For the purposes of this article, the period of spring is around early March to mid-May, defined by those milder days and an increase in activity in nature. We have now passed the equinox, and have therefore moved into the more Yang phase of the annual cycle, where the length of the day . . . → Read More: Looking After Ourselves in Spring]]>

For the purposes of this article, the period of spring is around early March to mid-May, defined by those milder days and an increase in activity in nature. We have now passed the equinox, and have therefore moved into the more Yang phase of the annual cycle, where the length of the day is for the next six months, greater than the length of the night.

Whereas in winter, Chinese wisdom teaches us to retire earlier to bed and to rise later too, with the coming of spring, we should continue to retire early, but can now begin to rise earlier. As the mornings get progressively lighter, and the birds greet the dawn with enthusiasm and joy in their song, this is a time of day which offers you the opportunity of a moment of meditation, a moment which will stand you in good stead for whatever the rest of the day may hold. Try to take a walk before work, or even just sit in your garden: the Qi at this time of the morning is fresh and renewed, like a sparkling, clear brook from which you can sip. If you cannot be outside, then begin the day with some stretches, as if awakening your body from its long, winter sleep.

We can also now become generally more physically active again. For some it may mean returning to a favourite outdoor sport. For others, it might mean engaging with the garden. Be careful to avoid a springtime injury, by just building back up to things gently.

Finally, refrain from casting off too many layers of winter clothing too soon: your body needs time to adjust to spring. March felt exceptionally warm, whereas April was cool and wet. If you feel at all chilly, then you are underdressed, and need to take prompt action.

A total of 35 breast, head and neck cancer patients, who had been experiencing lymphoedema for three or more months following their cancer treatment, received seven individualised acupuncture treatments . . . → Read More: Acupuncture helps Lymphoedema after Cancer Treatment]]> The results of an exploratory study in the UK suggest acupuncture can help improve the quality of life for patients with lymphoedema following cancer treatment.

A total of 35 breast, head and neck cancer patients, who had been experiencing lymphoedema for three or more months following their cancer treatment, received seven individualised acupuncture treatments plus six optional additional treatments. On a self-assessed scale, patients reported significant improvements in their symptoms at four and twelve week follow-up. Additionally after acupuncture treatment, pain and vitality scores showed significant improvements.

(Assessing the Feasibility of using Acupuncture and Moxibustion to Improve Quality of Life for Cancer Survivors with Upper Body Lymphoedema. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, on-line September 2011.)

Here, I offer you a brief insight into ancient Chinese wisdom, and show with the aid of some examples, how well it resonates with the results of modern medical reearch. If you take away a flavour of this short article and change just one thing in your life as a result, then your . . . → Read More: Longevity and Health Preservation]]>

Here, I offer you a brief insight into ancient Chinese wisdom, and show with the aid of some examples, how well it resonates with the results of modern medical reearch. If you take away a flavour of this short article and change just one thing in your life as a result, then your time reading it will have been well spent.

The Chinese have long been interested in lengthening life and maintaining youth, and this has informed medical practice since ancient times. “Chang shou” or long life, is considered a blessing of heaven: it is a reward to be reaped for following the teachings of traditional Chinese medicine, about work, rest, diet, dress etc. (For some specific examples of these teachings, please read some of my Seasonal Tips.)

The idea of such preventative medicine appears in the classic texts of two millenia ago: “To wait for the battle before forging the weapons, to wait until one is thirsty before digging the well, is this not too late?” It is often said that people in those days, would therefore attend for acupuncture and advice at regular intervals during the year, most usually at the change of seasons, because that is when we are more vulnerable to imbalance.

Now we shall look at just two categories from a long list which the Chinese refer to as the causes of disease: these will be our emotional life, and our diet/eating habits.

Emotions are considered in Chinese medicine, to harm us when we experience them too intensely or for too long: to be annoyed about a speeding ticket the day you have opened the envelope, would be alright; to be completely enraged or to still be angry six months later, would not! “When faced with something exasperating, one should calmly consider which is more important, anger or health.” (Cao Tong, Qing dynasty AD 1644-1912). Indeed modern research shows a bout of intense anger increases the risk of a stroke within 2 hours, by a factor of 14 (Neurology Journal 2004), and increases by a factor of 17, the likelihood of a potentially fatal heart rhythm disturbance (Circulation Journal 2004). By comparison, “Laughing makes you ten years younger.” (Chinese saying)

For good health and a sense of well being, we need to promote a harmonious flow of Qi in the body. This is achieved by meditation, relaxation, exercise, happiness, and by cultivating a free flow of all our emotions, such that particular ones do not significantly linger or predominate. “Flow with whatever is happening and let your mind be free. Stay centred by accepting whatever you are doing.” (Chuang Tzu c. BC369-286)

A lack of the more positive feelings, is seen as equally unhelpful: “People have illness because they do not have love in their life and are not cherished.” (Sun Simiao AD581-682) From the modern medical profession,”Those who feel lonely, depressed or isolated, are 3 to 5 times more likely to suffer premature death or disease. I don’t know of anything else across medicine that has such a broad and powerful impact.” (Dr Dean Ornish, Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California.) In the UK nowadays, depression is one of the top five conditions people seek acupuncture treatment for.

Turning to diet, Chinese medicine can guide not only what we eat, but how we eat it. The ancient Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, advised “The five cereals are staple food; the five fruits are auxiliary; the five meats are beneficial; the five vegetables should be taken in abundance.” 2500 years later, these priorities resonate strikingly with the UK’s “5-(portions of fruit & veg) a-Day” campaign. Over the centuries, subsequent texts reveal sophisticated developments in the use of food, including the transition to cooked food, made possible by drilling wood to create fire. Yi Yin in the Shang dynasty (BC1600-1046) emphasised that physicians should use the right kinds of food to help cure disease; food had now become equal to medicine.

Foods today are chosen to support the patient’s Qi, balance yin and yang, and to treat illness. So when recommending particular foods to a patient, an acupuncturist will take account of a host of factors, including the person’s complaint, age, constitution, living and working environment etc. You do not have to be unwell to benefit from advice on the most appropriate diet for you; we should all choose foods which help maintain our health.

Finally, there is how we eat. Never skip breakfast. “People who eat breakfast are significantly less likely to be obese and suffer from diabetes than those who usually do not.” (American Heart Association’s 43rd Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease & Prevention). Eat sitting and relaxed. Eat slowly and chew your food well. (“The stomach has no teeth”- Chinese saying.) Eat only to 7/10 full.

Below, you will find some modern medical research from which you might wish to take a few healthy living tips.

A total of 93 paediatric patients were randomly assigned to receive either usual care, or usual care plus 12 weekly acupuncture treatments which were individualised according to each patient’s traditional Chinese medical diagnosis. . . . → Read More: Acupuncture helps Childhood Asthma Rehabilitation]]> A study in Germany has shown that acupuncture can be a useful addition to usual care, in childhood asthma rehabilitation programmes.

A total of 93 paediatric patients were randomly assigned to receive either usual care, or usual care plus 12 weekly acupuncture treatments which were individualised according to each patient’s traditional Chinese medical diagnosis. In the acupuncture group following treatment, peak expiratory flow variability showed significant improvement compared with that of the control group. Additionally, the acupuncture group showed significantly reduced levels of perceived anxiety.

(Acupuncture in Children and Adolescents with Bronchial Asthma: A Randomised Controlled Study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, October 2011.)