Archive for the 'Chinese Medicine' Category

Wuyi tea

Wu yi tea is showing increasingly clearer evidence that it is a very powerful and effective fat reducer, making it of great interest to men who are trying to get rid of fatty deposits around their chest area, sometimes known as moobs or man boobs.

In a review of the current studies on the health effects of Wu-yi tea, researchers Wang, Thielecke and Wolfram reported with reference to the fat burning effects of Wu-Yi tea in human laboratory studies that “these studies indicate a decrease in body mass and a overall weight loss.”

Wu-yi has been used in China as a medicinal herb for more than 3000 years. During this time, in the absence of more precise scientific research, it was used for its general health-promoting and tonic effects. However, following the more recent studies, it is now thought to have an influence on body fat in two ways:

1. By the regulation of glucose in the bloodstream, preventing it from rapidly converting to body fat (a process that usually naturally takes place when excess glucose is ingested). This in turn reduces the amount of body fat the body creates.

EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate, also known as epigallocatechin 3-gallate) is thought to be the main substance within Wu-Yi tea that is responsible for this action. Epigallocatechin gallate is a type of catechin — an anti-oxidant similar to Vitamin E and C however, like several other newly discovered antioxidants, it is considered to be much more potent. As an antioxidant, EGCG is not only effective in preventing the creation of fat but it can actually encourage rapid fat oxidation.

2. The second main beneficial effect is through an increase in the bodys own heat-production in metabolism, called thermogenesis. This means Wu-Yi teas ingredients actually increase the levels of fat oxidation and the bodies natural production of heat regardless of activity level, resulting in increased metabolism, higher levels of calorie use by the body and more rapid weight-loss on your chosen regime!

The evidence now is almost conclusive that Wu-Yi is a first-class supplement for assisting fat burning and weight reduction. It shouldnt be overlooked that it may also become known as a great asset for those who are trying to figure out how to get rid of man breasts, the condition known more formally as gynecomastia, by helping to break down fat accumulation in the body as a whole and in the chest area.

Shiatsu a healing experience

Recently a woman asked me “What’s the difference between your massage and other types of massage?” I replied “Shiatsu is more than a type of massage, it’s a healing experience”.Shiatsu could be described as an all over body-energy treatment which nourishes our body, mind and spirit. It bridges the gap between energy healing and body treatment. Shiatsu has made me a calmer person and has released toxins from my body, keeping me feeling and looking younger. Bonita C, Donaghadee What is it all about?Renowned practitioner Paul Lundberg describes it in the following way “Shiatsu is characterized by its great simplicity. It grew from traditional forms of massage (called Anma in Japan and Anmo or Tuina in China) which use rubbing, stroking, squeezing, tapping, pushing and pulling to influence the muscles and circulatory systems of the body. By contrast Shiatsu uses few techniques and to an observer it would appear that little is happening – merely a still, relaxed pressure at various points on the body with the hand, or thumb, an easy leaning of the elbows or a simple rotation of a limb. It almost seems a lazy activity and, to the extent that it conserves ones energy, it is. But underneath the uncomplicated movements much is happening internally to the body’s energy on a subtle level.(from The Book of Shiatsu) Shiatsu developed out of the long tradition of oriental medicine and healing which works at a very deep level to create a balance in the body’s vital energy system known as Ki or Chi. This vital energy (ki) links our body, mind and spirit and is easily injured. This can lead to a hundred and one symptoms of ill health. Whether we suffer from anxiety, stress, headaches, pain, back trouble or constipation it is all a symptom of injury to the complex network of vital energy which keeps us going. When these symptoms appear it is a signal that somewhere in our body our ki has become depleted (kyo in Japanese). This reduction of ki creates a counter reaction and our ki becomes excessive (jitsu) in another area. Very often what appears to be the problem is only the part that is showing, the jitsu. Through diagnosis of the meridian channels the Shiatsu practitioner finds where these imbalances lie and re-balances them through the treatment. Shiatsu has helped me with chronic back trouble and feeling of stress due to work demands and responsibilities. Clive H, NewtownabbeyTreatments For example when we overwork, what is called our Kidney Energy is disrupted. Over time this can lead to problems such as back ache, chronic fatigue, breathing troubles, and even looking older than our years. Treating the Kidney and Bladder energy channels on the back, along with pressure points such as Kidney 3 (Great Ravine), can have wonderful results. If we get an emotional setback, be it from the break-up of a relationship or the passing of someone close to us our Heart Energy takes a battering. As a result we cannot sleep, maybe don’t eat or comfort eat and become down and withdrawn. Using acu points such as Heart 7 (Mind Door) as part of the overall treatment can be very effective in balancing the Heart Energy and helping us cope with these knocks. During a Shiatsu treatment the receiver remains fully clothed throughout and lies on a soft futon mat on the floor. The practitioner leans into the energy channels with the thumbs or hands, elbows or knees. He/she may also use some simple stretches to open up the channels and improve the flow of ki energy.Shiatsu definitely helped me through a difficult period of chemotherapy, reducing the feelings of sickness and nausea. Sharon Z, GlengormleyTraining The Shiatsu Society of Ireland and the Shiatsu Society UK keep a list of registered practitioners who use the designation RPSSI or MRSS respectively to show that they are professionally qualified, insured and follow the society’s codes of practice. Both societies are members of the European Shiatsu Federation. All registered practitioners have undergone a 4 year training programme, have been assessed by the Shiatsu school they attended and then, after another period of supervised private practice, they are re-assessed by the Accreditation Panel of the Shiatsu Society.