FAQs about Lymphatic Drainage
What is lymphatic drainage? Manual lymphatic drainage is a type of gentle, targeted massage used to encourage drainage of the lymphatic system, which carries waste products away from the tissues and back toward the heart. It is a highly effective treatment for chronic edema (swelling). What causes lymphedema (AKA edema)? The lymphatic system is an important part of our circulatory system, processing large amounts of body fluid and filtering waste products, bacteria and...
Mind-Body Connections: The Hidden Role of Emotion in Pain
During physical trauma, the person’s emotional state at that moment becomes part of the whole package of ‘pain’ the person experiences. I have seen many instances whereby I was treating someone for a physical issue, and the patient began to cry. Sometimes they knew why, and sometimes they didn’t. However, very often as treatment progresses the patient will be able to relate the emotion they felt to either a physical...
Is Your Shanghai Office a Pain in Your Neck? Ergonomics and Back Pain Tips
The most important, and often overlooked, tip for office ergonomics is to sit in a dynamic way. Your body needs to move. Sitting in one position for hours on end is unnatural. Try to stand as often as possible, or move your position in your chair. Sitting toward the front of your chair can help engage your muscles. Even if you’re sitting in a bad position or don’t have the...
Spring in Shanghai: Seasonal Changes and Your Body
TCM’s View of Seasonal Changes According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the world is a harmonious and holistic entity where all living beings are viewed in relation to the surrounding environment. People are considered a part of this holistic entity, and are influenced directly and indirectly by changes in weather. Physiological and pathological responses occur related to these changes. In ancient times, the Chinese developed Yin and Yang and Five Elements...
Should I Be Worried About My Child’s Aggressive Behavior
When Victor rudely took the ball from Noah, he cared only about getting the ball, not paying attention to how his actions unintentionally hurt Noah. This is a common type of aggression among kids between two and a half to five years old. It is called “Instrumental Aggression” with its focus on a goal such as getting a favorite toy or a preferred space. The age of five is typically...
How to Get Rid of Your Cough with TCM
The season has arrived when everyone seems to have a cough. Children are especially affected. Coughing can have many root causes like bacterial or viral infections, asthma, diabetes, air pollution, dry air, temperature difference and vocal strain. Many environmental factors make Shanghai residents more prone to coughs. Overall, we know that frequent coughing is a symptom of the presence of a disease. As the classification of a cough is diverse...
Enjoy Today by Finding Security Within: Tips for Adjusting to Life in Shanghai
As human beings, we often seek security and safety from the outside world. We tend to think that if we control our environment, people or situations outside us, we might feel secure. Yet, when we try, we realize two important things; one is that we cannot control situations or people and the other being that any sense of that type of control is fleeting. For expats who have relocated to...
Ask the Shanghai Chiropractor: Relieving Aches and Pains
I sometimes get asked about the clicking or popping noises that can accompany the adjustment process. Many joints (synovial joints) are surrounded by synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint to help it function. Small pockets of gas get caught in the joint (often a result of inactivity or too much of one kind of activity), which takes up space and puts pressure on the joint. When the joint is manipulated,...
Winter Health and Harmony with Nature
In wintertime the traditional Chinese Yin-Yang cycle reaches its Yin peak. Nature’s level of activity is reduced during this season of rest and passivity. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recommends living in harmony with nature. As nature slows down in winter, people should reduce their activities as well. In TCM, winter is determined by the water element and associated with the organs kidney and bladder. The kidneys are the source of the...
Beyond Valentine’s Day: Romance Means Nurturing Your Relationship
We celebrate romance on Valentine’s Day, but love and relationships are an ongoing “discipline”, something we need to work at and celebrate every day. All couples need to practice that discipline and sometimes need help as they face different challenges and life changes, such as those that come with relocating to Shanghai. Some of the common relationship issues that Shanghai residents come to us for include infidelity, communication problems and issues...