

For a great burst of energy without relying on caffeine, consider adding some simple stretches into your daily morning ritual. Remember to be gentle, and don’t expect your body to be at its peak flexibility first thing! Add in some deep breaths and you’ll soon be feeling revitalised and ready to take on whatever the day throws your way.

Can Chinese medicine help to heal the gallbladder?

Can Chinese medicine help to heal the gallbladder?

As anyone who has experienced them will attest to, gallstones can be highly uncomfortable and in some cases can even lead to intense pain. While 70% of those with gallstones won’t feel any symptoms at all, those who do may experience nausea, vomiting, dark urine, stomach pain, burping, diarrhea and indigestion.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are stone-like deposits of digestive fluid and calcium salts that form when there is too much cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile stored in the gallbladder. Depending on the cause, the gallstones can either be a yellow or dark brown colour.

What causes gallstones?

While the root cause of gallstones remains unconfirmed, it is widely believed that a number of lifestyle factors contribute to the bile imbalances that can lead to gallstones. These factors include being overweight, consuming a high fat diet, rapid weight loss and having diabetes mellitus.

How can Chinese medicine help?

While many who suffer from gallstones turn to invasive surgeries for treatment, there are actually quite a number of simple Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment options that can greatly reduce the effects of gallstones.

According to TCM principles, the gallbladder is closely linked with the liver, and is regulated by the liver qi. By supporting the liver with a healthy diet and eliminating greasy, fatty, rich or spicy foods, the liver is able to operate much more efficiently, and thereby so can the gallbladder.

Further to this, your TCM practitioner can prescribe you with a personalised combination of Chinese herbs and a tailored acupuncture treatment plan to help minimise the effects of gallstones and restore your overall sense of health and wellbeing.

Say no to surgery and opt for a more natural gallstones treatment method that people all over the world have followed with success for thousands of years. Contact Luciferous Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in Melbourne today.

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.