4 WAYS CHINESE MEDICINE CAN BOOST HEALTH AND WELLBEING
As the Chinese New Year starts, Lisa Salmon talks to Chinese medicine practitioner Katie Brindle. As the popular saying goes, prevention is better than cure – and it’s a philosophy that features highly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). So too does the principle of selfcare – or ‘Yang Sheng’.
Here are some of the ways Brindle says Chinese medicine can help support health and well being… 1. Stress relief through breathing
Brindle says the parasympathetic nervous system, which can help restore calm when you’re stressed, can be indirectly stimulated with the right breathing technique, calming the mind and heart rate, deeply oxygenating the blood and overriding emotional negativity.
“Breath is THE antidote to stress,” says Brindle. “Done slowly and mindfully, deep breathing will also affect the nervous system to relieve stress and anxiety, by triggering the release of neurohormones which inhibit stress-producing hormones and result in relaxation.” 2. Boost energy with tapping The ancient Chinese therapy of ‘Pai Sha’, or tapping with bamboo, can “work wonders” for general wellbeing, says Brindle. Because good circulation of qi and blood is a health fundamental in Chinese medicine, she explains, when the flow is disrupted or stagnates – because of a sedentary lifestyle, stress, emotional upset or injury – it may lead to a variety of symptoms, including aches and pains, atrophy and weakness, low energy, skin issues, bad sleep, sluggish metabolism, lack of coordination and digestive issues. 3. Reduce inflammation and improve sleep through selfmassage
The ancient self-massage technique of ‘Gua Sha’ uses a round-edged tool to pressstroke the skin. It’s said to be beneficial for inflammation, muscular tension, sleep problems, coughs and fever, according to Brindle, who says the technique improves microcirculation, helps release antioxidants and beneficial enzymes, and stimulates qi flow and lymphatic drainage.
4. Boost overall health through gentle Qi gong movements
Qigong – which means ‘life force practice’ – involves slow, gentle, considered movements combined with breath and mental engagement.
Fans of Qigong often believe it can bring a host of general health and wellbeing benefits. Always consult your doctor While complementary therapies and TCM may be something you wish to explore, remember it’s always best to get any symptoms or health concerns checked by your GP.