The Dangers of Being Overweight for Your Liver
This is part of our “In Medical News” series where Dr. Sara Laudani shares a study or article in recent news and offers some analysis and tips about the news, to help patients stay informed. A recent article in Medscape discussed findings that show being overweight or obese significantly increases the risk for liver disease and the likelihood of dying from it compared with being of normal weight, regardless of level...
Tips to Reduce Morning Sickness and Backaches During Pregnancy
Here are some do’s and don’ts that will help you prevent backaches and morning sickness, some of the most common complaints, during pregnancy. Make sure to consult with your doctor and consider visiting a TCM practitioner and/or physiotherapist if you are having difficulty with back pain or nausea. Natural treatments, exercises, and small lifestyle modifications can help you be more comfortable during your pregnancy. Do: Eat many small meals throughout the...
What We Misunderstood about COVID-19
This is part of our “In Medical News” series where Dr. Sara Laudani shares a study or article in recent news and offers some analysis and tips about the news, to help patients stay informed. Medscape published an article in March on the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic. It looks at some of the many ways the virus was underestimated or misunderstood and what that...
Sweating It Out
Sweating is a normal bodily function. The human body contains up to five million sweat glands, which release perspiration to the surface when our body temperature rises. When this fluid on our skin’s surface evaporates, we cool down to maintain a normal body temperature (average 37°C). Of course, sometimes we sweat more than usual. We sweat more on hot days, depending on how we are dressed, and during physical exertion. Additionally,...
The Danger of Dengue Fever
Dengue fever has broken out in different pockets in South American in 2020. It is more common in the summer months. It is also prevalent happens in Mainland China, particularly in Guangdong Province, Guangxi Autonomous Region, and the provinces of Fujian, Hainan, Yunnan, and Zhejiang, and many countries nearby in tropical climates and is a particular concern when traveling. The global incidence has grown dramatically in recent decades. About half of...
Fertility Problems and Getting Pregnant: Natural Solutions with TCM
When facing difficulties getting pregnant, couples can look for help in the Western medical field. However, after having tried almost everything or simply because they want a more natural solution, they can also find help with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM can help a couple – by treating the woman and/or man – raise their chances of conceiving a baby by a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal decoctions and the...
How to Solve the Problem of Uneven Shoulders
Commonly, uneven shoulders (or high and low shoulders) are may be higher or lower on one side, which affects the appearance. They are also called oblique shoulders. Cause of Uneven Shoulders Congenital (inherited): Spinal dysplasia, scoliosis. Acquired: bad posture, resulting in rhomboid muscle/ trapezius muscle strength imbalance. This is basically excessive force on one side. Most people have high and low shoulders because of bad habits. Most times this is seen in office workers...
Meet the Therapist: Dr. Robin Wang, Physiotherapist
Dr. Robin Wang specializes in pain management and sports injury. He works at the Hongmei Road Clinic, helping patients in both Chinese and English. Some conditions Dr. Wang treats include neck and lower back pain, sciatica, spinal disc herniation, shoulder impingement syndrome, tennis elbow, ACL injury, and plantar fasciitis. Q: What interested you about working in the field of physiotherapy? A: Physical therapy can help many people with injuries and pain to relieve...
Rethinking Busyness and Embracing Harmony
It seems so common (myself included) to be overbooked, to be constantly performing and to be in an ongoing state of doing. We live in a society that praises busyness and busy people in general. When did we all get so busy? So very busy. So dreadfully, unhelpfully, exhaustingly busy. When did we all get so busy doing things, with full schedules, booked in advance and very little time to be spontaneous...
Fear Factor – Managing Anxiety
About one in 13 people globally suffer from anxiety (Psychological Medicine, May 2013). It is the most common mental health issue. The expat lifestyle - with its inherent change, uncertainty, and being away from familiar support networks - may in itself cause anxiety and can be especially difficult for those prone to anxiety. Julia Söllner is a German Psychologist and works at Body and Soul Medical Clinic. She assists clients from...