Newsletter Issue 7- TCM Postpartum
Unforgettable Experience - Childbirth
Childbirth is usually a unique and unforgettable experience for most women of childbearing age. From pregnancy all the way to labour deliver and one month of confinement Zou Yue Zi (坐月子).
Zou Yue Zi (坐月子)
Practicing confinement after giving birth is a common practice in Asia, and more so in China. It’s the time when new moms are confined to the house with her baby so that she can rest and heal.
- No Bathing, No Air-Con & Fan, WHY?
Traditionally, new mothers were strictly prohibited from washing themselves for a month. This was to limit “Yin” from entering their bodies.
- Ginger & Daifonai (大风艾)
“Lucky for all new modern mothers” Instead of the no-bathing rule, modern Chinese women can use specially prepared hot water boiled with Ginger or Daifonai (大风艾)to wash during the confinement period. Its unique formula and ease of use has proven effective for modern day mothers, and its natural herbal ingredients are free from artificial coloring and preservative.
TCM Views & Advise
TCM considers that childbirth is synonymous with imbalance, as it involves a significant loss of blood, causing a new mother’s body to enter a state of yin. Cold food and drinks are strictly prohibited during the period. Chinese believe right from pregnancy to labour, a woman needs good nutrition to nurture the foetus. Also, it’s obvious that a woman loses her strength during childbirth; hence food is an integral part of the health recovery tradition.
Nourishment
The first organ system we need to pay attention to during postpartum recovery is the spleen and stomach “digestion”. In Chinese medicine, our digestion is responsible for transforming food into Qi, blood, Yin and Yang. Post pregnancy body constitutions are prone to deficiency syndromes, mothers need to take foods that are warm or hot to neutral in nature.
问思恩中医 - 李英 医师 (虚不受补, 乳汁不足, 产后身痛, 产后瘦身, 活血化淤)
产后元气、津血俱伤,腠理疏松,所谓“产后百节空虚“,生活稍有不慎或调摄失当,均可致气血不调,脏腑功能失常,而变生产后诸疾,很容易出现发热、多汗、肠胃不适、身痛等症状,如果产前还有其他的疾病,产后也有可能引发。因此,产后正确的调养对产妇是很重要的。
How Much You Know About Postpartum Depression (PPD)?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a depressive disorder often occurring within one year of delivery. It is one of the most common postnatal complications, most women with PPD will exhibit symptoms by their 3rd week postpartum.
Effective, Safe And Well-Tolerated Monotherapy For Depression
Acupuncture can promote relaxation by lowering blood pressure, mitigating the release of stress hormones, and promoting healthy circulation in mothers, the same can also benefit the baby. Is just like a shift in the central nervous system’s state—from ‘fight or flight’ (sympathetic) to ‘rest and digest’ (parasympathetic), promoting relaxation and regeneration on a cellular level.
Inside this Issue
TCM Postpartum
- Unforgettable Experience - Childbirth
- Zou Yue Zi (坐月子)
- No Bathing, No Air-Con & Fan, WHY?
- Ginger & Daifonai (大风艾)
- TCM Views & Advise
- Nourishment
- 问思恩中医 - 李英 医师
虚不受补, 乳汁不足, 产后身痛, 产后瘦身, 活血化淤. - How Much You Know About Postpartum Depression (PPD)?
- Effective, Safe And Well-Tolerated Monotherapy For Depression
Newsletter Issue 6- TCM Dermatology
Healthy And Radiant Skin
In TCM, the radiance, and color of our skin reflect how well our body systems and internal organs are functioning. By visiting a beauty salon may help us achieve a temporary boost in our complexion, but to achieve naturally radiant skin we need to have a healthy lifestyle and identify these underlying causes to restore balance in the body for lasting beauty.
TCM nourishes Qi and Blood of the body and thus increases overall circulation of the body, which promotes healthier skin.
TCM herbs are natural and do not have side effects on our body system, therefore it is safer to use TCM for a long-term regime.
Physician Teo Hwee Chin (Reg. Number: T0101288B) TCM Board Registered Physician)
Yin Or Yang?
Women, thus are prone to be deficient in yin, particularly when menstruating, pregnant, in labor and breastfeeding. These activities deplete the blood, which is yin in nature. Men are more likely to consume foods that are high in sugar and fat content and drinking alcohol will exacerbate the accumulation of heat and dampness in the body, making them more susceptible to skin problems related to excessive heat (yang).
Common Skin Disorder
- What is Pigmentation (Melasma)?
- What is Eczema?
Can TCM Treat Eczema?
TCM involves a highly distinctive diagnostic approach which allows each patient to be treated on an individual basis. It manages eczema through a holistic approach of harmonising the body’s ‘yin yang qi xue’ (阴阳气血).
Skin Health Boosting With Acupuncture
Acupuncture also helps dispel the heat and dampness that cause skin problems. Physicians mainly stimulate body points along the spleen and large intestine meridians, which aim to clear heat, cool blood, nourish yin, enrich blood, eliminate wind and stop itching.
- 中医忌口常 见 "发 物" 一 览 表
有人有过这样的体验:吃了虾,皮肤发痒;吃了牛羊肉,痔疮会复发。为什么会这样?吃了发物容易诱发疾病,尤其是旧疾,或者加重已发的疾病。因此,在中医治疗皮肤病的同时,经常提醒患者要忌口,因为忌口在皮肤病的治疗上具有重要的意义。
Try It Yourself TCM D.I.Y Corner
Do you know?
By massaging selected acupoints helps to enhance the flow along meridian pathways. It transports oxygen and nutrients efficiently to the skin and the entire body. Acupressure massage can also slow the ageing process and restore radiance to our skin. All it takes are five minutes a day. Sharing with you 4 acupoints that helps!
Home D.I.Y Remedy:
- 银 耳百 合 汤
- Honeysuckle Tea
Inside this Issue
TCM Dermatology
- Healthy And Radiant Skin
- Yin Or Yang?
- Common Skin Disorder
- What is Pigmentation (Melasma)?
- What is Eczema? - Skin Health Boosting With Acupuncture
- 中医忌口常 见 "发 物" 一 览 表 由李翎凤中医师 撰稿 - Try It Yourself TCM D.I.Y Corner
Newsletter Issue 5 - Women Health (Female Reproductive)
Reproductive Years in Female
Woman’s body experiences many different hormonal changes beginning at puberty, through menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and beyond. Many women especially those around the mid 30s will tend to have problems such as menstrual pain (经痛), fibroid in the uterus (子宫肌瘤) and endometriosis (子宫内膜异位症).
Women Health A TCM Perspective
The three primary organs governing women’s health are the Spleen, Liver and Kidney. All health practices such as yoga, Taichi and healthy diet replenish ‘Kidney’ essence. Over work, stress, poor diet, and excessive sexual activity are poor lifestyle choices that weaken the kidney essence.
Why Do We Have Menstrual Pain?
Menstrual pain can be due to an excess syndrome (实证), a deficiency syndrome (虚证) or a combination of both(虚实夹杂)at times. A common cause of excess syndrome is obstruction of Qi, Blood or Liver essence to the uterus due to stress, over-consumption of cold drinks and food or long hours in low temperature air-conditioned environment.
问思恩中医 (洪美燕医师解说)
是不是所有痛经(Dysmenorrhea)都是因为“宫寒”?到底什么是“宫寒”
Relieve period pain with TCM
TCM treatments for menstrual pain vary, from herbal therapy and acupuncture to external heat therapy and moxibustion, which involves the burning of mugwort, a small spongy herb over the skin.
The Power of Acupuncture
Acupuncture’s powerful regulating influence can help to restore a regular rhythm and flow to women’s cycles by reducing cramps, heavy bleeding and menstrual irregularity. It’s ability to calm the nervous system also provide a much welcome settling effect on the mood changes that many women struggle with during this time.
TCM - Do It Yourself
- 4 Acupressure Point for Relieving of Menstruation Discomfort
- Home Remedy of Ginger Tea and Red Date Tea
What do Endometriosis and Fibroids have in common?
In TCM term, women’s growth in the pelvic area is classified as症瘕 (female abdomen growth). Depending on the severity of other symptoms such as menstrual pain, irregular periods or infertility, patients may be treated under 痛经(menstrual pain), 经期延长 (prolonged menstruation) or 不孕(infertility) etc.
Inside this Issue
Women Health - (Female Reproductive)
- Reproductive Years In Female
- Women Health - A TCM Perspective
- Why Do We Have Menstrual Pain?
- Relieve Period Pain With TCM
- The Power of Acupuncture
- TCM - Do It Yourself
- What Do Endometriosis And Fibroids Have In Common?
Newsletter Issue 4 - Joint And Muscle Care Seniors
Health Issues Explained (Aging Gracefully)
Muscles, joints, and bones are vital to movement. They enable us to accomplish complex feats such as downhill skiing and simple tasks like writing with a pencil. As we age, our bones lose density, muscles lose flexibility and joints become worn. Within TCM, the belief is that the cause of Bone Bi is environmental.
淺談关节痛与中医诊疗方法
全世界很多国家目前都陷入老龄化问题,伴随而来的就是老年人健康问题。今天主要讲讲老年人普遍存在的一个问题 - 关节痛。引起关节痛的原因非常复杂,从西医的角度讲关节畸形、退变、尿酸、骨刺、骨质增生等都可以引起关节痛.
What is Arthritis?
In TCM, Arthritis are caused by a blockage that prevents the smooth flow of Qi through-out your body and inflammation of the joints. Because this blockage is associated with the bones, it is called Bone Bi. Bone Bi is a blockage that impacts the bones and joints. It can affect one joint or multiple joints.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide, especially after the age of 50 years and is more common among females than males. It commonly affects hip, knee and spine. When bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage.
How to Maintain Good Joint and Muscle?
You can’t always prevent arthritis. Some causes, such as increasing age, family history, and gender (many types of arthritis are more common in women), are out of your control. We have 5 tips to share with you on how to maintain good joint and muscle.
TCM Care & advices on Joint and Muscle
TCM suggests Acupuncture, TuiNa and Herbs Diet like combining herbs, such as eucommia bark, common achyranthes, boswellia, myrrh, tumeric, winter cherry and dried ginger, to improve circulation and relax muscles. Acupuncture and TuiNa helps unblock meridians, restore functions, improve circulation, facilitate osteoblast activities, relieve pain, inflammation and stiffness.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot - For chronic condition like fibromyalgia, arthritis, or lower back pain, try heating things up. Soaking in warm water or applying a heated compress, research has shown that heat treatments can loosen stiff joints and relieve achy muscles.
Cold - Cold has the opposite effect of heat, it reduces blood flow and decreases inflammation.
Inside this Issue
Joint And Muscle Care Seniors
- Health Issues Explained
(Aging Gracefully) - 淺談关节痛与中医诊疗方法
- What Is Arthritis?
- What Is Osteoarthritis?
- How To Maintain Good Joint And Muscle?
- TCM Care & Advices On Joint And Muscle
- Hot And Cold Therapy
Newsletter Issue 3 - Mind Wellness
Health Issues Explained (Mind Wellness)
Mind wellness is a positive state of mental health. Making sure it receives proper nourishment and energy are important. Our mind is the window to our body and soul it also determines how our body functions. As ‘Qi’ circulates through the body, it flows through the body’s “meridians,” such as the lungs, heart, spleen, liver, kidneys, stomach, gallbladder and so on.
Managing Stress and Anxiety with TCM
Your Liver is the No.1 organ that is most affected by stress and anxiety so ensuring a smooth flow of the Qi & Blood, nourishing the liver, calming the mind and eliminating any heat or dampness are the key.
Coping with Stress from Unemployment
It can be easy to turn to habits such as drinking too much or bingeing on junk food for comfort. But these will only provide fleeting relief and in the long-term will make you feel even worse. Acknowledging your feelings and challenging your negative thoughts, on the other hand, will help you deal with the loss and move on.
How Much Do Insomnia Affect and Stress You
Insomnia always has a very close relationship with stress. In TCM insomnia is a manifestation of a Shen (spirit) disorder which various internal disharmonies makes the spirit restless and thus creates sleeping problems.
Coping with Year-End PSLE/O/A Level Exam
With fewer kids, parents can afford better resources and surely want the best for their kids. So, it may be intentional or unintentional that they want to see results after investing their time and money. When facing your child, always be supportive and give constructive feedback while avoiding being critical and negative.
Benefits of Immunity Health Screening with TCM
TCM treat diseases by taking into account your body constitution targeting the root cause to address your symptoms. With proper TCM intervention, Si En TCM aims to help you regain internal balance and strengthen your body’s resistance to diseases.
Inside this Issue
Mind Wellness
- Health Issues Explained
(Mind Wellness) - Managing Stress And Anxiety With TCM
- Coping With Stress From Unemployment
- How Much Do Insomnia Affect And Stress You
- Coping With Year-End PSLE/O/A Level Exam
- Benefits Of Immunity Health Screening With TCM
Newsletter Issue 2 - Understanding what's COVID-19
Health Issues Explained
Bacteria are tiny microorganisms that are made up of a single cell. They are very diverse and they can survive in different environments. Viruses are another type of tiny microorganism, although they’re even smaller than bacteria. Unlike bacteria, viruses can't survive without a host. They can only reproduce by attaching themselves to cells.
Do You Know the Difference Between Them?
It's difficult to determine whether an illness is viral or bacterial because many ailments including pneumonia, meningitis, and diarrhea can be caused by either. But your doctor may be able to determine the cause by listening to your medical history and doing a physical exam like blood or urine test to help confirm a diagnosis, or a "culture test" of tissue to identify these illness causing bacteria or viruses.
Tips for Prevention
Currently there is no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Wearing masks is primarily to protect others, as well as offering some degree of protection to the wearer.
TCM Health Advice Corner
You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within 2 metre of a person who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.
How TCM Can Help During This "Circuit Breaker" Period?
TCM experts also shared the "three drugs and three prescriptions" they used in Covid-19 treatment. The drugs were commonly used by the public to treat cold and flu as well as relieving fever and cough while the prescriptions were developed by the team based on existing formulae used in lung cleansing and detoxifying, controlling inflammation and increasing lymphocytes.
TCM Herbs to Combat Cold and Flu
Qing Fei Pai Du Tang works by ventilating the lungs, releasing the exterior, clearing heat and phlegm, and promoting fluid removal; the formula is acrid and cooling in nature. Patients that recovered from CoVid-19 can continue to seek TCM rehabilitation, to receive supplemental treatment by Chinese medicines according to their symptoms and constitution.
Inside this Issue
Understanding what's COVID-19
- Health Issues Explained
- Do You Know The Difference Between Them?
- Tips For Prevention
- TCM Health Advice Corner
- How TCM Can Help During This "Circuit Breaker" Period?
- TCM Herbs To Combat Cold And Flu
Newsletter Issue 1 - Immunity & You
Health Issues Explained
To be immunologically fit, you need to be physically fit. A compromised or dysfunctional immune system is a major component of most chronic diseases. Poor nutrition, stress and exposure to harmful agents all lead to a declining immune system.
Boosting the Immune System with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Our immune system is like a protective blanket that keeps the cold, excessive heat, wind and illness away. In Chinese medicine when someone is healthy and happy, we say they have good Qi, pronounced Chee, or energy. Qi has many different roles in our health and body. The different roles and abilities of this “magic” word called Qi can be divided into many things.
TCM Health Advice Corner
According to TCM, the body is protected by something known as the Wei Qi (卫气). There are multiple tools in the TCM practitioner’s tool box that can assist in keeping the immune system strong and healthy, including acupuncture, moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, herbs, cupping and nutrition.
5 TCM Herbs to Naturally Boost Your Immunity System
Astragalus Root, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Goji Berries & Chrysanthemum.
TCM Tonics and Supplement
- Ganoderma Lucidum, the King of herbs, has a long history of use for promoting health, vitality and longevity. (Yi Shi Yuan Pure LingZhi Cracked Spores Capsules)
- The combination of carefully harvested and processed herbs helps you to maintain immune health and maintain well organ function efficiently. (900KYB Plus Essence)
Inside this Issue
Immunity & You
- Health Issues Explained
- Boosting the Immune System with Traditional Chinese Medicine
- TCM Health Advice Corner
- 5 TCM Herbs to Naturally Boost Your Immunity System
- TCM Tonics and Supplement
Like our TCM Newsletter & article? Read more similar articles here! Or follow our Facebook Page or subscribe to our mailing list below to stay updated on any new TCM articles, promotions and happenings!