Gaofang: Keep Your Body Strong This Winter
In our last article, we discussed winter health and tips for helping the body adjust to the seasons. TCM does a great job addressing winter health and treating seasonal illnesses, due to its focus on strengthening the body to live in harmony with nature. Common winter ailments like colds and coughing can be effectively treated with herbal decoctions and acupuncture. Today, we’ll share how an ancient Chinese tonic can improve...
In Sync with the Seasons: Winter Health
In TCM, winter is related to the water element and associated with the organs kidney and bladder. The kidneys are the source of the kidney Qi which is composed of the prenatal Qi (stored in the kidneys) and the postnatal Qi (stored in the spleen). The prenatal Qi is given at birth by our parents. It is responsible for the renewal and regeneration of cells and tissue. It is said...
The sophisticated art of pulse diagnosis
While in western medicine the feeling of the pulse is more or less a daily routine check for everybody, in TCM this method stands for far more. It is part of the so-called “Palpation Examination”, a special form of pressing certain body areas to check out if any pathological changes took place. A distinctive empathy is required to interpret the patient’s pulse as well as a deep knowledge to differ...
Health Problems that Love Shanghai Summers
As the temperatures heat up, so do some heat-related problems commonly suffered by Shanghai residents. Here are some issues to watch for and tips to stay healthy and comfortable this summer! Fungus Fungus loves summer in Shanghai! The heat, humidity and consumption of sweet foods and drinks are the perfect environment for fungal infections. Closed shoes, locker rooms, pools and public showers are breeding grounds for fungus such as athlete’s foot. Make sure...
When the tongue speaks for your body
Along with pulse taking, tongue analysis is of the main pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine and therefore an essential part of the diagnosis. The human tongue is seen as a “map” of the internal body, standing not only for the blood and Qi fluency, but also for the harmony of all organs. Each part of the tongue mirrors an organical system according to the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal,...
Spring in Shanghai: Seasonal Changes and Your Body
TCM’s View of Seasonal Changes According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the world is a harmonious and holistic entity where all living beings are viewed in relation to the surrounding environment. People are considered a part of this holistic entity, and are influenced directly and indirectly by changes in weather. Physiological and pathological responses occur related to these changes. In ancient times, the Chinese developed Yin and Yang and Five Elements...
How to Get Rid of Your Cough with TCM
The season has arrived when everyone seems to have a cough. Children are especially affected. Coughing can have many root causes like bacterial or viral infections, asthma, diabetes, air pollution, dry air, temperature difference and vocal strain. Many environmental factors make Shanghai residents more prone to coughs. Overall, we know that frequent coughing is a symptom of the presence of a disease. As the classification of a cough is diverse...
Winter Health and Harmony with Nature
In wintertime the traditional Chinese Yin-Yang cycle reaches its Yin peak. Nature’s level of activity is reduced during this season of rest and passivity. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recommends living in harmony with nature. As nature slows down in winter, people should reduce their activities as well. In TCM, winter is determined by the water element and associated with the organs kidney and bladder. The kidneys are the source of the...