Gentle Digestive Support with Hawthorn: A Post-Holiday Reset

 Kit Li

As 2025 comes to an end, I believe one of the most common goals for 2026 resolutions will be losing weight. While this goal may feel slightly exaggerated for me personally, prioritising health and fitness remains a shared aspiration for many people.

Following a series of indulgent celebrations from the Winter Solstice through to New Year’s Eve, frequent feasting, alcohols and sweets left me feeling noticeably bloated. On one morning, I experienced a bitter taste in my mouth accompanied by mild sour regurgitation. These symptoms suggested possible indigestion and prompted me to recognise the need to reduce food intake and allow my digestive system time to rest.  I quickly grabbed a sweet hawthorn snack to soothe my discomfort. When I was a child, it was one of my favourite treats from my grandmother, the balance of sweetness with a hint of sourness made it irresistibly addictive. 

Did you know that hawthorn, a traditional Chinese herb, is commonly used to support digestion? In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hawthorn is believed to help reduce food stagnation, particularly from rich or heavy foods, and to promote the smooth movement of digestion.  Avoid excessive intake: Hawthorn is sour, and consuming too much may damage the Spleen and Stomach.

Today, I’d like to introduce several herbal teas with Hawthorn (Shan Zha) (2, 3,4), which in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is known for promoting digestion, moving stagnant food, supporting spleen and stomach function, and aiding blood circulation. These teas can also assist lipid metabolism, help resolve phlegm, and gently clear mild internal heat.

1) Shan Zha Chenpi Tea (4) (for 2 people)

Ingredients:

• 20g dried Shan Zha (Hawthorn)
• 6g Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel)

TCM Function:

• Shan Zha: transforms food stagnation, promotes digestion, moves blood
• Chen Pi: regulates Qi, strengthens the spleen, resolves dampness and phlegm

Preparation:

1. Rinse ingredients.
2. Add to 700–800ml boiling water, simmer for 10–15 minutes.
3. Strain and serve warm.

Caution: Shan Zha can lower blood pressure and thin blood slightly, so people on blood-thinning or anti-hypertensive medication should consult a qualified TCM practitioner.  May aggravate loose stools if consumed in excess.

2) Ju Hua (5), Chen Pi and Shan Zha Tea (for 2 people)

Ingredients:

• 10g Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum) 
• 6g Chen Pi
• 20g dried Shan Zha

TCM Function:

• Ju Hua: clears Liver heat, calms eyes, relieves mild internal heat
• Chen Pi: regulates Qi, improves digestion, resolves phlegm
• Shan Zha: promotes digestion, moves blood, reduces food stagnation

Preparation:

1. Rinse herbs.
2. Pour 700–800ml boiling water over them, leave it to steep for 10 minutes with the lid on.
3. Strain and enjoy.

Caution: Ju Hua (chrysanthemum) may cause allergic reactions in some people, especially those sensitive to ragweed, daisies, or marigolds.  Chen Pi is warming and moves Qi, so avoid if you have very loose stools or stomach ulcers.

3) Green Tea Hawthorn Tea (for 2 people)

Ingredients:

• 10g Green Tea
• 20g dried Shan Zha

TCM Function:

• Green Tea: clears mild heat, supports digestion, boosts metabolism
• Shan Zha: aids digestion, helps regulate lipid metabolism

Preparation:

• Rinse green tea and hawthorn slices.
• Add to 600–700ml boiling water, leave it to steep for 3–5 minutes with the lid on.
• Strain and sip slowly.

Caution: Green tea contains caffeine, which may not suit sensitive individuals or be consumed in large amounts before bed.  Hawthorn may interact with heart medications, so those with heart conditions should consult a qualified TCM practitioner.

Whether you want to ease bloating, support digestion, or enjoy a warm, comforting drink, these hawthorn teas provide a gentle, natural way to care for your digestive system. Sip them mindfully to restore balance after the holidays and start 2026 feeling lighter and healthier.

References:

1) Effects on gut microbiota and fermentation: 

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/10/10/1922

2)  In vitro digestive enzyme interactions:  

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844022023465

3) Chemistry, stability and health effects of phenolic compounds in cultivated hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida var. major): a review

https://academic.oup.com/fqs/article/doi/10.1093/fqsafe/fyad067/7486237

4) Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi): Botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of a frequently used traditional Chinese medicine:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874117329367

5) Diosmetin protects against retinal injury via reduction of DNA damage and oxidative stress:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5615423/

6) The effects of green tea on lipid metabolism and its potential applications for obesity and related metabolic disorders:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871402119301249

Ending the Year with Relief: Treating Tennis Elbow

Kit Li

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is a pain‑causing condition affecting the tendons on the outside of the elbow.  Medically it’s often called lateral epicondylitis or lateral epicondylopathy/tendinopathy, a repetitive strain injury of the forearm tendon where it attaches to the elbow.  Despite the name, it’s NOT just caused by playing tennis, repetitive gripping, lifting, typing or manual work can trigger it.

Typical Pain:

• Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. 
• Pain that may radiate down the forearm. 
• Pain when gripping, lifting objects, twisting a jar lid, or bending the wrist.

Tennis elbow is usually treated with anti-inflammatory medicine or a steroid injection near the elbow. This condition is mainly caused by tension in the muscles around the elbow, such as the brachioradialis, biceps, and triceps.

Case sharing:

This morning, December 24th, Christmas Eve, and my last day of work for 2025, a good friend arrived
at my clinic just as the city was waking up. He was struggling with tennis elbow in his right forearm, caused by repetitive gripping and overuse, along with discomfort in his upper arm near the shoulder. Even simple movements had started to feel heavy and tense.  Using the Pain Assessment Tool, his pain level was rated at 6/10.

We began the session with Fu's Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) acupuncture, addressing both the elbow and related points along the forearm and upper arm, also some key body points to clear heat and inflammation, as well as Qi-stagnation.  The acupuncture treatment focused on easing inflammation, improving circulation, and releasing the tight, overworked muscles that had been carrying stress and fatigue.

As the needles worked their gentle magic, I could see the tension slowly melting away. By the end of the session, the pain had eased significantly, his pain had reduced to 3/10 , the muscles were noticeably more relaxed, and he walked out with a bright smile, lighter in body and spirit.

There’s something deeply fulfilling about ending the year by helping someone in need, witnessing not just physical relief but a subtle emotional lift. On this Christmas Eve, it felt like more than just a treatment, it was a moment of healing, connection, and gratitude.

Reference:

1) Tennis Elbow: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tennis-elbow/?utm_source

Staying Warm at Dongzhi: Scallion Pepper Water for Cold Weather Support

 

Kit Li

This year, the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight (the winter solstice in the astronomical sense) is on December 21st, and it typically corresponds to Dongzhi (冬至) (1) in the Traditional Chinese Calendar’s 24 Solar Terms.  It is one of the most important traditional festivals in China and other East Asian cultures. It marks the peak of yin and the gradual return of yang, so many customs focus on family, nourishment, and welcoming the increase of light. 

Dongzhi is not just an astronomical marker, it’s also a seasonal transition point that emphasizes rest, inward nourishment, and replenishment of yang after strengthening yin through the autumn and early winter. Foods and practices during this time historically lean toward warming, nutrient-dense, and qi-nourishing preparations to support the body through the darkest, coldest period.

I'm going to introduce one of the drinks, Winter Solstice Scallion Sichuan Pepper Water (Cong Bai Hua Jiao Drink), this warming herbal drink is used to dispel cold, warm yang, promote circulation, and protect the lungs.  It is especially suitable around the Winter Solstice, when yin is strongest and yang begins to rise, also it benefits for:

• dispels external cold and mild internal cold
• promotes sweating and releases the exterior (early-stage wind-cold)
• warms the lungs, helps relieve cough and mild wheezing
• improves circulation, warms hands and feet
• supports seasonal immunity and adaption to cold weather

This drink is commonly used when you feel chills with cold limbs, early wind-cold symptoms (no fever or sore throat), mild cough with clear phlegm, cold constitution or exposure to cold.

Here are the ingredients:

• White radish: 200g
• Scallion whites (with roots): 2 stalks
• Ginger (with skin): 2 slices
• Sichuan peppercorns: 3 grains
• Pitted Red dates: 3 pieces
• Goji berries: 10 pieces
• Water: 500 ml

Cooking method:

1. Bring to a rolling boil on high heat (about 10 minutes).

2. Reduce to low heat and simmer 15–20 minutes.

3. Avoid overcooking to prevent loss of aroma and active components.

Cautions:

• Yin deficiency with strong heat (dry mouth, night sweats, red tongue)
• Fever, sore throat, yellow phlegm
• Pregnancy (use with caution due to strong warming and moving nature)|
• People with High Blood Pressure, reduce the quantity of Sichuan peppercorns (1-3g) and ginger (1 slice)
• People with Diabetes, reduce or skip the quantity of pitted Red dates (1pc) and keep goji berries (5-8 pcs)

Winter Solstice customs vary in China and other East Asian cultures, but the shared theme is warmth, nourishment, and family gathering. Scallion pepper water is a practical, everyday health drink rather than a ceremonial ritual.  This is a useful seasonal remedy, not a daily tonic.  It works best when used briefly, at the right time, for the right person. It also fits the Winter Solstice principle of 'One Yang is Born'  (一阳生), supporting the body’s rising yang energy.  For modern people who sit long hours, get cold easily, and lack circulation, it can be very effective, but overuse or misuse can easily lead to internal heat. Balance and timing matter more than quantity.

References:

1) Winter Solstice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice

Huang Jing, Goji & Dang Shen Stewed Quail — A Gentle Yin and Qi Nourishing Soup

 

Kit Li

I went to a local farm shop and bought a pack of very fresh quail, which inspired me to prepare a nourishing yin-tonifying soup using Huang Jing (Polygonati Rhizoma, 黄精) (1,2), goji berries (Lycium barbarum, 枸杞子) (3,4), and Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula, 党参) (5,6).

This is not a “quick fix” kind of soup; it is traditionally used when the body is quietly depleted rather than acutely unwell, and it works best when taken once or twice a week over time to gently rebuild strength. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, quail is valued for tonifying qi and blood while helping to expel heat, resolve dampness, and regulate water metabolism. It is sweet in flavour, neutral in temperature, and is said to enter the Stomach, Spleen, Large Intestine, and Liver channels, making it nourishing without being cloying. 

Combined with Huang Jing, which deeply nourishes yin while also supporting qi, Dang Shen, which gently strengthens the middle burner and aids absorption, and goji berries, which enrich Liver and Kidney yin and blood, this soup is designed for steady, balanced nourishment. Overall, it strengthens the body in a calm, gradual way, supporting yin and qi without causing dryness or heaviness, and is particularly suitable for long-term depletion, dryness, or post-illness recovery once acute symptoms have resolved.

Huang Jing, Goji and Dang Shen Stewed Quail

Ingredients (1–2 servings)

• Fresh quail × 2 (cleaned, skin on for nourishment)
• Huang Jing (黄精) 10g
• Dang Shen (党参) 10g
• Goji berries (枸杞子) 8g
• Dried Lily bulbs (乾石合) 4g
• Maimendong (麥冬）4g
• Water

Stewed in a pressure cooker:

1. Clean and blanch the quail briefly for 1–2 minutes, then rinse. 
2. Quickly rinse Huang Jing, Dang Shen, and also Goji Berries, dried Lily bulbs and Maimendong.
3. Place all the ingredients and water into a clay pot. 
4. Put the clay pot with a cover and place in the pressure cooker.
5. Put a high setting in 'Stew' mode for 30 minutes.

This method shortens cooking time while still producing a deeply nourishing, gentle tonic suitable for regular use.

Caution: this soup is not ideal for

• Acute colds, fever, or damp-heat conditions
• Heavy phlegm, greasy tongue coating, or severe digestive stagnation

References:

1) Polygonati Rhizoma as a food and medicine — studies describe the biochemical composition and broad potential health effects of Huang Jing, including immune modulation and tonifying effects consistent with its historical use.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874123001642?utm_source

2) Pharmacological properties of Polygonatum and its active ingredients” — this type of review summarizes current scientific evidence showing that Polygonatum species (the source of Huang Jing) contain polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins with antioxidant, immune-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory effects.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10759625/?utm_source

3) Comprehensive review of chemical composition and bioactive compounds:

A 2025 review in Food Chemistry discusses the nutritional components, polysaccharides, carotenoids, flavonoids, and potential health-promoting activities of goji berries: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41092619/ 

4) Health benefits and applications: Other scientific reviews highlight goji’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and eye-health related activities based on phytochemical content and human/animal studies: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8868247/?utm_source

5) Systematic review on Codonopsis pilosula: Published research reviews the multiple biological actions of Codonopsis, including immune regulation, antioxidant effects, and support of gastrointestinal and endocrine systems in animal models and cell studies:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11128667/?utm_source

Nourishing the Body During The Major Snow (Dàxuě): Warming Foods for the Deep Winter Season

Kit Li

Today, December 7th, marks Dàxuě (1) in the Chinese lunar calendar - the Major Snow (Dàxuě) solar term.

The Major Snow solar term marks the depth of winter, when Yang energy turns inward and becomes concealed. Nature enters a quiet, cold state, and the body follows by drawing its Yang energy into the Kidney system. Wellness during this period centres on nourishing Yin, protecting Yang, and supporting the body’s natural need for conservation.

As temperatures drop, often with pronounced differences between morning, noon, and night, those with less flexible blood vessels may experience abnormal constriction and dilation. This can lead to fluctuations in blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, coronary discomfort, facial numbness, or, in severe cases, stroke. During Major Snow, keeping the meridians warm and the circulation steady becomes especially important.

This season naturally calls for warming, nourishing soups. Yin-enriching and Qi-tonifying options such as rice-wine red-date chicken soup help warm the stomach and replenish the blood. Simple preparations like Sweet Potato Ginger Syrup are also ideal: sweet potato strengthens the stomach’s warmth, while ginger dispels cold, making it a comforting and supportive choice for the winter months.

I) Rice Wine Red Date Chicken Soup: for warming, nourishing blood and supporting the circulation

Ingredients (2–3 servings)

• 500–700 g chicken pieces
• 8 pitted red dates
• 2-3 slices ginger
• 1–2 tbsp goji berries (optional)
• 150–200 ml rice wine (Shaoxing or sweet rice wine)
• 1–1.5 L water
• Salt to taste

Pressure Cooker Method:

• Boil the chicken briefly for 1–2 minutes to remove impurities, then rinse.
• Add chicken, red dates, and ginger to the pressure cooker. Pour in the water.
• Cook on high setting for 25 minutes.
• When it’s done, open the lid, pour in the rice wine, and simmer on normal heat for 5–10 minutes to preserve aroma and warming properties.
• Add salt to taste. Add goji berries in the last 3–5 minutes if using.  
• Enjoy hot for optimal warming and circulation-supporting effects. 

Caution:

This formula can intensify internal heat.

1) Not suitable for people with “heat” or inflammation

Because this soup is warm-to-hot in nature (chicken + ginger + rice wine + red dates), avoid it if you have:

• sore throat
• mouth ulcers
• acne flare-ups
• constipation with heat
• fever or infection
• very red tongue, strong thirst

2) Avoid when you have a cold/flu with fever: even if you feel weak, the alcohol and warming herbs can trap the pathogen and worsen symptoms.

3) Not ideal for pregnancy (first trimester): small amounts of rice wine in postpartum tonics are traditional, but during early pregnancy, alcohol and warming blood-moving foods are avoided.  Later stages: some women use it, but it’s best to check individually.

4) Not suitable for hypertension that spikes with heat:

the warming nature might increase: facial flushing, irritability, tension headaches

5) mindful if you are Yin-deficient with heat signs

Symptoms: night sweats, hot palms and soles, dry throat at night.  Warming alcohol and ginger can make these worse.

6) Alcohol sensitivity / medication interactions

Even though the alcohol evaporates partly, individuals with: 

• alcohol intolerance
• liver issues
• certain medications (especially sedatives or antibiotics)

should use little or no rice wine.

7) Digestive sensitivity

If your stomach is easily irritated by ginger or alcohol, reduce ginger slices and simmer the wine longer.

II) Sweet Potato Ginger Soup: for warming, soothing the Stomach, dispelling cold

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 1 medium sweet potato
• 5–6 slices fresh ginger
• 500–600 ml water
• 1–2 rock sugar (optional)

Cooking Method

• Peel and cut into small cubes for quicker cooking.
• Add the sweet potato cubes and ginger slices to a pot with the water.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the sweet potato softens.
• Add rock sugar and let it dissolve.
• Best enjoyed hot to support stomach warmth and dispel winter chill.

Caution:

This soup is simpler and milder, but still warming. Here’s what to note:

1)    Not suitable for “heat in the Stomach”

Avoid if you experience: acid reflux that worsens with heat, burning stomach pain, mouth ulcers, excessive thirst.  Ginger may aggravate these.

     2)  Avoid if you have diarrhoea due to heat or infection: this soup warms the middle, which is helpful for cold-type diarrhoea, but not for: acute gastroenteritis , food poisoning, diarrhoea with fever.  Warming foods can worsen these patterns.

       

      3)    Blood sugar consideration: sweet potato and rock sugar turn into higher glycaemic impact.  Avoid large portions if you have: insulin resistance, diabetes, reactive hypoglycaemia

        

     4)    Not ideal for people with chronic heat or strong Yang constitution: if you naturally run hot, get red easily, or sweat easily, daily ginger-heavy recipes can feel too stimulating.

    5) Avoid too late at night: ginger can be slightly stimulating; some people become alert instead of relaxed.

As Major Snow brings the coldest part of winter, warming and nourishing foods become essential for staying balanced. Whether you choose the rich Rice wine red date Chicken Soup or the gentle Sweet Potato Ginger Soup, these dishes help protect Yang and warm the Stomach through Winter's quiet, inward-turning days.

References: 

1) The Major Snow (Dàxuě): 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daxue_%28solar_term%29?utm_source

Official Announcement: Pre-Publication Release of Discover the Science Behind Traditional Chinese Medicine Dec2025

Kit Li

I’m pleased to share that today I’ve received the pre-publication copy of Dr. TieJun Tang’s first book, Discover the Science behind Traditional Chinese Medicine, published by Maple Publishers.

The past nine months, from April to now, have been both intense and rewarding. During this time, I’ve supported Dr. Tang through liaison and coordination with Maple Publishers, alongside editing and proofreading all 12 chapters, totalling approximately 300 pages.

My thanks go to Dr. Tang for his confidence in my work, and to Ms. Isha and her team at Maple Publishers for their professionalism and collaboration. I am also grateful to all who have supported me during this project.

This book encapsulates Dr. Tang’s 40 years of clinical experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, drawn from his long-standing practice in China and in the UK. It offers an insightful and comprehensive look into the scientific foundations behind TCM as understood through decades of practice.

The official publication date is set for February 2026 in the UK. The book will be available on Amazon and will be archived by the British Library (大英图书馆), the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford (牛津大学图书馆), the Cambridge University Library (剑桥大学图书馆), the National Library of Scotland (苏格兰国家图书馆), the Library of Trinity College Dublin (都柏林圣三一学院图书馆), and the National Library of Wales (和威尔士国家图书馆).

Please keep an eye on my blog, updates will follow soon.

A thank you note from Dr. Tang:

'I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Professor Fan Daiming, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and former President of the Fourth Military Medical University, and to Professor Ma Yuling, a distinguished expert in Chinese herbal medicine research at the University of Oxford, for writing the forewords for this book and for their high praise.

This book represents the culmination of my more than forty years of clinical experience both in China and abroad. It incorporates many clinical insights from my mentor, Professor Deng Tietao. Focusing on the treatment of dozens of common diseases in the UK, the book explains the scientific basis and clinical applications of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. Using language accessible to most Western readers and scientific concepts they can readily understand, it illustrates the mechanisms through which Chinese medicine and acupuncture treat illness. It is suitable for doctors of both Chinese and Western medicine, as well as for patients.

My sincere gratitude goes to all my teachers in both Chinese and Western medicine, to the five alma maters that nurtured me, and to all the friends and colleagues who have supported and encouraged me.'

TCM Management of Chronic Prostatitis: A Case Study

Kit Li

Prostatitis (1) symptoms include pain in the pelvic area, lower back, testicles, or penis, painful or difficult urination, and pain during ejaculation.  Some people experience flue-like symptoms such as fever and chills, particularly with acute prostatitis.  Chronic prostatitis symptoms often develop slowly and can come and go.

Sign and symptoms:

• Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
• Difficulty starting the urine steam or a weak/interrupted stream
• Needling to urinate often, especially at night (nocturia)
• Feeling a sudden need to urinate (urgency)
• Blood in urine
• A weak or slow urine stream 

Pain and discomfort:

• Pain in the lower back, groin, or lower abdomen
• Pain in the penis or testicles
• Pain with bowel movements or ejaculation
• A feeling of pressure in the rectal area

Other symptoms:

• Fever and chills (more common with acute prostatitis)
• Discharge from the urethra
• Erectile dysfunction or a reduced sex drive
• Blood in the semen
• Feeling generally unwell, tired, or experiencing muscle aches

How is Prostatitis Addressed in TCM?

Case Study:

Mr. S, Male, 50+ years old

This is his first visit to our clinic.  He has been experiencing prostatitis symptoms since July. These include urinary urgency and frequency, along with a burning sensation and a dull, aching pain in the perineal region. He reports no fever. He previously consulted his local GP, where he was diagnosed with a chronic bacterial condition and completed a course of antibiotics. Despite this, his symptoms have continued, therefore he has been so stressful.

Treatment Principles:

• Soothe Liver Qi stagnation
• Strengthen Kidney deficiency
• Clear damp-heat from the Lower Jiao

Acupoints:

Point selections for this case focus on addressing the underlying patterns identified in the assessment.

• soothe Liver-Qi stagnation, points such as LV-3 may be included.
• support Kidney deficiency, points like KI-3 can be considered.
• clearing damp-heat in the lower-jiao, points commonly used for regulating fluids and transforming phlegm, such as KI-7, SP-6, and ST-40.
• improve urinary systems and Kidneys' functions, points like Baliao (八髎).

Additional points along the Ren Mai may be selected to regulate the lower abdomen, with Dao-qi techniques; Scalp acupuncture areas, such as Foot-Motor-Sensory Area (FMSA) and Spirit-Emotions Area (SEA), to support symptom relief and overall regulation.

Chinese Herbal Medicine:

In TCM, this refers to Urinary difficulty, frequency, burning or painful urination caused by patterns such as Damp-Heat, Qi-Stagnation, Blood Stasis or Deficiency, we also called 'Lin Zheng' （Stranguria, 淋证）

Modified Ba Zhen San (八正散)(2): Clears heat and damp-heat from the Lower Jiao, promotes urination, relieves painful urinary dysfunction, commonly used for acute damp-heat presentations with symptoms such as burning urination, or scanty urine, urgency, or discomfort in the lower abdomen.

• Chē Qián Zǐ (Plantago Seed / Plantain Seed, 車前子)
• Biǎn Xù (Knotgrass Herb, 扁蓄)
• Qú Mài (Dianthus / Fringed Pink Herb, 瞿麦)....etc

Er Miao San (二妙散)(3): Clears damp-heat, drains heat and reduces swelling and addresses heaviness, soreness, and damp-heat obstruction in the lower body.  This classical base formula is specially for damp-heat affecting the lower limbs, lower-jiao, or genitourinary region, presenting with heaviness, warmth, or discomfort.  

• Huáng Bǎi (Phellodendron Bark, 黄柏)
• Cāng Zhú (Atractylodes Rhizome, 苍术)

We combined the above formulas with several additional key ingredients tailored to his condition.  After taking one week of decoctions, his burning and scanty urination improved significantly.  He is also sleeping better and reports feeling more relaxed overall.  A follow-up visit is recommended to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

References:

1) Prostatitis: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostatitis/

2) The effects and prospects of the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine on andrology in China: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3739612/

3) Elucidation of the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Er Miao San by integrative approach of network pharmacology and experimental verification: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34838694/

Highlights from the CAHMA and ASA Joint Conference Nov2025

 

Kit Li

The annual Joint Conference of the Chinese Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Alliance (CAHMA) and the Academy of Scalp Acupuncture (ASA) was successfully held at BCOM this past weekend, on Sunday, 23rd November. This was my second time attending the event, and once again it offered valuable insights into the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

During the Conference, we had the privilege of hearing from our first speaker, Dr. Joseph Kwan (1), a Consultant in Stroke Medicine, who delivered an engaging presentation on Post-Stroke Pain to open the day's programme. He outlined the three major categories: Central Post-Stroke Pain (CPSP), Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and pain associated with peripheral mechanisms. His talk focused particularly on CRPS and explained the regulatory mechanisms through which Scalp Acupuncture may lead to significant improvements, which I found both fascinating and thought-provoking.

Dr. T.J. Wang, an expert in Scalp Acupuncture and the president of ASA, who presented on 'The Mechanism of Scalp Acupuncture: Brain Stimulation Targets for Stroke'. He gave a concise overview of the three proposed mechanisms of Scalp Acupuncture: Channel Theory, the Bio-holographic Hypothesis, and Cortical Functional Areas (2).  He also shared one of his most successful cases, demonstrating how Scalp Acupuncture was applied on Speech Areas  to treat a patient with post-stroke aphasia.

Dr. Ye Liuzhong, President of CAHMA and founder of Xunzhen Meridian Palpation Therapeutics (3),
presented on 'Tonification and Reduction Effects in Auricular Acupuncture Based on Xunzhen Meridian Palpatory Differentiation.' He demonstrated how his unique Xunzhen approach can be integrated with auricular acupuncture, sharing a case in which a patient with chronic lower-back pain experienced notable improvement after just three treatments.

The remaining speakers also shared their expertise with great dedication, offering valuable insights through their presentations, including:

• 'Highly Effective Acupuncture Program for First-Time Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation'
• 'Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Is Acupuncture an Effective Treatment'
• 'Chronic Pain and Central Nervous Sensitisation'
• 'Treating Pain Utilising Pulse-respiration Technique of Changsang Jun Pulse'
• 'Case Analysis: A Case of Refractory Pain'

Overall, this year’s conference was informative and inspiring. Each speaker shared practical knowledge and real clinical cases that expanded my understanding of pain management and the applications of acupuncture in stroke and chronic pain. I left the event with clearer insights and renewed motivation, and I look forward to attending again next year.

References: 

1) Dr Joseph Kwan: https://clevelandcliniclondon.uk/doctors/4083890-dr-joseph-kwan

2) Neural control of cerebral blood flow: scientific basis of scalp acupuncture in treating brain diseases: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2023.1210537/full

3) XunZhen Meridian Palpation Therapeutics - Dr Ye Liuzhong: https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/625877704656314609/328292646819951088