Self-care Essential: Far-Infrared Therapy | For Immunity, Beauty, Chronic Conditions
Physician Jesslyn Poh What is self-care? And why is it important? Self-care is an act of caring for oneself, prioritising one’s mind and body wellness to achieve optimal happiness and health. The need for self care is getting more obvious recently. 1 in every 8 people in the world live with a mental disorder[1], with anxiety and depressive disorders the most common. In 2020, the number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders rose significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic[2]. Research has also shown a strong relationship between depression and physical health including chronic pain conditions[3] and cardiovascular disease[4]. While self-care is important and beneficial, some may feel that it is a luxury they just simply do not have time for. Incorporating self-care into their daily routine can seem daunting or even impossible amidst their busy schedules. Others may view practising self-care as selfish because all that extra time and energy could be devoted to their loved ones. However, we need to be aware that we are only human, and you cannot pour out of an empty cup. Taking some time to care for yourself will allow you to care for your loved ones better. Self-care does not need a lot of time or cost — it’s just doing things you enjoy. It can be as easy as stepping outside and taking a breather or indulging yourself with a good massage or spa session. Far-infrared therapy technology available at Oriental Remedies Group is one simple add-on to your self-care regime. The hothouse domes or far-infrared heating pads which radiate therapeutic heat by penetrating through your skin are able to make one feel more relaxed and calmed. Many patients have also chosen to include this regime together with their acupuncture treatments, as it promotes blood circulation and complements their treatment in alleviating various pain conditions. What is Far-infrared (FIR) Therapy? Photo Source Far-infrared therapy uses invisible far infrared rays (FIR) found in the solar spectrum to provide health benefits to the body. FIR penetrates past the skin and our insulation fatty layer, enabling multiple forms of energy to be transferred into the subcutaneous tissue (approximately 2–3 cm deep) without stimulation or excessive heating[5]. In other words, FIR is able to penetrate deep through the layers of the skin, to the muscles and bones where it then resonates with the cells and invigorates them without causing injury or infection. Photo Source Various studies have shown that FIR radiation produces thermal and non-thermal effects, such as increasing artery blood flow[6] and peripheral blood circulation[7] via dilation of blood vessels[8], hence it does not increase blood pressure. FIR radiation also helps in alleviating fatigue[9] and pain[10], as well as increases expression of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in hair and skin[11] . Besides that, FIR increases the body’s core temperature, which then helps in immune cell growth and activity by stimulating the mitochondria[12]. Key benefits of FIR Therapy[13] Improves circulation Improves cellular health Deep detox Relieves pain Reduces stress Boosts immunity Smoother skin Strengthens hair Patient trying out Far-Infrared Therapy at Oriental Remedies Group Featured above, the Far-Infrared Dome (HotHouse) radiates a gentle, invisible, healing frequency that deeply penetrates and slightly elevates body temperature. The resulting stimulation synergizes with the body’s own heat generation and internal processes, providing benefits that have been found helpful for many health conditions and overall well being. At Oriental Remedies Group, FIR therapy is administered using different devices according to the patients’ need and the physician’s treatment plan. There are a few devices to choose from, which are the Far-Infrared Lamp, Far-Infrared Heating Pad and Far-Infrared Dome (HotHouse). The FIR-lamp involves shining of the lamp directly to the targeted body area, whereas the Hothouse encompasses larger surface area and it works by covering over the body parts. The FIR-heating pad, on the other hand, allows the FIR rays to penetrate through the whole body just by lying on the heating pad itself. why is far-infrared therapy essential for self-care? i. Far-Infrared provides the physical body with great benefits: Promotes the body’s natural healing processes. FIR enhances blood circulation which enables oxygen and nutrients to be transported efficiently to injured tissues, this aids in healing. The therapy also relieves nervous tension and relaxes auto-neuro muscles which enhances the body’s healing ability. Relieves body soreness, inflammation and muscle spasms. Speeds up the recovery process from a muscle injury. FIR improves cell metabolism through the action of mitochondria[14], triggering the growth and repair of muscle cells and tissues. ii. Far-Infrared promotes mental health and emotions: Soothes the body’s tension and mental stress. FIR reduces the amount of cortisol level in the body, enabling the parasympathetic nervous system (relax mechanism) to kick in and eases the body’s stress response[15]. Optimises sleep cycle. FIR is clinically proven on increasing melatonin output which improves the sleep quality and duration[16]. iii. Far-Infrared has beneficial effects on chronic conditions and immunity: Boosts immunity. FIR upregulates the production of white blood cells (leukocytes) and killer T-cells at the bone marrow and thymus respectively[17]. Promotes cardiovascular health. Increase in nitric oxide (NO) production helps to maintain healthy blood vessels and prevent blood clotting/clumping. NO also helps to prevent oxidative stress and regulate blood pressure[18]. Potentially viable cancer support therapy. FIR activates nanoparticles, rendering them highly toxic to the surrounding cancer cells. One such modality is photoimmunotherapy, where conjugated antibody-photo absorber complexes are used to bind with cancer cells[19]. iv. Far-Infrared helps in detoxification and beauty: Promotes skin radiance and clarity. FIR activates the sebaceous glands to eliminate accumulated cosmetics in pores through the skin. Aids in scar healing and anti-aging. FIR supports cell repairing and rejuvenation through up-regulated DNA and protein synthesis. It also enhances collagen production, which helps to soften/lessen wrinkles[20]. Strengthens hair. FIR increases expression of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in hair and skin[11]. Promotes detoxification. Scientists in Japan report that FIR treatment unclogs the capillary vessels and initiates the dissolution of hidden toxins[21]. Your healing is the most important! Far-Infrared Therapy is a new
Preparing for your first Cell Pro Therapy
Link copied! Now that you have booked your first Cell Pro Therapy to #FeelBetterFaster, how can you prepare for your first session? Read to find out how Cell Pro Therapy can benefit you and what you can expect from your first Cell Pro Therapy experience. Getting started Firstly, you start off with a consultation with our physicians who will assess you and tailor a personalised treatment plan to target your health concerns. If your condition is suitable for Cell Pro Therapy, you will be referred to our wellness specialist, who will brief you with more details on the therapy. Conductive plates will then be placed on your body accordingly and Mi Energy machine will begin to pump clusters of negative ions into your body through these conductive plates. Each session is performed in private rooms with lights dimmed to ensure a most relaxing experience. Patients sometimes drift into a nap during their therapy! Prepping for your cell pro therapy Before the session Eat some light snacks about 30-45 minutes before your therapy to make sure that your stomach is not empty before the session. Removal of attire is not necessary so do wear light and comfortable clothes for lying down. During the session Some people, not all, may feel a “buzzing” or “tingling” sensation during the session. This is usually an indicator of poor blood circulation at the area of concern, attributed by different lifestyle or dietary factors. If you are feeling uncomfortable or feel that the sensation is too intense for you, do let our attending therapists or physicians know so we can adjust your therapy accordingly. After the session Patients are recommended to drink more water and rest more after their therapy. As this is a mild therapy, patients can choose to resume their normal daily activities after the session. How often should I do Cell Pro Therapy ? One session per week is recommended for individuals looking for wellness support. Patients with chronic diseases may require more frequencies per week to help alleviate symptoms. Remember, the frequency and duration of therapy is subjected to your body condition as well as specific health concerns, thus, the frequency and duration of therapy vary from person to person and will be advised by physicians. Do you really need Cell Pro Therapy ? On a daily basis, our body is only exposed to ~500 Negative ions/cc of air, which is way lower than the amount we need to help neutralise free radicals that are formed during metabolism or by exposure to environmental toxins. In addition, these free radicals surrounding us cause oxidative stress [1] on our body which can in turn damage cells, cause diseases and accelerate ageing. Cell Pro Therapy supplied through Mi Energy would be able to help neutralise free radicals that have accumulated in our body by supplying a high density of negatively charged electrons (antioxidants) via plates (which serve as electrodes) placed at various parts of the body. Thereby helping our body achieve a better self-defence power, empowering it to function optimally and improve on our body’s ability to repair itself. How can you tell if your body received the negative ions? Most people can’t tell when the body is receiving negative ions. And although a person’s experience can be subjective, people who are more sensitive to external stimuli may feel a “buzzing” or “tingling” sensation at a certain body part, or feel lethargy or energised after their session. Whether or not you are a healthy individual or someone with chronic conditions, this usually means your body is responding to the influx of negative ions and is working its way to repair itself! Tracking Progress With Heart Variability Test (HRV) A Heart Variability Test (HRV) is often performed together with your Cell Pro Therapy to help us track and evaluate the effects of the therapy. The HRV test assesses your autonomic nervous system balance and measures your stress index and other indicators to help you and our staff understand your body better. The autonomic nervous system regulates our heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure etc. providing signals to the brain, which then instructs the rest of the body either to stimulate or to relax different functions. If we have persistent instigators such as stress, poor sleep, unhealthy diet, dysfunctional relationships, isolation or solitude and lack of exercise, this balance may be disrupted and your fight-or-flight response can shift into overdrive. By simply measuring the variation in time in between each heartbeat,we will be able to know how much stress your body is undergoing. And with a before and after HVR test report, you will be able to see how effective Cell Pro Therapy affects the stress index level as well as the variation in the autonomic nerve system balance map! Essentially, the HRV test offers a noninvasive peek into your body, allowing us to track how your nervous system is reacting, not only to the environment, but also to your emotions, thoughts and feelings! Who is suitable for Cell Pro Therapy? Cell Pro Therapy is suitable for most people of all ages, including newborns (subjected to physician’s diagnosis). It is therapy well-suited for healthy individuals who are looking for an effective and efficient way to boost their overall wellness as well as for patients with chronic conditions looking for a complementary natural therapy. Lasting about 20 – 30 minutes, this unique therapy is gentle, non-invasive and painless! Contraindications for Cell Pro Therapy While there are many benefits to Cell Pro Therapy, patients with the following conditions are not suitable for Cell Pro Therapy : Pregnancy (first 3 months) Pacemaker You’re all set for Cell Pro Therapy ! With all the negative ion knowledge in your hands, you’re all good to go for your first Cell Pro Therapy – you’ll be in good hands! To fully maximise the benefits of Cell Pro Therapy, we recommend that you come in for weekly sessions. Do also remember that it is just as important to adopt good lifestyle habits such as eating
What is Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) and how can it benefit your wellness
Link copied! What are Negative Ions? Negative Ions are negatively-charged molecules that are naturally found abundantly in nature, especially in densely forested areas, mountains, beaches and waterfalls. They are often called vitamins of the air as they exhibit antioxidant properties that benefit a person’s overall wellness. Type of Air Negative ions/ cc Waterfall/ Forest 10,000 ~ 20,000 Countryside 1,000 ~ 5,000 Park 400 ~ 1,000 Open-window home 500 Office 400 Road (heavy traffic) 300 Industrial Area 0 Why do we need Negative Ions? Because we are surrounded by free radicals! Free radicals are unstable atoms or molecules with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons, they are naturally formed during metabolism or by exposure to environmental toxins. In excess, free radicals cause oxidative stress [1] on the body which can damage cells, cause diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes & cancer) [2], and accelerate ageing. Our urban lifestyle exposes us to high amounts of free radicals causing oxidative stress. This is why we need Negative Ions that exhibit antioxidant properties to neutralise free radicals and minimise the effects of oxidative stress on your body. In order to neutralise free radicals, Negative Ions donate electrons to them and bring them to a stable state. And while you can get antioxidants from your diet that also help to neutralise free radicals, chances are, you are still not getting enough. How much negative ions do we need? On a daily basis, we are only exposed to ~500 Negative ions/cc as most of us spend most of our time indoors working or studying. Since we are not getting enough Negative Ions (especially for patients with chronic conditions) naturally, Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) is one way to get the amount you need. What is Cell Pro Therapy (CPT)? Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) is a treatment that supplies large amounts of Negative Ions to our body via plates (which serve as electrodes) placed at various parts of the body. During the therapy, a high density of negatively charged electrons is supplied to the body to help neutralise free radicals that have accumulated in our body. This helps our body achieve a better self-defence power by: Promoting cellular metabolism (Cellular metabolism refers to the removal of wastes and absorption of essential nutrients and oxygen) Improving peripheral microcirculation Regulating autonomic nervous system and immune balance Reducing inflammation Who is suitable for Cell Pro Therapy (CPT)? Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) is suitable for most people* – even healthy individuals, as a form of wellness maintenance to boost our body’s self-defence power. In addition, the therapy acts as an enhancement to other treatments that patients may be undergoing for their acute/chronic conditions. Patients with the following conditions have experienced Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) and reported great improvements in their general well-being: Cancer support Inflammation Female health e.g. UTIs Insomnia / Sleep issues Fertility e.g. patients struggling with getting pregnant due to stressful lifestyles Skin conditions e.g. eczema Sinus Mental health How does Cell Pro Therapy work? 1. Effects on the blood Improves oxygen capacity and blood circulation Live blood analysis comparison The comparison of the live blood analysis above belongs to a patient with a high-fat diet before and after 20 minutes of Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) shows that the initial clumped-up red blood cells were dispersed after the therapy, leading to a more active blood flow. Brings blood pH to optimal level (pH7.35-7.45) Anions (negatively charged ions) facilitate calcium release from our cells to the bloodstream, making blood less acidic. When the blood is acidic, there is a lack of oxygen at a cellular level, providing the perfect environment for bacteria, mold and viruses to grow. Acidity also results in the production of more fat cells.[3] Whereas a slightly alkaline environment allows cells to function and stay alive. 2. Effects on cell metabolism Keeps cells healthy and increases cell activity. Cell rejuvenation is facilitated by stimulating cell metabolism through: increasing cell membrane permeability facilitating the substance exchange across cell membranes promoting oxygen absorption by the red blood cells 3. Effects on the immune system Supports the overall immune system which protects the body: enhances skin regeneration and defence strengthens the sterilisation function of second-line defence (macrophages and natural killer cells*) supplements specific defence systems (B cells and T cells) *Natural killer cells are a type of white blood cells that plays an important role in the host rejection of tumour cells and viruses. 4. Effects on the nervous system Benefits patients with conditions affecting their sleep and hormones: Anions (negatively charged ions) regulate the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system. Growing evidence of data would suggest Negative Ions might improve cognitive processes The autonomic nervous system [5] Illnesses are often detected only when symptoms appear or when it is reflected at the blood level, which is often a tad late. Therefore, it is crucial to start keeping our cells healthy, in addition to a healthy lifestyle and diet. At Oriental Remedies Group, our physicians complement TCM with Tech-Enhanced Therapies like Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) to provide patients with better results. Many of our patients with conditions like insomnia, autoimmune disease, pain and inflammation, eczema, cardiovascular disease, stress and anxiety have experienced the therapy and reported feeling better. Hear what our patients are saying about Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) Your healing is the most important! At Oriental Remedies Group, most of our physicians are trained in both Biomedical Science and TCM at Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and China for a minimum of 5-8 years before being certified to practice in Singapore. If you would like to find out how you can achieve optimal wellness with TCMxTech-enhanced therapies to #BeTheBestYouCanBe , call/WhatsApp us at +65 8087 0486 for a personalised consultation with our bilingual physicians. Note: * Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) is not suitable for individuals who have an open wound/ internal bleeding from recent surgery. Disclaimer: The information on this page is for information and educational purposes only. Such medical information may relate to
A Day in the Life of Traditional Chinese Medicine Physician Ang Lee Fang
A Day in the Life of Traditional Chinese Medicine Physician Ang Lee Fang Link copied! – This article was originally published on Voices Wellness Physician Ang Lee Fang explains how TCM can appeal to a younger generation and how the traditional practice works in tandem with Western medicine. By Samantha Francis. If Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) brings to mind bitter herbal drinks, cupping marks, and acupuncture, you’re not alone. While once widely thought to be pseudoscience, the branch of traditional medicine with its origins in China is now considered a valid practice in the Lion City. In fact, TCM practitioners in Singapore are governed by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Act. What does a TCM practitioner do? And are their treatment plans in conflict with Western medicine? We speak to physician Ang Lee Fang from Oriental Remedies Group to understand TCM’s place in the modern world. What’s in a day’s work for you? I spend the majority of my day with my patients. While the more experienced physicians see more than 30 patients a day, I’m slowly making my way there. I pride myself on accurately diagnosing and prescribing the appropriate treatment for my patients—nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing their weekly improvements. My role as a physician in a modern TCM clinic extends beyond seeing patients. I’m also involved in creating educational content for our patients and the public, as well as training the team on common health conditions. What’s the most fulfilling part about your job and what’s the most challenging? The most fulfilling part is when I see my patients recover, especially those who have failed to see improvement from prior treatments. I enjoy taking on challenging cases and conditions. When my patients feel their pain and discomfort going away, it’s all worth it. The most challenging part is that many patients expect TCM practitioners to be old because they relate the experience to age. Some are surprised by my youth and may hesitate to fully heed my advice. Thankfully, they become receptive once they see good results from my treatment plan. How do you think TCM has evolved and changed in Singapore over the past decade or so? Singaporeans are now more accepting of TCM. Back then, many held the idea that TCM and western medicine were mutually exclusive. With time and research, it has been proven that the two can work together to bring greater benefits to patients. For example, TCM is an effective complementary treatment for cancer as herbs can be used to minimise the side effects of conventional cancer therapies. These include reducing nausea and increasing appetite, which significantly improves one’s quality of life. The integration of TCM and technology results in better treatment and diagnosis. At Oriental Remedies Group, we offer technology-enhanced therapies that complement traditional treatments for better and faster results. Many of us are graduates from the NTU Chinese Medicine course, where we were schooled in both Biological Sciences (western human anatomy and body systems) and TCM. This allows us to tap on both Eastern and Western perspectives to provide patients with a more efficacious treatment plan. What’s one thing you wish more people knew about TCM? Many think that TCM is only good for sprained ankles or body aches. While it is true that acupuncture is effective in pain management and muscle tension, there is so much more that it can offer. Often, health problems arise due to disruptions in homeostasis (a stable and balanced internal state of the body) and TCM has the ability to regulate your body systems and help improve your quality of life. Some serious chronic conditions that TCM can support include (but are not limited to) male and female fertility, eczema and skin issues, autoimmune conditions, mood disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. It can also treat functional illnesses like “tiredness” and “lethargy”—conditions that are not necessarily recognised as health issues in western medicine but can greatly impact one’s quality of life. How does TCM work in harmony with Western medicine? Or does it have to be one or the other? TCM often acts to support Western medicine. The combination of both is already widely adopted by many in China, which I witnessed first-hand when I shadowed physicians in the hospitals there. More often than not, the two can be used in conjunction to bring about better overall results than using only one form of treatment. One example is the treatment of fertility conditions. TCM can be used to increase the success rate of IVF/IUI via acupuncture and herbal medication. Even after successful conception, TCM can continue to support the mother-to-be in stabilising the pregnancy and development of a healthy fetus. What are some challenges that come with making TCM relevant and appealing to a younger audience? As our younger audiences are more well-read and more likely to consume information online, they may read about the allopathic view of healing when it comes to specific conditions and therefore disregard TCM. Understandably, TCM may be confusing with abstract concepts such as Yin, Yang, and Qi to the general public. TCM may be seen as old-fashioned by those who do not believe in concepts such as heatiness and dampness. Other sceptics may also prefer methods backed by science. Despite these challenges, I believe we make TCM more relevant to all age groups through education on the right platforms and presenting facts through scientific papers, research, and clinical tests. What does wellness mean to you, and why? Beyond physical health, it’s important to be mentally and emotionally healthy as well. Often, people find it challenging to function properly due to stress. As such, it is vital to address these issues to prevent lapses in concentration and a lack of motivation. With healthy mental and emotional states, people can become almost twice as productive as before. How do you relax when things get too stressful? I enjoy going for a walk or a swim when things get too stressful. Exercise is definitely one of the ways I relieve stress
5 Ways To Strengthen Your Immunity Naturally | The TCM Way
Link copied! 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! Oriental Remedies Group 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 massageFinger Massage: up to 5mins each timePalmar 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) Improve the air quality of your surroundings 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. Do indoor plants help? 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. On Sale: Reltec’s Air Ioniser As Singapore reopens gradually, there will be a greater need to protect ourselves. Masks and social distancing habits are definitely a must but you can do more by strengthening your immunity naturally, the TCM way! If you need professional advice on strengthening your immune system, call/WhatsApp us at +65 8087 0486 to book an appointment with our bilingual physicians. Disclaimer:
When Yoga and TCM blends
Link copied! Yoga and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) appear to be two disconnected wellness protocols with distinct origins. Yoga is believed to originate in India circa 3000 B.C., with stone-carved figures of yoga postures found in the Indus Valley depicting the original poses and practices, while TCM dates back more than 3,500 years of Chinese medical practice that includes herbal medicine, acupuncture and cupping therapy. Yet, increasingly, practitioners who marry the two are finding it effective to better help patients and clients. “Adding TCM into your yoga practice creates the opportunity for you to observe the nuances and subtleties of your body on a deeper level. You can then use this newfound knowledge to help you move toward balance.” – Tiffany Cruikshank, founder of Yoga Medicine® To understand why incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine into your yoga practice can amplify your results, one first needs to understand some fundamentals of TCM. In TCM, there are twelve regular meridians which move the Qi (energy) and Blood, each represent a single organ and connects the internal (organ) to the external (exterior skin). Smooth flowing of Qi through the 12 meridians balances Yin Yang within the body and governs our body functions. On the other hand, stagnation of Qi flow in a particular meridian will result in issues of the organs and areas where the meridian passes through. Many TCM practitioners engage in Qigong practice to ensure good flow of Qi, healthy body constitutions and ultimately mind-body-soul balance. Similarly in yoga, the concept of smooth flowing energy throughout the body essential to the well-being of a yogi. Yin Yoga engages in restful, long-held postures and primarily focus on our body’s meridians.1 Through the poses, yin yoga helps to stimulate the energy pathways by targeting the meridians. When we hold each pose for longer periods of time, we are placing a stress on the fascia (connective tissues) that holds every cell in the body.2 The fibrous connective tissues are strong and springy when you are healthy, rigid and taut when we have a sedentary lifestyle.3 We can dissipate energetic stagnation by activating, squeezing and stretching our body tissues where meridians are located. Fascia, like meridians, will benefit with smooth flowing energy through it. The twelve meridians are named after its respective associated Organ and are associated with various emotions such as fear, excitement and anger. Excessive emotions are viewed to disturb the harmony in one’s body. In TCM when we treat an organ and its respective emotions, we help to ensure good Qi flows and balance of the autonomic nervous system. This balance is critical to our holistic well-being. Source: www.pexels.com In yoga practice, it is important to still our mind and body to achieve harmony in the body. Many occasions yoga instructors advise students to engage good breathing techniques as these not just help with good circulation of oxygen through the muscles, but it also has calming effects on the mind. Breath controls the body, mind, and emotions.4 In the process of calming the mind, balancing our emotions, both TCM and yoga actively utilise meditation as a key approach. Many people find it difficult to meditate as we are not used to it. Yoga postures are a great way of preparing the body for meditation, stimulating the flow of energy and balance to our spine and our mind.5 They work hand-in-hand and are interrelated to bring about higher awareness of our body and conscience. Harvard researchers have also found that meditation not only reduces stress but can produce scientifically measurable effects on the brain’s physiology.6 If you are looking for inspiration to start meditating, try reading real stories from people on their mediation journey and how it helped them.7 Source: Natural Health Zone As more research goes into TCM and yoga, there will bound to be more positive benefits by blending both traditional wellness protocols together. If you are keen to find out more about marrying Traditional Chinese Medicine with Yoga, check out our Partner Jal Yoga. [email protected] Alexandra Studio 991 Alexandra Road #01-03A (S)119964 map 6251 0710 Upper Bukit Timah Studio 260 Upp Bt Timah Rd #02-01 (S)588190 map 6732 1483 Katong Studio 131 East Coast Road #03-01 (S)428816 map 6241 3758 Upper Thomson Studio 213 Upp Thomson Rd #01-01 (S)574348 map 6258 9621 Woodlands Studio 30 Woodlands Ave 1, #02-5A, (S)739065 map 6909 9829 To learn more about Oriental Remedies Group, visit our homepage or contact us via Whatsapp at +65 8087 0486 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 YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
What is Far-Infrared Therapy (FIR) And What Does It Do?
What is Far-Infrared Therapy (FIR) And What Does It Do? Physician Foo Shan Ju Link copied! Far-Infrared Therapy involves the use of Far-Infrared Rays (FIR), which are invisible waves of energy that penetrate the surface of the skin to gently elevate the body’s surface temperature and promote body systems’ functions. Thermal therapy has in fact been in existence for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Finns, the Romans, the ancient Chinese, the American Indians and the Egyptians 5,000 years ago. Since ancient times, people have known that exposure to sunshine can maintain and enhance health. Sun therapy is a form of natural FIR thermal therapy and Far-Infrared Rays are the invisible rays of natural sunlight that have the longest wavelength. However, sunlight contains harmful ultraviolet rays which can burn the skin. As such, people started using pure Far-Infrared heat emitted from healing units, which has similar benefits as sun rays, minus the harmful UV rays. Benefits of Far-Infrared Technology For many decades, scientific evidence has found that heat can maintain and enhance the wellness of the human body. Scientists have researched different ways on how to develop more effective forms of thermal heat therapy that target specific areas and enable deep heat penetration. Traditional forms of heat therapy can be hazardous, uncomfortable, unhygienic, inefficient and ineffective. Traditional saunas create exposure to extremely high temperatures causing heat stress which can have detrimental effects on health, especially for people with heart challenges or needing to sustain blood pressure. Thermal compression and wraps are uncomfortable, heat is easily lost, temperature does not remain constant and maintaining a thermal compression or wrap can be problematic and inconvenient. Research and development in the sixties – notably most extensively in Japan and also Germany – introduced the Far-Infrared Ray (FIR) thermal technology. This revolutionized thermal technology to an effective, safe, natural, hygienic and efficient approach to thermal treatment. Today, heat therapy is used internationally by medical professionals for relief of sports injuries, detox, and even in hospital nurseries to warm newborns. While more large-scale research needs to be done to prove the benefits of Far-Infrared Therapy, here are some potential benefits from existing research and patient testimonials. 1) Improve blood circulation Far-Infrared expands capillaries which stimulate increased blood flow, regeneration, circulation and oxygen delivery. [1] Good blood circulation is essential for healthy organ and tissue function. 2) Strengthens cardiovascular system Far-Infrared can strengthen the cardiovascular system by causing heart rate and cardiac output increase, and diastolic blood pressure decrease – research by NASA in the early 1980s led to the conclusion that far-infrared stimulation of cardiovascular function would be the ideal way to maintain cardiovascular conditioning in American astronauts during long space flight.[2] FIR’s warming properties have also been shown to help improve the ‘health’ of the cells that line our blood vessels[3], which if left untreated may increase the risk of heart disorders. 3) Improve detoxification Far-Infrared is excellent for detoxification and helps lymphatic drainage.[4] Scientists in Japan report that in the FIR treatment of clogged capillary vessels, heat expands the capillaries and then initiates the start of a process to dissolve hidden toxins.[4] Far-Infrared thereby promotes the elimination of fats, chemicals and toxins from the blood: poisons, heavy metals – carcinogenic substances from food processing – lactic acid, free fatty acids and subcutaneous fat associated with aging and fatigue – excess sodium associated with blood pressure – and uric acid.[5] 4) Wound healing Some recent good quality experimental and clinical scientific studies (2003) from Japan have shown FIR to result in more rapid wound healing which was independent of changes in blood flow and skin temperature.[6] FIR helped this healing by stimulating a group of cells called fibroblasts to make more collagen which is a very important part of good wound healing and tissue repair.[6] Furthermore, it supports cell growth, DNA synthesis and protein synthesis, all of which are crucial for tissue repair and regeneration. This makes FIR therapy excellent for healing burns, scar tissue and skin problems such as acne and skin breakouts. Its anti-oxidative properties also promote anti-aging and lessening/softening of wrinkles due to enhanced collagen production.[6] 5) Relaxation and pain/aches management FIR relaxes auto-neuro muscles which help the body make the most of its intended healing abilities. FIR reduces soreness on nerve endings and muscle spasms by warming muscle fibers. As a result, rapid reduction of swelling, inflammation, and pain occurs. This allows for relaxation of muscles and relief of back, shoulder, and neck muscle aches.[7] FIR soothes tension and stress in both body and mind.[7] 6) Immunity boosting Far-Infrared strengthens and supports the Immune system by supporting increased production of white blood cells (leukocytes) by the bone marrow and killer T-cells by the thymus.[8] 7) Cancer support Far-Infrared Thermal Therapy, also known as Hyperthermia, supports the destruction of malignant cells which supposedly cannot survive if the temperature of the cell becomes 107.6F/42C and above.[9] FIR is used extensively in Asia and Europe – especially Japan and Germany – but is only fairly recently researched and utilized within the USA, acknowledged and attested to by the American Cancer Association and the National Cancer Institute on their respective websites. Your healing is the most important! At Oriental Remedies Group, most of our physicians are trained in both Biomedical Science and TCM at Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and China for a minimum of 5-8 years before being certified to practice in Singapore. If you would like to learn more about FIR Therapy and how it can boost your overall wellness, visit FIR Treatment Page or contact us at +65 8087 0486 for a personalized consultation. This article is written by Physician Foo Shan Ju. Physician Foo Shan Ju (Oriental Remedies Group, Singapore), a registered TCM physician certified by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB). Foo Shan Ju PHYSICIAN VIEW QUALIFICATIONS Physician Foo graduated from the double degree programme of Biomedical Sciences and Traditional Chinese Medicine at NTU and was awarded the Nanyang and BUCM Scholarship for
