TCM Wellness

Nutrition and physical activity are important parts of a healthy lifestyle when you have diabetes. Along with other benefits, following a healthy meal plan and being active can help you keep your blood glucose level, also called blood sugar, in your target range. To manage your blood glucose, you need to balance what you eat and drink with physical activity and diabetes medicine, if you take any. What you choose to eat, how much you eat, and when you eat are all important in keeping your blood glucose level in the range that your health care team recommends.Becoming more active and making changes in what you eat and drink can seem challenging at first. You may find it easier to start with small changes and get help from your family, friends, and health care team.Eating well and being physically active most days of the week can help youkeep your blood glucose level, blood pressure, and cholesterol in your target rangeslose weight or stay at a healthy weightprevent or delay diabetes problemsfeel good and have more energyWhat foods can I eat if I have diabetes?You may worry that having diabetes means going without foods you enjoy. The good news is that you can still…...

The fifth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar is our traditional Dragon Boat Festival. On this day, according to custom, besides eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), people also hold a series of activities to ward off evil and avoid misfortune. May is considered an ominous month in folk beliefs, often referred to as the "poisonous month." By this time, summer has gradually set in, the weather grows hotter, and pests and various bacteria multiply rapidly, leading to the proliferation of miasma, making people highly susceptible to illness. To cope with the ominous month and avoid being tainted by disease, on Dragon Boat Festival, every household would gather mugwort from the fields, either hanging it up, wearing it, using it for cleansing, or consuming it to ward off evil, expel toxins, and maintain health.Mugwort, also known as mugwort leaf, mugwort herb, common mugwort, Chinese mugwort, sweet wormwood, fragrant mugwort, medicinal grass, moxa, etc., belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a perennial herb that commonly grows along roadsides, in mountain gullies, fields, hillsides, and other uncultivated areas. The fifth month of the lunar calendar is the optimal period for the market availability of mugwort, when the leaves are…...

Students practice Baduanjin Qigong during a traditional Chinese medicine lecture at the University of Namibia in Windhoek, Namibia, on Aug. 14, 2023. The Chinese medical team in Namibia on Monday delivered a lecture on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to students from the University of Namibia, enabling them to have a better understanding of the TCM techniques. ( tasteallchina /Chen Cheng)The Chinese medical team in Namibia on Monday delivered a lecture on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to students from the University of Namibia, enabling them to have a better understanding of the TCM techniques.During the lecture at the university's Confucius Institute, the Chinese doctors delved into the intricate details of TCM, in a move meant to enlighten and educate students more on the benefits as an alternative to other modern forms of treatments.The Chinese team explained the uses of techniques like acupuncture and how and why it is administered, and how other techniques are combined to be more effective, like incorporating moxibustion with acupuncture as a natural means of treatment for various ailments.The doctors also zoomed in on the benefits of TCM, saying it is considered to be milder and does not have strong side effects as some other medicine does.During…...

In the traditional view, cervical spondylosis is a disease that only afflicts people in their old age. However, due to changes in modern lifestyles and increased use of smartphones and computers, the incidence of cervical spondylosis is becoming more common among younger populations, with an increasing number of patients aged between 20 and 40 seen at clinics. The prevention and treatment of cervical spondylosis have become a significant health concern for society. Cervical spondylosis, also known as cervical syndrome, primarily results from long-term strain on the cervical vertebrae, bone hyperplasia, or herniation of intervertebral discs, leading to compression of the spinal cord, nerve roots, or vertebral arteries, which in turn causes a series of functional disorders. Clinically, it manifests as discomfort in the head, neck, shoulders, chest, back, and upper and lower limbs. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, weakness in the lower limbs, unsteady gait, arrhythmia, and difficulty swallowing. Traditional Chinese Medicine's Understanding of Cervical Spondylosis The condition of cervical spondylosis falls under the category of "Bi Syndrome" or "Neck Bi" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to Su Wen Shi, "Bi" refers to diseases caused by obstruction of qi flow. Therefore, any disease characterized by…...

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is one of the more extensively studied alternative forms of medicine by Western scientists. The Chinese people’s traditional way of healing has been practiced since thousands of years ago, and is still very much alive today, influencing the healing practices of other cultures. It’s healing and therapeutic approaches rely on the principle that the body’s organs support each other, and practitioners believe that a person’s wellbeing can be achieved by a mix of herbs and spices, proper diet, acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, and qigong to prevent or treat health problems.Main Principles Of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeing mutually connected, the body’s organs should then be balanced by the two contradicting yet complementary life energies called the yin and the yang.Another hallmark principle in the traditional Chinese medicine is called ‘qi,’ the body’s vital energy. TCM presumes that the ‘qi’ passes though the body via pathways called meridians. Once its flow is disrupted or becomes erratic, the body experiences all sorts of physical, mental, and emotional problems. In order to achieve the proper yin/yang balance, the ‘qi’ flow should be restored to its normal and appropriate state.Aside from the ‘qi’ and the yin/yang balance restoration being the cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine,…...

Yang Shuo (third from right) participates in the World Acupuncture Week free clinic event at the People's Hospital of Longli county, Guiyang, Guizhou province. [Photo provided to China Daily]Seasoned practitioner and NPC deputy seeks innovation in promoting and inheriting traditional medicine, Li Yingxue and Yang Jun report.In treating temporary facial paralysis, Professor Yang Shuo emphasizes a holistic approach. "Beyond addressing the condition itself, we must also consider treating the individual," he instructs interns at Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. "That entails focusing on their meridians and acupuncture points."While juggling his teaching responsibilities, Yang attends to over 60 patients a day at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Additionally, he dedicates time to caring for hospitalized individuals.Adding to his impressive workload, last year, Yang assumed the role of a National People's Congress deputy. Despite his busy schedule, he prioritizes grassroots engagement, conducting visits and research to amplify community voices at the national level.His mission: to bolster the advancement of traditional Chinese medicine and pass on its rich culture.The 49-year-old brings 25 years of expertise to his practice, and specializes in treating spinal conditions. Employing techniques like qi (energy flow) adjustment and modern structural acupuncture, he focuses on holistic…...

Frost's descent marks the end of the third decade of autumn, as the old saying goes: "After three decades of autumn's reign, one leaf of fall remains." Frost's descent is the final seasonal marker of autumn, signaling the transition to winter. So, how should we preserve our health during this period? Let's listen to Pan Yanjun, Deputy Director of the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Jing'an District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, share her health preservation advice. Dietary Advice During the time of frost's descent, dryness still lingers, and people may experience symptoms such as dry mouth, throat, eyes, and skin. In terms of diet, it is recommended to choose vegetables and fruits with higher water content, such as bitter melon, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, pomelo, citrus, apples, and lemons. Lifestyle Advice After the frost descends, the weather gradually cools down, and the temperature difference between day and night increases. It is suggested to go to bed early and rise late, shortening outdoor activity time. Before sleeping at night, soaking your feet can help circulate blood and dispel cold. Skin Care Advice In autumn, the skin tends to become dry and taut. To prevent dryness and cracking, you can apply moisturizing…...

Recently, the term "crispy youths" has become a buzzword, which, as the name suggests, refers to individuals with fragile bodies that "break easily." According to data from the National Cancer Registry Center, the incidence of cancer among young people (aged 20 to 39) has increased by nearly 80% in recent years. Cases of overwork and sudden deaths among young people are not uncommon. In September 2023 alone, an emergency department in Zhengzhou received more than 1,700 patients aged between 18 and 25, with conditions ranging from trauma, abdominal pain, chest tightness, to hyperventilation syndrome. Sub-health conditions among young people have become a common phenomenon. Searching social media for the keyword "crispy college students" reveals a variety of incidents involving accidental injuries and "sudden illnesses." The protagonists are often the bloggers themselves who post videos or images, while comment sections are filled with stories shared by fellow peers about their own "crispy" experiences. As a result, young people have started exploring health preservation, particularly in the realm of "traditional Chinese medicine," showing signs of a burgeoning trend in TCM health practices. As reported by Chao News, by 5:30 PM on December 12th, a long queue had already formed outside the evening…...

Jujube, also known as large date, has been praised in Wang Anshi's poem "Fu Zao" with lines like “Wind-wrapped in red silk, daily pearls crease red jade.” Jujubes symbolize auspiciousness and happiness, making them a must-have at ceremonial events. For example, placing jujubes and peanuts on newlyweds' beds suggests an early birth of a noble child.In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescriptions, jujube is one of the most commonly used herbs that can also be consumed as food. TCM believes that jujube has a sweet taste and warm nature, targeting the spleen, stomach, and heart meridians. It is effective for tonifying the middle energizer, nourishing blood, and calming the spirit, often used to treat conditions such as spleen and stomach weakness, deficiency of qi and blood, poor appetite and loose stools, fatigue and weariness, palpitations and insomnia, women’s emotional distress, and disharmony between nutritive and defensive qi. The herb can be effective when used alone, as seen in the formula from "Zhengzhi Zhunsheng" which treats emotional distress by burning jujubes to retain their properties and then brewing them with rice water. Emotional distress is often related to insufficient yin in the heart and excessive heart fire, as well as insufficiency of…...

According to "The Seventy-Two Climates": "Start of Summer, the festival of the fourth month. The character 'start' has been explained in spring. 'Summer' means 'expansion'; all things have expanded by this time." As the first solar term of summer, Start of Summer ushers out the bright spring light and welcomes the lush summer. This year, May 5 is Start of Summer. "First候: the mole cricket sings; second候: earthworms appear; third候: Tendraria grows." With the start of Start of Summer, we hear frogs croaking in the fields, see earthworms working hard for farmers, and watch gourds and vegetable sprouts competing to drink sweet rainwater, all racing to grow, a true symbol of the prosperity of all things starting at Start of Summer. South of the Qinling Mountains and Huai River, rainfall is abundant, which is of course good news for crops and plants. However, heavy summer rains can make people uncomfortable. The heart and summer both belong to the fire element, and according to traditional Chinese medicine, the heart corresponds to summer, with its energy connected to that of summer. At this time, the heart's fire begins to rise slowly. In many regions of our country, temperatures gradually rise, people sweat…...

"Doctor, can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) completely cure a herniated lumbar disc?" Ms. Zhou, aged 36, inquired at the clinic. Over the past month, Ms. Zhou had experienced lower back pain and radiating pain and numbness in her left thigh and calf. After examination, she was diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc (referred to as "herniated disc" hereafter). Despite rest and medication, the effects were not significant, and some hospitals recommended surgery. She came to the TCM hospital, hoping for TCM treatment. Based on her condition, the doctor provided integrated TCM therapy, and after three weeks, her symptoms completely disappeared. According to Dr. Ma Hongwei, director of the Department of Orthopedics at the Ningxia Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Research Institute of TCM, once a disc protrudes, it is difficult to return it to its original position. The goal of TCM treatment is to achieve harmony between the body and the herniated disc. Why Does the Lumbar Disc Protrude? A disc is like an elastic "washer" between two vertebral bodies, with its edge surrounded by fibrous rings and a soft collagenous nucleus in the middle, separated from the vertebral bodies above and below by thin layers of cartilage plates.…...

"Eat radishes in winter and ginger in summer" is a popular folk saying about health preservation. The method of using ginger for food therapy and health care has been around for a long time. As early as the Spring and Autumn period, "The Analects of Confucius" mentions "Never omit ginger from your meals," recording Confucius' dietary habit of having ginger with every meal. In the sweltering heat of summer, let's talk about why we should eat ginger in summer, how to eat it correctly, and whether everyone is suitable for eating ginger in summer. Why Eat Ginger in Summer The traditional practice of eating ginger in summer has a certain meaning and rationale behind it. Ancient people used analogical thinking to understand things. "The Book of Changes" states: "Therefore, 'Changes' is about images; and by images, it means likenesses." Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shares the same way of thinking as "The Book of Changes," so here we use "images" to explain the characteristics of summer. In the Eight Trigrams, the Li trigram (☲), which corresponds to fire in the Five Elements theory, is associated with the south in direction and summer in time. The image of the Li trigram, with…...

With sharp hearing, clear vision, agile thinking, and a spry gait, Tu Jinwen, Grand Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine and professor at Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, remains vigorous and active in clinical research despite his advanced age. According to Tu Jinwen, "birth, growth, maturity, aging, and death" are the basic laws of life's metabolism. Immortality is unrealistic, but one can adopt a healthy lifestyle through scientific, systematic, multi-faceted, and practical methods to slow down the aging process to some extent, achieving a state of "unwearied," "fearless," and "harmonious qi," and thus ensuring a high-quality later life. How can we slow down the aging process? The combination of stillness and motion, cultivating the mind in stillness and the body in motion, is Tu Jinwen's way of maintaining health. Combining Stillness and Motion to Harmonize Mind and Body According to Tu Jinwen, labor and exercise are important methods for people to maintain health, resist aging, and prevent diseases. They can sustain mental and physical strength, enhance the body's immunity, and improve limb function. For seniors, they can also delay the decline in brain function. Forms of labor can vary, such as appropriate household chores, public welfare activities, gardening, etc.,…...

As we enter the period of Great Heat, the weather becomes increasingly humid and hot. At this time, the human body's pores open up and sweating increases, making it easier for summer dampness and heat to invade. Combined with factors such as ultraviolet radiation, mosquito bites, and large temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments, various skin diseases such as sunburn rash, eczema, and prickly heat become highly prevalent. How does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) view these skin diseases, and what are some simple prevention and treatment methods? This edition features renowned TCM physician Dr. Du Zhongping, head of the outpatient department at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, who will provide answers.Insect-Bite Dermatitis Occurs After Insect BitesInsect-bite dermatitis, also known as pruritic urticarial papules, is a condition that typically presents as recurrent itchy papules after being bitten by insects (such as mosquitoes, fleas, etc.). It is more common during wet and hot seasons like spring and summer, manifesting as erythematous papular lesions on the trunk and limbs. The papules are usually the size of mung beans to peanuts and often accompanied by severe itching, which can affect sleep and quality of life. The papules generally subside within 1-2…...

In the clinic, patients often ask: "Doctor, I usually enjoy drinking tea, but I am taking Chinese medicine recently. Can I drink tea while taking Chinese medicine? Will it affect the efficacy of the Chinese medicine?" Today, let's talk about how to drink tea scientifically.Nine categories of situations where tea drinking is not recommended: ① When taking iron supplements Anemic patients typically take iron-containing medications, and the tannic acid in tea reacts with iron to form insoluble precipitates. This not only affects the absorption of the drug but also stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort. Therefore, drinking tea while taking iron supplements means the iron intake is essentially wasted, and the iron deficiency anemia will not be corrected. ② When taking Chinese herbs primarily composed of alkaloids When taking Chinese herbs such as Ephedra or Coptis, which are primarily composed of alkaloids, tea consumption should be avoided. The tannic acid in tea easily reacts with alkaloids to form insoluble precipitates, affecting the effectiveness of the medication. ③ When taking tonifying Chinese herbs When taking tonifying Chinese herbs such as Codonopsis, Astragalus, Polygonum multiflorum, or Psoralea, tea drinking is not recommended. The tannic acid in tea has astringent properties, which can…...

Migraine, also known as one-sided headache, is a common clinical condition. The characteristic of migraine onset is sudden and intense pain, usually on one side of the head (left or right), often presenting as throbbing, pulsating, or stabbing pain. This condition frequently recurs and persists over time, severely affecting patients' daily lives. Among the twelve regular meridians, the Triple Energizer Meridian of Hand-Shaoyang and the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang both run along the sides of the head and the ear. Therefore, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), migraine is referred to as Shaoyang headache. Based on the location of the migraine and the associated meridians, four acupoints—Sizhu Kong (TE23), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Waiguan (TE5), and Fengchi (GB20)—can be selected for rapid pain relief.Migraine Etiology and Pathogenesis According to TCM, the head is the "confluence of all yang meridians," being at the highest point of the body, where the three yang meridians of the hand and the three yang meridians of the foot converge. It is also considered the "abode of clear yang" and the location of the sea of marrow, with the essence blood of the five zang organs and the pure yang qi of the six fu organs ascending to it.…...

Recently, an exchange of gifts between internet users and Harbin has sparked a nationwide exploration of agricultural products, uncovering many local specialties that were unknown even to the locals. Among these is saffron, which is abundantly grown in Shanghai. Originating from Iran in the Middle East, saffron was introduced to Tibet during the Han and Jin dynasties and later spread to central China, hence the name "saffron." In the early 1980s, saffron cultivation began in Shanghai and has since become substantial with considerable production.Saffron is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, derived from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). It is typically harvested on sunny mornings in September and October, with the stigmas being removed from the flowers and dried to produce the saffron used in herbal preparations. Saffron is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, targeting the heart and liver meridians. It is known for its ability to promote blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, cool the blood, detoxify, relieve depression, and calm the spirit. It can be used to treat conditions such as amenorrhea, postpartum blood stasis, febrile diseases with rashes, depression, irritability, palpitations, and mania. According to "Compendium of Materia Medica," saffron treats "depression and…...

In recent years, with the continuous improvement of living standards and increasingly refined foods, the incidence of constipation has been on the rise. According to epidemiological surveys, the prevalence rate of chronic constipation among adults in China is 4% to 6%, increasing with age; this rate reaches 22% in those over 60 years old, and up to 80% in bedridden or immobile elderly individuals with long-term illness. Some people may not consider occasional difficulty in bowel movements to be a serious issue and pay little attention to it, while others may suffer from chronic constipation but avoid medical consultation, opting instead to self-medicate. In fact, these behaviors are not advisable. What kind of constipation requires treatment? What are the potential harms behind constipation? Let's take a closer look. Manifestations of Chronic Constipation What are the manifestations of chronic constipation? Let’s conduct a self-check for constipation to see if you have any of the following symptoms: ① Reduced bowel movements, fewer than three times per week; ② Hard stools that resemble sheep droppings; ③ Difficulty passing stool, where the stool is not necessarily hard but passage is strenuous, requiring significant effort like squeezing toothpaste, and sometimes manual assistance is needed; ④…...

Bronchial asthma, or simply asthma, is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases. Clinically, it is characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, with or without chest tightness or cough, which can lead to airway structural changes over time.Surveys show that asthma affects over 260 million people annually and results in more than 450,000 deaths. However, many of these cases are preventable. May 6th, which just passed, marked World Asthma Day this year, themed "Unleashing the Power of Education," emphasizing the need for asthma patients to receive necessary education to better manage and control their condition. Treating asthma is a long-term commitment that requires joint efforts from both healthcare providers and patients to cooperate in treatment and build a line of defense for health. Here are some basic aspects to consider in daily management for asthma patients.Proper Use of Inhalation MedicationsCommon bronchodilator drugs can be administered via inhalation, orally, or intravenously. Compared to other methods, inhalants have advantages such as smaller doses, fewer systemic adverse reactions, rapid onset, and suitability for long-term treatment. Therefore, inhalation medications form the cornerstone of asthma treatment. Asthma patients should master the correct inhalation technique and use them regularly at the frequency…...

A bitter taste in the mouth refers to the symptom of a perceived bitterness, which is a common clinical condition. Many people experience bitterness and dryness in their mouths upon waking, affecting their appetite and causing significant distress to their mood and daily life. A bitter or dry mouth can be triggered by eating spicy food, "getting heat" (a TCM term for inflammation), staying up late, excessive alcohol consumption, emotional stress, anger, and other factors. It is also a symptom of diseases such as cholecystitis, liver cirrhosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, and gingivitis. Therefore, it requires attention. While actively treating the underlying disease, massaging acupoints like Yanglingquan, Qiuxu, Ligou, and Laogong can effectively alleviate a bitter taste in the mouth. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Understanding of Bitter Taste in Mouth According to TCM, a bitter taste in the mouth is commonly seen in cases of damp-heat, particularly when there is an excess of fire in the heart, liver, and gallbladder. When accompanied by irritability and insomnia, it indicates an upward inflammation of heart fire. When accompanied by irritability, quick to anger, and flank pain, it suggests an excess of liver and gallbladder fire. Since bile tastes…...