by Andy Wong | Sep 6, 2018 | Health
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.
by Andy Wong | Aug 4, 2018 | Health
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!
by Andy Wong | Jul 2, 2018 | Health
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.
by Andy Wong | Jun 15, 2018 | Health
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.
by Andy Wong | May 17, 2018 | Health
Practicing yoga offers a vast number of benefits to the body and mind, but did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can actually compliment your yoga routine?
Here’s how the two go hand in hand.
Heal injuries quickly
One of the most common reasons why we seek acupuncture is to help promote healing of injuries and remove nagging aches and pains. Should you injure yourself during yoga practice or some other form of physical activity, you may be required to take some time off, thus suspending your practice. However, with the help of a few acupuncture sessions, you could be back on the yoga mat before you know it.
Improve balance
Practicing yoga requires a great deal of balance and coordination, especially when you are undertaking some of the more complex poses or sequences. Studies show the acupuncture has the power to reprogram the pathways our internal pathways and improve the signals sent from our brain to our limbs. This in turn helps to improve our balance which helps us to maintain some of the more advanced moves in our yoga practice.
Advanced savasana
Acupuncture treatments offer an opportunity to rest, restore and let your system reset. By stimulating certain areas of the body, acupuncture treatments promote the smooth flow of natural functions and leave you feeling calm, rejuvenated and in an improved state. Many yoga devotees compare this sensation to the feel after savasana, the pose which you would normally conclude your yoga practice with.
by Andy Wong | Apr 14, 2018 | Health
From the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, feeling fatigued, run-down or being prone to colds and flus is likely to be due to an imbalance in the “Qi” – the body’s circulating life force. It is believed that many people suffer from an imbalance in their “Defensive Qi”, causing a lack of resistance to illness due to a weakened immune system. Imbalances of the Defensive Qi are often caused by stress, illness or malnutrition.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the focus is not so much strengthening the immune system specifically, but targeting the body as a whole to encourage the immune system to function at its best.
In order to boost your immune system and maintain optimal health and wellbeing, individuals should implement the following strategies and tips where possible.
Digest herbs
Chinese herbs have been proven to contain immunity-enhancing effects. Adaptogenic herbs are believed to be the best, as these plants will react to your body. For example, if your immune system is reacting too strongly, these herbs will restore balance. Conversely, if your immune system has been weakened, adaptogenic herbs will provide strength. Some of the most powerful adaptogenic herbs are believed to be Ginseng, Astragalus and Amachazuru.
Destress
As many people know, stress hormones will suppress the immune system and put extra pressure on the human body. When the immune system is weakened, an individual is more likely to suffer from ailments such as the common cold, flu and other viruses. Additionally, when the body’s immune system is weakened, it will take significantly longer to recover from sicknesses.
In order to destress, you should look towards the things you find to be calming – perhaps exercise, meditation, mindfulness, massage or acupuncture. Acupuncture is believed to beneficial towards alleviating stress as it works to correct imbalances within the body, essentially “re-training” the body to function in a more optimal manner. Some people may also find it calming to partake in Traditional Chinese practices such as cupping or scrubbing.
Sleep regularly
A good night’s sleep is incredibly important when it comes to maintaining your health. Sleep deprivation has been proven to lower the production of critical antibodies needed to fight infection. When you are lacking a regular, high-quality sleeping pattern, the chemicals produced by your immune system that are designed to fight infection and illness will be significantly weakened.
Studies have shown that sleep deprivation (this is considered to be less than seven hours per night) will triple one’s chances of becoming sick with a common cold or flu virus. By allowing yourself adequate rest and practicing regular sleep patterns, you will improve not only your energy levels and emotional mindset, but you will significantly increase your immune function and overall health.
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