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TCM Focus: Tuina Massage

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) differs from western medicine in a number of ways. These include how a diagnosis is made, as well as the curative methods employed. Our TCM series serves to introduce the various methods and their underlying mechanisms. Tuina massage is the name for the massage therapy used in TCM. History of Tuina Tuina is not as well-known worldwide as acupuncture and other TCM treatments; however, its history is just...

Dr. Rathgeber’s Prescription for Achieving Your Dreams in China

Body & Soul’s founder, Doris Rathgeber, shares how life’s twists and turns led to achieving her dreams in China. She offers advice for how expats can thrive in Shanghai.   Life’s Many Twists and Turns “Everything I have is from China. China helped me overcome my past and find the opportunity to achieve my dream.” Growing up in Germany, Doris always hoped to be a doctor. But, there was “no more room for dreams”...

How to Stay Healthy This Winter with TCM

TCM Focus: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and discover a delicious 5 Element warming recipe! In wintertime the traditional Chinese Yin-Yang cycle reaches its Yin peak. It is the season of rest and passivity, during which nature reduces its activities. In TCM, winter is related to the water element and associated with the kidney and bladder. Our essential energy, Qi, needs special care and nourishment during cold, damp winter weather. Different areas of...

Winter Blues: Stuck in the post-holiday doldrums?

After all the holiday celebrations, Christmas family visits, and Spring Festival travel, you may feel a bit down returning to your routine in Shanghai. The winter weather doesn’t help. Many people feel more lethargic and moody during the cold, dreary weather. Some people face more serious seasonal depression. What can you do to deal with winter blues? • If you are feeling sad or grieving, take time to legitimize your pain...

East Meets West: Healthy Winter Spices

These herbs and spices do more than smell good. They are often used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) remedies for their healing properties. The Chinese have long categorized herbs and foods by their temperature effects (cool, fresh, neutral, warm and hot) on the body. Most of these spices are warming, which is naturally fitting for the season and is another reason we feel emotionally “warm” when we smell them. Here are...