Five Elements Theory in TCM
Anxiety disorders are one of the most frequently diagnosed mental health disorders in teens. One study in Germany indicated that about 10% of children and adolescents suffer from anxiety disorders (Robert Koch-Intuit; BELLA-Studied). The primary anxiety disorders are: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Phobias, and Separation Anxiety. Origin of the Five Elements Theory The Five Elements theory came from observing nature. Thinkers and philosophers in China and in the West analyzed natural phenomena...
Orthotics: A Solution for Many Common Pains
What are orthotics? An orthotic device is an insert placed in the shoes, under the feet, to correct foot posture. Most people have a natural foot posture, which is not always efficient. For example, they may have flat feet, meaning they tend to be pronated. Or, they may have high-arched feet. Shoes are very generic and don’t account for these differences. Different brands also vary in fit and can work better for...
Orthotics: A Solution for Many Common Pains
What are orthotics? An orthotic device is an insert placed in the shoes, under the feet, to correct foot posture. Most people have a natural foot posture, which is not always efficient. For example, they may have flat feet, meaning they tend to be pronated. Or, they may have high-arched feet. Shoes are very generic and don’t account for these differences. Different brands also vary in fit and can work better for...
Creating Your Own Oasis in Shanghai
It’s common for Shanghai expats to focus on escapism, in other words always looking toward “the day it’s over”. Both unconsciously and in statements and actions, expats are often waiting for the next vacation, trip home, or repatriation for an escape. Or, they may pack their schedules all week with constant meetings, errands and a full to-do list so that they’re exhausted by Friday and always awaiting the weekend to...
Turning the Tide of Toxic Exposure by Andrea Brisson
We’re all exposed to various toxins every day. The body has self-protection mechanisms for processing and eliminating these toxins. Water soluble toxins enter via the lungs, skin and GI tract and exit via the lungs, skin, GI, and kidneys. Excess water soluble toxins are stored in the joints, blood, tissue and muscle. Many of the toxins that enter the body are fat soluble. The liver has to convert fat soluble...
When Can an Osteopath Help?
Interview with Matthew Stevens, Body & Soul’s Osteopath and Medical Massage Specialist B&S: Can you explain a bit about what an osteopath does? M.S: Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine that focuses on total body health and the musculoskeletal system (joints, spine and muscles). Treatment aims to help the body’s nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems to function better for optimal wellness. An osteopath treats pain and injury, but can also provide...
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...
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...