HPV: Awareness, Prevention and Treatment
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. The American Social Health Association estimates that about 75–80% of sexually active Americans will be infected with HPV at some point in their lifetime. Over 170 types of HPV have been identified and many people have subclinical varieties (never show symptoms). Unfortunately, certain types of HPV are potentially cancer causing. Because this virus is so common and often asymptomatic, HPV has...
Everything’s Connected: Osteopathy’s Holistic Approach to Pain and Wellness
Because Osteopathy is a holistic approach to realigning the body, it can help with many conditions. Osteopathy emphasizes manipulation of the muscoskelatal system, cranial bones and visceral treatment to positively affect the body's nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems. People commonly seek out osteopathy for pain, especially lower back, upper back and neck pain. Because of the positive effects throughout the body’s systems, osteopathy often helps conditions such as sleep problems,...
Health Problems that Love Shanghai Summers
As the temperatures heat up, so do some heat-related problems commonly suffered by Shanghai residents. Here are some issues to watch for and tips to stay healthy and comfortable this summer! Fungus Fungus loves summer in Shanghai! The heat, humidity and consumption of sweet foods and drinks are the perfect environment for fungal infections. Closed shoes, locker rooms, pools and public showers are breeding grounds for fungus such as athlete’s foot. Make sure...
Health Problems that Love Shanghai Summers
As the temperatures heat up, so do some heat-related problems commonly suffered by Shanghai residents. Here are some issues to watch for and tips to stay healthy and comfortable this summer! Fungus Fungus loves summer in Shanghai! The heat, humidity and consumption of sweet foods and drinks are the perfect environment for fungal infections. Closed shoes, locker rooms, pools and public showers are breeding grounds for fungus such as athlete’s foot. Make sure...
When the tongue speaks for your body
Along with pulse taking, tongue analysis is of the main pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine and therefore an essential part of the diagnosis. The human tongue is seen as a “map” of the internal body, standing not only for the blood and Qi fluency, but also for the harmony of all organs. Each part of the tongue mirrors an organical system according to the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal,...
The Techniques and Benefits of Psycho-Oncology
Psycho-oncology treatment works with the cancer patient and family through different stages and challenges to manage distress and equip them with coping tools. When a patient is newly diagnosed, for example, the psychologist might address anxiety and fear, assist the person in ways to take an active part in deciding on treatment options and provide psycho-education (what to expect, how to express one’s feelings, getting resources). Psychologists can give patients tools...
Keeping Your Feet Healthy This Summer
Certain foot issues tend to be worse during the hot, humid summers in Shanghai, including: Fissures (small cracks in the skin on the heels and toes), exacerbated by wearing open shoes in the dusty, polluted environment of Shanghai Fungus (toenail and “athlete’s foot”): nail fungus can appear as thickening or discoloration of the nail (if you aren’t sure have it evaluated, since normal aging and other issues can appear similar),...
Shanghai Cancer Resource: Psycho-Oncology
Over the years, I have worked with many cancer patients and families as a Clinical Psychologist and have seen the benefits of emotional support and psychological management techniques. The field of psycho-oncology, founded in the 1980s, is developing to further help patients fighting cancer (and adjusting after treatment), as well to better understand the links between the psychosocial and physical aspects of disease. What is psycho-oncology? Psycho-oncology is a field of interdisciplinary...
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...