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...
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...
Finger Massage to Nourish the Body
There is an idiom in Chinese, Shi Zhi Lian Xin（十指连心）, that means the nerves of the fingertips are linked with the heart. Four simple words show the importance of our fingers. The fingers have many nerve endings and acupoints, which can show many things about the person’s health situation. In TCM therapy, every finger corresponds to an organ in our body, reflecting associated health problems. When you have a particularly...
Got Warts?
Verruca vulgaris is the common wart. They are caused by infection with human papillomavirus. Such warts can develop anywhere on the skin and frequently appear on the cuticle (the skin at the base of the nail) and sometimes the area beneath the nail. Nail-biting can spread this infection. Symptoms Common warts usually occur on your fingers or hands and on the feet, maybe: Small, fleshy, grainy bumps Flesh-colored, white, pink or tan ...
Look Good, Feel Good: Winter Skin Tips
Skin is a vital protective organ and is also the biggest organ in our body. It both protects us and shows signs of our inner health and how our environment is affecting us. And, in Shanghai, our skin has a lot of protecting to do since the difference between seasons can be so dramatic. While summer is extremely hot and very humid (up to 80%), winter is very cold and dry...
Facial Asymmetry and Jaw Discomfort: TMJ
When you are looking in the mirror or taking photos, sometimes you will find that the left and right sides of your face are different (or asymmetric). Or, you may experience difficulty opening your mouth when eating or even have pain. Today, we will learn about the main cause of these symptoms: temporomandibular joint, also knew as TMJ, disorders. Pain is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ. The pain...
Body & Soul Holds TCM Workshop for Mandarin Inn
On Sunday, December 13th, Dr. Zheng Shu Hua from Body & Soul Medical Clinics led a workshop entitled “Following the Route of Traditional Chinese Medicine” at Mandarin Inn. Mandarin Inn is a Chinese School located in a 100-year-old historical building in Shanghai. Twelve people attended to discover more about TCM, from its roots to what it has to offer for health and wellbeing in the modern world. Traditional Chinese Medicine: Background With...
How to get a better night’s sleep
Sleeping disorder is a common syndrome with a prevalence of 9-15% in the population worldwide[1]. It is commonly due to factors such as stress, chronic disease, medications, and consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. The sleeping disorder may lead to fatigue, poor performance in daytime activities, and mood swings. Although it is not a critical illness, it can significantly impact people’s life, work, studies, and health. Patients who have the sleeping...
Seven Things You Should Not Do After Running
With changing lifestyles, people are paying greater attention to health and exercise is becoming more popular. Exercise can not only strengthen the physique, but also, prevents many diseases. Running has been widely adopted by the public since it is a simple sport to start. Research shows that long-term adherence to a running routine can improve cardiopulmonary function, enhance immunity, strengthen the body, delay aging, eliminate tension, and improve sleep quality. However,...