TCM Wellness

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…...

    If you experience symptoms such as unexplained itching, a constant urge to rub your eyes, mouth ulcers, or even vomiting and diarrhea... be aware of chronic food allergy, also known as food intolerance.      Food intolerance is a complex hypersensitivity disease where the immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods entering the body as harmful substances, triggering an excessive protective immune response against them.      If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is recommended that you get tested for food intolerance:      Skin reactions: Itching, rashes, dryness/redness, exacerbation of eczema      Eyes: Reddened and watery eyes, rubbing of the eyes      Mouth: Swollen lips, mouth ulcers      Gastrointestinal reactions: Vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain      Respiratory reactions: Coughing, sneezing, runny nose      Note that food intolerance is categorized as chronic food allergy, detected by IgG levels in the blood; whereas allergen screening falls under acute allergies, detected by IgE levels in the blood. Some individuals may only exhibit chronic allergies, hence they may test positive for food intolerance but negative on allergen screenings.      Here comes the question: should you avoid eating the foods you test positive for,…...

With the development of the social economy and the improvement of people's living standards, people's understanding of health has gradually deepened. More and more people are paying attention to sub-health and actively preventing and treating it. The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon states, "Man relies on water and grains as his foundation," indicating that humans depend on water and grains for survival. When water and grains enter the stomach, they undergo rotting and digestion in the stomach, and then the spleen transforms and transports them to distribute their essence throughout the body, nourishing all the zang-fu organs. This idea of "man relying on stomach qi as his foundation" is significant for the prevention of diseases. The renowned physician Li Dongyuan of the Jin-Yuan era proposed the academic thought that "all diseases arise from internal injuries to the spleen and stomach," highlighting the extremely important position of the spleen and stomach in the human body, with their health directly affecting the health of the body. Physiological Functions of the Spleen and Stomach In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the "spleen and stomach" refers to a functional concept that goes far beyond the anatomical scope of the spleen and stomach, encompassing the functions of…...

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…...

As people's living standards continue to rise, so does their awareness of health. The demand for health knowledge among Qingpu residents is becoming increasingly urgent.The Qingpu District Media Integration Center and the Qingpu District Health Commission have jointly created a talk show program aimed at Qingpu residents – Listen to Health in Qingpu. This program aims to popularize health tips and knowledge about the prevention, treatment, and care of common diseases through interviews and Q&A sessions. By detailing actual cases encountered by expert doctors during their clinical practice, the program provides answers to health-related questions that concern the public. Today's health guest: Chen Caojie.Is chronic pharyngitis common in our daily lives?Chronic pharyngitis is a common upper respiratory tract disease. Its main clinical manifestations include discomfort or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat (such as feeling something stuck in the throat that won't go down or come out), severe cases may present with sore throat or a burning sensation. Most patients exhibit frequent swallowing or throat clearing. Many patients experience nausea and dry heaving when brushing their teeth in the morning. Chronic pharyngitis has a long course and is prone to recurrent episodes. It is a common and…...

Chronic renal insufficiency is primarily manifested through various renal complications, such as abnormal calcium and phosphorus metabolism, renal osteodystrophy, renal anemia, and renal hypertension. Hyperphosphatemia can cause skin itching, while the accumulation of toxins over time can lead to abnormal coagulation function and bleeding. Additionally, there may be anemia due to insufficient erythropoietin. These symptoms can all be improved with appropriate dietary therapies. Five-Juice Drink Fresh lotus roots (for cooling blood and clearing heat), fresh pears (for moistening lungs and clearing heart heat), fresh water chestnuts (for clearing heat and resolving phlegm), fresh raw rehmannia (for cooling blood and clearing heat), and fresh sugarcanes (for strengthening spleen and improving digestion). Squeeze 500 grams each of these ingredients through sterilized gauze to extract the juice. This drink is suitable for patients with chronic renal insufficiency who experience nosebleeds and should be consumed in 2-3 servings. Herb-of-Chenopodium and Red Dates Soup Herb-of-chenopodium (for clearing damp-heat and promoting urination) and red dates (for tonifying the spleen and stomach and nourishing blood). Boil 30 grams of herb-of-chenopodium with four red dates and take internally. This soup is effective for patients with chronic renal insufficiency and skin itching. Ginseng and Red Dates Soup Ginseng (or…...

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…...

TCM recommends getting one more hour of sleep, drinking more water and eating moistening foods to maintain health and keep your body's energy in sync with cosmic energy.Chu Shu on the Chinese lunar calendar usually falls around August 23. Temperatures usually remain high for around 18 days before it starts to cool off south of the Yangtze River, according to Qing Jia Lu by Gu Tieqing in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The book describes the culture and customs in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, and nearby areas.At this time of year, the yang energy in the universe begins to descend from its peak while yin energy starts to grow. Accordingly, the yang energy in the human body also starts to decline. Thus, at least another hour of sleep is recommended.Though ancient Chinese wisdom calls for taking a nap whenever you feel sleepy after Chu Shu, in these times it's not possible to just nod off when you feel like it. A nap of up to an hour at midday is recommended, if you can manage.Getting good quality sleep at zi (11pm-1am) and wu (11am-1pm) is important for health.The yin and yang energy in the human body will shift along with energy changes in the…...

Explanatory SectionDr. Zhang Wei, Chief Physician of the Pulmonary Diseases Department at the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine:Influenza A differs from common colds in terms of causative virus type, clinical symptoms, and contagiousness; mild cases can recover on their own, while severe ones require special attention.What is influenza A? Influenza A, also known as Type A flu, is caused by influenza viruses. There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. Among these, Type A (mainly subtypes H1N1 and H3N2) and Type B (Yamagata and Victoria lineages) are more widespread in human populations. The incubation period for H1N1 influenza is generally longer than that of regular influenza and avian influenza, typically ranging from 1 to 7 days.How does it spread? The primary transmission route for influenza A is via respiratory droplets. It can also spread through direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions, bodily fluids, and objects contaminated with the virus. Children are the main infected population, with no significant gender difference. They acquire immunity to the same strain within a short time after infection but are prone to recurrent episodes.How is it diagnosed? After being infected with influenza A, patients may experience…...

• Bark medicinals primarily consist of tree bark and root bark, but can also include fruit peels, seed coats, and the outer layers of fungal medicinal materials.• The primary functions of bark medicinals include heat-clearing, qi-regulating, warming the interior, wind-dispelling and dampness-eliminating, diuretic and edema-reducing, and astringent effects. Modern research on plant barks focuses on identifying active ingredients and has found that they mostly have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and immune-regulating properties.Bark medicinals refer to the parts of plants external to the cambium layer, including the periderm, cortex, primary phloem, and secondary phloem. In layman's terms, these are tree barks (including trunk and branch barks) and root barks. Additionally, fruit peels, seed coats, and the outer layers of fungal medicinals are sometimes classified as bark medicinals based on practical applications. These medicinals have broad clinical applications and distinct scopes and patterns of use. This article will review and analyze relevant literature.Classification by FunctionThe Shennong Bencao Jing provides a detailed understanding of bark medicinals, classifying some like Wujiapi, Diguipi, Rougui, Duzhong, and Huangbai as superior, Baixianpi, Hehuapi, Mudanpi, Houpu, Qinpi as middling, and Kuanliapi as inferior.Based on historical records and clinical practice, the functions of bark medicinals can be grouped into six…...

Don't be irritated, upset or depressed. Or too stressed-out for too long, or seethe with anger. If these moods become habits of mind, they will affect your health, add wrinkles to your face and make you age prematurely.Maintain a good mood and even spirits for good health is common traditional advice to Chinese women for beauty and health - the same goes for men.Life has ups and downs, and being happy or sad doesn't undermine your health.Sudden and sharp mood changes or prolonged bad or blue moods, however, can disorder the flow of internal energy and damage the organs.Control your mood, says traditional Chinese medicine, though it's often not easy. Life is stressful and complicated.Western medicine, too, knows that long-term stress and exposure to cortisol, the "stress hormone" can cause cardiac, immune, nervous, metabolic, cognitive and other problems.TCM identifies seven emotions or feelings: happiness, anger, worry, thought, sorrow, fear and shock.They are, of course, not so simply detectable as facial expressions.TCM believes our psychology is closely related to certain organs and energy flows.The energy in wu zang (the five internal organs) supports the changes of mood, according to "Huang Di Nei Jing"("Medical Classic of Yellow Emperor"), the fundamental classic of…...

A portrait of Emperor Qianlong by painter Giuseppe Castiglione (Lang Shining).[Photo provided to China Daily]The love life of Emperor Qianlong from Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) has been a subject of discussion on China's social media recently thanks to two TV series－The Story of Yanxi Palace and Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace take the baton.Emperor Qianlong, who died aged of 87, was also one of the longest-living monarchs in China.His good health is attributed to his good habits, according to Hu Xiaofei, a professor at Beijing Sport University.Speaking about the emperor's habits, Hu says: "He had a list of 10 things to do often and four things not to do."The 10 things to do involved 10 parts of body－the teeth, throat, ear, nose, eyes, face, feet, stomach, legs and arms, and hips.And among the four not-to-do things were no talking while eating and resting and not drinking too much."One of his 10 things to do involved rubbing the face, which is a good practice in the autumn," says Hu.The nose and ear massage with warmed hands is something we can learn from Emperor Qianlong, according to Hu Xiaofei, a professor at Beijing Sport University.[Photo provided to China Daily]"But you must warm…...

A woman with irregular menstruation, weakness, and a soft voice came to my morning clinic. As soon as she entered the examination room, a strong scent filled the air, almost overwhelming. The patient had a fine, wiry pulse and a pale tongue with white coating. Upon questioning, I learned that she worked at a perfume counter. I advised her, “The first thing you need to do to improve your health is to use less or no fragrance.” Here’s why in more detail. Perfumes mainly consist of alcohol and fragrances, which can be divided into natural and synthetic fragrances based on their origin. Natural fragrances refer to the aromatic parts of plants or animals used directly or processed without changing their original components. Many natural fragrances found in nature also serve as aromatic traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). According to TCM, strongly fragrant substances should not be used by those with insufficient yin and blood. They can exacerbate heat and dryness in individuals with excessive heat and fluid loss, as noted by Ye Tianshi, who said, “In cases of dried-up blood and fluids, strong fragrances are strictly prohibited.” Additionally, those slightly deficient in vital energy should use them cautiously, and those with…...

Vessels are a crucial transportation line for the human body, vital for overall health. However, with age and other influencing factors, vessels gradually age, leading to arteriosclerosis, which can trigger a series of cardiovascular diseases. This condition is no longer limited to middle-aged and elderly individuals; in recent years, there has been a trend towards younger individuals, particularly women, who should pay close attention. When female friends experience symptoms such as chest tightness, cold hands and feet, numbness in the limbs, elevated blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels, and reluctance to exercise, it indicates that vascular aging is quietly progressing.Vascular aging appears to have a preference for women.According to the latest data from the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular disease accounts for 35% of annual deaths among women globally, making it the true "number one killer" of women.Most women do not smoke, drink excessively, or have unhealthy habits, so people have always believed that the risk of cardiovascular disease in women is lower than in men. However, data shows that women's vessels age faster compared to men's, and the severity of cardiovascular disease is also more significant.Research indicates that, compared to men, women show a faster upward trend in blood pressure…...

This issue features Associate Professor Yu Huiyong from the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, who shares what dietary restrictions to observe after contracting a respiratory illness in winter. After catching a respiratory disease in winter, patients often experience symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat. Besides prompt medical treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes certain dietary restrictions to avoid exacerbating the condition. According to Yu Huiyong, first and foremost, spicy foods should be avoided, including chili peppers, leeks, and raw garlic. These can intensify throat pain and worsen coughing. Secondly, greasy and heat-inducing foods like fried dough sticks, fried peanuts, and sunflower seeds should be avoided as they may exacerbate throat pain and coughing. Thirdly, cold and raw foods, such as cold drinks straight from the fridge, unboiled mineral water, and watermelon, should be avoided. When patients have a fever, their digestive functions are weakened, and consuming these cold, cooling foods may cause diarrhea and aggravate coughing. Additionally, beef, mutton, and seafood should be avoided. According to TCM, these are considered “trigger foods” that might worsen fevers and increase coughing and phlegm production. Regarding children infected with respiratory diseases,…...

The most direct and obvious cause of a protruding abdomen and an enlarged waistline is the accumulation of excess fat in the abdominal area. However, many people are often unaware that two other factors—gas buildup in the abdominal cavity and tension in the abdominal muscles and fascia—can also contribute to abdominal distension. Modern lifestyles involve prolonged periods sitting in front of computers with little exercise, leading to slowed gastrointestinal motility. Diets rich in high-protein and high-fat foods produce significant amounts of gas during digestion. Irregular living habits keep the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach in a low state, prolonging the time food remains in the digestive tract. All these factors can lead to excessive gas production in the body. Under normal circumstances, gases within the digestive tract can be absorbed by the intestinal walls and expelled. However, if gas production is excessive or digestive function declines, these gases accumulate in the abdominal cavity, causing discomfort and distension. On the other hand, people under stress and lacking physical activity tend to have muscles and fascia that are in a relatively high-tension state. When touched, they feel stiff, tense, and cold. This is especially prominent in the abdomen, which lacks…...

When the summer heat gently brushes over Qingdao's coastline, this beautiful coastal city is imbued with a unique magic. In an instant, the symphony of mountains and sea, the harmony of music and nature, weaves together a moving tapestry. Following the rise and fall of sound waves, on July 23rd, the Shangyao Guofeng • 2024 Qingdao Tan Dun Sound & Medicine Week blossomed in the city during this passionate and splendid summer. Over five days, Maestro Tan Dun, the internationally renowned composer and conductor, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, and lifetime honorary conductor of the Qingdao Symphony Orchestra, along with several famous musicians, presented three concerts. These allowed us to listen to the harmonious melodies of traditional Chinese medicine and music amidst Qingdao's sea breeze, experiencing the city's unique romance and vitality. The stirring melodies and leaping notes not only sparked innovation in traditional Chinese medicine but also played the harmonious symphony advocated by Shangyao Guofeng, promoting coexistence with external entities. This truly integrated music and medicine to serve public health, providing new momentum for Qingdao as a city of music and culture. Shining once again! Playing the harmonious symphony of traditional Chinese medicine and music Qingdao's summer is a symphony of…...

"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…...

 For many young students, the summer break is not a time for play, but rather a period of intense working out at weight loss camps. The extreme popularity of these camps bespeaks an alarming trend in China—childhood obesity. According to a report published by the National Health Commission in 2020, one in five Chinese youth aged 6-17 years is overweight or obese, up from just one in 20 in 1995.This increase is driven by multiple social factors. For instance, heavy coursework at school and a ready availability of digital devices are fixing the country's younger generations in a more sedimentary lifestyle. Also, an age-old belief that more food consumption equals better growth has led many parents to spoil their children with an unlimited supply of junk food and late night snacks.Excess weight gained in childhood may likely be carried into adulthood and may increase the risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders and cancers. What's more, social stigmas related to obesity can also take a heavy toll on a child's emotional wellbeing and self-esteem.Therefore, parents should closely monitor their child's weight from an early age so that they can promptly intervene when signs of obesity show. That does not mean…...