Research & Lifestyle
THE AVICENNA CENTRE: New Developments in the Practice and Dispensing of Chinese Medicine
Posted on 01/12/2008
An Interview with Mazin Al-Khafaji from the RCHM Journal
Angiogenic Effects of the Extracts from Chinese Herbs: Angelica and ChuanXiong
Posted on 29/09/2008
New Research into Chinese Herbs for Heart Disease Angelica and ChuanXiong are used to cure ischemic heart disease in China. Previous studies found that these two herbs could increase myocardial blood flow, oxygen-supply and keep...
Use your noodle: The real Chinese diet is so healthy it could solve the West's obesity crisis
Posted on 24/09/2008
Chinese food has a bad reputation in the UK. The rice-heavy meals and fatty meat dishes are thought to lead straight to obesity and heart disease. But properly prepared, says Chinese food expert Lorraine Clissold, the very...
Summer Diet
Posted on 20/07/2008
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Seasonal Eating According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the world is a harmonious and holistic entity where all living beings are viewed in relation to the surrounding environment. Since ancient times, the Chinese have tried to explain different complicated phenomena by creating yin yang or the five element/Phase theories. Man is part of the holistic entity, and takes his cue from nature. He is influenced directly and indirectly by changes in weather and needs to make corresponding physiological and pathological responses. For example, a change of season causes the rate, rhythm, volume and tension of the pulse to vary. The pulse tends to be taut in spring, full in summer, floating in autumn, and sunken in winter. TCM physicians will take this into account when distinguishing the abnormal pulse from the normal. The occurrence, development and change in the pattern of many diseases are seasonal.
Spring Diet
Posted on 11/06/2008
Spring and Chinese Medicine The beginning of Spring is March 21st, the time of the Spring equinox when day equals night. For the next 6 months daylight, the sun and yang principle will be dominating our lives. Spring is a new beginning — the time of year to rise early with the sun and take brisk walks, yang activities, which reflect the ascending and active nature of Spring. This is nature's birthing season — the time of creation, development and a new start. Like nature, we flourish in this season - it is the time for new growth in our lives, relationships and work. Wood Element. In the Chinese system of the Five Elements (Five Phases), the Spring season is correlated with the element Wood, which governs the gall bladder and liver. The Wood element refers to living, growing entities: trees, plants and the human body. They grow simultaneously out and upward, down and inward. The colour associated with this element is the predominant one of Spring — the green of young plants.
Winter Diet
Posted on 11/06/2008
Winter and Chinese Medicine Winter is a more inward and sensitive time when Nature is resting, withdrawn deep into the earth and the roots, preparing for the Spring. Winter is a time of replenishment, rest and reflection. According to the Chinese Five Phase system, Winter is related to the element of Water. The bladder and kidneys, which deal with the body's fluid metabolism, are the organs associated with the Water element and Winter season.
A Nice Cup of Tea
Posted on 11/06/2008
In a study of 497 men and 540 women, 30 years and older, those with a history of tea consumption of between 6 and 10 years showed higher bone mineral density of the lumbar spine than non tea drinkers, and those with over 10 years history of tea consumption showed the highest bone mineral density in all measured regions of the body. (Arch Intern Med. 2002;162:1001-1006).
Chinese Herbs avert Leg Surgery
Posted on 11/06/2008
Chinese doctors used healing herbs to save the limbs of Diabetics. A major complication of diabetes is poor circulation, which can lead to ulcers and gangrene, and patients often have their feet or lower legs amputated. But...
Chinese Herbal Medicine may help breast cancer sufferers
Posted on 11/06/2008
Study has shown that Chinese Herbal Medicine may help breast cancer patients. Chinese herbal medicine may protect the immune systems of breast cancer patients from the effects of chemotherapy, researchers said today. Scientists...
Traditional Chinese Herbal cocktails could be 'cure' for eczema
Posted on 11/06/2008
Itchy skin? Chinese herbal cures could help. A cocktail of herbs used by the Chinese for thousands of years could combat the painful skin condition eczema, scientists claim. They say a potion containing five raw herbs reduced...
