Spring has sprung (Part II)

Kit Li

Today represents the Vernal Eqinox (春分), the second solar term in the traditional 24 Solar Terms (二十四節氣).  

Resulting from the growth in the nature during Spring, the yang energy rises, in a similar way, the liver yang energy in the human body also strengthens. Excessive Liver Yang or Liver-Qi Stagnation can lead to imbalance with Liver-yin, as a result, the function of Spleen and Stomach may get further affect, causing various discomforts.

It is advisable to increase the intake of green leafy vegetables, as they offer significant nutritional benefits that support overall well-being. We can also make some healthy teas for daily consumption to help with balancing, blood regulation and emotions, primarily benefiting to Liver.

1) Red Bean (Hong dou) and Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren) Water: Both Red Bean and Coix Seed are nutrient-rich and have diuretic and dampness eliminating effects. Coix Seed has a slightly cold nature, slightly roasted is highly recommended before cooking.

Ingredients: Red Bean (50g), Coix Seed (30g), Water (1000ml)

Preparation Method: Slightly roasted the herbs and soaked them in water for about 1 hour. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently for about 5-10 minutes, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, turn off the heat.

2) Goji Berries (Goujizi) and Prepared Rehmannia (ShuDiHuang) Tea: Goji Berries has a mild nature, it nourishes Yin and tonify Blood, also it improves our visions. Dried Rehmannia benefits of nourishing Yin and Blood, as well as invigorates the Liver and Kidney, which is good for Yin deficiency conditions.

Ingredients: Goji Berries (2g), Dried Rehmannia  (5g), Water (500ml)

Preparation Method: Chopped the Dried Rehmannia  into smaller pieces, bring the water to a boil, add the herbs, simmers for 5 minutes and turn off the heat with the lid on for another 10 minutes. 

3) Goji Berries (Goujizi) and Chrysanthemum (Juhua) Tea: this tea recognised for its ability to nourish the Liver, clears heat and benefits vision; besides, it calms the mind and improves sleep. Apart from that, it helps with other conditions too, such as stabilising the blood pressure level at the very early stage diagnosed of high blood pressure.*

Ingredients: Goji Berries (10g), Chrysanthemum (10g), Water (500ml)

Cooking Method: put two herbs into a flask and top up with boiling water, soak for 15minutes with the lid on, then ready to drink.

4) Semen Cassiae (Jue Ming Zi) and Barely Sprout (Maiya) Tea: Semen Cassiae has a mild cold nature, it is recommended to use slightly roasted Semen Cassiae in this receipt, it clears heat, benefits vision and nourishes the intestines; Barely Sprout helps with indigestion and regulating Liver-qi stagnation.

Ingredients: Semen Cassiae (30g), Barely Sprout (120g), Water (5000ml)

Preparation Method: Firstly, bring water to a boil, reduce to low heat, then add the above herbs and simmers for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover the pot and leave it for 30 minutes.*

These healthy teas supports overall well-being, but for specific conditions, please consult a qualified Chinese Practitioner. Hope you enjoy the teas and keep yourself well physically and emotionally in the Spring.

References:

GoJi Berry and Chrysanthemum Tea:

https://chinesemedicinesalon.blogspot.com/2011/12/metabolic-syndrome-and-its-tcm-food.html

Semen Cassiae and Barely Sprout Tea:

https://youtu.be/zSsv0hONgkI?si=ALwF7UKSdeQCf62L

Spring has sprung (Part I)

 

Kit Li

Today is March 19th, Spring will arrive in the UK in 11 days, which means clocks will go forward again, however, on the other side of the world, Spring had already begun on the 3rd of February, according to the  Lunar Chinese Calendar.*

In the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, it emphasises that  the changes of the four seasons with the Five Element theory have a significant impact on our human life, well-being, and the flow of Qi.

In terms of the nature of Yin and Yang, Spring (Liver) and Summer (Heart) represent Yang, the characteristics of Spring is growth, renewal and expanding, cultivating yang energy to engaging in activities that promote growth and movements; Summer continues to nourish our yang energy at its peak, warmth and activities.

Also, the late Summer (Spleen), it is considered as a transitional season, it balances both Yin and Yang; the characteristics of the late Summer is transformation and stability. 

Whereas, Autumn (Lungs) and Winter (Kidneys) represent Yin, due to the fact that, the characteristics of Autumn is cooling down, contraction and dryness, together with conserve yang energy and prepare for the coming winter; Winter is stillness, conservation and storage, focus on conserving yin energy, resting, and protecting the body from the cold.

Just bear in mind, the changes of yin and yang with the changes of four seasons is an endless cycle of life, thereby, it never ceases, for instance, if too much yin energy is being overused in Winter, then tiredness or illnesses in Spring is unavoidable because your body is already exhausted and not well-prepared for the upcoming season - Spring.

For that reason, what should we do to promote our Yang energy and support our liver function in order to welcoming the Spring season?

'During Spring, we should grasp the opportunity presented by the warm Spring sun to get our energy moving, which helps clear away the leftover effects of winter, for instance, sleep late (before 11pm)* and get up early, walking in the gardens or woods to regain the Yang-Qi.' according to the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon.

In addition, Spring is associated with the liver, which governs emotions, consequently, practicing Tai Chi*, Qigong, or light stretching in the morning to encourage the smooth flow of Qi and prevent stagnation; on the other hand, expressing creativity, listening to the music that nourishes your liver*, and practicing mindfulness can help maintain balance.

What about foods that help promote our Yang energy and support liver function?  Green leafy vegetables, leeks, ginger, garlic, and sprouted grains etc, the cooking methods should be light, avoid eating raw, cold, greasy, or overly spicy and strongly flavoured foods.  How about some healthy teas?  I will share some tips on the healthy tea tomorrow. (keep an eye on my post!)

                                                                                                                                        to be continued.....

Links:

Lunar Chinese Calendar:

https://www.yourchineseastrology.com/calendar/24-solar-terms.htm 

Traditional Chinese Organ Body Clock:

https://images.app.goo.gl/EwARiwticQambQ2J9

Chen Village School:

https://www.taijicircle.com/about

Music for nourishing the Liver (GuQin):

https://youtu.be/L3_zYsp5ZyQ?si=9IBml4VrG_J_EftH

It is meant to be....

Kit Li

When the time comes, it is meant to be that someone enters your life with a purpose.

My last visit to Hong Kong was in 2023. However, due to family matters, I had to spend two weeks sorting things out in Hong Kong in March 2025. Meanwhile, I was honoured to have the incredible opportunity to meet Prof. Mo Fei Zhi (莫飛智教授), shadow him at his clinic, and learn new knowledge about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Prof. Mo is the Chairman of the Hong Kong Academy of Chinese Medicine, specializing in cardiovascular diseases, myasthenia gravis, and other conditions. Additionally, he was one of the outstanding students of Prof. Deng Tietao, who was named a "Master of National Medicine" in China in 2009.

During my visits, I observed that different geographical regions, along with their environments, economic backgrounds, and emotional influences, exhibit different patterns of disease. I encountered several cases of Myasthenia Gravis (MG) within three days, as well as Thymic Follicular Hyperplasia (TFH), conditions that I had never come across before.

According to Prof. Mo’s analysis, these two conditions are primarily caused by emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, and worry. Therefore, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are combined as part of the treatment regimen.

* Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a condition where muscles become weak and tire quickly, especially with overuse—for example, in the neck, shoulders, or back. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the connections between nerves and muscles, making it difficult for signals to reach the muscles. Symptoms include droopy eyelids, double vision, difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing, and weakness in the arms or legs.

* Thymic Follicular Hyperplasia (TFH) is an enlargement of the thymus gland due to an increase in immune cells (lymphoid follicles). It is often linked to autoimmune diseases like myasthenia gravis, where the immune system attacks the body. While it usually does not cause symptoms on its own, it is often discovered during tests for related conditions. Treatment focuses on managing the associated autoimmune disease.

Additionally, I was fortunate to receive treatment from Prof. Mo for the pain in my left calf, which was caused by a slight leg-length discrepancy. He used his unique needling technique (針灸整骨), which combines acupuncture and osteopathy with specialized needle manipulation for spinal adjustment, achieving a very high success rate. As he explained, he has spent the past twelve years experimenting with and refining this method, which has shown significant results in treating patients with spinal issues.

Spending three full days with Prof. Mo had a profound impact on my perspective on TCM, we also discussed about the future development of TCM, as well as the philosophy of life. After this visit with Prof. Mo, my perception of learning TCM has changed: theories may be static, but the way I approach and understand them is what truly matters in my life.

If you visit Hong Kong next time, be sure to look out for him if you need any assistance with your health during your stay. (A Cantonese interpreter is needed).

MO, FEIZHI; Chinese Medicine Practitioner - Primary Care Directory

References:

Invigorating spleen, replenishing qi and tonifying kidney method treatment of traditional Chinese medicine for myasthenia gravis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed

Treatment of myasthenia gravis with the method of tonifying spleen and replenishing qi in traditional Chinese medicine: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed

The book of Acupuncture Techniques

Kit Li 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses several therapeutic methods to treat patients, including Chinese Herbs, acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina massage, cupping or scraping, and TCM nutrition.  I'm sure you've experienced one or two methods in your life.

However, in terms of acupuncture techniques, could you imagine that the manipulation methods of applying a needle to a patient could have more than 10 different methods for guiding the Qi (tonifying or reducing) to strengthen or relax the patient? Unbelievable, right?  

To be honest with you, even though I never thought about it, I thought acupuncture was only for needling the acupoints on the different channels to treat the patient.  I was utterly wrong.   Possibly because I didn't have much experience with acupuncture, I only experienced it once, years ago.  I had three months of intensive acupuncture treatments from my motherland because of the terrible lower back pain in 2001.  As a patient at the time, I didn't even think about what techniques my Chinese Practitioner used; the only primary concern was the progress of my condition, and thankfully, I was fully recovered in the end.

Before becoming a TCM student, my knowledge about TCM and even the needling techniques was very superficial.  I can tell you that the more I delve into my studies, the more I'm into them.  It's not only what I learnt about the Yin and Yang, Five Elements or the Fundamental Theories, etc.  It's about how our body works with the needles during the treatment, combined with some manipulation techniques and such a fantastic invention by our ancestors several thousands of years ago, and it STILL works!

Anyhow, if you are a qualified Acupuncturist looking to improve your practice, there is a book I would highly recommend - Acupuncture Techniques: A Practical Manual by TianJun Wang and Weixiang Wang.  

This book is the first English language textbook on acupuncture and moxibustion techniques, co-authored by eighteen acupuncture experts from China and abroad.  It was published by the world-renowned science, technology, and medical publisher Springer.  Most of the authors are Chinese traditional medicine practitioners residing in Europe, with years of clinical and teaching experience in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, particularly excelling in related acupuncture and moxibustion techniques.

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-59272-

How Chinese Herbal Medicine helps with cancer patients

Kit Li 

It seems that the incidence of malignant tumours is on the rise. While there are many Western medical treatments available, many patients cannot tolerate the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, leading to poor prognoses. 

After studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I understand that TCM can significantly help with cancer treatment. 

Recently, at my professor's clinic, a British male patient with T-cell lymphoma (non-Hodgkin's) joyfully shared with us that he had successfully cured his lymphoma within five and a half months through a combination of Chinese and Western medicine.  The swollen lymph nodes had wholly disappeared, the cancer cells were entirely eradicated, and his blood test results showed everything was normal.  

During this period, I witnessed the treatment process of this case. The patient underwent six courses of chemotherapy while taking daily herbal decoctions prescribed by my professor and also received acupuncture treatments twice a month at the clinic. 

The common side effects of chemotherapy were almost entirely absent, and his white blood cell count remained within the normal range. Additionally, the patient maintained a routine of moderate daily exercise, meditation, and a relaxed state of mind. 

In this world, many things are complementary. In cancer treatment, TCM and Western medicine are also complementary. By combining both strengths, we can effectively enhance the patient's immunity, suppress tumour cells, and counteract the side effects of chemotherapy. 

The patient's herbal formula was based on Xiaoluo Wan (Phlegm-Dissolving Pill) and Erzhi Wan (Double Supreme Pill), with modifications.  Because each person's constitution is different, the herbal formula is tailored to the individual and adjusted accordingly. 

 However, the essential components of the formula included: 

- Zhebeimu (Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii), Xuanshen (Radix Scrophulariae), and Muli (Oyster Shell): To soften hard masses and dissipate nodules. 

- Huangqi (Milkvetch), Nuvzhenzi (Privet Fruit) and Hanliancao (Eclipta): To boost white blood cell count and alleviate chemotherapy side effects. 

- Banzhilian (Barbat Skullcap) and Baihuasheshecao (Oldenlandia): To resolve phlegm and dampness. 

- Ezhu (Zedoary Rhizomes): To activate blood circulation and remove stasis. (Note: Ezhu is contraindicated for those taking anticoagulant medications) 

I'm so grateful to my professor for allowing me to witness the miraculous effects of Chinese Medicine. 

Below are two articles from Dr TJ Tang, his English blog on cancer treatments. Please refer to the following links for more information: 

1) Acupuncture and Moxibustion improve Leukopenia caused by Chemo and radiotherapy.

https://chinesemedicinesalon.blogspot.com/2023/04/acupuncture-and-moxibustion-improve.html 

 2) The Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine on Cancer

https://chinesemedicinesalon.blogspot.com/2023/04/acupuncture-and-moxibustion-improve.html

Be a professional in the world of TCM

Kit Li

In the UK, there is no single regulatory body for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), but several professional organisations exist that practitioners can join to gain credibility, insurance, and professional support.

Therefore, I am a member of the Chinese Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Alliance (CAHMA), the Academy of Scalp Acupuncture UK (ASA), and the Chinese Medicine Alliance (CMA) to ensure that I am protected by regulations as a  member.  Additionally, I have been assigned a registered number as proof of my qualifications.

However, there are several other professional bodies in the UK that you can join as well.

Choose the Right Professional Body

Organisations focus on various aspects of TCM, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and tuina.  Some of the most recognised ones include:

• British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) – For acupuncturists

• Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) – For herbal practitioners

• Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture UK (ATCM) – Covers acupuncture, herbal medicine, and tuina

• The Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (FTCMP) – A broader organisation for TCM professionals

Meet the Educational and Training Requirements

Most professional bodies require formal training in TCM from an accredited institution.  In the UK, this typically means:

• Completing a degree or diploma in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, or TCM from a recognised school

• Meeting minimum clinical practice hours

If you studied outside the UK, you may need to submit evidence of equivalent training.

Pass Membership Assessments

Many organisations require a case study assessment, an exam, or an interview to ensure you meet professional standards.

Provide Evidence of Professional Conduct

You will usually need to provide:

• Proof of professional indemnity insurance

• Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD)

• Agreement to follow the organisation's code of ethics and practice

Apply and Pay Membership Fees

Each professional body has a membership fee ranging from roughly £150 to £500 per year.

According to the above-mentioned professional bodies, you now know where to look for a qualified Chinese Practitioner.  For more details, please contact the relevant professional body directly.

Links:

CAHMA – Chinese Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Alliance

Academy of Scalp Acupuncture UK – ASA – Academy of Scalp Acupuncture UK – ASA

https://www.thecmauk.org/home

A new Chapter begins.....

Kit Li  

For most of my life, I have regularly visited my Chinese Practitioner for health maintenance rather than vice versa. I had never considered studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or becoming a Chinese Practitioner until I met one of my professors at the London Academy of Chinese Acupuncture, and I started a new page.

Under great encouragement and some other factors (I will tell you more later), at a turning point in my life, I made up my mind and signed up for a three-year programme for a Diploma in Chinese Acupuncture; also, I commenced another two-year programme for a Diploma in Chinese herbal medicine simultaneously. 

Starting from scratch didn't hold me back on studying TCM with unwavering commitment, I have truly fallen in love with what I have learned, something I never thought I'd be so passionate about.  

That's how I started my journey to exploring the world of TCM and become a Chinese practitioner student.....

Link:

Home - London Academy of Chinese Acupuncture (LACA)