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...
Medical Massage v. Relaxing Massage
There are many spas and health centers in Shanghai offering relaxing massages, which in skilled hands can provide relief from the stresses and strains of daily life and a chance to pamper yourself and unwind. Apart from feeling great, a good relaxing massage have many health benefits which shouldn’t be underestimated, such as relieving minor aches and strains and giving the body a bit of much needed care. A relaxing...
Preventing Injuries at the Gym
Yoga is a great practice for body and mind. However, it is important to listen to your body when practicing yoga and to focus on your own incremental progress, rather than competing against others. Yoga should not be painful, and any feelings of pain should be avoided. It seems there are many yoga classes popping up in Shanghai and it is difficult for instructors to focus on individuals in classes...
How can counseling treatment help you with sleeping difficulty?
1) Lying in bed for several hours, but still highly alert to noise during night time 2) Waking up much earlier than regular time 3) Feeling tired or exhausted during the daytime 4) Feel nervous during sleep 5) Having difficulties concentrating on regular tasks 6) Thinking about work, your family challenges or life frustration when in bed If you recognize yourself (or another family member) in 4-5 of the above questions, there might be signs of...
Introducing Matthew Stevens, Medical Massage Therapist and Chronic Injury Specialist
I lived and worked in New Zealand for several years. After that, I was pondering a move home, but my interest in martial arts took me to Japan.I spent three years there training and competing in mixed martial arts and continuing my work with many contacts I met through the gyms where I trained. I worked with a number of athletes there and back home in the U.K. Working alongside many...
Dealing with Emotions
First, when encountering a situation (could be a person, external stimulus, event or issue), people see it with certain assumptions (these are preconceived concepts based on the belief system). Through this filter, one reacts based on his/her biology and the way he/she measures reality. Reaction is always associated with emotion. There are two types of emotion: primary and secondary. Primary is the emotion that one can show (socially speaking)—the conscious/social emotion....