Healthy adrenals means a better life! Adrenal fatigue is becoming increasingly common in our fast-pace society. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and secrete cortisol and adrenaline in response to stress. This causes a cascade of activity in the body known as the “fight or flight” response. Adrenaline can be helpful in acute moments of stress as it boosts physical energy but is harmful when stress becomes chronic as it can lead to high blood pressure and rapid heart rate. Cortisol affects the immune system, brain function and digestion and can lead to impairment of memory and learning. When a person is experiencing chronic stress the function of the adrenal glands can become impaired. When the adrenals are not functioning properly changes occur in metabolism, energy, immune function and the endocrine system which can lead to feeling dizzy, tired, depressed, and weak. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the pattern of symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue is called ‘Kidney Deficiency.’ It’s a very common condition and something we see a lot of in the clinic. It’s important to remember that you only have one body and you need to take good care of it so it serves you well in the years ahead. Here are seven ways to give a little TLC to your adrenals Sleep. Make sure you are getting adequate sleep each night. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Avoid watching tv or being on your computer in bed. Try to relax as the evening comes to an end by having a hot bath or listening to soft music. Dimming the lights an hour before...
Happy Spring! Spring is here, flowers are blooming and the world just feels brighter! It’s a time of growth and renewal. As the days grow longer, our bodies adjust to the seasonal change and you may notice that you are waking earlier. This is a great time to take advantage of it and incorporate a new morning habit. Amazing changes can happen with even the smallest effort – as long as it is regular. Start with something really simple and do it regularly. Keep a journal or checklist to keep yourself on track. Here are a few simple ‘under-five-minute’ ideas to inspire you. Pick one, try it everyday for two weeks and let me know how it goes! Two minutes of meditation when you first wake up One veggie juice daily (use a juicer) Jot down three things you are grateful for every day Drink a large glass of water every morning Five push ups Read two pages of a good book Write down two positive intentions for the day Ten jumping jacks Give/receive at least one hug Smile or say hello to a new person Floss Quick call to a friend or relative Park in the farthest spot and walk a little further Write down three good things that happened in the...
Jeffrey’s next Qi Gong class starts Wednesday, April 23rd. Class runs every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7 pm from April 23rd through to May 28th, 2014. While this is a six week class feel free to drop in when you can and don’t worry if you can’t make all of the classes. The main focus of the class is to get you practicing regularly so just come when you can! If you haven’t already done so please register online so that we have an idea of the number of people coming. You can register by clicking here Instructor: Jeffrey Chand, RAc., Dipl.TCM Date: Wednesday evenings 6 to 7 pm (April 23 to May 28) Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, 2964 Richmond Rd, Victoria, BC Course Fee: $60 for all six classes (or $12 drop-in) Payment can be made by cash or cheque at the class. Stay in touch Feel free to ‘like’ our Facebook page or subscribe to our newsletter to get updates, info and inspiration. I look forward to seeing you all soon and thank you for helping build a great “Communi-Qi!” -Jeffrey Chand...
Yin Yang Theory I’ve had a lot of people ask me what the TCM theory of yin and yang is all about. Yin and yang is a theory of the balance of opposition. So here it is….a simple video to explain it. Enjoy! ...
“The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease. ” ~ Thomas Edison I have been in practice for well over ten years now and have learned so much about health, people, patterns and the human body. When I was a student I was intrigued by so many of the concepts and mysteries of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I was fascinated with every facet of it. How could a person be diagnosed by changes in the pulse, tongue and complexion? How could personality traits indicate with great accuracy the type of illness a person would be susceptible to? There were so many questions and mystery. I was in awe of it all. As the years went by and I treated more and more people, I began to really understand TCM. It was not magical or mysterious, it was based on concrete observable patterns. Yes, the tongue does reflect the health with great accuracy. The tongue is an extension of the esophagus which connects to the stomach. Inflammation and acidity that originate in the stomach will show on the tongue. It’s not a mystery just simple observation; like paleness under the eyelid when a person is anemic. If you see hundreds of tongues, after awhile you see patterns. The part reflects the whole. TCM diagnosis and treatment is the culmination of 2000 years of careful observation and recognition of patterns in the body. The tongue is only one method of ‘reading’ the body. The pulse, complexion, voice, body type, hair...
