by Andy Wong | Feb 21, 2018 | Health
For many people, exercise is something we simply don’t get enough of. With more and more people moving into office-based employment, our incidental exercise is on the decline and many of us are living increasingly sedentary lives.
However, physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, you could even say it’s a walk in the park!
Walking is a simple exercise that offers many great benefits to both the body and mind, and for the most part, it’s completely free. Here are just a few of the ways in which walking can improve your overall health and wellness.
Maintain a healthy weight
Studies show that when paired with a balanced diet, a brisk 30-minute walk once a day can be enough to help you maintain an ideal weight. Weight gain is often caused by an excess of calories that remain unused and are then stored in the body as fat. In it’s most simple form, walking burns calories, meaning it can burn excess body fat and prevent additional weight gain.
Prevent or manage various conditions
A lack of physical activity can really affect our health, and has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes. By committing to regular walks and making them part of your everyday routine, you can really help manage your symptoms and even lower your risk of developing these conditions in the first place.
Strengthen your bones and muscles
When it comes to your body it’s true what they say, use it or lose it! A consistent lack of exercise will gradually cause your bones and muscles to weaken, particularly as you age. The good news is that a simple daily walk will combat against this. Walking is a weight-bearing exercise, and while you might not realise it at the time, walking actually engages a large range of muscles and bones, making it the perfect full body activity.
Improve your mood
There’s nothing like a walk in the fresh air to give you an all-natural mood boost! Studies show that walking can decrease feelings of stress, depression and anxiety, as well as releasing endorphins which promote feelings of happiness.
With all these benefits and more – what’s not to love?
by Andy Wong | Feb 12, 2018 | Health
For thousands of years, drinking tea has been an important part of Chinese culture. While tea was often consumed during ceremonies or celebrations, the health benefits of drinking tea were also widely recognised and largely applauded.
Today, the benefits of drinking tea continue to play an important role in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Modern research has allowed us to learn more about the benefits of drinking tea – with many studies serving to confirm what our ancestors have always believed.
While most teas are full of cell-protecting antioxidants, each unique blend offers it’s own set of additional health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of drinking different teas.
Green Tea
Most commonly known for its metabolism-boosting and fat-burning properties, green tea has also been found to offer protection from cancer and heart disease.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is often prescribed for those suffering from insomnia, and is considered to be one of the most widely used natural sleep aids. However, it also features strong antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone experiencing stomach cramps.
Peppermint Tea
One of the most popular tea varieties, peppermint tea has a cooling effect which has been shown to reduce fevers. It also helps to improve digestion and reduce bloating and stomach discomfort, making it a top choice to combat against irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is often praised for it’s ability to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with travel sickness. Impressively, it can also help to improve circulation, fight respiratory problems and strengthen immunity.
Dandelion Tea
Dandelion tea is a natural diuretic, which means it aids the liver in eliminating toxins from the body more quickly and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Dandelion tea is also known to have a great cleansing effect, and is often used in detoxification practices.
by Andy Wong | Jan 22, 2018 | Health
Recent research has shown us that working in an office can be harmful to our overall health, however there are a number of things that we can do within our workspace to help combat the effects of this sedentary lifestyle.
Add a touch of greenery
Adding potted plants to your workspace can have a whole host of surprising health benefits. Not only do they look good and help to improve the atmosphere, but many also offer air-purifying properties.
Plants like peace lilies and succulents are incredibly easy to look after, and can help improve air quality and reduce sickness and absenteeism.
Open up the windows
One of the most common problems of modern day workplaces is the lack of fresh air present in the office. Instead, many companies rely on air conditioning, choosing to set it at an agreed upon temperature.
Too much use of air conditioning can seriously affect our sinuses and can even increase the likelihood of catching a cold or the flu – and it can also lead to extremely high energy bills!
Rather than relying on the air conditioning, make it a regular practice to open up the windows and start breathing in some fresh air.
This point is especially important if you have cut flowers in water anywhere in the room, as cut flowers that aren’t properly maintained can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
Install ergonomic furniture
Sitting at a desk all day long can take a large toll on our bodies – particularly when we are not able to access ergonomic furniture. Consider investing in quality furniture that can be adjusted to our ideal height and distance.
It’s a great idea to go for regular walks away from your desk, but if that’s not an option, perhaps look at purchasing a standing desk. This way you’ll have the opportunity to stretch your legs without having to be away from your desk.
Make time to switch off
The final tip to improve your workspace actually has nothing to do with the workspace at all! However, in order to function at your best, it’s crucial that you make time to properly switch off from work.
By committing to taking proper breaks you can give your mind the rest it needs to really cover. Your mental health will thank you for it!
by Andy Wong | Jan 12, 2018 | Health
With the New Year upon us, there is no better time than the present to refresh your health and wellness regime.
Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, these four healthy habits help you on the way to achieving your optimal health and will have you feeling refreshed and revitalised.
Consider a detox diet
Have you overindulged in the festivities this holiday season? Too much food and drink can have us feeling sluggish and bloated, and ultimately our bodies will not be running at their best.
A simple detox can be a great way to cleanse the system and help get you back on track.
Spend some time outdoors
Fresh air is important, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine time spent outdoors is considered to help build up our Qi or energy.
Many people also find spending time outdoors to be highly relaxing, but be mindful not to spend too much time in periods of peak UV rays.
Gradually build your exercise routine
The benefits of keeping active are highly regarded throughout Traditional Chinese Medicine, however it’s important to start out slowly.
Jumping straight into a strenuous exercise program can increase your risk of injury, and can be difficult to maintain.
Get back into a sleep pattern
Our sleep affects many areas of our health, but as we take time out from our regular routines it’s easy to fall out of our normal sleeping patterns – as many of us take the opportunity to stay out later.
Work out what is the most practical sleep period for you and set an intention to stick to it. Before long you’ll find it easier to fall asleep as well as to rise in the morning.
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.
by Andy Wong | Nov 13, 2017 | Chinese Medicine
Anyone who has lived with chronic pain knows that it can be a harrowing experience, and it is often thought that high dosage pain medication is the only option for relief. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine may be just the thing to help ease pain and discomfort, in a completely drug-free environment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a variety of natural pain relief options that may assist you to regain your quality of life, and get back to doing the things you love.
Taditional Chinese Medicine looks at the underlying causes as well as the symptoms, and unlike many Western pain relief medications, the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine have a strong focus minimising harmful and unpleasant side effects.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular among those who suffer from chronic pain, and is believed to help stimulate endorphins which counteract the pain, and promote neuroplasticity for more long-lasting effects.
In fact, there are even some top medical doctors in Australia who are now opting to use acupuncture in emergency departments to relieve acute pain.
Cupping and Gua Sha
Cupping is commonly used to treat pain in the back and shoulders, while Gua Sha works to alleviate chronic and acute pain by tracing the energy paths where the pain points are located.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine practitioners take a holistic approach, and make recommend a combination of therapies based on your individual needs.
Make an appointment to see one of our highly skilled practitioners to find out more about how Luciferous Traditional Chinese Medicine may be able to help you to manage your chronic pain
by Andy Wong | Nov 13, 2017 | Health
Mindfulness and acupuncture are two practices that go hand in hand, and when used in partnership can really accentuate one another’s benefits. Together, mindfulness and acupuncture can help to manage pain, restore balance naturally and support you on your journey to better health and happiness.
Mindfulness and acupuncture are two ancient eastern healing practices which have a widely recognised history of bringing monumental healing results.
Mindfulness is defined as the internal practice of paying attention to the present moment, and can help to manage difficult and painful thoughts, feelings and sensations.
Acupuncture takes a more physical approach, and is described as the careful practice of inserting thin needles into specific, strategic points on the body in order to treat pain and manage a whole host of physical and neurological symptoms.
Due to their similar outcomes, when used in conjunction the results of mindfulness and acupuncture are magnified, and often leads to a dramatic change in the client.
By employing techniques of mindfulness when undergoing acupuncture treatment, the client is able to fully tune in to the present moment and experience the complete benefit.
Conversely, acupuncture treatment can often leave clients in a more calm and relaxed frame of mind, and reduce their levels of pain. This can put them in the ideal state to practice being mindful. Overall, relaxing the mind helps to dissolve tension, which then allows energy to flow more freely through the body and reduce pain or discomfort.
If you’d like to learn more about mindfulness practice to compliment your next acupuncture session, visit the Mindful website.
by Andy Wong | Nov 9, 2017 | Health
Relaxation, meditation, positive thinking, and other mind-body techniques can help reduce your need for pain medication.
Drugs are very good at getting rid of pain, but they often have unpleasant, and even serious, side effects when used for a long time. If you have backache, fibromyalgia, arthritis, or other chronic pain that interferes with your daily life, you may be looking for a way to relieve discomfort that doesn’t involve drugs. Some age-old techniques—including meditation and yoga—as well as newer variations may help reduce your need for pain medication.
Research suggests that because pain involves both the mind and the body, mind-body therapies may have the capacity to alleviate pain by changing the way you perceive it. How you feel pain is influenced by your genetic makeup, emotions, personality, and lifestyle. It’s also influenced by past experience. If you’ve been in pain for a while, your brain may have rewired itself to perceive pain signals even after the signals aren’t being sent anymore.
The Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital specializes in helping people learn techniques to alleviate stress, anxiety, and pain. Dr. Ellen Slawsby, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School who works with patients at the Benson-Henry Institute, suggests learning several techniques so that you can settle on the ones that work best for you. “I tend to think of these techniques as similar to flavors in an ice cream store. Depending on your mood,you might want a different flavor of ice cream—or a different technique,” Dr. Slawsby says. “Practicing a combination of mind-body skills increases the effectiveness of pain relief.”
The following techniques can help you take your mind off the pain and may help to override established pain signals.
- Deep breathing. It’s central to all the techniques, so deep breathing is the one to learn first. Inhale deeply, hold for a few seconds, and exhale. To help you focus, you can use a word or phrase to guide you. For example, you may want to breathe in “peace” and breathe out “tension.” There are also several apps for smartphones and tablets that use sound and images to help you maintain breathing rhythms.
- Eliciting the relaxation response. An antidote to the stress response, which pumps up heart rate and puts the body’s systems on high alert, the relaxation response turns down your body’s reactions. After closing your eyes and relaxing all your muscles, concentrate on deep breathing. When thoughts break through, say “refresh,” and return to the breathing repetition. Continue doing this for 10 to 20 minutes. Afterward, sit quietly for a minute or two while your thoughts return. Then open your eyes and sit quietly for another minute.
- Meditation with guided imagery. Begin deep breathing, paying attention to each breath. Then listen to calming music or imagine being in a restful environment. If you find your mind wandering, say “refresh,” and call the image back into focus.
- Mindfulness. Pick any activity you enjoy—reading poetry, walking in nature, gardening, or cooking—and become fully immersed in it. Notice every detail of what you are doing and how your senses and emotions are responding. Practice bringing mindfulness to all aspects of your life.
- Yoga and Tai-Chi. These mind-body exercises incorporate breath control, meditation, and movements to stretch and strengthen muscles. Videos and apps can help you get started. If you enroll in a yoga or Tai-Chi class at a gym or health club, your health insurance may subsidize the cost.
- Positive thinking. “When we’re ill, we often tend to become fixated on what we aren’t able to do. Retraining your focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t will give you a more accurate view of yourself and the world at large,” says Dr. Slawsby. She advises keeping a journal in which you list all the things you are thankful for each day. “We may have limitations, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t still whole human beings.”
Image: Thinkstock
Source: Harvard Medical School April 2015
by Andy Wong | Oct 11, 2017 | Chinese Medicine
As we head into the warmer months, many of us are feeling the effects of the extra calories we have consumed over winter. If you’re keen to shed a few kilos in time for summer, consider these 3 ways that Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you lose the winter weight.
Cleanse the body
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is associated with the liver, and just as we spring clean our homes, we also need to spring clean our body.
A simple diet of fresh fruit and vegetables is an excellent way to detoxify your digestive system and start you on your way to losing weight. Try to include vitamin rich greens like alfalfa, asparagus, broccoli, lettuces, celery, fennel, cucumber and collard and reduce your consumption of coffee, alcohol, starches and sugar.
Herbal medicine
Chinese herbal medicine can be incredibly helpful to aid in weight loss. Herbal medicines are tailored to your individual needs, and different combinations of herbs can influence different factors.
Herbal medicines are intended help promote balance and better health, however they may help to stabilise hunger, improve your energy, and enhance your immune system – all important to be mindful of when losing weight.
Acupuncture
In conjunction with healthy diet and exercise, acupuncture can be a great addition to your weight loss plan.
For many people who experience difficulty losing weight, excessive hunger can be one of the biggest challenges. Acupuncture therapy can used to stimulate the hypothalamus, the part of the brain which regulates hormones and balances hunger levels.
Acupuncture has also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, which can put an end to stress eating. Less stress can also work to control the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone which is responsible for stubborn fat deposits predominantly stored around the abdominal area.
For further guidance on how Traditional Chinese Medicine can assist you to lose weight, please contact us today.
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