by Andy Wong | Jun 1, 2018 | Chinese Medicine
With the colder weather well and truly here, now is an important time to take some extra measures to ensure you don’t fall ill throughout the winter. Follow these top Traditional Chinese Medicine tips to keep your immune system strong and fight off the dreaded symptoms of cold and flu.
Herbal medicine
The immune-boosting benefits of Chinese herbal medicine are widely acknowledged, so much so that many Western practitioners are also advocating them to their patients too. Some of the top choices to stock up on as we head into winter are echinacea (antiviral and antibacterial herb), ginger (a powerful antihistamine and decongestant) and yin chiao (a nine-herb formula, which soothes the lungs and stomach and clears the nasal passages).
Acupuncture
We all know that our bodies can have an adverse reaction to changes in the weather, but did you know that acupuncture can help? Among its many benefits, acupuncture can help your body find balance after experiencing changes in the environment, so with every changing of the seasons, it’s a good idea to book a session with a trusted acupuncturist.
Cupping
A large part of the reason we fall ill in the first place is due to our body’s inability to fight off the germs and toxins we encounter in our external environment. Cupping therapy promotes healing and can help draw out toxins. In turn, this allows us to recover much faster and can dramatically shorten the length of time we spend feeling unwell.
by Andy Wong | May 2, 2018 | Chinese Medicine
Do you often find yourself tossing and turning, and unable to sleep at night?
Restless nights can leave us feeling drained and fatigued, and frequently feeling this way can have a harmful impact on our daily lives. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine practices can offer a number of natural remedies to help you get a good nights rest.
Herbal medicine
For those who suffer from insomnia, there is a range of different herbs can natural supplements that can encourage relaxation and help some much-need rest. Some of the most effective herbs include chamomile, valerian root, passionflower, hops, and lemon balm. The most simple way to consume these are by brewing them in tea, so consider making a nighttime cup of tea part of your regular routine.
Acupuncture
Stress is one of the most common causes of insomnia. Often, we find it difficult to switch off from the stresses of our everyday lives which in turn prevents us from relaxing into a restful sleep. While acupuncture is known to be one of the most effective ways to relieve stress and tension in our bodies, it can actually have an amazing effect on our emotional and mental stress as well.
Physical activity
A lack of physical activity throughout the day can have a harmful effect on our sleeping pattern – however this does not necessarily mean you need to exercise until the point of fatigue. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine practices, to get the best nights sleep we must ensure that we are active within moderation. Consider taking up a gentle practice such as Tai Chi or Qi Gong to cultivate good postures, strong breathing techniques and bring balance back into your life.
by Andy Wong | Apr 2, 2018 | Chinese Medicine
According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, digestive function is of vital importance when it comes to managing our overall health and wellbeing.
In Western society, digestive problems and deficiencies are a leading cause of poor nutrition as many people are unable to absorb the vitamins and minerals from the food they are consuming. This is due to a weakened digestive tract which is present in most individuals nowadays, generally stemming from poor eating habits and lifestyle choices. In order to restore your gut health, here are a few tips to try.
Eat at appropriate times
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your digestive energy is at its peak between early and mid-morning, and it is at this point that you should consume breakfast. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners recommend avoiding large meals at the common dinner time of approximately 8pm, as it is at this point that your digestive energy is believed to weaken.
Many Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors also recommend abstaining from consuming any beverages for up to 2 hours following a meal. Drinking soon after a meal is considered detrimental towards your digestive strength and is believed to be counterproductive if you are trying to heal any digestive issues.
Avoid antibiotics
Traditional Chinese Medicine states that even one small dosage of antibiotics can majorly disrupt the digestive tract and eliminate a significant amount of beneficial bacteria. As pharmaceutical antibiotics are generically designed, they will destroy all types of intestinal bacteria, booth good and bad. While antibiotics may minimise symptoms for a small period of time, digestive problems may soon arise given the opportunity for harmful pathogens to grow.
Rather than using pharmaceutical antibiotics, it is considered to be far more effective to utilise natural antibiotic medicines that destroy disease-causing bacteria, though maintain essential and positive bacteria. Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests colloidal silver and the oil of wild oregano to be the most superior alternatives.
Try acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine specialists believe your digestive system is composed of the “earth elements”, otherwise known as your spleen and stomach. As the stomach begins the digestive process, the spleen will separate nutrients from waste and pass these through the body respectively. In order for the digestive system to operate at a functional level, both the stomach and spleen must be in good health.
Acupuncture has been known to address a wide variety of digestive symptoms and diseases for a number of years now. Acupuncture works by utilising a needle to stimulate the acupoints within the body to promote the circulation of “Qi” and to restore the balance of the body. The main goal of acupuncture with digestive health is to bring an individual’s “middle” back to harmony in order to optimise gastrointestinal function.
by Andy Wong | Mar 18, 2018 | Chinese Medicine
The use of Traditional Chinese Medicine to increase a woman’s chances of conceiving is on the rise as more and more couples are seeking more natural methods to assist them to start a family.
When considering the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine to support your fertility goals, we recommend three proven tips help you along the way.
Check your hormones
If your hormones are out of balance, conception often becomes a very difficult process. Stress is usually the biggest culprit towards a woman’s off-balance hormones, potentially causing them to impede their chances of naturally conceiving.
Aside from cutting down your stress and promoting relaxation and wellbeing, be sure to implement a healthy diet and exercise to boost your natural balance.
Improve your emotional wellbeing
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, emotional wellbeing is strongly linked to both physical ailment and reproductive difficulties. The organ systems most closely associated with fertility are the lungs and the liver, believed to correlate with stress and frustration.
Such negative emotions link to what is known as Liver Qi stagnation, causing organ imbalance and significant stress on body functions. Liver Qi stagnation can be overcome by implementing holistic methods such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation or natural herbs.
Optimise blood flow to your reproductive organs
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that a demanding lifestyle will decrease your chances of conceiving naturally due to the stress placed on the body’s organs and blood flow.
Stress will cause your blood flow will lose its strength where it is needed most, your reproductive organs. In order to assist your blood flow to restructure its course and assist your fertility, try acupuncture as a method to naturally increase circulation.
Additionally, massage, yoga and meditation are fantastic ways to optimise your blood flow and minimise any added stress on your body.
by Andy Wong | Dec 17, 2017 | Chinese Medicine
With Christmas just around the corner, December can be one of the busiest times of the year. Finalising projects at work whilst simultaneously organising gifts and annual holiday plans can cause an accumulation of stress that sits heavy on the body and mind. Navigating this stress can be difficult, but Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you unwind, relax and find inner balance and harmony.
Acupuncture and cupping
Stress tightens your muscles and leaves you feeling wound up and stiff. Whilst a massage is a good way to relieve stress, acupuncture and cupping methods apply much more pressure to knots and overworked muscles.
Traditional Chinese Medicine targets and stimulates areas of tension, oxygenating body tissue and increasing blood circulation. This helps to release endorphins, keep cortisol (the stress hormone) at bay, and loosen taut muscles – all of which aids in relieving stress.
Chinese herbal medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine treats the body as a single organism which can occasionally fall out of balance. That’s why herbal therapy is used to support and supplement inner remedial processes and restore equilibrium by removing stress, or ‘calming the spirit’. They can also stabilise your mood and help with weight loss.
Custom herb blends are accessible as capsules, granules, liquid extracts, powders, and teas. Chinese herbal medicine offers a wide spectrum of herbal formulas that treat specific symptoms of stress, such as the ‘Relaxed Wanderer’, which treats irritability, agitation, and body tension. A qualified herbal medicine practitioner can help you take the right herbal formula that’s tailored to your specific lifestyle and needs.
Be mindful of your diet
A good diet is central to good health and a strong energy flow. In periods of festival celebration such as Christmas, it’s common to indulge in unhealthy foods, which increases physical stress. You can prevent this by following Traditional Chinese Medicine’s dietary principles, which encourages maintaining a healthy, balanced diet in conjunction with herbal formulas, exercise, and acupuncture therapy.
A balanced meal is inextricably tied to inner balance. It’s recommended to consume fruits and vegetables that are rich in colour, and low-oil meals that contain a small portion of meat. Vitamin rich foods can also help reduce stress.
by Andy Wong | Dec 13, 2017 | Chinese Medicine
The fast arrival of the summer has swept many of us off our feet this year, and while most people are excited for warm days and balmy nights, the drastic increase in temperature can often make it more challenging to manage our health.
The principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine affirm the importance of living in harmony with the changing seasons, and as such we would like to share our top tips to stay healthy throughout this summer season.
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Incorporating more seasonal summer fruits and vegetables into your diet allows you to fuel your body with extra vitamins and minerals. By nourishing your body with healthy foods like watermelon, berries, cucumber and leafy greens, you can help curb temptation and ensure optimal health throughout the festive season.
Swap strenuous exercise for yoga
Strenuous exercise can be risky in the warmer weather, and heatstroke is a common result that should be taken very seriously. We recommend trying something lighter and less intense on those very hot days, like a gentle and relaxing yoga session.
Don’t sit too close to the air conditioner
The cool breeze from your air conditioner can be a welcome relief, but we must recommend not sitting too close. By spending too long in front of the air conditioner you can cause your muscles to tighten and contract, and the recycled air can also cause illness and spread bacteria. Sit a sensible distance from the air conditioner, and if possible, aim the air flow away from your direction.
Ensure you are getting enough rest
Many of us struggle to sleep on those extremely hot nights, however we must still aim for those ever-important 8 hours. If you are having difficulties resting due to the heat, consider the use a herbal remedy such as reishi, known for its effective relaxation properties.
Stay hydrated
As the temperature rises, it is crucial to aim for a minimum intake of 2-3 litres of water per day. It is important to maintain the fluid that your body sweats to avoid dehydration, whilst simultaneously fighting infection and eliminating toxins from the body. However, be careful not to drink too much water in a short period of time. Doing so may result in water intoxication or hyperhydration – which can be fatal. With healthy kidneys, stick to no more than 1 lire of water per hour.
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