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...
Disease VS Dis-Ease
We commonly think of the absence of disease as the presence of health. While someone might be healthy according to this definition, that person may experience a lot of “dis-ease” during life, i.e. discomfort, aches and pains. When there’s no disease present, we often just think this “dis-ease” is part of life we can’t do anything about. Waking up with a cramped neck, a leg that often goes numb when sitting...
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...
Are You Dehydrated?
Many Shanghai residents suffer from regular dehydration. Not drinking enough water is quite common. Here in Shanghai, we tend to sweat a bit more due to the humid, crowded conditions. Coffee drinkers or those indulging in an occasional glass of wine or a cocktail suffer from further dehydration due to the diuretic effects of caffeine and alcohol. Patients sometimes remark that they don’t like to drink too much water when...
Introducing Petra Albrecht, German-Speaking Psychologist
Petra Albrecht provides psychological counseling in German at the various Body & Soul locations. She has extensive knowledge and experience treating anxiety and stress in adolescents and adults. B&S: Tell us a little bit about your background. P.A: I obtained my master's degree from the Department of Clinical Psychology at the University of Graz, Austria. In my treatment, I combine cognitive behavioral therapy with elements of positive psychology. I have visited Shanghai...