A review of studies by Australian researchers found that treating female infertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine can improve pregnancy rates two-fold within three to six months, when compared to the success rates of Western medical fertility therapies.
( Reading Time – Approximately Four To Six Minutes ). This is part 1 of 3 blogs on internal heat. Part 1 explains how heat behaves in the body. Part 2 describes symptoms, signs and general ailments caused by excessive heat. And part 3 tells you how this damaging heat was created; and what you can do to reduce it and to bring your body into a more balanced and healthy state. So let’s begin. The body likes to be warm and full of energy to function at its best. However, just like a machine or anything found in nature, if heat builds up excessively in it, then damage is caused. The easiest way to see the destructive actions of too much heat in the body is to examine what it does in nature. The way heat behaves outside the body is also the way it behaves inside of it. When we look at heat in nature we see it enlivens things and energizes them. It gives them power and makes them move faster. In spring and summer it brings animals out of hibernation and it grows flowers and plants. It warms and gives life, light and energy. But if heat becomes too excessive it can start to burn and dry. Plants will wither. The ground will become barren, hard and even start to crack. In the body if things become too hot; then this can cause our cells, tissues, hormones, fluids and organs all to begin to suffer damage. To simplify things here, I have made a list of the ways heat can cause damage inside of us … (1) Excess energy and stimulation can cause internal parts to speed up and become overactive. This can cause problems such as strain on our hearts from beating too fast, or our minds becoming hyperactive and filled with anxiety. (2) Our cells if they become too hot may start to mutate and become toxic. ( Reading Time – Approximately Seven To Nine Minutes ). In this update you will find a list of common symptoms and ailments that are usually evolved from an overall pattern of excessive heat inside the organs and cells of the body. When you are dealing with a body that has become out of balance, then do remember that it is unlikely you would get all of these symptoms. You may just have a few of them.
Many of these symptoms may also come from causes other than excessive internal heat. So to establish if they are likely to have been caused by heat, look for multiple signs of your system generally overheating. With the big patterns that build up in the body and can cause illnesses, all you are trying to do is establish where your body type is generally. Such as, is it an overheated system or is it too cold? Is it too dry or is it too damp? And so forth. Also please note that due to the limitations of a blog, this is just a short description of likely heat related symptoms. If you require a more in depth list and fuller explanation of these symptoms then you can find them in my book or by consulting a practitioner of Eastern Medicine. So here they are, heat symptoms ... White rice is a great food. It is a major source, perhaps the best, of good healthy food energy. In the West, people mistakenly throw white rice in with other highly processed white foods like bread. They claim that it too has as equally unhealthy properties as these others. But this is not the case at all. White rice is still basically the same on the inside as brown rice is. It has just had minor adjustments, such as the outer brown fibrous husk being removed and then the grain being polished into a shiny or dull white grain. The Chinese character for energy “Qi”, is made up of symbols for rice (food) and air. Rice simply provides great energy for the entire body, mind and spirit. It is a huge part of most Asian diets. With some people consuming it as much as four times a day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and then also even as snacks and sweets in-between. You can mix rice with most meals. You can turn it into healthy porridges and soups. It is a wonderful base food. Now you are probably wondering why I keep mentioning white rice instead of brown rice, which in the West they keep saying is healthier for you ... How Is Chinese Dietary Therapy Different To Western Nutrition And Why Is It So Useful ? ...18/5/2017
( Reading Time – Approximately Four To Five Minutes ). There is archaeological evidence to show that the Chinese have been studying foods and herbs for well over three thousand years. During that time, they refined and perfected a great system. It is entirely different to the Western way of counting calories and dividing our foods into groups of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It is instead very practical and useful in altering states and conditions, and even in treating and resolving illnesses in your body. Once you understand the Chinese method, you can start to see why there are many flaws in current Western nutritional theories. The Western approach is nearly always to break foods down into smaller and smaller isolated chemicals, which are then categorized into similar groups. When you do this many elements start to appear to have the same qualities. However on the bigger level, the problem with this is quite clear. One of the first uses of Chinese Herbs was in the quest for longevity. There were many reasons this was a popular search in ancient China, from monks who wanted more time and good health to perfect their meditation, to powerful emperors who wanted to stay young and live as long as they could to enjoy their lavish lifestyles. A famous formula "Liu Wei Di Huang" now in widespread use in modern China, was originally related to the Yellow Emperor who wished to gain immortality. He obviously failed in his attempt to live forever ! But his legacy has left a wonderfully rich knowledge of herbs that are magnificent at boosting hormones, nutrients and energy in the body. These lead to enhancing health and healing, and to slowing down the aging of the human body and mind. It is very common for the Chinese both old and young, to take Chinese Herbs to maintain youthful qualities and appearances. The first references to the use of Cosmetic Acupuncture dates back to the Song Dynasty in China. The Chinese Empresses used these treatments to stay youthful, healthy and vibrant. Since then Acupuncture beauty treatments have been a common part of the anti-aging routine of the upper and middle classes in China. In 1996, a report in the International Journal Of Clinical Acupuncture, stated that out of 300 cases treated with Facial Acupuncture, ninety per cent of the recipients had marked improvements with one course of treatment, (a course being twelve to twenty treatment sessions). Qualified acupuncturists use small sterile needles that are disposed of after just one use. These are inserted into acupuncture points on the face and around any areas that need extra attention, such as wrinkles, sun damage and age spots. This stimulates the energy in the local areas to become more productive, fixing any problem and producing a healthy youthful glow. But the effects do not just end there. A good acupuncturist will also place needles in strategic points around the body to strengthen digestion and the production of healthy blood from your food intake. Also into points relating to boosting hormones, which are essential long term in the regeneration of every cell in your body and the slowing down of aging. And in points to relax the mind, to free it from stress and anxiety, which can be very damaging to your appearance. Any other weak areas will also be enhanced. The goal of Chinese Medicine is always to bring the body and mind into a state of balance, where it is strong, happy and healthy. Less than that is considered to be inferior low quality medicine. If you want to create a beautiful flower, then you must feed and nourish the roots. In this case to make a healthy, glowing, beautiful face, Chinese Medicine will strengthen the body and its organs that feed the face with hormones, nutritious blood and powerful energy. If you complete the proper series of treatments (12 to 20), then good effects can be attained from cosmetic acupuncture. Usually you can start to see improvements in complexion after a few treatments and improvements in lines and wrinkles etc. after five or six sessions. (But this is dependent on the initial health of the client, some clients get results far quicker when they are in reasonably good health to begin with). Any advice from your practitioner in relation to diet and lifestyle should be followed, and if so then the results should be long lasting. Top ups once every six months are a good idea to prolong the results. This treatment in the short term won't produce the dramatic effects of a surgical face lift but in the longer term things might be very different. Most people are unaware that when you receive a surgical face lift that thousands of tiny blood vessels can not be re-joined successfully, thus diminishing circulation into the face and actually increasing the speed at which your face will age after the procedure. Of course, as with any surgery there may be other serious complications too. And also there will be severe bruising and a recovery time necessary. This type of surgery obviously does nothing to enhance your overall health or help you reduce stress levels. It may even help deplete some of your vital anti-aging hormones which are used up in trying to recover from the invasive operation. With botox, there are still questions as to its long term safety and effectiveness. And again botox will do nothing for your overall health and wellbeing. Cosmetic Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy are completely safe in the hands of a fully qualified practitioner. There is no chance of disfigurement or any serious complications. There is no trauma or heavy bruising and hence no recovery time needed. At the Leixlip Chinese Medicine Clinic, we have been providing Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments for well over ten years. We also provide Chinese Herbal treatments for beauty. It is our opinion that in the long term, herbs will have even a more significant effect on boosting hormones and slowing down aging than acupuncture treatments would have. We always combine both treatments to produce the best results. For more information on Cosmetic Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Beauty treatments click here. Or if you live in Leixlip, Celbridge, Lucan, Maynooth or Dublin and would like to make an appointment at the clinic then click here. Chinese Cupping Therapy is being used more and more frequently by top athletes all around the world to gain a drug free competitive edge. Chinese Cupping has been around for well over a thousand years, originally it was performed with hollowed out bamboo cups, but now cups are usually made from specially designed and strengthened glass. It is used to enhance the healing capabilities, to fix injured areas. It helps to bring blood, oxygen, hormones and nutrients into tissues and muscles that need to be repaired. It is also commonly used in Chinese Medicine to increase lung capacity and to boost overall energy and power in the body. Most people find the cupping treatment to be very relaxing. It does not feel that much different to getting a very deep massage. Cupping can work by itself or can be combined with Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Tuina Medical Massage and the use of Chinese Herbal Balms. In my clinic I normally accompany Cupping with a free Infra Red Lamp Treatment. This really enhances the effect and helps to naturally boost energy and hormone levels in the body. If you decide to get cupping always look for a fully qualified Chinese Medical Practitioner for the best treatments and results. Cupping, along with all other Chinese Medical therapies, are available at the Leixlip Chinese Medical Clinics. Treatments only cost 35 euro for a full session, which includes Infra Red Heat therapy, and lasts for about 40 minutes.
See this page for more details. ( Reading Time – Approximately Four To Five Minutes ). (The information in this article was taken from my book - "Superior Health : The Secrets Of The Chinese And Eastern Way"). We all know that what enters the mind from our interactions with other people and the world can cause us to have certain emotional responses. When we see injustice on the news we may become angry, or when we see others suffering we may become sad and so forth. But did you know that the internal workings of our organs can also be responsible for generating emotional states ? Well simply, they can. Every organ can cause our minds to be more susceptible to different feelings and patterns of behaviour. In this article, we will examine three such states – fear, anger and sadness. We will see how unhealthy organs as opposed to external life events outside of the human body may be creating or encouraging them. We will start with fear. In the West it is often assumed that when one is fearful it is a character flaw; that someone is choosing to be weak, feeble and cowardly. Whereas when someone is brave, they are portrayed as a hero and are to be admired. Some of this behaviour is indeed their character, but in many cases it is merely just a reflection of the health and functioning of their hormonal system, particularly the power of their adrenal glands. If you have strong adrenals you will be full of hormones like adrenalin, cortisone and testosterone. These great natural steroids give your body a super charge, causing it to stay very steady during any crisis or shock. Even in general daily life you will find you are much more powered up and able. Your mind will be sharp, calm and clear. And has all it needs to easily and fearlessly think its way out of any awkward or threatening situation. However if your adrenals have become weak and drained, they will be unable to deliver these boosting hormones when you need them. You will find the heart and mind can then become unsteady, which may under pressure and stress cause fast heartbeats, palpitations, shortness of breath, nervousness, anxiety, fear, jumpiness, panic attacks, inability to cope, light headedness and even fainting. Now let’s turn to anger; physically it can be caused by too much heat in your system, particularly in the blood and in the liver. One of the many functions of the liver is to store blood and release it into the rest of the body as it is required to do more physical or mental activity. For example if you are working out in a gym your muscles will require additional blood during the exercise. A body builder working the bicep muscles in his arms would actually see them enlarge in size as they are filled with extra blood during the work out. They get this extra supply of blood from the liver. When the brain comes under stress it too requires extra blood to use as fuel to help it work through whatever situation it faces. The problem arises when the liver is over worked and therefore likely to be overheating. It will then start to release hot blood into your body and up into the brain. Now some simple characteristics of heat are expansion and increased activity. On a molecular level, we see molecules move more, thus requiring more space as they are heated. You can see this reaction if you think about how water expands and starts to move violently as it is heated to boiling point. When your liver has over heated your blood, this hot blood rushes up into your head and causes pressure inside your skull. If you become angry, you will often notice feelings of heat. As this intensifies the feelings can become like a pressure cooker wanting to explode, this is often vented from the body through the emotion of rage. All our common expressions clearly associate anger with heat – hot headed, fiery tempered, burning with rage, letting off steam, ready to burst, his blood was boiling and so on. Visually you can even witness the heat in an angry person as their face starts to turn red and in extremes veins may even bulge and throb in their foreheads. So if you have an unbalanced and hot liver, you can expect emotionally to have more unwanted feelings of frustration, aggression, irritability, snappiness, anxiety, anger and even rage in your life. Finally we come to sadness. There are three principle systems involved in depression and sadness in the mind. They are the heart, lungs and digestive organs. If any of these become weak it will lead to a mind depleted in nutrients and energy, which produces a lack of positive mood and joy. The impacts of these organs on the brain are quite obvious as soon as you start to think about them in a logical way. Air acts like a stimulant. It provides energy and power. If the lungs are unable to intake and push adequate oxygen into the blood stream, both the mind and the physical body will start to tire and become sluggish, and your mood will begin to drop. If the heart is weak and is unable to steadily pump sufficient blood and oxygen into the brain, the mind and mood will again plummet as they do not receive the required amount of fuel to keep them strong. And if the digestive system is unable to successfully break down and absorb nutrients from food; then our blood will become empty of rich nutrients and the lack of these will leave the brain undernourished and without energy and power to keep your spirits up. This blog is a brief introduction to make you more aware of how weaknesses in your internal organs can be making your mind and mood behave in often unwelcome ways. It reinforces that to have happiness in your life, it is not just important to work on creating good social communications and a positive environment, but it is also very necessary to have health in your organs and physical body. If you keep following my blog, I will eventually teach you all about how you can manipulate your physical state through diet and lifestyle to reduce heat in your liver or to build up your hormonal system and so forth. I will show you how to strengthen your organs, to prevent them from impacting on your mind and mood, and instead to empower them to maximize the potential for real joy and happiness in your life. If you have issues that require immediate attention and you live in Leixlip, Lucan, Celbridge, Maynooth or Dublin then feel free to contact my clinic - The Leixlip Chinese Medicine Clinic. And I will try my best to resolve any problems you have. The simple answer is - No. Acupuncture needles when inserted by a skilled practitioner should not hurt. They are tiny needles. They are a similar thickness to that of a single strand of hair. You would get about twenty Acupuncture needles to fit into the opening of one single hypodermic syringe needle, commonly used in Western Medicine to withdraw blood or inject chemicals into the body. However, make sure you go to a fully qualified and skilled Acupuncturist for your treatment. There are now unfortunately others in non Chinese Medical therapies who are offering needling treatments to their clients. It takes years of training to become proficient in using needles safely and painlessly. Most of these other therapists are not properly skilled or fully trained in needling techniques nor in Chinese Medical Theories, so you are taking a chance by attending them for any Acupuncture style treatment. Sometimes at my clinic in Leixlip, I get nervous patients who due to past bad experiences with western injections are afraid of the needles. Once they have had a treatment and they see it is not just a pain free experience but also a relaxing one, then their fear of needles completely vanishes ! Cupping is becoming more and more popular, It is now often used by celebrities all around the world. Just some of the recent celebrities to be snapped by paparazzi with cupping marks on their backs include Lady Gaga, Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham, Denise Richards, Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, Lena Dunham, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anna Lynne McCord and Chris Martin. Cupping stimulates the lungs to absorb oxygen more effectively by strengthening them and clearing them of any build up of unwanted fluids and phlegm. With more oxygen in the blood stream, all organs get an uplifting energetic boost, including the mind and its' emotions. In particular, cupping is useful for boosting the energy that feeds the immune system. Which helps to create more power to make white cells and natural killer cells when they are needed to fight off infections. It is also great as part of the treatment for lung based conditions such as asthma. I have often used it as part of my treatments here in the Leixlip Chinese Medicine Clinics. It is very effective. My clients also find it to be a very relaxing treatment. The back is gently massaged with oil and then the cups are placed over Acupuncture points to create the healing and strengthening effects. After a treatment, the client may have round cupping marks visible on their skin. But don't worry, these marks will disappear very quickly and are not in the least bit painful. A Cupping Therapy treatment in the Leixlip Chinese Medicine Clinic is only 35 euro for a 40 minute treatment. Relaxing and reviving Infra-Red Heat therapy is provided with the treatment at no extra cost. See this page for more details .... If you are interested in Cupping but live too far away from Leixlip, then make sure you find a fully qualified Chinese Medical Practitioner for your treatment.
Cupping if not performed correctly may be painful and can cause harm to the body. Also anytime you get a treatment from any good professional Chinese Medical Practitioner they will give you plenty of free insightful advice and tips on how to boost your health or fix any weakness you may have in your body. So it's always well worth the time to seek out a good Chinese Medical practitioner. |
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