Traditional Chinese medicine is a healing approach that originated thousands of years ago. Referred to as “TCM,” practitioners use herbs, diet, acupuncture, cupping, and tuina to prevent or treat health problems.
You’ve probably heard of TCM and may have superficial knowledge, but if you want in-depth knowledge, join Renai’s free TCM lectures every first Sunday of the month held in the TCM waiting area from 3-4 p.m.
How does acupuncture work?
An acupuncurist will insert needles into a person’s body with the aim of balancing their energy, which helps boost wellbeing and may cure some illnesses.
Conditions it is used for include different kinds of pain, such as migraine, arthritis, cervical spondylosis and other chronic pains.
How does cupping work?
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for 10-15 minutes to create suction, which will cause local blood stasis.
People get it for many purposes, including to clear and activate the channels and collaterals, to promote qi to activate blood, to relieve swelling and pain, to expel cold and dampness.
How does tuina work?
Similar to acupuncture, tuina massage uses the same energetic meridians and acupoints to balance the qi and blood in your body, leading to better health. Qi that’s flowing incorrectly can cause blockages, such as poor blood circulation in the affected area.
The goal of tuina massage is to create harmony in the yin and yang of the body by getting rid of blockages and disturbances that manifest as illness, disease, and emotional issues.
What benefits do herbal teas have?
TCM doctors at Renai have created special blends of teas to treat ailments such as fatigue, stress, reduce fat, and soothe the throat.
The stress relief tea includes the ingredients Codonopsis pilosula, milkvetch root, and Chinese dates to help invigorate the spleen and stomach, and replenish the life force “qi”. Angelica can enrich blood and invigorate blood circulation. Dried roses, fingered citron, and mint help disperse stagnated liver qi, and are therefore favorable for depression relief.
The tea for reducing fat includes lotus leaves, hawthorn, honeysuckle and the root of red-rooted salvia, which are good herbs for reducing fat and clearing grease. Poria and rhizoma atractylodis macrocephalage can invigorate the spleen to induce diuresis. Dried orange peels help regulate qi flow and eliminate phlegm. Bunge cherry seeds help smooth defecation and urination.
For throat soothing, the tea ingredients are Codonopsis pilosula and astragalus to help tone lungs and replenish “Qi”. Zhebei and oroxylum seeds can clear heat, relieve sore throat, and reduce phlegm. Loquat leaves and dried orange peels can moisturize lungs, and regulate qi-flow to eliminate phlegm. Poria can strengthen the spleen for diuresis and eliminate phlegm.
Dr Fayi Song
Dr Song is a TCM Therapist treating menstruation, immune dysfunction, insomnia, cardiovascular disease, digestive tract disease, and rehabilitation therapy.
Shanghai Renai Hospital International Department
Phone: 5489 3781
Website: renaihospital.com
沪ICP备15036271号-2
