Chen Style Taiji works excellently with other type of martial arts

3. Chen Style Taiji works excellently with other type of martial arts
Q11: What is the difference between Old and New frame?

A: The original ancient Chen Style Taiji evolved about 350 years ago and was created by Grandmaster Chen Wangting, of the ninth generation of the Chen family.

Old Frame (Laojia), originating around 180 years ago, was created by the 14th generation Grandmaster Chen Changxing (Yang Luchan’s Master). Old Frame (Laojia) is much more simpler and more straight forward. There are less twining and circling movements with less martial arts applications shown within it, such as “Grasp” and “Arm Lock.” It is suitable for people who are just starting in Taiji and it is much easier to learn.

New Frame (Xinjia) is a version evolved from the Old Frame (Laojia) and is only around 100 years old.

Around 30 years after the Old Frame (Laojia) was created, Grandmaster Chen Changxing’ s son, a 15th-generation descendant of the Chen family, Grandmaster Chen Genyun, started to work on his father’s Old Frame (Laojia) and modified it gradually. Finally, he created the Bew Frame with a lot of Silk Reeling Energy twining and twisting movements. Also more applications were added to the form, whereas in the Old Frame it was hidden and not so abvious to see. This development process carried on until the 17th generation, when the family head and heir, Grandmaster Chen Fake, mixed more “Qin Na” (catching, grasping and arm locks) and modern martial arts applications into the New Frame, finalizing it. He started to teach it in Beijing and passed on his skill to his students. Click to learn Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) in TCM.

The New Frame is very comprehensive, so it is normally only taught after students have finished the Old Frame, or to dedicated and hardworking students.

Q12: You just mentioned ancient Chen Style Taijiquan. What is it?

A: Ancient Chen Style Taijiquan is based on the ancient Chinese martial arts routines – “Chang Quan” (Long Fist). The Chang Quan (Long Fist) was created by a very famous Martial Arts Grandmaster, Qi Jiguang, who was a great martial arts general in the Chinese Army. Based on this very powerful and inspired ancient “Chang Quan” (Long Fist), the founder of Chen Style Taiji, Grandmaster Chen Wangting, created a series of Chen Style Taiji short sets using his understanding of the Yin-Yang philosophy mixed with Taoist breathing techniques.

Each set consists of only a few movements. They were a combination of techniques practiced with the breathing techniques. Later, all those short sections were linked into the two long series that you see today. The first one is more gentle, soft and smooth. It is considered as the Yin aspect of Taiji. The second one is powerful, dynamic, hard and with separate energy releasing movements for martial arts. It is considered as the Yang aspect of Taiji and is usually called Cannon Fist. Click to learn Premature Heart Beat in TCM.

Q13: Which form do you teach and why?
A: I teach my senior students the New Frame as it is the definitive guide for Chen Style Taiji. I choose the New Frame 83 Forms as an overall form to enhance my Taiji and Kung Fu skill. For me, it shows more real Kung Fu. In the Chenjiagou Village, Old Frame (Laojia) is taught first. Later, only the most dedicated and hardworking students would be taught the New Frame.

So, I choose the New Frame, which I feel is the most comprehensive of the Chen Style Taiji forms and contains the most exciting and attractive movements to perform and watch. I am happy to say that I have taught over a thousand students the New Frame Chen Taiji 83 Forms. I only teach the Short Forms to beginners as it is much easier for people who are just starting Taiji exercises.

Q14: Do you have to wear a Taiji suit to train Chen Style Taiji?

A: The Taiji suit is normally worn under special circumstances such as demonstrations and photographic opportunities. I have received many phone calls from people asking what they should wear to their Taiji classes. I always tell them to wear whatever they feel the most comfortable provided that it is loose fitting and does not restrict their movements. We have no standard uniform.

To achieve the best benefit from the practice, we recommend that students wear loose comfortable clothes with soft shoes as Taiji is a very relaxed, quiet and soft exercise. A Kung Fu suit is the best clothing to wear for practice and demonstration purposes. However, it is only an optional requirement and not always necessary. Click to learnAngina in TCM.

Q15: Does Chen Style Taijiquan work well together when training in any other style of martial arts?

A: Yes. Chen Style Taijiquan works excellently with any other type of martial arts. I have many students that still do other martial arts styles alongside with their Taiji training. All of them have gained great benefits by adding Taiji practice to their existing training. It has helped them a lot and makes them feel more balanced, sensitive and flexible in their movements. In addition, they feel more energetic in their daily life.

Common Used Methods of Selecting Acupoints in cupping therapy

It is the important step to select correct acupoints, which can assure of an expected result.
1. Selecting acupoints according to natural marks
This is the most common used, the most convenient and the most accurate method, which locate the acupoints by way of the anatomic markers of human body surface.

(1) Fixed marks: it refer to every joint of bones, as well as the prominence and depression parts which is formed by muscle, hair, five sense organs, nails, nipples, fovea umbilicalis and others. For example, we can find the acupoint of yintang between two eye brows. Click here to learn Osteoporosis in TCM.

(2) Moving marks: it refers to marks of the arthrosis, muscles tendons all over the body as well as the interstice, depression, and wrinkles on the skins revealed by body movement.

2. Locating acupoints according to bone-length measurement
It was a scientific method for locating acupoints that is summed up by ancient Chinese from long-term medical practices. The earliest records could be found in a chapter of Coffins Measurement of Bone-length. Bone-length measurement takes bone joints as measurement marks, which measures the length and width of every part, and in this way it converts a standard point through dimension proportion. (Picture 11)

3. Locating acupoints according to figure measurement
Locating acupoints according to the length of the patient’s fingers and taking it as a standard, we call it Fingers Locating Acupoints Measurement, shortened as figure measurement. Because there are certain proportion between the length and width of fingers and other parts, the patient’s own fingers can be used as measurement to locate an acupoint.

(1) Middle finger measurement
When the patient’s middle finger is flexed, the distance between the two medial ends of the creases of the interphalangeal joints is taken as 1 cun, which is used to measure the vertical distance to locate acupoints on the limbs and to measure the horizontal distance to locate the acupoints on the back. Click here to learn Traumatic Arthritis in TCM.

(2) Thumb measurement:
The width of inter-phalangeal joint of patients is 1 cun, which is used for measuring the vertical distance to locate acupoints on the limbs. 

(3) Four finger measurement
The width of the four fingers (index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger), folded together at the level of the dorsal skin crease of the proximal inter-phalangeal joint of the middle finger, is taken as 3 cuns. 

4. Facility methods of locating acupoints
It refers as a simple and convenient operational approach of clinical practice. For example, we can locate Fengshi at the middle finger tip when we prolapse our hands naturally; we can naturally cross our two hand’s Hukou at level and at the site of index finger tip touched is the Lieque acupoint.
When we locate acupoints, we should combine the above methods and refer to one other to locate correct acupoint, which will work efficiently.

Reflexology Treatment for Stress

Many people relieve stress through reflexology every day without realizing it. They rub a sore spot and thus relieve a temporary imbalance. Or they ask their partner or friend to massage a specific part of their feet. Trained reflexologists use special massage techniques on the feet to relieve tension in the mind and body.

Reflexology is generally understood to be a form of massage that focuses on the hands and feet. The theory behind the approach is that each part of the body is connected to a particular area of the hand or foot, and by massaging an area that is under stress, the reflexologist can bring some relief to the patient. However, reflexology treatment in practice goes beyond simple massage. Practitioners of reflexology need to understand not only the reflex areas of each part of body and the general regions of the foot and hand, but they also need to understand physical indicators of imbalance.

How Can Reflexology Treat Stress?
Long-term stress is believed to affect the endocrine system, and so a good reflexologist will attempt to balance any imbalances in reflex areas associated with the organs that make up endocrine system: the pineal gland, the pancreas, the adrenal gland, and so forth. The manipulation of these reflex areas is not always pleasant, and they may feel painful to the touch.

One good indicator of long-term stress is the condition of the adrenal gland reflex area. The adrenal gland is triggered during the "flight or fight" response. On the foot, the adrenal gland is often shaped like small pea. It can be found by placing your thumb horizontally just under the ball of your foot, directly under your big toe, and running your thumb straight down to the middle of your foot. You can often feel the "pea" pop up as you move your thumb off.

In a person with less stress, the pea feels like a small bag of sand crystals. In people who have been under a large amount of stress, the pea will either feel like a hard lump or will have almost disappeared entirely.

The Regions of the Foot
As with most eastern medicine, reflexology divides the body and soul into four separate elements: earth, water, fire, and air. Reflexologists correlate each of these elements with a specific area of the foot.

The heel is associated with earth, and thus with emotional or spiritual issues stemming from physical well-being, such as housing, work, and family
The area between the heel and the ball of the foot is associated with water, and thus with issues of emotional balance, such as worrying too much
The ball of the foot is associated with fire, and thus with issues such as anger and fear
The toes are associated with air, and thus with cognitive issues, such as muddled thinking or inability to focus
By studying the color and feel of these four distinct regions, reflexologists can identify possible clues of emotional or physical imbalances. For example, the ball of the foot tends to be the reddest area. If the toes are just as red, that might indicate that a person’s anger may be overriding rational thought. If, upon massaging the foot, the foot becomes moist, this can be an indicator that the person was holding in emotions and now, through the massage, is beginning to let go of those emotions.

Reflex Areas of the Foot
If you’ve ever looked at a foot chart, a map of the foot that identifies the reflex areas of each part of the body, you may have noticed that these maps are not all the same. There is no general agreement about the position of a few of the organs; one chart may place the heart and the lungs a bit to the right or below the placement on another chart. This variation is due not so much to genuine disagreement as to the fact that every foot is different in size, shape, and texture. A reflexologist must identify the reflex points using cues beyond a two-dimensional map.

Reflexology Treatment for Stress
Reflexologists can approach stress in a number of different ways. First, general massage of the foot and hand tends to make people relax and help them release tension, connect with their emotions, and break pain cycles. These techniques include:

Using a closed fist to run up and down the water region of the foot
Using the knuckle of the pointer finger to massage the heel
Catching the foot between the palms of the hands and rubbing in a circular motion
Using the thumb in a caterpillar-type motion to run downward along the backbone reflex area from the side of the big toe to just under the ankle
Massaging the ball of the foot, the solar plexus (the spot in the center of the foot just under the ball), and the toes
Self-Treatment of Stress with Reflexology
There are a number of popular reflexology techniques you can do yourself. For example, gently pulling the toes tends to release the tension in the head that is created by having to solve many different or complicated problems during the day. When people say that they feel that their "head is about to explode" or complain that they lack mental clarity, tugging horizontally on the toes, without pulling them upward or downward, often seems to relieve this tension. This method is especially effective when combined with placing the ball of the foot between the palms of the hands and rubbing in a circular clockwise motion.

Another popular technique for stress relief is rubbing the ball of the foot with particular emphasis on the spot that is in the middle of the foot and just under the ball of the foot. Instinctively people are drawn to rub the spot that corresponds to the solar plexus and the lungs, and thus encourage deeper breathing. One thing to remember if you try this, however, is that the solar plexus, the spot in the center of the foot just under the ball, should be rubbed in a circular clockwise fashion.

Reflexology for Your Health

The human body has the total ability to heal itself! Cellular rejuvenation and its process at the molecular level continue to amaze and excite doctors, scientist and researchers alike. Through continued study and knowledge, most reflexologists fully understand and comprehend that the body sends strong signals through certain paths or avenues, which are hidden within the body and allow cellular renewal.

While these signals connect to the healing process, they also reveal areas of weakness that might need additional support. Through the use of reflexology, these specific signals are activated and sent. Hence, by directing the body’s internal language to particular areas that are in need of this support, we can allow the body to naturally heal.

Relax the Mind, Relax the Body To a client or recipient of reflexology, reflexology is only one half of the healing partnership. The will to overcome disease must come from the recipient’s positive view on knowing and accepting that total healing of the body is a natural process and state. Doctors agree that over 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous stress and tension. Reflexology’s primary use is for the reduction, elimination and release of stress on the nervous system. Reflexology works by relaxing tension, sending signals of support and unblocking stagnated energy in specific areas of the body, which allows the healing process to begin.

The human body is a delicately balanced machine that is synergetic, everything works together for the benefit of all. We can compare the body to a racing machine that works best when it is in tune. Each part functions at its peak. All parts working in harmony to make the machine work at its optimum capability.

Keeping the Body in Balance
When we speak about health according to our own bodies, we make reference to equilibrium and balance. The word mostly used and referred to today by most health practitioners is homeostasis, which comes from the Greek language.

Reflexology’s ability to improve nerves and blood supply is highly praised in maintaining your glands and organs working at its maximum functioning level.

The organs and glands contribute to the overall well being of the body, each making contributions to maintain an efficient, fully operating mechanism. All of the organs and glands receive their instructions from the most intricate of all networks, the nervous system.

Our nervous system is composed of a network of nerves. These nerves are cord like structures, comprised of a collection of nerve fibers that convey impulses between a part of the central nervous system and other regions of the body. Nerves are basically the wiring system of the house we call our body. As with any complex wiring system, a short circuit can mean trouble.

A short circuit is often caused by tension putting pressure on a vital nerve plexus or even a single nerve structure supplying a vital organ.

As tension is eased, pressure on the nerves and vessels are relaxed, thus improving the flow of blood and its oxygen-rich nutrients to all parts of the body. Reflexology helps the glands and organs return to normal and reduce their over activity.

It is important to know that the normalization action of reflexology is never one of an opposite extreme. In other words, once balance of a normal condition of health is achieved it cannot be unbalanced by working the area to much.

Principle of wholism in traditional

The human body is an organic whole. The medicine of TCM life cultivation and rehabilitation should guide or help patients to be in harmony with nature and society. Besides, it should also make all component parts of the human body harmonious and unified mutually, physique and spirit harmonious and unified. These are the principles of wholism in the science of life cultivation and rehabilitation.

1. Component parts in harmony with the organic whole, equal stress on physique and spirit 
During rehabilitation, local dysfunctions should be unified with the organic whole. In addition, attention should be constantly paid to the regulation of relationships between physique and spirit to restore the unified and harmonious states. More information, please read Relationships Among Six Fu-Organs.

2. Unity between functions and nature, blood and qi in step with four seasons  
The activities of life cultivation and rehabilitation should conform to seasonal and climatic changes as well as geographical differences, etc. This book constantly pays attention to principles of "treatment in accordance with geographical conditions" and "treatment in accordance with seasonal conditions", the purposes of which are to conform to the laws of seasonal and climatic changes and regional differences during regulation of viscera, promotion of qi flow and blood circulation and cultivation of the mind. In doing so, people can adapt themselves to the natural changes of germination, growth, reaping and storing so as to keep the relative balance of yin and yang inside and outside the human body. As a result, the aim of health and longevity will be reached. More information, please read Relationship Between Heart and Small Intestine.

Social environments may also influence physiological functions and pathological changes of the human body. For example, due to the social development, industrialization and urbanization speed up. This causes environmental pollution (including air pollution, soil pollution and noise pollution). As a result, some new diseases occur. The changes of life style and increase of work pressure give rise to more and more "modern civilization diseases". More information, please read Relationship Between Lung and Large Intestine.

A large number of the currently widespread psychosomatic diseases are associated with social environments such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, peptic ulcer and bronchial asthma. Therefore, guiding patients to adapt themselves to changes of social environments, correcting their bad life styles and behaviors, greatly enhancing the control over and prevention of environmental pollution belong to the important content of the science of TCM rehabilitation as well. More information, please read Relationship Between Spleen and Stomach.

Why are Young Kenyans love traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

Nearly 600 years ago, 20 Chinese sailors swam ashore an island off Kenya's east coast, having escaped from a shipwreck.

They went on to marry local women and convert to Islam.

Now a 19-year-old girl who claims to be one of their descendants has come to China to study, having been given a scholarship by the Chinese Government.

Mwamaka Sharifu, from Lamu island in Kenya, will begin her studies in September. Click here to learn acupuncture point Ermen (TE 21).

She says she is a descendant of sailors travelling with Chinese explorer Zheng He (1371-1435) in the Ming Dynasty.

Sharifu's story has attracted a lot of attention, as this year is the 600th anniversary of Zheng's first major voyage around the Indian Ocean. Some scholars believe Zheng is the first man to travel a direct sea route linking the Indian Ocean with the West.

Countless exhibitions, books and documentaries began coming out in China about his adventures. Sharifu was invited to China and arrived on July 1.

"I feel proud and happy to be part of it," she said. "I am looking forward to studying in China."

Sharifu said she admires Zheng's courage and adventurous spirit. "I was born as brave as my ancestors," she said. "It is rare for girls in my Muslim village to go so far to study, to such a big and different country."

"My mum and dad were worried about me. But I told them I will be fine in my home country."

Born to a poor family, Sharifu's father, Sharifu Lali, a fisherman, 55, and her mother Baraka Badi Shee, a housewife, 53, couldn't support her university education.

"The scholarship will change my life and the lives of the rest of my family," she said. "I believe that through hard work - a characteristic of the Chinese - I can make a better living."

Having already been to Shanghai, Taicang and Nanjing in Jiangsu Province, Sharifu appeared quiet when arriving in Beijing on Friday, where she will tour the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square.

"China is far better than I thought. It is so beautiful and well-planned," she said.

"Beijing is a big city," Sharifu added. "But Taicang city will always be a special place for me as it is said it is where my ancestors came from."

Located in East China's Jiangsu Province, Taicang is where Zheng set sail from. Click here to learn acupuncture point Sizhukong (TE23).

Legend in Lamu Island says two of the Chinese ships struck rocks off the eastern coast of Kenya and 20 sailors swam ashore. However, local tribes said they could only stay if they could kill a big python in the village.

One sailor - a master swordsman - lured the python out of the cave and killed it. The Chinese sailors stayed, married local women and converted to Islam.

The heritage of Chinese descendants in the African village has been passed on from generation to generation, not by written records but by oral tradition.

"My grandma said some Chinese sailors came to Kenya by way of the Indian Ocean. Most of them died after a storm at sea but some survived," Sharifu recalled.

Now, only six people on the island of 7,500 people are known as Chinese descendants. They are Sharifu, her mother, her two sisters and two younger brothers. However, despite Chinese porcelain being unearthed on the island and the existence of Chinese folklore there, it is not known if the group really are descendants of Zheng's sailors.

Sharifu said that in 2002 some Chinese experts came to her home and cut some of her mother's hair for DNA tests in China. Later, she said, they told her mother that she was a Chinese descendant.

The teenager was calm when being questioned about her Chinese blood, saying that people have a right to doubt her. "Asking questions will help people know more about me. And I am convinced that I am a true Chinese descendant." Click here to learn acupuncture point Shaoze (SI 1).

Sharifu's story was put under the spotlight after she wrote a letter to the Chinese Embassy in Kenya last year, expressing her wish to pursue a higher education in China.

"I want to learn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) so that I can treat my people in Kenya after graduation," she explained.

The Muslim girl wore a grey silk scarf around her neck.

"When I was in Kenya, I used to wear the scarf on my head. But now I keep it lower, because I think people here like to see me."

Article source: chinadaily

Chinese diet and lifestyle suggestions for weight loss

We all know that losing weight is good for your health and well-being, but it can also be very difficult in practice. Everyone hopes to have a healthy body so that they can enjoy life more. But many people are overweight which affects their quality of life and increases the risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems as well as circulation problems.

1. Edema type (Spleen Deficiency)
An ancient Chinese book called "Su wen zhi zhen yao da lun" records edema associated with deficiency of Spleen functioning. This means that those people overweight with edema are associated with water metabolism being sluggish. Chinese medicine considers the Spleen being important to transport fluid thus if the Spleen is deficient the fluid from drinking or eating will be stagnant in the body. Especially in the abdomen, arms and leg muscle to cause the limbs to be very heavy, as these areas are dominated by the Spleen. People who gain weight will also have bloating, tiredness or bowel problems. Their tongue will appear very puffy, very dark and pale, with teeth marks seen on each side of the edge of the tongue. Some of these people have an under-reactive thyroid problem.

2. Kidney Deficiency type
Chinese medicine also considers the Kidney to be a very important organ in water metabolism. Those who suffer from Kidney problems will acquire more fluid within the body, which can also lead to lower back and knee pain, puffiness around the knee and ankle, lack of energy, sexual function or reduced libido and sleeping problems, waking early or frequent urination at night.

If someone is deficient in Kidney and Spleen functions, acupuncture is used, using certain points and channels and certain parts of the body which help to strengthen the Spleen and Kidney. To help improve their function and thus increase the removal of fluid from the body. During treatment patients not only reduce weight but also the associated symptoms subside.

3. Stress type
Stress can also cause weight gain. Chinese medicine considers that long-term pressure from work, family, friends or sudden shock from certain issues can cause Liver problems. As Chinese medicine believes the Liver is one of the vital organs which dominates emotional aspects of the body, if there is too much stress or pressure placed on the Liver, dysfunction of the Liver can occur. People will have headaches, be emotional, with symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, stiff shoulders and neck, irregular bowl movements. Since the Liver is one of the organs which is involved in digestion it will affect the body's metabolism, thus people who are suffering from Liver deficiency will acquire a lot of undigested food, and thus have more toxins within the digestive tract causing slow but steady weight gain.

Diet & Lifestyle Suggestions
-- Drink a reasonable amount of fluids based on your body's constitution, activities and the weather.

-- Avoid drinking and eating frozen and very cold drinks or food. Coldness in the stomach can cause sluggishness in the digestion system, especially on cold days.

-- Take in a certain amount of ginger with your drinks or in your cooking. This can bring more Qi and Yang to your digestive system supporting its function and mobility.

-- Every week arrange a certain amount of gentle and relaxing exercises, such as walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi and meditation, or some of your own favourite exercises and activities, avoiding strenuous activities.

-- Arrange your work schedule to avoid over-stress and emotional issues. You can eat some of the following foods to help release the tension and clear the toxins in the digestive system: banana, green tea, peppermint tea, lemon, celery, orange, coriander and spinach (for more details on diet please check my articles). Also soaking your feet in 40 degree (Celsius) water before going to bed will relieve pressure and tranquilise your head, improve circulation, and balance your body and Liver.

Puerarin helps produce secretion of estrogens in females

Puerarin is the essence of the precious traditional Chinese medicinal herbal material, which is called "root of kudzu vine". Compared with other pure phyto estrogen products, this herbal product has more kinds of natural phyto estrogens and is an ideal supplement of the phyto type to physical estrogens of females. Pueraria has many ailias's one of which is well-known as "the fountain of youth" due to its anti aging and wrinkle reducing properties.

Puerarin Isoflavone Herbs Treatment
Analysis of clinical and experimental data has shown that at present puerarin isoflavon is the kind of phytoestrogen that is most similar in molecular structure to the estrogens secreted by the human body and is, therefore, most compatible to the estrogen receptors of organs of various systems of the body, giving very good effects. In comparison with other drugs for regulating a female's endocrine secretions, puerarin isoflavone has the peculiar advantages of enjoying a priority in combining with the receptors of the physical estrogens and being gentle and mild in the regulating action. Its effects include also resistance to carcinoma, prevention of arteriosclerosis and amelioration of osteoporosis.

Proper regulation of the secretion of estrogens within the body to attain a balanced state is the basic requirement for maintaining the feminine characteristics and keeping a perpetually young appearance. The superiority of puerarin isoflavone over other phytoestrogens consists in that it does not try to fill the body with estrogens as much as possible but to furnish it with amounts which conform to the need of the body. Therefore, administrations of it will never produce the symptoms which may be occasioned by too great a density of the estrogens. This is why it is reputed to be the safest among artificial estrogen products.

Soy isoflavone is an ingredient of natural plant origin extracted from soybeans. Owing to the fact that it is close in molecular structure to the physical estrogens it is capable of combining with the receptors of estrogens within a female’s body to play the role of a two-way regulator of her own human estrogens. It is because of this close relationship that soy isoflavone is sometimes simply called "the phytoestrogen". A great amount of research has shown that the soy isoflavone can transform cancer cells into normally functioning cells and can also suppress certain ambiguous swellings to prevent their malignant enlargement.

Continued used of the puerarin isoflavone composite capsules over a long period of time have the following health- preservation effects:
1. The skin will become better in quality. It will shine with vigor; it will be soft and elastic. The discomfort of menstruation will totally disappear, replaced by the feeling of vitality of young age.

2. Senescence will be resisted: Aging of the ovary will be checked; the climacteric will be postponed; and the climacteric syndrome headed off.

3. Sexual life will rise in quality: The vagina will become moistened; secretions of the sexual gland will become augmented; and the vaginal muscles will be strengthened in elasticity.

4. Osteoporosis will be prevented: Absorption of calcium by the female's body will be promoted.

5. Carcinoma, especially breast cancer, will be prevented: This product can combine with the receptors of estrogens, thereby reducing the risk of breast cancer due to a high level of physical estrogens.

6. Postpartum mental handicaps will be removed: After childbirth the progestational hormone will become reduced, but the estrogens not yet restored to their normal level. In consequence, the autonomic nervous system is somewhat in disorder, causing depression to occur in many cases, which this product can overcome.

Soup of Ginseng and Lotus Seed Kernel for Qi (Energy)

SOURCE: Proved Effective Prescriptions

INGREDIENTS
White ginseng, Ginseng-(Renshen)  10g
Lotus seed, Semen Nelumbinis  10
Crystal sugar  30g

PROCESS: Put white ginseng and lotus seeds (rid of the lotus plumules) in a bowl, add the right amount of clean water to make them expand by soaking, then, add the crystal sugar. Put the bowl with the drugs in a steamer to steam without its contacting water for an hour. The ginseng can be used three times successively -- add lotus seed kernels, crystal sugar and the right amount of water the following day to make soup in the same way.

DIRECTIONS: Drink the soup and eat the lotus seed kernels; at the third time, eat the ginseng as well. Take it twice a day, once in the morning and in the evening respectively.

EFFICACY: Invigorating qi and replenishing the spleen.

INDICATIONS: Symptoms after an illness such as weakness, deficiency of qi, anorexia, lassitude, spontaneous perspiration; Chronic Gastritis, or diarrhea due to deficiency of the spleen.

PRECAUTIONS: It is prohibited to use an ironware to make the soup and take radish and tea.

To keep healthy through balanced diet

Mo Yan, the Nobel Literate in 2012, joked about his first motive for writing–having three meals of dumplings everyday just as one of his villagers did. Today, many families are living the happy life Mo Yan once dreamed of. Having enough food is no longer a problem. What people concern about is having healthy meals, by which, it does not simply mean eating more meat. There is so much to learn about. As an old Chinese saying goes "to keep healthy through balanced diet", we need to avoid eating too much. Chinese people always believe that being 70% full is ideal. In addition, we need to have meals on time with a balanced diet. Five flavors of food also need to be balanced, because too much sour food would hurt the spleen, too much bitter food would hurt the kidney, too much pungent food the liver, too much salty food the heart and too much sweet flavor the stomach.

Chinese people pay attention to the harmonious coexistence between mankind and nature. We not only need to keep a healthy diet, but also select food in various seasons. For example, according to the TCM, if people eat too much salty food in winter, the burden on kidney will be increased. Since it's dry in northern China food which can nourish your lung, such as lotus root, lily bulb and tremella, are highly recommended. When winter comes, we see people start making paste in supermarkets in Beijing with donkeyhide gelatin, fried sesame and shelled walnut. This is a popular product for women in winter for its health preservation effects: improving sleep and eyesight, nourishing the liver and enrich the blood.

There are also various healthy soups for in various seasons, especially in southern China. The Cantonese would have a bowl of soup before meal. They make pork rib soup with bitter gourd in summer to relieve internal heat and they add astragalus propinquus root and ginseng root to chicken soup to dispel cold and replenish vital energy in winter. There are also various healthy soups for in various seasons, especially in southern China. The Cantonese would have a bowl of soup before meal. They make pork rib soup with bitter gourd in summer to relieve internal heat and they add astragalus propinquus root and ginseng root to chicken soup to dispel cold and replenish vital energy in winter.

A year of four seasons consists of 24 solar terms. In recent years, health preserving drinks made for different solar terms have been popular.

In a famous TCM clinic near the Fragrant Hill in the west of Beijing, every patient will be served with a cup of hot tea in accordiance with the right solar term. Some tea has the fragrance of rose while Chinese wolfberry tea tastes sweet and Schisandra chinensis tea a slight sour. When talking about his solar term health preserving teas, Dr. Niu Zhigang explained that 24 solar terms can not only guide agricultural production, but also help to cure diseases and preserve health. Being effective, the solar term herbal teas also taste good. For instance, at the Beginning of Spring, health preserving tea is made of cinnamon and semen cassia, because Spring is the time when all living creatures grow and Yang Qi (in Chinese philosophy and medicine Yang Qi means positive and vital energy) grows, which is not good for patients with hypertension and liver diseases. Semen cassia could remove heat from the liver and moisten the intestines, while cinnamon could nourish the blood and calm the nerves so as to protect the liver and kidney.