Author: admin_tcm

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine? Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complex framework of ancient wisdom which honors and balances the mind, body, and spirit. It has been credited with increasing vitality and helping to minimize health problems for literally thousands of years. While studying this discipline is complicated, there are several simple health tips you can start today to better support your health! 10 Health Tips based on using TCM principles 1. Go to bed earlier While prioritizing rest and aiming for a replenishing eight hours of sleep are important, your actual bedtime also plays a role in getting health benefits from your sleep. According to TCM’s 24-hour circadian clock, the optimal time to go to bed is around 10 to 10:30 PM. Sleep is essential for the body’s rest and recovery, and in Chinese medicine, being asleep between 11 PM and 3 AM supports the liver and gallbladder functions. Additionally, avoiding electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime helps prevent the blue light from interfering with deep, restful sleep. 2. Cover up with a scarf According to TCM, the nape of the neck is particularly vulnerable to elements such as wind and cold, which may make one more susceptible to pathogens. To support a healthy immune system, TCM says you should protect your neck with a cozy scarf before stepping outside. If you’re traveling on an airplane or expect to be in environments with a steady flow of air conditioning (office spaces, trains, etc.), pack a light scarf to have on hand. 3. Keep Your Feet Warm Keeping your feet warm goes beyond just comfort. In TCM, the feet are home to several important acupuncture points connected to meridians that help maintain balance within the body. Cold temperatures can disrupt the flow through these meridians, so keeping your feet warm is especially beneficial, particularly for those who menstruate. While this may be less critical during warmer months, TCM theory emphasizes the importance of warm feet to support overall internal health. 4. Emphasize Warm, Cooked Foods Maintaining warmth inside the body is just as crucial as staying warm externally. In Chinese medicine, the temperature and nature of the food you consume play a key role in health. Cold and raw foods, such as salads, raw vegetables, smoothies, and ice cream, can be harder to digest for some people. Though cold foods may not affect everyone, those who experience bloating or digestive discomfort are advised by TCM to opt for lightly cooked or steamed vegetables and warm meals. Additionally, TCM practitioners suggest drinking room temperature water instead of cold beverages, particularly in winter, when the body needs more energy to process cold foods. 5.⁠ ⁠Mindful Movement Move Daily to Keep Qi Flowing Gentle exercises like walking, stretching, tai chi, qigong or yoga promote the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout your body. Regular movement helps improve mood, circulation, and overall wellbeing. In Chinese medicine, it is believed that stagnation in the body leads to imbalance and pain. To maintain health and harmony, regular movement is essential. 6.⁠ ⁠TCM Dietary Therapy In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), having balanced diet is essential to good health and can help balance the body’s internal energy (Qi), support organ health, and prevent illness. TCM dietary therapy emphasizes eating seasonally, understanding the properties of different foods (warming, cooling, etc.), and addressing individual health conditions through nutrition. 7. Apply Heat, Not Ice Ice constricts and freezes, much like the way our muscles tense up in cold weather. In contrast, heat promotes relaxation and circulation, making it a better option for relieving muscle aches and pains. According to TCM, applying heat can help facilitate the body’s natural healing process by improving blood flow. While ice may numb pain temporarily, its muscle-constricting effect can hinder recovery. TCM suggests using ice primarily for acute injuries with swelling and redness. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your condition. 8. Drink Tea Herbology, a core branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, uses herbal formulas to support health and well-being, often in the form of teas. While acupuncture communicates directly with the body’s energy systems, herbs act as building blocks that enhance the body’s ability to create change. Each herb has unique properties and can be used alone or in combination to target specific needs. For instance, ginger and peppermint are known to aid digestion, while cinnamon supports healthy blood circulation. In TCM, teas are classified as either “warming” or “cooling,” based on their essence rather than their temperature. Green and white teas are generally cooling, making them ideal for spring and summer, while black and oolong teas are warming, better suited for fall and winter. Choosing teas that align with the seasons can help restore internal balance and promote overall health. 9.⁠ ⁠Meditation for Mental Clarity TCM emphasizes the balance between body and mind. Meditation helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote the smooth flow of Qi. Spend 10-15 minutes a day practicing deep breathing or mindfulness meditation to maintain mental and emotional balance. 10. Acupuncture/Acupressure The practice of Acupuncture and acupressure treats the body, mind, and spirit to promote balance within the system. Acupuncture uses sterile, single-use needles to stimulate specific points on the body and create change while acupressure uses gentle pressure to stimulate those same points on the body. This form of treatment communicates with the body through neurotransmitters, fascia, and hormones, to support systemic changes that allow the body to self-heal. Traditionally, acupuncture was practiced mainly as a preventative medicine. Today, regular acupuncture sessions are still encouraged to maintain health and prevent sickness, but many seek out treatment to assist the body in healing particular conditions. Final Thoughts These 10 fundamental principles have stood the test of time, effectively supporting both physical and mental health for centuries. While they may seem simple, these tips target vital needs and offer essential support for our unique and intricate systems. From mindful movement to nutritious eating and herbal remedies, each tip is crafted to enhance

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body is divided into three regions called jiaos: upper, middle, and lower. The prostate, while not specifically recognized, falls under the lower jiao, which is governed by the Kidneys and Liver. (Kidneys and Prostate Health) Kidney Yang: Vital for creating and excreting urine. Kidney Qi: Controls the opening and closing of lower gates (urethra, spermatic duct, anus). Weak Kidney qi can lead to issues like incontinence and weak urine flow. Liver’s Role: Stress and emotions can disrupt Liver qi, impacting the lower jiao and causing urinary dysfunction. Bladder Qi and Blood Stagnation: Impaired Bladder qi can lead to blood stagnation, which is linked to serious prostate conditions like stones and cancer. Damp Heat: Can be caused by infections or diet (spicy, fatty foods, and alcohol). Leads to symptoms like painful urination, cloudy urine, and frequent urination. Common issues found in prostate: BPH is a common condition, observed in 90% of men over 60, in which benign (non-cancerous) nodules cause an enlargement of the prostate gland. The cause is unknown. It can significantly affect quality of life by producing considerable discomfort during urination. The enlargement can mean the prostate expands from the size of a walnut to the size of an apricot or even a lemon. Prostatitis: Although some of the symptoms are similar prostatitis is different from BPH. Prostatitis can cause the prostate to become swollen, tender or inflamed. There are two main types: acute prostatitis and chronic prostatitis. Acute prostatitis is caused by an infection, usually by bacteria. Chronic prostatitis, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is a less well-defined condition. Prostate cancer: When it comes to their prostate health perhaps the biggest concern for most men is how they can reduce their risk of prostate cancer. Older men are at an increased risk of prostate cancer, especially if they have a family history and/or a higher prostate specific antigen (PSA) level. PSA is a protein made by the cells in the prostate. Common Prostate symptom such as: Painful Urination Syndrome (lin zheng) Cloudy Urination (niao zhuo) Difficult Urination (long bi) Frequent Urination and Incontinence (yi niao) Hematuria (niao xue) Impotence (yang wei) Abdominal Pain (fu tong) TCM practitioners aim to restore balance and improve prostate health through holistic approaches. How TCM Can Help by using: Herbal Remedies such as Rehmannia (Di Huang): Nourishes Kidney yin and yang. Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu): Strengthens the Kidneys and controls leakage. Plantago Seed (Che Qian Zi): Clears damp heat and promotes urination. Acupuncture: Stimulates specific points to balance qi, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. Common points include Ren-4 (Guanyuan) and SP-6 (Sanyinjiao) for lower jiao health. Dietary Adjustments: Avoid spicy, fatty foods, and alcohol to reduce damp heat. Incorporate cooling, hydrating foods like cucumber and watermelon Lifestyle Practices: Manage stress through practices like Tai Chi and Qigong. Ensure regular exercise to promote qi and blood circulation.

I’m-Yunity® Coriolus versicolor, also known as Yunzhi, is a precious tonic that belongs to a family of medicinal mushrooms in the Chinese culture. Early in 15th century of China, the famous Compendium of Materia Medica categorized it a supreme herb with health benefits like replenishing essence and qi (vital energy), strengthening tendons and bones, promoting general enhancement and anti-aging. The gentle and invigorating properties of Coriolus versicolor are very suitable to consume regularly for long-term health. I’m-Yunity® for Dogs is made from a unique proprietary ingredient extracted from Coriolus versicolor, specially for immune balance and vitality of dogs. Selected herbal source I’m-Yunity® for Dogs is made from COV-1® strain of Coriolus versicolor. This unique strain was successfully identified and isolated as the optimal strain of Coriolus versicolor among 80 strains collected in China by a reputed fungus expert, Professor Yang Qingyao. He specially cultivated the strain using deep layer cultivation technology with submerged fermentation to provide mycelia as the raw material for our I’m-Yunity® production. PSP – effective ingredient of Coriolus versicolor Coriolus versicolor contains bioactive compounds called polysaccharides, which are complex molecules built from many units of sugar. Variation in the compounds occurs if abstracted different parts of the mushroom. Prof. Yang isolated polysaccharide peptide (PSP), a special kind of protein-bound polysaccharides, from the mycelia of COV-1® strain of Coriolus versicolor. Pharmacological and clinical studies have showed that PSP has positive immune modulation effects, and helps improve quality of life.* Technological breakthrough in PSP extraction Professor Yang also made a technological breakthrough in the structural elucidation of PSP, that specific types of PSP molecules are isolated from the mycelia of COV-1® strain of Coriolus versicolor. The complex process of insolating effective PSP molecules is one reason why not all products containing PSP may have similar health benefits. Validated by long-time study and application in human When PSP first released in the early 80’s, it immediately caught the attention of researchers and customers. Long-time studies along with numerous customer testimonials provided collective evidences that PSP supports immune health, promotes general fitness and improves quality of life. Essence of Mushroom (the Hong Kong packaging of I’m-Yunity®) has been marketed in Hong Kong over 40 years, and registered as a Chinese Proprietary Medicine as well. I’m-Yunity® has also been registered as supplement to sell in Canada, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand markets. I’m-Yunity® for Dogs is natural and safe Unlike other mushroom products, we use exclusively the PSP from the mycelia of COV-1® strain of Coriolus versicolor for the production of I’m-Yunity® for Dogs. It is a pure and single-species herbal supplement that doesn’t rely on other additional ingredients to exert its multiple health benefits. The product is manufactured in the factory with GMP (good manufacturing practices) standard, which further ensures its quality and purity, making your pet getting the most potent PSP active ingredient. Better quality of life for your beloved pet Clinical study for dogs with cancer at a well-known veterinary center has showed encouraging results, that I’m-Yunity® as an immune health supplement enhances the quality of life for dogs and benefits general well-being.** Most dog owners may hesitate to opt for chemotherapy for their dogs because of known side effects and high cost. If you wish to boost your dog’s immune fighting abilities, help them get through hard times and achieve a better quality of life, I’m-Yunity® for Dogs is an excellent choice!

Sports and physical activities whether participated as competitions, casual routines or social events include many forms, such as dancing, football, basketball, swimming, cycling, hiking etc. Sports are beneficial to improve body strength, enhance physical endurance, release bodily stress, and burn calories efficiently. However, in case if individuals neglect the warm-up steps, over-train or have accidents, it is likely to get injury during the course of game or exercise session, individuals may then suffer from problems such as muscle pain, sprains, tears, and chronic strain of the ligament. Overuse sports injuries are not uncommon, due to the repetitive actions of muscles and tendons, the involved area will become inflamed and painful. The healing and rehabilitation processes should be carefully evaluated so as to minimize the amount of downtime required. Chinese medicine massage or acupuncture can be part of sports training and recovery management. The Chinese remedies help relieve muscle pain, loosen intense muscles, reduce tissue adhesion, accelerate the return of peripheral blood and lymph, alleviate swelling in the damaged area, speed up tissue repair and rebuild, and restore ligament alignment. Chinese methods can help athletes to speed up the recovery process and allows their body to replenish energy stores for optimal sports performance. MASSAGE FOR SPORT Sports massage works deep in the muscles that aim to realign the muscle fibers and connective tissues, and make the biological process of body recovery more efficient. Sports massage brings numerous benefits to sports people, covering physical, physiological and psychological aspects. Regular sports massage sessions help muscles repair, rebuild, and strengthen, increase joint mobility and flexibility, maximize sports performance and reduce the risk of injury during activities. Pre-exercise massage This usually performs 15 minutes before the exercise or training. Massage with light push and slow kneading techniques for 5-10 minutes can increase blood circulation in the muscles, stimulate the body to be allowed for intensive motions, enhance muscle endurance and ligament flexibility, and increase joint mobility as well. It can maximize performance during the event and reduce the risk of injury, while also help the athletes to reduce anxiety. Massage in middle of exercise Massage is performed between the intervals of training session or competition, aimed at the heavy loaded muscle groups. The manipulation usually begins with light and rapid techniques, and then changes to forceful kneading, striking or padding techniques, last for 1-3 minutes. This helps to eliminate stiffness and fatigue in the muscles. Post-exercise massage This usually takes place 1-2 hours after exercise or before sleeping. Post-exercise massage can accelerate the elimination of lactic acid (a metabolite that causes fatigue and soreness). It has proved that post-exercise massage can cool down the athletes after strenuous exercise, eliminate fatigue and promote the regain of physical strength. It also significantly shortens the duration of muscle soreness after exercise and reduces the painful sensation. EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE IN SPORT Acupuncture method belongs to physical stimulation, which creates a cascade of positive changes inside the body to promote physiological functions, enhance self-regulation and encourage the body’s self-healing abilities. Acupuncture is an effective, personalized, non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive form of healing, which is excellent for athletes to apply for their training and recovery routine. Sport ability Strenuous exercise will cause an increase in the production of endogenous free radicals and lipid peroxides, and a decrease in the level of blood ketones, resulting in a decline of sports ability. Acupuncture can be applied to improve the body’s antioxidant capacity, scavenge free radicals, and prevent the blood ketone levels from declining during exercise, so as to maintain sport ability. Sport immunity After a high-level performance, the immunity of athletes will be declined and that would increase their chances of getting sick. Researches have shown that acupuncture can increase the number of white blood cells, promote the productions of antibody, so as to enhance the body’s immune function. Acupuncture can also increase the levels of blood sugar and hemoglobin (indicators of exercise fatigue), which can help eliminate fatigue. Pain control Long-term repetitive actions or over-training will result in painful conditions. Many scientific evidences have supported that acupuncture can relieve a variety of sport related painful conditions, including “neuropathic pain” and “nociceptive pain”. Injury recovery Sports injury will lead to a period of downtime to athletes, making them unable to participate in training and competition. In severe cases, when their mobility is affected, a great pressure will be created on their psychological and physiological aspects. Acupuncture has the effects of resolving stasis, dispersing swelling, anti-inflammatory and arresting pain, which can effectively promote tissue recovery and restore functionality of injured parts. Sports insomnia Continuous and intense physical activities along with mental stress can easily make athletes can’t sleep at night, which is not favorable to their body recovery and hinder sports performance. Acupuncture can achieve a calming effect on the nerves and mind, relieve muscle soreness and thus effectively prevent insomnia after strenuous exercise. Weight control In order to achieve the best results, it is necessary for athletes to maintain in optimal body weight and follow some stringent dietary restrictions. Acupuncture can be used to reduce appetite, promote energy consumption, and improve basal metabolic rate, which help athletes to control their body weight.

Stress and lack of sleep often take the blame for our skin problems and it’s no different when bags under the eyes appear after a few long days of working late. Other than regular sleep and introducing more zen into our lives, how can we lighten up those dark circles and calm those puffy eyes? Cold Compress We recommend keeping a spoon in the freezer with cling film wrapped around it. When your eye area flares up, take it out, unwrap the cling film and place the spoon on the eye area. This is great for when you wake up with puffy eyes. Stay hydrated It is always important to stay hydrated for both your health and for beauty benefits. Skin cells can actually shrink if you don’t keep your fluids up, which makes dark circles much more noticeable. Make sure you drink between 8 – 10 cups of water a day to avoid the panda-eye affect. Eat-Your-Water Eye cream As well as hydrating yourself inside, you should hydrate the eye area directly too. However it is important to use eye cream and not face cream around the eye area. You should also be sparing when applying eye cream. To apply correctly use no more than a grain of rice amount per eye and gently pat around the eye socket with your ring finger. Too much cream applied closely to the eye could result in puffiness, as the skin is extremely delicate in this area. Effective Ingredients to look for in eye cream: Blefaroplex is made up of a combination of botanical ingredients that improve collagen and elastin synthesis, whilst preventing the effects of glycation. Being a potent anti-glycation complex, Blefaroplex eliminates toxins and prevents the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eye area and as a result reduces puffiness and dark circles. Hyaluronic Acid is a deeply hydrating component. Having made it onto Elle Magazine’s “Best Eye Cream Ingredients” list and capable of holding up to 1000 times its weight in water, there’s no denying that this super-moisturising element should be in your eye cream. Eye products with light pigments or optical diffusers are extremely effective in reducing the appearance of dark circles and bags. These ingredients reflect light away from the dark shadowy area making the skin around the eye appear brighter, healthier and more luminous. These are certainly ingredients to look out for if you are searching for a daily quick fix. Allergies Nutritionist Petronella Ravenshear stated that wheat is the main culprit of dark circles for many. “Very often when people stop eating wheat the black bags magically disappear.” She explained to Huffington Post. If you suffer from prominent dark circles and skin products fail to banish them, you may want to consider looking at your diet and even trialing a new routine without wheat to see if it has an effect. Caffeine When applied topically caffeine can ease puffiness and encourage microcirculation. A handy home remedy to relieve tired eyes is to apply cold used tea bags directly onto the eye area for up to ten minutes. As well as the caffeine working magic, the tannin from black tea tightens your skin around the eye. For a herbal alternative, green tea bags used in the same way can also reduce inflammation. This works wonders for sore and puffy eyes to give you some instant relief.