Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors | Pranayama Breathing Technique for Recovery

WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share Cancer can be a terrifying ordeal for many due to the painful treatment regimens, stress and emotional trauma. During the patient’s journey to cancer recovery, they often experience sleep disturbance, anxiety and fatigue on top of the stress of usual life challenges. Today we share more about yoga for cancer patients and survivors as well as practical breathing exercises that cancer patients can do from the comforts of their home! Despite numerous improvements and advancements made in cancer treatment, there is a lack of effective symptom management solutions. Even with pharmacological interventions targeting cancer-related fatigue, the effects of these drugs often vary depending on the individual’s condition. As a form of behavioural intervention, Pranayama (Yogic Breathing Techniques) practice is a great tool that can help ease discomforts that cancer patients and survivors experience – we highly recommend this type of yoga for recovery! What is Pranayama? It is common for us to hear about Yoga, but what exactly is Pranayama? Pranayama is the 4th limb of the eight-field path of Yoga, which works with the mind and the organs of respiration. It is both a physical practice and a form of meditation. When broken down, ‘Prana’ can mean life force or breath, and ‘Ayama’ is control or regulation. Hence, Pranayama can be known as the regulation of breath. The goal of Pranayama is to strengthen the connection between the body and mind as well as promote relaxation and mindfulness. Through controlling the breath, this practice helps supply the body with oxygen while removing toxins, allowing the practitioners to reap physiological healing and health benefits. How can Pranayama help with Cancer? While Pranayama cannot cure cancer, it can help patients cope with the symptoms associated with cancer treatment as well as heal the mental-emotional stress they experienced in their cancer journey. It is a safe and effective way to counteract many of the negative physical and emotional effects of cancer. The goal of Pranayama is to strengthen the connection between the body and mind as well as promote relaxation and mindfulness. Through controlling the breath, this practice helps supply the body with oxygen while removing toxins, allowing the practitioners to reap physiological healing and health benefits. Benefits of Pranayama for cancer patients 1. Relieve Fatigue Based on the British Journal of Cancer, fatigue is one of the most prevalent cancer-related symptoms and it often causes the most adverse impact on the patient’s functional abilities and quality of life. Several studies conducted have shown that an increase in the Pranayama practice is correlated with a decrease in fatigue observed in patients. [1][2] 2. Reduce Stress Battling cancer does not only affect the physical body but also emotional and mental health. Cancer journeys can be stressful and may cause patients to feel depressed and anxious. Pranayama can reduce stress levels by supporting the parasympathetic nervous system, activating what is commonly known as the “relaxation response”. A 2013 study showed that Pranayama can improve one’s perceived level of stress! [3] 3. Improve Sleep When your body is under constant physical and mental stress, it can keep you from falling asleep and staying asleep. Pranayama can help with insomnia and make it easier for cancer patients to relax at night. It is possible to feel Pranayama’s effects with just 5 minutes of practice. According to a study, breathing rates and heart rates slowed down within 5 minutes of Bhramari Pranayama (a breathing technique) practice. This calms the body down and prepares cancer patients for restful sleep. [4] 4. Increase Mindfulness Breathing is something we normally do without giving much thought to it. But when practising Pranayama, it is important for one to be aware of the breath and how it feels. The practise focuses on the present moment, not the past or the future – this is what we mean by mindfulness. Research has shown, those who practice Pranayama display a higher level of mindfulness in comparison to those who do not. They are also able to regulate their emotions better, showing less signs of aggression. [5] So let’s get started on the practice! Today, we will be sharing 3 simple Yogic Breathing exercises that you can do at home to ease symptoms and ailments resulting from cancer or cancer treatments. For cancer patients and survivors who are unfamiliar with the Pranayama practice, consult your doctor before trying these. As everyone’s condition is different, it is important to seek precautionary advice from a health professional. Always remember to listen to your body as you do not want to push yourself to the point of pain or excessive discomfort. Exercise 1: Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing) Benefits: Relax your body and mind, reduce anxiety, induce deeper sleep, and promote overall well-being. How to practice 1. With a thumb, hold down your right nostril to allow inhalation only through the left. Take a deep breath. 2. Close your left nostril with your ring finger and exhale slowly through the right. 3. In the same position, inhale with your right nostril. 4. Close the right nostril with your thumb and exhale slowly through the left. 5. Repeat this sequence for 10 rounds. Exercise 2: Bhramari Pranayama (Humming Bee Breath) Benefits: Relax your body and mind, reduce anxiety, induce deeper sleep, and promote overall well-being. How to practice 1. Sit in any comfortable crossed-leg position with back and neck erect. 2. Keep your tongue to the upper palate and close the lips. 3. Close your ears with thumbs and cover eyes with remaining fingers. 4. Inhale deeply and produce the humming bee sound while exhaling from the throat. 5. Continue this practice for 10 rounds. Exercise 3: Hands In & Out Breathing Benefits: Overcome fatigue, make the mind more active to carry on with your day and promote overall well-being How to practice 1. Sit with your back erect and lengthen the arms in the front

Best Foods To Eat During And After Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy | The TCM Way

WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the two most common cancer treatments based on Western medicine. Though effective, these treatments are also known to cause serious side effects on the human body, some of which manifest in the form of hair loss, fatigue, dry skin, and mouth ulcers. Other serious long-term side effects include damage to important organs in our body, such as the heart, kidneys, reproductive organs, and nerve endings. These side effects may be so debilitating that it prevents patients from completing their cancer treatment. However, there are many ways to alleviate the side effects of cancer and its treatment, one of which is through food! Today, we share some of the best foods to eat during and after chemo- and radiotherapy from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective. How conventional treatments work Simply put, both radio- and chemotherapy treat cancer by killing the cells that grow and divide quickly in the body. However, this process does not discriminate between cancer and healthy cells — normal cells are also destroyed in the process. From a TCM perspective, such damage to healthy cells results in the deficiency of the body’s Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang. As such, it is essential for cancer patients to adopt a diet and lifestyle that can help alleviate these deficiencies and boost the body’s immune system. TCM Approach to Cancer and Food For Cancer Patients https://youtu.be/ii7OFzuGlfg TCM’s approach towards cancer management is a personalised one which takes into consideration the type and stage of the cancer, the type of western treatment used, and the general body constitution of the patient. Hence, it is best for all cancer patients to consult a licensed TCM practitioner for a treatment and diet plan tailored to their specific needs. That being said, there are still some easily accessible foods that cancer patients can safely incorporate into their own diet during and after chemotherapy/radiotherapy to combat the known side effects of these treatments. 1) Foods to Alleviate Yin Deficiency Symptoms (e.g. dryness, hot flashes, insomnia…) From a TCM perspective, when radiotherapy makes use of radiation energy to kill cancer cells, this damages the body’s Yin energy and results in Yin deficiency syndrome. Common symptoms of Yin deficiency include dry eyes, dry skin and lips, constant feeling of thirst, hair loss, hot flashes, hard stools, and even insomnia. In extreme cases, a severe lack of Yin in our body may even topple the delicate Yin-Yang balance in our body, resulting in both Yin and Yang deficiencies. To prevent this, we recommend eating foods such as white fungus, black fungus, wolfberries, and bird’s nest. Consuming these foods on a regular basis is beneficial to the restoration of the body’s Yin and will help alleviate symptoms of dryness and insomnia. 2) Foods to Replenish Qi and Boost Energy (for lethargy, exhaustion, poor immunity) The non-discriminatory nature of chemotherapy (where healthy cells are also destroyed) depletes our body’s Qi, thereby weakening our immunity. Cancer patients who are deficient in Qi may find themselves easily exhausted and more susceptible to illnesses. Foods that replenish Qi include Huang Qi, Cordyceps, Ginseng, and Ling Zhi. Fuss-free 5 ingredient soup recipe for a Qi and immunity boost (Serves 1) Pro-tip: Choose Premium (Wild) Huang Qi They are grown naturally in the wild which means they are free of chemicals and pesticides. Premium Huang Qi also contains a higher concentration of bioactive ingredients which helps to support the immune system and provide antioxidant effects. 3) Foods to Target Blood Deficiency Symptoms (e.g. fatigue, dizziness, hair loss, menstrual irregularities…) Since Qi is needed for stimulating Blood production in TCM, some cancer patients may also experience symptoms of Blood deficiency if their Qi and immunity has been affected by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Symptoms of Blood deficiency include pallor, fatigue, dizziness, hair loss, and even irregularities in menstrual cycles for women. Foods like black fungus, red meat, longan and red date tea are beneficial to patients with Blood deficiencies. Patients with both Qi and Blood deficiencies are also encouraged to consume moderate amounts of lean meats in the form of soup or broth. Add pandan leaves to the brew for extra fragrance – it helps detox too! Apart from eating healthy foods, establishing a healthy lifestyle is just as important for a cancer patient. Patients are advised to get rid of health-damaging habits like smoking and alcohol consumption, and avoid overconsuming processed, sugary, and fried foods. Try these ready-to-boil soup packs that alleviates all of the above symptoms Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is the key to mitigating the negative side effects of chemo- and radio-therapies. Once again, this article serves as a general guideline for cancer patients seeking to improve their diet for cancer support. We recommend consulting a licensed TCM physician for careful assessment and a more holistic and personalized diet plan. If you are a cancer warrior who is looking to support your cancer journey with TCM, call/WhatsApp us at +65 8087 0486 to book an appointment with our bilingual physicians. This article is written by Senior Physician Mei Yun. Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only. Such medical information may relate to disease, injury, drugs and other treatments, medical devices and/or health products. Medical information does not amount to advice, and if advice is needed an appropriate professional help should be sought. The disclaimer asserts that no warranties or representations are given in respect of the medical information, and that the website operator should not be held liable if a user suffers any injury or loss after relying upon the medical information. RELATED TOPICS

5 Strategies For Cancer Patients To Eat Right During And After Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy

WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share A collaboration with Nutritional Therapist Katherine Khoo from Aman Wellness Written by Katherine Khoo Our nutritional status directly impacts our body’s metabolism. Too much or too little of a certain nutrient, affects our cellular metabolism. This is true for all cells, including cancer cells. Our nutritional status plays an important role in preventing cancer development and cancer growth. I know that many people are well aware of the importance of eating right during cancer treatment. However, not many know how to eat right, to complement their treatment. In this article, I will be sharing my take on this question – what is “eating right” for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy? What is an ideal cancer diet plan? I laid out 5 strategies, in partnership with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Physicians from Oriental Remedies Group, to help you plan your diet during and after cancer treatment. 1. Calorie matters Use calorie counting apps to track your calories objectively 📝 For cancer, calories do matter. Numerous studies have shown that dietary energy reductions (calorie reduction) significantly reduces the growth and progression of several types of cancers including mammary, colon, brain, prostate, lung, and pancreas. Calorie reduction is best practised on individuals that are still in relatively good health. It is important to note that calorie reduction is not the same as starvation. Calorie reduction is different from the once-popular Super Low-Calorie Diet, which recommended an intake of only 800 calories a day or less. My recommendation is a slight calorie reduction of 5% to 10%, this reduction has been shown to have a positive effect on cancer. As an example, if a cancer patient’s daily caloric requirement is 2000 calories, then a slight reduction of 100 to 200 calories daily is recommended. 100 calorie reduction is about ½ bowl of rice. Thus, by just reducing ½ bowl of rice daily, a cancer patient could be creating a positive effect on his or her treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine DIY acupressure can aid appetite control It can be difficult for you to control your appetite at times. Physicians at Oriental Remedies Group (ORG) recommend these common acupoints that you can massage in the comforts of your home to help with natural appetite suppression. Acupuncture can also help with anxiety for patients who may still be feeling shocked or anxious about their diagnosis. Acupoint 1 – Hunger point and Stomach point (Ear acupuncture) Source: BMJ Journals Auricular acupuncture was found to be able to suppress Ghrelin production. Ghrelin is a hormone produced by the cells of the stomach. It is often called the “hunger hormone” because its production increases food intake. Blood levels of Ghrelin are often highest before meals and lower after mealtimes. Suppression of Ghrelin production can thus make one feel more satiated by decreasing gastric activity and gastric acid secretion. Both Hunger point and Stomach point are both easily accessible. Stomach point can be found at the point where the crus of helix ends, also known as the 4th zone of the concha auriculae. Hunger point can be found at the lower tip of the anterior free margin of the tragus. These points can be easily stimulated by pressing hard on said point using a finger by using ear beads that can be stuck on to the point for continued stimulation up to a week. Stimulation of the points can be done for 5-10 minutes before mealtime to achieve the best effect. Acupoint 2 – Nei Ting acupoint ST 44 Source: Modern Reflexology Nei Ting acupoint is an important point for purging heat from the Stomach meridian. Heat that accumulates in the Stomach meridian can cause pathogenic Fire leading to excessive hunger. Massage and acupuncture of this point can help purge heat in the meridian and aid in lowering the intensity of hunger pangs. Massage by moving the second and third toe apart using your left hand and rubbing the acupoint using your right index finger. Another way is to soak your feet in warm water, making sure the water level exceeds that of Nei Ting acupoint. 2. Processed vs Unprocessed White bread, biscuits and even instant oats sold in supermarkets are also processed! As much as possible, eat wholesome, unprocessed foods. Avoid all processed foods during this phase. Processing food removes nutrients from the food that your body requires to recover after cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Processed food contains chemicals like preservatives and food colourings are added to increase shelf life and make the product more visually appealing. Various articles and reports have been published stating the dangers of these food additives when consumed in huge quantities. Some of these additives are known to increase the risk of asthma, allergies, inflammation, and cancer. In conclusion, it is best to avoid highly processed food items. There are many local organic farms in Singapore that sell their fresh produce online giving you farm to home options for fresh fruits and vegetables. Source your fresh vegetables, fruits, and even cooking herbs from them! Traditional Chinese Medicine natural herbs can further support your recovery Eat herbs that are high in antioxidants Increased oxidative stress can reduce the body’s antioxidant defence against angiogenesis and spread of cancer cells. Hence, eating a diet with herbs full of antioxidants can reduce this oxidative stress. Common TCM herbs used by cancer patients are Huang Qi 黄芪 (Astragalus) and Ling Zhi 灵芝, both of which are very high in antioxidants. Select high-quality herbs that are free from chemicals and pesticides For example, opt for naturally grown Huang Qi that is harvested from the wild. Naturally grown Huang Qi 黄芪 has a higher concentration of bioactive ingredients that gives the herb its antioxidant, immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory properties. Make it easy for yourself to incorporate herbs into your diet Many TCM herb suppliers have put together convenient herbal soup packs that are easy for busy patients to add to their daily soups. Find a herbal soup pack that is most suited

5 Ways To Strengthen Your Immunity Naturally | The TCM Way

WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share A collaboration with Eatprayflying, originally posted on Eatprayflying.com Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) came under the global spotlight earlier this year when it served a critical role in China’s battle with COVID-19. As scientists around the world are racing against time to formulate a vaccine, more individuals worldwide are turning to traditional remedies to strengthen their immune system. In TCM, your body houses a vital energy called Qi which essentially creates a protective shield, protecting you from external pathogens. This is why TCM focuses on nourishing your Qi to strengthen your immune system! Signs of weak immunity A simple 👅 test can also indicate the state of your immunity – take a mirror or use your smartphone camera to do a quick check! A tongue with scallop outline/teeth marks and a greasy coating (middle picture) is a sign of Qi deficiency and weakened immunity. Other signs of a compromised immune system: Frequent colds/ flus/ body aches Chronic Fatigue Digestive Issues Chronic skin conditions, allergies and inflammation So what can you do to improve your immunity? 1) Eat yellow foods  Did you know? Nearly 70% of your immune system is located in your digestive tract? This is why your gut health is so important in maintaining your overall health and immune system. According to TCM’s 5 element theory, the spleen is responsible for your body’s digestive functions and is linked to the colour yellow. Hence, yellow foods helps to nourish your spleen and improve your gut health. Best yellow foods for healthy diet: Pumpkin Sweet Potato Ginger Turmeric 2) Incorporate Huang Qi (Astragalus) for immunity Huang Qi (Astragalus) is one of the most commonly used herbs in TCM for Qi nourishment and has been an ancient favourite for more than 2000 years! It also has immunoregulatory, anticancer, antitumor and antioxidant properties, making it a powerful all-rounder. [1] Pro-tip: Choose The Right Huang Qi I always go for premium Huang Qi which is naturally grown and harvested – this means that they are chemicals & pesticides free! How to tell organic wild Huang Qi from farmed ones? 💛 Colour – Sliced organic Huang Qi’s yellow colour can vary from plant to plant depending on the environment it grows in. Cultivated ones tend to have a stronger yellow colour. 🌿 Fibre Pattern – Fibres on organic Huang Qi slices are not so defined and the pattern also varies from plant to plant. How to use Huang Qi? Physician Leong Weizhen from Oriental Remedies Group (TCM chain in Singapore) recommends using 1-3g of Huang Qi (with up to 1.5L of water) to brew tea on a daily basis 🍵  *Editor’s note: I’m personally very lazy to concoct my own tea so I usually opt for pre-packed tea bags like Oriental Remedies Group’s Immunity Tea! 3) Massage acupressure points Use 4 of your own fingers to get an estimate of 3 inches TCM Physician’s recommendations Massage each point twice a day using finger massage/palmar massage Finger Massage: up to 5mins each time Palmar Massage: 10 – 15mins each time ☝🏽 Finger massage Press in deep and rotate your fingers, your fingers should be in contact with your abdomen as you massage the points. ✋🏽Palmar massage Place both palms facing your abdomen, one palm on top of the other and rotate both palms together in a single direction. 4) Reduce stress and get enough sleep Chronic stress and sleep deprivation (sleep hrs and quality) can weaken your Qi and immunity. This is very common in busy professionals who lead a stressful life with little time to unwind and rest. 💆🏻 Destress and refresh Set aside time for relaxation – if you don’t plan to take a break, you plan to not take a break. Prevent missing out on your downtime by creating an event on your work calendar, treat it as a task instead of an indulgence! 🛌 Get enough sleep hours and quality sleep Adults should aim to get 7 hours of good quality sleep daily. If you find it difficult to fall asleep or wake up feeling lethargic despite enough sleep hours, you could be making these 3 mistakes. More tips on how to sleep better here I used to think I could repay my slept debt during the weekends, little did I know that it was affecting my sleep quality! I shared more about tips on how to sleep better in another post – learn more! 5) Wind Researchers found that air pollution can suppress the immune system’s natural functions and was linked to causing a greater severity of asthma symptoms and lower lung capacity. [2] Prolonged exposure to poor air quality can cause chronic inflammation, asthma is merely one of the resulting conditions due to a malfunctioning immune system. TCM Physician’s recommendations Massage each point twice a day using finger massage/palmar massage Finger Massage: up to 5mins each time Palmar Massage: 10 – 15mins each time While plants are great additions to spruce up your place, their abilities in purifying the air of pollution has been overstated. They are unable to clean the air quickly enough to improve the air quality. [3] 🍃 Air Ionisers are more effective in cleaning the air Air ionisers emit negative ions that eliminate airborne pollutants including dust, bacteria and even viruses. Negative Ions work by attracting positively-charged pollutants in the air by making them heavier and fall to the ground. As a result, the air that we breathe in is now cleaned and safer. [4] PS, I invested in a Reltec’s Air Ioniser years ago and it is still going strong. It is a robust machine that is portable and small so you can keep it anywhere and move it to any indoor area as you wish. It’s currently on sale so it’s a great time to get your hands on one – more info here. On Sale: Reltec’s Air Ioniser As Singapore reopens

Effectively Counter Ageing And Chronic Diseases With TCM

Effectively Counter Ageing And Chronic Diseases With TCM WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share Ageing is a natural, yet complex process that occurs in everyone. In the latest biomedical research, it is revealed that telomere length can be used as an indicator of a person’s biological age (which is different from chronological age). Research has shown that many factors – including exercise, sleep, emotional dysregulation and certain gene mutations – can reduce telomere length and result in premature biological ageing. An example would be a recent study which demonstrated that children who had lost their fathers had significantly shorter telomeres. According to ‘Shen Nong’, who is venerated as the Father of Chinese Medicine, the process of ageing typically begins after 35 years old and is characterized by a decline in bodily functions. From a TCM perspective, ageing is the process of losing kidney ‘qi’ and essence along the kidney meridian. The meridians are energy channels that allow qi to flow throughout the body. Similar to the concept of shortening telomeres, we believe that both internal and external factors contribute to ageing in TCM. What will I expect during the process of ageing and why is this a concern? Typically, once we reach the peak of our lives at the age of 28 and 32 years old respectively for females and males, our bodily functions gradually start to decline. Many people do not see this as a problem since everyone has to go through this phase. However, chronic diseases and conditions are on a rise worldwide and we now see an increasing trend of younger people having such conditions. This means that people are ageing ahead of their chronological age, due to a variety of reasons. There is a need to have preventive measures in place before the onset of such conditions and TCM treatments are getting more popular in the prevention and slowing down of disease progression. Some of the signs and symptoms that accompany the process of ageing include high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, decreased appetite, poor sleep, fatigue, incontinence, dizziness, gray hair, hair loss, fragile bones, etc. Although this is a natural process, the symptoms that accompany the ageing process can sometimes be very uncomfortable and at times, pose danger to our lives. If these signs and symptoms are not controlled well, they often develop into chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and stroke. The tendency to succumb to illnesses increases as age progresses due to a decrease in bodily functions, which in turn lowers immunity. A decline in mental ability during the process of ageing could potentially result in dementia or psychiatric disorders such as depression. What causes the development of ‘ageing’ diseases from a TCM perspective? From a TCM perspective, age-related changes are mainly due to organ degeneration and exhaustion of fundamental substances (from a functional aspect). [1] When there is an imbalance of the fundamental substances, pathological changes take place and disease progression occurs. 1) Exhaustion of fundamental substances The human body is made up of a continuous, dynamic system of fundamental substances such as qi, essence (jing), blood, body fluids and spirit (shen), that interact together to create the activities making up life. In the natural process of ageing, these substances gradually weaken and becomes depleted, slowing down bodily activities. This is reflected in the common signs of ageing, such as loss of hair, fragile bones, and gray hair. 2) Organ degeneration The kidneys store the essence of life and have the most important role in the process of ageing. With depletion in the essence, the kidneys main function of propelling life and maintaining physiological balances fails and hence leads to a decline in vitality. Another major organ that contributes to the process of ageing is the spleen, which is a manufacturer of qi, as well as a good storage place for qi. As we age, the function of the spleen in metabolizing nutrients decreases, and it is no longer able to ensure proper nourishment and replenishment of the body. The organs in our body become under-nourished and this contributes to various conditions such as fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. 3) Accumulation of metabolic wastes Environmental influences or lifestyle habits such as overeating, straining, inadequate exercise and stress contribute to the accumulation of metabolic wastes. As we age, the function of internal organs slow down and they can no longer remove metabolic wastes as effectively. In TCM, the San Jiao works to help remove metabolic waste and it is important to maintain its optimal function as we age. How do we help patients with chronic diseases here at Oriental Remedies Group? Fret not, as there is hope. Your biological age can be much younger than your chronological age with proper and timely intervention. Herbal Medication Herbal medication helps in countering chronic diseases by replenishing the fundamental substances. The active ingredients of herbs play a great part in the replenishment process. Herbs such as ginseng contains bio-active metabolites which help to increase lifespan and regulate the function of multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular and nervous systems, through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Another common herb, gouqi, has been reported to mediate significant anti-ageing effects through anti-oxidant, immunoregulative,  and anti-apoptotic activities and reducing DNA damage. Acupuncture Acupuncture is the insertion of fine, thin needles through the skin at particular acupoints to help stimulate specific functions. Acupuncture typically increases blood circulation to the area, promotes elasticity of muscle fibers and improves muscular contractility. As such, it helps to stimulate collagen production, clear blockages, correct imbalances of Yin and Yang energy and promote self-healing of the body. Massaging certain acupoints also helps in removal of toxins to improve conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Electro-Lymphatic Therapy(ELT) Electro-Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (ELT) is a gentle and non-invasive therapy that helps to stimulate proper flow and drainage of the lymphatic system, simulating the effects of a lymphatic drainage massage or tuina without the pain and pressure. ELT is performed using an FDA-registered wellness device

An Integrative TCM Approach To Relieving Your Chronic Pain

An Integrative TCM Approach To Relieving Your Chronic Pain WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share Are you suffering from chronic pain? Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts or recurs for more than three months. It has been reported that chronic pain affects around 20% of people worldwide. While most people think chronic pain is something that only exists in elderly people, there is a rising trend of our younger population complaining of aches and pain that is persistent and recurrent. These aches and pains are commonly seen in our clinic with patients as young as 21 years old, some in the prime of their life (30s to 40s), and many who are our seniors of the Merdeka and Pioneer generation. Chronic pain is not gender-specific and non-biased. And while pain can occur in every part of the body, back pain is one of the more common issues that we see in our patients – research has shown that approximately 15% to 30% of adults suffer from back pain each year. [1][2] As the saying goes: Knowing is half the battle won. Knowing how chronic pain comes about and mitigating the aggravating factors goes a long way in the management of chronic pain. Depending on the age and type of condition, some can even rid themselves of their pain baggage with proper treatment and care. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been backed by much research to be effective in pain management. For example, a National Institutes of Health study on chronic myofascial pain suggests that TCM is safe and frequently efficacious alone or subsequent to standard psycho-social interventions.[3]  TCM is widely available and provides patients with an effective, natural form of pain relief therapy. The following list includes some medical conditions (not exhaustive) commonly associated with chronic pain: Headaches Sprains Joint pain/ Arthritis/ Arthralgia Neck  and shoulder pain Back pain and sciatica Tennis elbow (Epicondylitis) Tightness and pain at the elbow and forearm can result in weakness when gripping Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Numbness/pain at the palm and first three and half fingers, with possible tightness and ache at forearm or muscle wastage in the palm if severe Mechanical back syndrome, Rotator cuff tendonitis Pain and ache at the neck, back and shoulders can vary among different individuals in area and severity Trigger finger, DeQuervain’s syndrome/Mother’s thumb Pain with difficulty when flexing or extending the finger joints; feeling as though fingers are ‘locked’ Fibromyalgia Post-operative pain Cancer pain Common causes of chronic pain and pain relief methods Below are some common causes and methods to relieve chronic musculoskeletal pain from both biomedical and TCM perspectives. 1) Repetitive strain This usually occurs due to repetitive movements and over-usage of muscles. You can sustain repetitive strain injury when at work, during exercise, doing housework (such as washing dishes, cooking or cleaning the floor), or even at rest (when bending your head down to look at your phone or play mobile games on your tablet). Some of the specific common pains due to repetitive strain include tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and ‘Mother’s thumb’. Besides taking pain killers, anti-inflammatory medicine and applying pain relief plasters, those who prefer a gentler, natural approach rather than steroid injections or surgeries achieve good results in their pain management with a combination of TCM and Tech-enhanced treatments – more information on Tech-enhanced treatments are shared below. 2) Poor posture and lack of exercise Due to many city dwellers’ sedentary and stressful lifestyles, we are often not just in a bad posture, but we are in it for prolonged periods because we are focused on other tasks at hand. When we move and exercise less, the disuse of our bodies leads to a deterioration of many bodily functions. Disuse syndrome has received much attention in relation to back pain problems, chronic pain disorders, and other illnesses. It has been generalized beyond chronic pain problems and some feel it is related to “the base of much human ill-being.” At work, office workers should always ensure that their sitting postures do not strain their neck, back and wrists. They should take short breaks at roughly 1-hour intervals to prevent stagnation in Qi and Blood, which can result in stiffness and aches. Additional attention should be made to avoid a forward head posture, which is the result of bending over and looking downwards too often (in the case of mobile phone usage). When sleeping, a good pillow of appropriate height and firmness should be used so that neck muscles are relaxed and that the cervical joints are well supported. Source: Fairfield Physiotherapy This usually occurs due to repetitive movements and over-usage of muscles. You can sustain repetitive strain injury when at work, during exercise, doing housework (such as washing dishes, cooking or cleaning the floor), or even at rest (when bending your head down to look at your phone or play mobile games on your tablet). Some of the specific common pains due to repetitive strain include tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and ‘Mother’s thumb’. Location Back exercise for pain relief Upper back Chin tuck Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Your shoulders should be relaxed and down. Now pull your chin in toward your neck. Count to five, then relax. Repeat 10 times. Chest and upper back stretch Clasp your hands behind your back or behind the back of your chair and stretch your chest forward. Slowly lift your head and stretch as far back as possible. Hold for at least 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times. Low back Low back twist Lie down on the ground. Bend your knees with both feet planted on the ground, hip-width apart.Drop your knees to the left as you turn your head to the right. Hold for 10 seconds.Then drop your knees to the right and turn your head to the left. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times. 3)