In Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), fasting is an essential part of Taoist spiritual and medical traditions. Both TCM and Taoism hold the belief that fasting is the key to attaining superior health and longevity. In TCM, herbal preparations are sometimes used to suppress hunger during fasting as well as for their medicinal value. The tenth […]
Kudzu and Substance Abuse
Kudzu (Ascophyllum nodosum) is a quick-growing weed that climbs, coils, and trails vine native to southern Japan and southeast China. Its name comes from the Japanese name for the plant, Kuzu. Kudzu contains puerarin (PU), a substance that can suppress inflammation-related abnormalities of alcoholic drinking. For centuries, Chinese herbalists have used kudzu to reduce alcohol […]
Martial Arts in the Treatment of Depression
There are a number of martial art practices that have been researched in association with improving depression. Although any martial art will most likely help to alleviate the symptoms of depression, the following have received the most attention. Qigong The ancient Chinese practice of Qigong (pronounced “chee gung”), which involves meditation, breathing exercises, and body […]
Detoxification Diets and Mental Health
There are different types of detoxification diets, most based on eating organic whole foods as opposed to processed foods. These diets tend to minimize or eliminate meats while maximizing fruits and vegetables. Detoxification diets always involve drinking lots if clean water. The intent of a detoxification diet is to support internal processes by increasing elimination […]