This article offers lifestyle tips to complement your acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatment, promoting balance and well-being by incorporating lifestyle habits aligned with the principles of Chinese medicine. Rooted in ancient wisdom and complemented by modern scientific insights, we delve into food therapy, staying warm, seasonal eating, and more, drawing from the wisdom of Chinese medicine to enhance the effectiveness of your acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatment.
Chinese medicine highly emphasizes the importance of maintaining warmth within the body. To support your overall health and well-being, it is crucial to actively pay attention to specific areas such as the ankles, soles of the feet, abdomen, and lower back. By actively ensuring that these areas are warm and adequately covered, you can enhance circulation, promote optimal functioning, and protect against external influences, thereby boosting your well-being.
Incorporating certain clothing choices into your daily routine can help maintain the desired warmth. Consider wearing scarves to protect your neck from cold drafts, fitted singlets or long-sleeve tops to provide an extra layer of warmth, and warm socks to keep your feet cozy. Avoid walking on barefoot tiles or cold surfaces, as this can cause a sudden drop in body temperature and potentially disrupt your body’s equilibrium.
For cyclists, it is especially important to take precautions against the cold wind. Covering your back and neck with appropriate clothing can act as a barrier, shielding you from the chilling effects of wind exposure. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of developing respiratory illnesses.
Scientific research has indicated that prolonged exposure to cold temperatures may weaken immune responses, making individuals more susceptible to infections and respiratory issues.
Food is considered a vital component of Chinese medicine. To support your health, focus on consuming warm, moisturising, and cooked foods. Incorporate nourishing soups, especially bone broth-based soups enriched with vegetables and cooked meats. Eating warm, slow-cooked foods can benefit gut health as they are easier to digest and can help soothe and heal the digestive tract. Slow cooking breaks down the proteins and fibers in food, making them more digestible and reducing the likelihood of digestive discomfort. Additionally, the longer cooking time allows for the release of beneficial nutrients and compounds, such as collagen and gelatin, which can support gut health.
In Chinese medicine and culture, raw foods have long been avoided as they are considered challenging for the digestive system to break down. Modern research shows that raw food contains a higher amount of fiber that is resistant to digestion by human enzymes. Insoluble fiber refers to dietary fiber that does not dissolve in water and remains relatively intact as it passes through the digestive system.
To support your digestion and well-being, it is advisable to avoid raw cold foods, especially during colder months. Instead, opt for cooked and warm preparations. Cooking food not only enhances digestion and nutrient absorption but also reduces the risk of ingesting harmful pathogens. We recommend lightly steaming or cooking vegetables that you might not normally eat raw, such as rocket, spinach, tomatoes and leafy greens.
In Chinese medicine, the importance of maintaining warmth within the body is highly emphasized. To support your overall health and well-being, it is crucial to pay attention to specific areas such as the ankles, soles of the feet, abdomen, and lower back. By ensuring that these areas are warm and properly covered, you can enhance circulation, promote optimal functioning, and protect against external influences.
Incorporating certain clothing choices into your daily routine can help maintain the desired warmth. Consider wearing scarves to protect your neck from cold drafts, fitted singlets or long-sleeve tops to provide an extra layer of warmth, and warm socks to keep your feet cozy. Avoid walking on barefoot tiles or cold surfaces, as this can cause a sudden drop in body temperature and potentially disrupt your body’s equilibrium.
For cyclists, it is especially important to take precautions against the cold wind. Covering your back and neck with appropriate clothing can act as a barrier, shielding you from the chilling effects of wind exposure. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of developing respiratory illnesses.
Scientific research has indicated that prolonged exposure to cold temperatures may weaken immune responses, making individuals more susceptible to infections and respiratory issues.
Taking the time to eat slowly and chewing your food thoroughly can aid in proper digestion and nutrient absorption. When you chew your food thoroughly, the process stimulates the release of digestive enzymes in your saliva. These enzymes, such as amylase, help break down carbohydrates into smaller, more manageable molecules.
By taking the time to chew your food properly, you initiate the digestion process in the mouth and allow these enzymes to start their work, facilitating easier digestion and nutrient absorption in the stomach and intestines. Remember to incorporate this practice into your meals by taking smaller bites and being fully present while eating.
The regular practice of meditation and mindfulness is highly regarded in Chinese medicine for its ability to support the body’s natural healing abilities, promote balance, and optimize overall health and well-being. It is seen as a powerful tool for harmonising the body, mind, and spirit, fostering a state of holistic wellness. Research conducted by Dr. Amishi Jha, a psychology professor has demonstrated that dedicating just 12 minutes a day to meditation can yield numerous health benefits. By incorporating meditation and mindfulness into your daily routine, you can nurture your physical and mental well-being from experience the positive effects it brings.
Written by Daniel Ooi and Tiana Demetriou Image: Leslie Zhang Jia Cheng
Image: Leslie Zhang Jia Cheng