Five Springtime TCM Remedies Every Shanghai Expat Needs to Know
Spring is a period of awakening and growth, for nature and for the body. Spring is the season of the rising yang (active) energy.
TCM Myths, Busted!
What is the Basis of TCM? The goal of TCM is to reestablish the flow of Qi, the vital energy or life force of a person. Qi maintains balance in the body and keeps the organs functioning. If the Qi is deficient or blocked, it can lead to a variety of physical and mental ailments, from migraines and insomnia to muscle stiffness and indigestion. A person’s Qi can be affected by external...
Keeping Your Skin Healthy This Winter
Skin is a vital protective organ, especially as weather gets colder. Outdoors, our skin shields us from the cold, rain, wind, and pollution. Indoors, it shields us from the warm, dry air conditioning and hot water. We expose ourselves to extreme temperature differences during the wintertime, which dries out our skin. As a result, the skin feels irritated and itchy. However, dry skin can be more than a cosmetic or comfort problem. Dry skin becomes a medical issue when it splits, bleeds and doesn’t heal.
East Meets West: Healthy Winter Spices
Certain smells evoke the holidays and cozy winters…scented candles, pine needles, holiday meals, and baked goods! Just imagine how wonderful your home feels when filled with the scents of aromatic herbs and spices such as ginger, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and star anise.
Today’s Hottest TCM Treatment: Cupping Explained
Everything You Wanted to Know about Cupping
Travel Rx: Staying Healthy on Holiday
Golden Week is approaching and many will make the most of it and travel around. Travel can be demanding on the body, especially when crossing several time zones. Nothing derails great holiday plans more quickly than illness or a serious case of jet lag. Here are a few of the most common problems brought on by the rigors of travel and some tips and solutions.
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!
Stay Cool, Shanghai! (Bonus: Cool-Down Smoothie)
Temperatures are rising…Shanghai summer is here! 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 healthy this summer: Work-rest-balance Traditionally, the Chinese get up and...
Travel Rx: Healthy Summer Holidays
Summer holidays are approaching and many will make the most of it and travel home or to some fun locations. Travel can be demanding on the body, especially when crossing several time zones. Nothing derails fun holiday plans more quickly than illness or a serious case of jet lag. Here are a few of the most common problems brought on by the rigors of travel and some tips and solutions. Jet...
The Weather’s Great, Why Aren’t You?
Notice that as the weather gets warmer your body and brain react in strange ways? Just as we’re experiencing beautiful weather, many people find themselves stuck inside with an illness. TCM has long understood this period of transition (and offers help). Spring is the season of rebirth, growth, blooming flowers and sunshine. Just as the environment is coming out of its state of winter passivity, so is the human body. TCM...