Travel Rx: Staying Healthy on Holiday
Jet Lag Humans have biological rhythms, known as circadian rhythms, which are controlled by a biological clock, daily routines and exposure to light and dark. These affect body temperature, alertness, appetite, hormone secretion, etc. as well as sleep timing. Jet lag, medically known as desynchronosis, results from disruption of these circadian rhythms by traveling across multiple time zones. Your rhythms are out of sync with the new time zone, which can...
Five Tips to Be Ready for a Healthy, Happy Relationship
If you are single, you have a wonderful opportunity to prepare yourself for a healthy relationship and to choose the right partner. In choosing a partner, you should not feel you have to “sacrifice” things. That negative connotation is not a great way to start a relationship. Here are a few key steps to being prepared for a healthy partnership: 1. Have an awareness of your beliefs. Hear what you’re telling yourself...
Help Your Kids with School Bullying
Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. An estimated 60% of children are bullied at least once during their school year, and over 20% of children are bullied repeatedly over a much longer period of time. Children who are bullied are at most risk of problems with behavior, mood, school performance and family or social relationships, over a long...
Reiki: An Effective Healing Partner
Reiki is now one of the top three complementary therapies in U.S. hospitals, according to an AHA (American Hospital Association) survey. The International Association of Reiki Practitioners states that Reiki becomes more demanded in the clinical setting. Nurses and doctors share that Reiki: makes a patient relaxed, calm and cooperative; relieves pain; boosts immunity; decreases the need for pain medications; improves sleep and appetite; accelerates healing; and reduces many of...
What is Functional Medicine and Who Can it Help?
Functional Medicine redefines disease and care of the patient with chronic illness. The “traditional” symptom-focused medical paradigm tends to deal with particular symptoms and areas of the body, once at a time and/or separately - with one patient visiting different specialists. Medical specialists typically focus on a treatment that addresses the symptom(s) while the underlying functioning of the body’s interrelated systems can remain unaddressed. This model of treatment is successful...
Meet Andrea Bisson, Naturopathic Physician and Women’s Health Expert
B&S: Tell us a little bit about yourself. A.B: I am a Naturopathic Physician and Chiropractor who recently relocated to Shanghai from Michigan in the U.S. I had a successful practice for over 20 years in the Ann Arbor area, focused on holistic wellness and nutrition. B&S: Why did you come to Shanghai? A.B: This was such an exciting opportunity for me. My husband (we’re newlyweds!) had the chance to come here...
Changing Your Energy to Change Your Life: Nine Simple Habits for a Happier Life
We are all made of energy. It only takes 12 seconds to invite something (outcome, experience, situation, person or mental statement) to be part of your vibrational level. What does this mean? It means that if you focus for more than 12 seconds on negative ideas, outcomes, experiences or people you will invite that energy to remain as part of yourself. You have the power to change and create a...
TCM Recipes for Staying Cool In Summer
With Shanghai summer sizzling hot temperatures, spending time outdoors and staying in AC-chilled rooms might not be the only way to keep cool. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food plays a major role in balancing the body temperature and is part of the treatment plan a doctor would recommend to his patient, along with acupuncture or herbal medicine. Food therapy (食療) is the art of picking certain food items...
Beyond Nervous: Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone knows the feeling of fear. This emotion is a completely natural reaction to possible danger. Fear is useful because it keeps us from being harmed, by avoiding such situations or helping us defend ourselves. This protective element has been necessary for survival. If our ancestors didn’t feel fear when they saw a dangerous animal, they likely would have been killed. The reaction to fearful stimulus is one of fight...
Staying Cool in Shanghai (Plus The Ultimate Hot-Weather Smoothie!)
Temperatures are rising…Shanghai summer is here! With its extremely high temperatures and high humidity, Shanghai isn’t just uncomfortable in summer but can be a perfect environment for illness. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), heat and dampness are two pathogens that can affect the body and cause diseases such as headaches, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, dehydration, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite. Here are some tips for staying cool and...