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....
Spring Foot Health: Put Your Best Foot Forward
The colder weather is quickly becoming a distant memory. As the warmer months kick in, we find ourselves coming out of our self-induced winter cocoons to partake in the fun and socialising that comes with Shanghai’s summer. With a change of season comes a change in the types of problems that podiatrists see on a regular basis. Following are a few of the common ones, with some easy pointers to...
Spring Allergies and Respiratory Problems
Shanghai’s damp and dusty environment is a nightmare for allergy and asthma sufferers, and spring brings a new round of suffering. During spring, both nature and the human body are coming out of a state of winter passivity and transitioning to a more active (and hot/yang) period. Unfortunately, after a long, cold winter, the body is generally weak and vulnerable to external pathogenic factors. Therefore, the meridians transporting the flow...
Spring Can Be a Headache! TCM’s Approach to Migraines and Headaches
It’s wonderful when spring is here…we can enjoy longer sunny days and an end to those cold, grey and rainy winter days. Unfortunately during springtime, changing weather together with our modern lifestyle (sitting long hours in a bad position and eating unbalanced diets) often result in unpleasant headaches and migraines. As spring is the season of rebirth, growth, and blooming flowers, so is it for the human body which has to...
Common Emotional and Relationship Issues for Today’s Woman
The devaluation of the feminine energy and our attempts to fit into society’s/other’s view of our roles plays a part in many of the emotional and relationship issues women face today. I work with many clients to better understand how these issues are affecting their lives and to examine how they see themselves and how they can reconnect with their feminine energy. One common example is the successful career woman in...
How to Help Your Child: Emotional and Behavioral Concerns
The most common reason that children are referred to therapists is a behavior problem. A child may be displaying aggressive behavior or having trouble concentrating in school/suffering from learning problems (due to ADHD or other issues). Other children may be diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. Concerns to Watch for in Kids Parents and teachers are key in observing the child and noticing possible concerns. Early intervention for the child and family...