Traditional Chinese medicine

On July 4th, the first batch of entries for the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Science Popularization Standard Knowledge Base, organized by the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was released at the Xinhua Media Creative Workshop in Beijing. Guo Rongjuan, Deputy Party Secretary of Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, interpreted the entry on "Insomnia" during the event. Deputy Party Secretary Guo Rongjuan of Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine What constitutes good sleep? According to Guo Rongjuan, good sleep involves falling asleep quickly, deep and restful sleep with deep and long breathing, no nighttime awakenings, quick awakening in the morning, and abundant energy. How long should one sleep? The amount of sleep that ensures a person wakes up feeling refreshed and energetic is the most suitable for them. It is recommended that normal adults sleep for 6-8 hours per night, while children and adolescents should sleep for no less than 9 hours. Guo Rongjuan noted that good sleep should restore a healthy sleep structure for patients, which is an advantage of TCM treatment. For example, while sleeping pills may enable someone to sleep for 6-7 hours, this kind of sleep disrupts the natural sleep structure, leaving one…

The most common way to enjoy chestnuts is probably through stir-fried chestnuts, which can often be found in the streets and alleys of many places. Chestnuts can also be used in traditional Chinese medicine and, after cooking, can be made into medicinal dishes. Here, we introduce a dish that can replenish vital energy, nourish the skin, and improve complexion: Chestnut Braised Pork.Method 1 for Chestnut Braised PorkIngredients Preparation500 grams of pork belly, around 10 chestnuts, scallions, ginger, Sichuan pepper, star anise, salt, rock sugar, cooking wine, and dark soy sauce.Steps1. Wash the pork belly and blanch it; set aside.2. Pour enough hot water over the pork belly to cover it completely. Bring the water to a boil, then simmer.3. Make a cut on each chestnut, then place them in boiling water and cook for two to three minutes. Quickly transfer them to cold water and peel off both the outer shell and inner skin along the cut.4. After the pork has been simmering for half an hour, add the peeled chestnuts and continue to simmer for another fifteen to twenty minutes. Add an appropriate amount of rock sugar and stir evenly. Season with a little salt and you're done.TipsDo not…

The check-in area showcases various traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) and classic prescriptions, while the interactive experience area demonstrates traditional TCM techniques. Recently, the White Pagoda Temple Pharmacy on Fuchengmen Nei Street has been refreshed, breaking away from the conventional pharmacy format to become a "fun pharmacy" where customers can experience TCM culture up close. Additionally, by hosting diverse TCM educational activities in the pharmacy at irregular intervals, it has adopted a pharmacy + "museum-like" model. "This is an innovative new attempt," said a spokesperson for Beijing White Pagoda Temple Pharmacy. Creating a "Museum-like" Traditional Chinese Medicine Space The White Pagoda Temple Pharmacy, established in 1872, has a 152-year history, originally known as Qi Hui Tang and Da He Tang. The pharmacy has undergone several renovations throughout its history. In 1953, Qi Hui Tang and Da He Tang pharmacies were nationalized and became the Second Branch of the Beijing Corporation of China Pharmaceutical Company. At the end of the 1970s, the "State-Owned Second Branch" and the Xicheng District Herbal Medicine Company built a five-story building on the original site, which reopened in 1980 as the White Pagoda Temple Pharmacy. In 2013, to align with the renovation of the Fuju Scenic Cultural…

Paul Ryan, a US doctor studying traditional Chinese medicine in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, treats a girl with sanfutie plaster, in July, 2012. [Photo provided to China Daily]Traditional Chinese medicine has won more recognition in Western countries in recent years, but the 5,000-year-old medical science still needs a modern interpretation to break into the mainstream Western market.According to the Beijing-based World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, more TCM clinics have opened in the West and more colleges are starting to offer TCM education, but TCM has not attained legal status in many countries.In some countries, TCM is considered a food supplement rather than having medicinal effects, it added.A major reason that TCM is not widely acknowledged in these countries is a lack of research on TCM such as its pharmaceutical details and its interaction with other medicines, according to the federation.The number of registered TCM practitioners worldwide is estimated at about 500,000.A cooperative project between the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia is trying to combine TCM with modern interpretations of ancient documents and high-level clinical research.US students in a university in Shandong province learn about Chinese traditional medicine on June 27 in…

China now has entered Zhongfu, the second phase of Sanfu. In the Chinese lunar calendar, Sanfu refers to the three 10-day periods that are predicted to be the hottest days of the year, which are called Toufu, Zhongfu and Mofu.Sanfu usually comes between mid-July to mid-August. Let's take a look at the traditional Chinese ways of spending the dog days of summer.Receiving the SanfutieSanfutie, or Sanfu medicinal patch, is a bandage made of traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believe that receiving Sanfutie during the hottest summer days is effective for coughs, asthma and arthritis; it is a patchwork solution for winter ills in summer.The treatment is based on the TCM principle of yin and yang, which believes the balance of both elements in the body is vital for good health. Sanfutie contains a paste of herbs that are "hot" in nature, and when applied to specific acupuncture points, usually on the back and neck, they replenish the yang elements.These patches have been used in TCM since earliest recorded times, according to Huangdi Neijing (The Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor), more than 2,000 years ago, the time-tested textbook for TCM practitioners. Sanfu patch treatment became extremely popular in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and has enjoyed a revival in recent years as more patients turn to TCM treatment.Eating dumplings during ToufuWhen the…

Basic Introduction to Hua JuhongHua Juhong, also known as Huajuhong, is referred to as the "Southern Ginseng" and is a specialty of Huazhou City, Maoming, Guangdong Province. In China's Ming and Qing dynasties, it was listed as an imperial tribute item, enjoyed exclusively by high-ranking officials. This herb comes from the outer dried peel of immature or nearly mature fruit of the Citrus grandis (Huazhou variety) or Citrus maxima, with the former commonly known as "Mao Juhong" and the latter as "Guang Qi Zha" or "Guang Wu Zha." Hua Juhong is a type of traditional Chinese medicine produced in Huazhou City, Maoming, Guangdong Province, which thrives in warm and humid conditions. Its fruit, when steeped in water, can help alleviate coughs and expel phlegm. It is a common ingredient in various cough-relieving and phlegm-reducing Chinese patent medicines; it is also frequently exported abroad. Hua Juhong from its native Huazhou is considered the finest due to the natural soil minerals and climate conditions. Once reserved for the imperial court, it is now available to the public. In December 2006, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine approved geographical indication product protection for Hua Juhong. Nutritional ValueThe pulp contains a…

As an essential part of advancing the modernization of China's governance system and capabilities, deepening reforms in TCM is crucial for promoting high-quality development and the construction of a modern socialist country with Chinese characteristics. The "Decision of the CPC Central Committee on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reforms and Promoting Socialism with Chinese Characteristics" proposes "improving the mechanism for the inheritance, innovation, and development of TCM," setting up a roadmap and bridge for comprehensive reforms in TCM, sounding the charge, and assigning tasks.The word "improve" in the Decision contains two layers of meaning: affirmation of past work and planning for future work, reflecting the CPC Central Committee's great importance and profound understanding of TCM's development.Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the CPC Central Committee, with Xi Jinping at its core, has attached greater importance to the status and role of TCM in China's health system and prioritized leading and promoting reforms in TCM. The Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee deployed the "improvement of policies and mechanisms for the development of TCM," ushering in a new era of reform and development. Meetings of the Central Committee for Deepening Overall Reform twice deliberated on TCM work, pushing…

Persistently catching a flu or feeling under the weather? It may be a sign of your body being out of balance. Here are 10 tips from TCM experts that’ll help to solve your ailments.1. Repay sleep debtsIf you’re always feeling lethargic and cranky, chances are that you lack sleep and are running on overdrive. Not only should you snooze for at least 7 hours, TCM experts advise that you should go to bed at 10.30pm.This is because the period from 11pm to 1am. is when your body (especially your liver) recalibrates and repairs itself, and it can only happen when you’re in deep sleep.2. Ditch the iceWhile cooling down with a chilled drink is a reflex action in the unrelenting Singapore weather, it can have devastating consequences, according to TCM.When your body temperature is suddenly lowered, a signal is sent to block your pores, hence trapping heat within. Which means your body will not cool down appropriately. Try drinking warm or room-temperature water instead to prevent drastic changes in body temperature.3. Give it sunshineBought too many clothes at a sale and ended up stashing them into the deep recesses of your cupboard? Well, you might want to bring them out…

Night markets, originating in the Eastern Han Dynasty and popular today, what kind of unique experience would they offer if traditional TCM therapies and modern AI technologies were integrated into a TCM cultural night market? At the Wanda Plaza on Hongqi Street, the "TCM Cultural Summer Night Market," organized by the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, provides an answer.At the event, traditional TCM therapies, modern AI technology testing, tasting of medicinal confections and soups, free clinics by renowned TCM doctors from the province and city, all gave people a sense of the power of innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. At the TCM specialty project experience area, long queues formed as visitors waited their turn.“I usually relieve my sleep problems through TCM massages and gua sha, which are very effective,” said Mr. Li, who was among the first to experience the Huolong jar – a perfect combination of massage, gua sha, moxibustion, and hot compress – at the TCM specialty project experience area. Some citizens also enthusiastically tried out the sanfu patches for free, designed to treat winter illnesses in summer, smooth meridians, regulate qi and blood, and promote health. Others experienced auricular acupressure, which helps regulate bodily…

With the rising enthusiasm for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the internet is brimming with a wide variety of TCM health preservation knowledge, and many "health bloggers" on social media platforms have become important sources of information for young people. A recent survey conducted by the Social Survey Center of China Youth Daily shows that 51.9% of young respondents choose to learn about TCM health preservation through social media platforms, making it the primary source of such knowledge for the youth. In the face of mixed quality online information, how can one discern truth from falsehood? China Youth Daily interviewed Associate Chief Physician Fan Su from the Characteristic Treatment Center at Wangjing Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. He summarized several common misconceptions regarding TCM health preservation based on current hot topics.China Youth Daily & China Youth Online Journalist: "Removing dampness" is a popular concept among young people today. Is "removing dampness" suitable for everyone?Fan Su: Many young people do not fully understand what "dampness" means and sometimes blindly try to remove it. "Removing dampness" is not suitable for all constitutions. For example, those with poor spleen and stomach or cold or yin-deficient constitutions should not blindly use…

"I never realized that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is so close to our lives. TCM is truly amazing! When I grow up, I want to be like these volunteer brothers and sisters and learn about TCM!" Recently, at a "TCM Culture in School" event organized by the Qihuang Musculoskeletal Propaganda Team from Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine's College of Traumatology, Xia Chenxuan, a student from Grade 6 Class 1 of the Gui'an Affiliated Primary School of Guizhou Normal University, said this while holding a TCM-themed sachet he had made.It is understood that since the beginning of this year, the Qihuang Musculoskeletal Propaganda Team, part of the national college students' TCM propaganda group, has leveraged its expertise in TCM traumatology and orthopedics. They have visited institutions such as Guizhou Normal University, Huaxi District Tsinghua Middle School, Gui'an Affiliated Primary School of Guizhou Normal University, Dangwu Ethnic Minority Primary School, and Tongmuling Happy Community. Using activities such as making TCM sachets and experiencing the four diagnostic methods, they have conducted 14 TCM propaganda events, attracting thousands of people to TCM culture.For primary and secondary school students learning about TCM, it starts with discovering TCM around them and making a TCM sachet.…

On June 14, the Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Cultural Service Month and Cultural Market Activity Week, organized by the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region's TCM Administration and hosted by the Regional Medicinal Botanical Garden, with co-organization from seven institutions including the Guangxi International Zhuang Medical Hospital (hereafter referred to as GZMH), was launched in the "Three Streets and Two Alleys" area of Xingning District, Nanning City. The Party member and member of the leadership group of the Regional Health Commission, Party Secretary and Director of the TCM Administration, Li Jiawen, attended the event and delivered a speech. Sun Yu, a member of the leadership group of the TCM Administration, presided over the opening ceremony. Tan Yingsi, a third-level researcher at the Nanning Municipal Health Commission, also attended the event and delivered a speech. Qin Zujie, Party Secretary of the Guangxi International Zhuang Medical Hospital, participated in the event. Citizens experience Zhuang medicine bamboo cupping therapy. Provided by Guangxi International Zhuang Medical Hospital The market, imbued with a strong atmosphere of TCM culture, attracted citizens for consultations and experiences. At the venue, GZMH set up a Zhuang and Yao medicinal cuisine booth offering free samples of health-promoting dishes and teas such…

On October 23rd, the 2023 Beijing Wellness Tourism Development Dialogue and Resource Connection Conference, part of the “Peak of the Western Hills · Glory of Yongding River” Fifth Western Hills and Yongding River Cultural Belt Public Cultural Season, was held at the Tong Ren Tang Zhi Ma Health Store No. 0 in Daxing District. Leaders and experts from tourism and culture, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), wellness tourism, as well as cycling enthusiasts, health ambassadors, and representatives from various industries across Beijing’s districts, participated in this event.Networking for Friendship and Shared DevelopmentBeijing, as an ancient capital, is home to imperial wellness culture, court dietary practices, century-old TCM brands, specialty medical clinics, museums, and other wellness resources. To make full use of Beijing's TCM tourism resources and further enrich cultural and tourism products, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism launched 15 premium “Wellness Tourism in Beijing” routes during the conference. These routes cover over 100 high-quality wellness tourism attractions and include information on travel guides, navigation, discounts, and more.During the meeting, the cultural and tourism bureaus of Daxing, Haidian, Shijingshan, Mentougou, Changping, Yanqing, Fengtai, and Fangshan districts jointly signed the “Joint Initiative to Enhance the Development of the Cultural and…

Tangerine peel and chenpi, though seemingly similar, are distinct in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine. While both come from tangerine fruit peels, only those that have undergone a special preparation process can be called chenpi. Therefore, not all tangerine peels are considered chenpi. According to the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, chenpi is defined as the dried mature peel of the fruit of Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivated varieties, belonging to the Rutaceae family. There are two categories of this herb: "chenpi" and "Guang chenpi." The preparation method involves picking ripe fruits, removing the peels, and then drying them in the sun or at low temperatures. Chenpi has a bitter and pungent taste and is warm in nature. It targets the lung and spleen meridians. Its functions include regulating qi and strengthening the spleen, as well as drying dampness and transforming phlegm. It is used for symptoms such as abdominal distension, poor appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, and excessive phlegm. Although both tangerine peel and chenpi are derived from tangerine fruit peels, the term "chen" (aged) in chenpi reveals a crucial difference. Chenpi must undergo a specific processing method according to traditional Chinese medicine standards, while regular tangerine…

Last summer, Bryan Anker, a college student from the United States, studied traditional Chinese medicine under the discipline of senior TCM doctor Du Chunqing, who practices in Linfen, Shanxi province. Photos by Yan Ruipeng / tasteallchina More than 400 foreign students are studying at the Hubei University of Chinese Medicine. Xiao YiJiu / tasteallchina Bryan Anker had spent three years learning Chinese before he came to Linfen.Traditional Chinese medicine, which has been practiced for thousands of years, is attracting new fans from abroad. Liu Zhihua finds out more.Earlier this year, Dongzhimen Hospital, a TCM hospital affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, opened its international clinic in the heart of Beijing, to provide high-end health services to patients, using traditional Chinese medicine treatments and practices.The clinic's target customers are expatriates. TCM, a practice that has been around for thousands of years, is finding new fans. Increasing numbers of foreigners who come to China to travel, work or live, have tried TCM and are convinced of its benefits.Brigitte Winklehner, born in Austria, became a firm believer in TCM through her personal experiences."TCM is very useful and effective. It has helped me a lot in the past decade when I had several…

As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”. The core belief of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) lies in prevention. What better way to prevent yourself from falling sick than to build a strong immunity to keep yourself healthy?The ongoing pandemic situation has been accompanied by a rising interest in immunity boosting foods and products. In our recent Ask My Physician webinar on “Boosting your Immunity – the TCM Perspective”, TCM Physician Tay Jia Yin from Raffles Chinese Medicine shared with us how TCM looks at immunity and how we can use TCM to protect us from illnesses such as the common cold and allergies.TCM and QiFrom the perspective of TCM, the amount and quality of “Qi (气)” or “life force” determines how healthy and full of vitality a person is. This Qi needs to be balanced in order to maintain good health. A person with strong Qi is full of energy and does not fall sick easily. Even when they do, the illness tends to be mild. On the other hand, a person with weak Qi gets tired easily and frequently falls ill.What are some ways to strengthen your Qi for better immunity? Here are 5 tips from Physician Tay.1. Eat healthyThere…

Photo shows throngs of visitors at the 14th China (Yulin) Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Expo and the Duanwu cultural carnival in Yulin city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo courtesy of the organizer) The 14th China (Yulin) Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Expo and a Duanwu cultural carnival kicked off in Yulin city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on June 10 to celebrate the Duawu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival. The event features a variety of activities, including an international dragon boat invitational race, a fair for TCM herbs and traditional culture, a folk culture and art exhibition, a TCM cultural festival, a TCM and health night market, and a medicinal food fair. Girls show off their paper-cutting works at the 14th China (Yulin) Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Expo and the Duanwu cultural carnival in Yulin city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo courtesy of the organizer) Visitors make traditional sachets at the 14th China (Yulin) Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Expo and the Duanwu cultural carnival in Yulin city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo courtesy of the organizer) A child watches a marionette show at the 14th China (Yulin) Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)…

Recently, media reports have highlighted a new trend among elementary school students: playing with bead strings. Parents of elementary school children are likely familiar with these toys, which consist of an elastic string and multiple colorful beads that can be freely connected to make bracelets, necklaces, rings, or simply played with in the hand, producing a clicking sound that helps relieve stress. According to Deputy Director Wang Sheng, an orthopedic surgeon at Jiaxing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Zhejiang Province, playing with bead strings can relieve stress and improve manual dexterity. However, excessive play or overexertion can cause finger and joint pain, and even lead to tenosynovitis. What is Tenosynovitis? The tenosynovium is a semicircular structure near the joints that surrounds the tendon tissue, helping to fixate the tendons. When joints move, friction occurs between the tendons and the tenosynovium. If this friction becomes excessive, such as from activities like playing the piano, knitting, using smartphones, or playing with bead strings, it can cause non-infectious inflammation of the tenosynovium. In the early stages of tenosynovitis, symptoms include pain, a sense of friction, and local swelling at the affected site, with symptoms worsening during movement. Sometimes, small pea-sized nodules may be…

"Anmo therapy can effectively treat insomnia, relieve headaches and cervical spondylosis, making it suitable for people living at a fast pace." Dr. Wu Binjiang, president of the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Canada, is well-known locally for his head anmo therapy. Patients not only include local compatriots but also those who have heard of him and come seeking treatment. Currently, TCM culture has spread widely around the world. In interviews with overseas Chinese medicine practitioners via telephone by China News Service, they noted that as TCM continues to gain popularity abroad, more and more foreign citizens are actively seeking acupuncture, anmo therapy, and other treatments as important means of health management and disease prevention. According to Dr. Wu Binjiang, to satisfy the interest of various ethnic groups in TCM knowledge, the college regularly holds related lectures online and offline, providing translations in multiple languages. "Lecturers explain in simple and understandable ways how acupuncture precisely stimulates acupoints and promotes the circulation of qi and blood, helping the audience understand the mysteries of meridian diagnosis," he said. "Since its establishment, our school has trained hundreds of 'foreign TCM practitioners' for the local community," Dr. Wu Binjiang mentioned. Many young people…

With the arrival of summer, many people are starting to plan their weight loss journey. It's important to note that unhealthy methods of weight loss can trigger endocrine disorders and other health risks. In recent years, acupoint embedding therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has gained attention and recognition among those looking to lose weight due to its notable effectiveness, safety, convenience, and lack of toxic side effects. However, there are still patients who have doubts about acupoint embedding. Below, I will address some common questions regarding this treatment.What is Acupoint Embedding?Acupoint embedding is a special form of acupuncture treatment where absorbable protein threads are implanted into specific acupoints. This creates a long-lasting, continuous, and gentle stimulation effect that helps regulate the balance of qi and blood, enhances the body's immune system, and aims to treat diseases and improve sub-health states.Is Acupoint Embedding Safe?During an acupoint embedding session, a doctor uses a fine needle to inject the thread material into the corresponding acupoints, taking only 1-2 seconds per point. The needles and threads used in this therapy are single-use medical products, ensuring one needle per person, which are disposed of according to regulations after use. This prevents cross-infection and ensures…

Throughout history, many Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners have considered digestive health to be at the core of our overall well-being. When our digestive health becomes impaired, this can lead to the development of many other diseases that may seem unrelated, but are rooted in disharmonies of the digestive system. This way of thinking is so popular that an entire school of TCM was centered around healing the digestive system to cure all other disease.This school is called, “The School of the Spleen and Stomach”. Modern physiology tells us that digestion takes place primarily in the mouth, stomach, and intestines but in TCM, it is the energy of the Spleen and Stomach that are spoke of most often when considering ones digestive strength.Here are 5 TCM tips to help you start your journey towards more balanced digestion. 1. Eat More Cooked FoodsAll food that enters our mouth has to be broken down into more simple parts in order for our body to use it. This digestive “Qi” (enzymes, hydrochloric acid, bacteria, etc) that breaks down our food into usable parts has to do twice the amount of work when we consume raw and cold foods. Eating foods that are at body…

An international student from Qingdao University (R) learns the art of crafting moxa sticks used in moxibustion at a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 18, 2024. Some international students from Qingdao University visited a local TCM hospital on Tuesday to experience the charm of TCM culture. Collaborated with several universities in the city, the hospital built a TCM experience base that has hosted more than 600 international students. ( tasteallchina /Guo Xulei) International students from Qingdao University experience the moxibustion therapy at a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 18, 2024. Some international students from Qingdao University visited a local TCM hospital on Tuesday to experience the charm of TCM culture. Collaborated with several universities in the city, the hospital built a TCM experience base that has hosted more than 600 international students. ( tasteallchina /Guo Xulei) International students from Qingdao University learn to make hawthorn products at a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 18, 2024. Some international students from Qingdao University visited a local TCM hospital on Tuesday to experience the charm of TCM culture. Collaborated with several universities…

The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine says, "During the three months of spring, old things are replaced with new. Heaven and Earth come to life, and all things flourish." Su Shi also vividly portrays the vitality and dynamism of spring with "Beyond the bamboo, a few peach blossoms bloom; the ducks in the spring river are the first to know that the water has warmed." According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is when liver energy is most active. The liver governs free flow and prefers a state of smoothness while resisting depression. Therefore, special attention should be given to mental adjustment in spring to maintain a positive outlook and an open mind. This helps ensure the free flow of liver energy and harmonizes the blood and qi, achieving the purpose of preventing illness and maintaining health. One: Restraint The Book of Lü says, "Desire has emotion, and emotion has limits. Sages cultivate limits to restrain desire, so they do not overindulge their emotions." Emphasizing spiritual cultivation starts with restraining one's desires and emotions to maintain psychological harmony and balance. In daily work and life, if faced with something anger-inducing, consider the potential negative consequences. This can help you…

The ancients believed that dreams could predict our future. Today, most people discount that, though our dreams do tell us about our desires, fears and emotional states.Traditional Chinese medicine has been studying dreams for more than 2,000 years and holds that recurring dreams can give strong indicators of our health, even pinpoint an organ that's out of whack.In TCM, internal energy balance is everything, but most of us don't notice a slight imbalance if we don't have symptoms. The five major internal organs (liver, heart, spleen, lungs and kidneys) may, however, give us warnings in our dreams that all is not well ?? if we remember them.If that happens repeatedly and there's a pattern, pay attention and check it out.Generally, happy and pleasant dreams ?? and no surprise here ?? indicate that qi (energy) is flowing well and there's no major problem.Recurrent nightmares and troubled dreams ?? when we are angry, agitated, terrified, sad ?? usually mean there's trouble with the flow of qi.Interestingly, if there's an invasion of "pathogenic energy" in the genital organs, people may dream of sex (though they may dream about it other times as well)."In traditional Chinese culture, dreams are connected to the five internal…