The Power of TCM in Today's Challenging World

To coincide with the beginning of the Year of the Ox (on Friday 12 February), we're delighted to share key insights and highlights from a webinar discussion we hosted on Monday 8 Feb, around the on-going relevance of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Despite scientific and technological advancements, the resurgence of ancient healing modalities such as TCM and Ayurveda continues to grow. We invited four of our clients, who all offer and practice Chinese Medicine in varying ways, to come together and explain how this multidisciplinary health system can offer support and solutions.

A VERY PERSONAL JOURNEY: How did our panel discover Chinese Medicine?

Dr David Wei - Senior Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine at SANGHA Retreat by OCTAVE Institute:  
Studied TCM after his father struggled with debilitating back pain which was relieved and finally cured through acupuncture, avoiding expensive surgery

Dr Ursula Muntean-Rock - Head Physician at Original FX Mayr specialising in Mayr and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Combined Western and Chinese Medicine to effectively treat both pancreatitis and symptoms of stress. Studied in Beijing, China for three years

Katie Brindle - Chinese Medicine Practitioner, author of Yang Sheng, founder of Hayo'u Method and Hayo'uFit.
Turned to ancient traditions to treat whiplash and a shoulder injury after a car accident ended her singing career ambitions and now advocates self treatment aspects of TCM through Yang Sheng

Marina Efraimoglou - founder of Euphoria Retreat Greece and specialist in Five Elements Chinese Philosophy.
Studied energy medicine and the Five Elements after suffering from cancer in her 20s to help heal mind, body and spirit

EAST MEETS WESTHow does TCM compare to Western Medicine?

  • Chinese Medicine has been described as a listening medicine which treats the whole person
  • Both systems work very effectively together, particularly for chronic health issues, as Chinese Medicine prioritises prevention where western medicine centres on intervention - particularly useful in treating Covid and long-Covid
  • A self-awareness tool, Chinese Medicine allows us to take our health into our own hands - to find our own weaknesses and balance our inner energies
  • TCM use the seasons and the elements to bring greater harmony to how we live our lives and our own healing processes

TCM TO BOOST ENERGY LEVELS

  • Chinese New Year marks the arrival of Spring. As we move from the winter months, associated with the water element and a time of deep reflection and hibernation, we need to focus on patience, courage and wisdom to encourage better health and daily habits
  • Embrace the energy of Spring, associated with the wood element, by buying flowers, watching bulbs grow and spending time in nature
  • The pandemic has brought grief and fear and much contemplation about the imbalance of humankind and nature. We need to take this wisdom and move now from lethargy into a period of renewal and creativity
  • To boost mood and low energy levels, the Yang Sheng concept of self-care suggests we open windows, breathe, and use tapping & cupping to get more ‘qi’ energy flowing around the body, particularly in our lungs
  • We need to unblock our systems and get rid of toxins. Try a combination of a cleansing cure with Qigong, herbs, minerals, yoga and acupuncture

TCM TO BOOST SEXUALITY

  • Problems with libido and performance are often a side effect of medication, excess alcohol etc – TCM strengthens kidney functionality through qi energy
  • TCM is very effective if lacking in libido at times of stress or during the Menopause. It helps with hormone imbalances and strengthens the whole body. It can also support men with erectile issues which are often rooted in energy imbalances
  • TCM is not a quick fix but a holistic approach which over time can help with strengthening sexual organs through daily practices
  • Need to reconnect with our bodies, through healing love and energy meditation

MOVING WITH THE TIMESTCM and the use of animals for their healing properties

  • Everyone agrees this is an unacceptable practice and new laws and the government in China are trying to address this
  • Our panellists have not seen the use of animal products in established, reputable TCM hospitals
  • Over 5000 herb and plant substitutes are now used as alternatives to animal based products
  • Problem remains with traditional ‘folk medicine’ which has been passed down from older generations. This approach will not be easily erased
  • Animals of Asia is a lobby group in China that is trying to eradicate cruelty to animals and they are making great strides

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE YEAR OF THE OX

  • The Ox, associated with the metal element, is intelligent, honest and gentle; a strong animal that likes structure and to plan
  • The metal element is around grief and letting go; however, it is also about gratitude
  • So… it’s time to decide where you want to go and what you want to achieve
  • Use this year to grow and make significant changes in your life
  • A time to stoically move forward, releasing the past

SANHGA Retreat, The Original FX Mayr, Euphoria Retreat and Hayo’u can help support and guide you.

For more information on Chinese Medicine, specialist programmes and treatments, or if you wish to speak to any of our experts, please do get in touch

Download PDF
Thursday, February 11, 2021