Stress is one of those things that it is quite easy to be in total denial about. “Stress? Bring it on! I thrive on pressure.” Then you end up wondering why you don’t sleep so well, or your digestion isn’t great. Perhaps your headaches are really getting to the point where you feel sick and have to go and lie down in a dark room, or you experience those few days before your period which aren’t just painful, but border on malicious. Live life in a healthy way When your car indicates it...
Your defensive force, in Chinese medicine, is managed mainly by your lungs, because your lungs are recognised as managing your skin and hair on the outside. Also your lungs are themselves a kind of porous skin on the inside, through which air passes. So Chinese medicine puts a great deal of emphasis on healthy lungs. Hence the need to take exercise, to make your lungs work!You've heard of Yin and Yang? Maybe they don't mean much to you, but they are ways of understanding yourself and the...
I love this time of year. I can’t get enough of freshly baked crumble made using blackberries foraged from a wood where the leaves are taking on a tinge of gold. It’s no longer summer and it is not yet autumn, it is glorious harvest time. Our ancestors knew this was an important time of the year, one of celebration and giving thanks for an abundant harvest. It is the season of ripening, abundance and contentment. In Chinese medicine we call the energy of harvest time earth energy...
In a society that favors intellect over emotions, we have been taught that it is wrong to express our emotions - especially negative emotions like anger, sadness, guilt, shame and fear. Since we were a child, we have been told that it is wrong to cry and we should be strong. Crying is seen as a weakness and even more if you are a man. Depression is seen as a sign of failure. Society discourage us from feeling our emotions. How many times have we heard phrases such as, "Boys dont cry", "you...
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years. In TCM, the body is believed to be an energetic system that must have a balanced, harmonious flow of vital energy.
Known as Qi, this vital energy needs to be balanced in order to maintain good health. Chinese Medicine aims to create wholeness in all things mind, body and spirit.
Traditional Chinese Medicine principles are defined in Yin and Yang. When Yin and Yang are out of balance ill health can occur. TCM...
While we all enjoy a lovely cup of tea as an afternoon pick-me-up, there are a wide variety of herbal teas that are thought to promote well-being and help us feel better. From classic calming lavender and chamomile to dandelion and sage, these teas are easy to find and can add a little comfort to our day-to-day lives.
Peppermint for indigestion
Refreshing and renewing, peppermint is the perfect energy booster. It is known to promote digestion and relieve nausea and gas. Studies have found...
Whilst some stress is good and can help us feel motivated, accomplish tasks and embrace the daily challenges we face, too much stress can negatively affect your body.
People are affected by stress differently, but recognising signs of stress and being mindful of how to cope will improve overall quality of life. There are a number of practises and habits you can incorporate into your life to keep the inner you calm and relaxed. These can include:
Chinese herbal teas
A particular group...
One of the fundamental principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is to live in harmony with nature and the seasons. In fact, in TCM there are five seasons and not four: Spring, Summer, Late Summer, Autumn and Winter. Winter began with the Winter Solstice on 21 December 2014. So to survive what winter brings, take note of the lessons below. 1. Winter is now in full flow; the days are long of dark and short of daylight, the skies are clear and cold, there is little fire and heat around,...
In the simplest of terms and according to the NHS, self-care means looking after yourself in a healthy way. It also means staying active by doing things that are important to you and looking at what you can do and want to do - rather than what you can’t do. According to Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre (fact sheet for women) self-care is care provided “for you, by you”. It’s about identifying your own needs and taking steps to meet them. It is taking the...
If you suffer from psoriasis, you may want to consider Chinese herbalism as a complementary therapy.
Psoriasis is a condition that causes skin cells to build up too quickly and create thick 'plaques'. These can be scaly and itchy, flaring up during times of stress. While there is no cure for this autoimmune condition, there are various treatment options.
Seeking advice from a specialist is essential, as they will have the right knowledge to treat you. If you want to try something to...
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