Category: Blog

Qi Deficiency (气虚, qì xū) is one of the most common patterns encountered in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Qi is often translated as “energy”, although this does not quite capture the full meaning of the Chinese concept. In Chinese medicine, Qi refers to the functional activity of the body: its ability to transform food into nourishment,…

Introduction: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical system with rich theoretical foundations and the accumulated benefit of millennia of practical experience. Among its components, Dui Yao, also known as herbal pairing, is a crucial aspect of TCM theory. In non-Chinese Herbalism, which is the kind of herbalism most ordinary people might be familiar…

Introduction Male infertility is a growing concern that affects a significant number of couples worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects approximately 15% of couples globally, and male factors contribute to about 20-30% of these cases. While there can be various reasons behind male infertility, Chinese medicine offers a holistic and natural…

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment, resulting in white patches on the skin. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), vitiligo is considered a difficult condition to treat, requiring a deep understanding of the body’s internal imbalances. TCM views vitiligo as stemming from disruptions in the flow of qi (vital energy) and…

The concept of Liver Qi Stagnation is a fundamental principle in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, the liver is seen as a crucial organ that regulates the smooth flow of Qi, the body’s vital energy, throughout the body. When the liver Qi becomes stagnant, it can lead to a range of physical and emotional…

Introduction Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens the bones, increasing the risk of fractures. It develops gradually, and is often first discovered when a fall or knock causes a bone to fracture. Wrists, hips, and vertebrae (back bones) are the most common fractures, though fractures can also occur elsewhere such as in the arms, the…

Research There are numerous studies which demonstrate that acupuncture can improve feelings of stress and anxiety, and physical symptoms related to traumatic events: A 2007 study divided patients into 3 groups – an acupuncture, a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group, and a “waiting list control” group (i.e. a group who received no treatment during the…

Introduction In the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), maintaining balance is key to achieving optimal health and well-being. One important concept in TCM is the idea of yin and yang, which represent opposing yet complementary forces within the body. Foods are classified according to their energetic properties, including their thermal nature. Cooling foods, in…

One of the surprising and exotic things about Chinese Medicine is the practice of looking at the patient’s tongue in order to get general information about the body’s overall condition. I usually explain each patient’s tongue to them, time permitting, but since I refer to it so often on my website, I think it’s about…