This is a Chinese book that discusses some basic principles of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) in a revolutionary and scientific way that is easily understood by the layman. Most of time the author uses the analogy of a computer system to explain TCM concerpts. Here are just a few points which I gathered from this book.
* The Human body is an extremely intelligent system, many times more powerful than the computer system, especially in the management of resources and it's ability to transform one type of resouces to another type to meet the daily needs of our body system. For example, the book explains why people with diabetes lose a lot of weight during the initial period. It is a tranformation of one kind of resource inside the body to another in order to meet the deficiency of resouces in other areas. More detailed info are contained in the book.
* Sometimes, in coping with the heavy energy / resource needs of the body (eg stressful lifestyles), the body does not have the enough resources to clean up the waste and other toxic substances residing in the body. When one goes on a long vacation with plenty of rest, the body now have the resources to start a major 'spring cleaning' and a lot of waste and other toxic substances start discharging out of the body through the blood streams. If one goes for health screening (eg. blood test) during this period, the blood results may show 'unhealthy' signs. As such, it is important to take into account which period of time when one goes for a health check. Hence normal blood test results do not necessary mean that a person is healthy and vice versa. More detailed info are contained in the book.
* The illnesses in the internal main organs often manifest as symptoms in other external organs. Every often, people took Western medicines to relieve and suppress the symptoms instead of finding the exact causes. In the long run, this may harm the body. In TCM, it is essential to identify the exact cause of the an illness and the treatment of this illness may not be at the location where the symptoms occur after the cause of illness is identified. More interesting examples and info are found in the book.
* The book also discusses the different approach between Western Medicine and TCM.
* The book also provides simple tips / exercises in maintaining a healthy body.
You can download the book at :
http://www.54md.com/book/catalog_5.html
Not to worry, there are no copyright issues with downloading the book. As mentioned in the last few pages of the book under the Interview section, the author made the softcopy of the book freely available on the web for quite some time before the hardcopy prints were out. His intention was pure as he wished to benefit more people. He was indeed surprised that the circulation of his softcopy book created a surge in the sales of the hardcopy prints!
*****************************************************************
Here is something I heard about (not from the book) and which I like to share. In Western culture, terms like 消毒，消灭，杀菌 etc are often used. In ancient Chinese culture, terms like 解毒，化解 are often used. From this you can see two different approaches towards the treatment of diseases and in a broader sense, attitudes towards Life. Very often, as we seen throughout history, the more human attempt to kill viruses, pests etc, the more resistant the viruses, pests etc behave towards the antibiotics. The viruses may also mutate in such a way that antibiotics become ineffective in such situations. If you watch Chinese films, you will come across the word 解毒药，but certainly not the word 消毒药or 杀毒药. Being able to neutralize the poison / viruses is the approach in ancient Chinese culture.
In the resolution of human conflicts around the world, the use of vengeful means usually lead to more disastrous results in the future. Hope that all conflicts can be resolved using peaceful means.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Swing Arm Exercise
This is the story I thus have heard :
The ancient famous Greek philosopher (not sure if it is Socrates) taught his students to swing their arms as a form of exercise daily. In the beginning all students followed their teacher's advice. After one month, only three students practised the swing arms exercise daily. After one year, only one student (not sure if it was Plato) continued with this swing arms exercise and became the best student of the Greek philosopher.
The actual name of the philosopher and student aside, one can derive a number of 'moral of the story' from is mentioned above. For example, what makes a good student, persistence leads to success etc etc.
Moral of the story aside, here is a simple swing arm exercise I read about recently :
Youtube videos :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEp5Wh6AcWE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JjtfUmzM2Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c80I01HKAvM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7kEvs0Ww6w
Other links :
http://www.lapislazuli.org/TradCh/magazine/200811/20081105.html
http://www.meimen.org/health/wonder/wonder-main.html (menu items on the left)
The ancient famous Greek philosopher (not sure if it is Socrates) taught his students to swing their arms as a form of exercise daily. In the beginning all students followed their teacher's advice. After one month, only three students practised the swing arms exercise daily. After one year, only one student (not sure if it was Plato) continued with this swing arms exercise and became the best student of the Greek philosopher.
The actual name of the philosopher and student aside, one can derive a number of 'moral of the story' from is mentioned above. For example, what makes a good student, persistence leads to success etc etc.
Moral of the story aside, here is a simple swing arm exercise I read about recently :
Youtube videos :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEp5Wh6AcWE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JjtfUmzM2Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c80I01HKAvM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7kEvs0Ww6w
Other links :
http://www.lapislazuli.org/TradCh/magazine/200811/20081105.html
http://www.meimen.org/health/wonder/wonder-main.html (menu items on the left)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Most Beautiful Smile
I had to hold back my tears when I first heard this story; I find it quite touching.
If you are more proficient in Chinese, please skip my poor translation and view the original, Chinese version : http://www.dfg.hk/gb/jtjy/qzp/38-zuimei.htm
Here's my simple translation of the story :
On 8 Mar 2008, at the TV programme, 'China Mothers', the list of China's ten most outstanding mothers was announced. The stories of these mothers were also shared and the utmost motherly virtues of Xiong Li touched the hearts of all in China.
Xiong Li was from XianTaoShi in the province of Hubei and was a performer of the local Huagu folk art. She was then 28 years old. On the Dec of 2006, she was six months pregnant and was travelling home after a performance. Unfortunately, a terrible accident happened. A cargo truck, loaded with high temperature alkali collided violently with the passenger vehicle which Xiong Li was travelling in. The heavy impact from the collision caused the alkali to spurt from the cargo truck and Xiong Li's whole body was splashed with the dangerous alkali.
During the collision, Xiong Li had sub-consciously used both her hands to hold her abdomen area tightly. Her face, back and four limbs suffered from serious burns and there was a bone fracture in her right leg. She suffered the worst injury among all passengers. When the medical team arrived and gently moved away both her hands, they found a distinct mark in the shape of two palms on the abdomen area where no signs of burn was observed.
After examination by medical professionals, they concluded that substantial amount of antibiotics were required to control the ensuing infection and skin grafting were also necessary for Xiong Li's treatment. In this way, her looks might recover and she might be able to resume her performance in the future. However, the use of antibiotics and anaesthetic would cause a miscarriage. Xiong Li's family members decided to save the adult first. After Xiong Li regained her consciousness, she knew of her family's decision and with tears in her eyes, she pleaded, "I don't want to use medicines, I can't bear to lose my child!"
From that day onwards, in the period of the subsequent 37 days and nights, and without the use of any anaesthetic, Xiong Li suffered great pain that was beyond description. The doctors carried out conservative treatment methods that would not yield any side effects. In addition, they also came up with a plan to protect the baby. In the first operation, the doctors would use the surgery knife to slice away her burnt, decaying skin in small pieces. When the chief doctor asked her if she wanted the anaesthetic, she shook her head and replied, "As long I do not die of pain on the surgical bed, just let it pain."
During that night of operation, under extreme degree of excruciating pains, Xiong Li strongly used her teeth to hold onto the pillow. She bit till her lips started to bleed. Looking at the pain-killer medicine that was easily within her reach, her defense against the pain almost crumble. Xiong Li's hushand was by her side and could no longer bear to watch her. He pleaded with the doctor to give her the pain-killer jab. Suddenly, there seem to be an outburst of energy connecting mother and the unborn child, and Xiong Li vigorously shook her head to refuse the jab.
Without the use of medicine, the multiple small and big wounds on Xiong Li's body started to fester and deteriorate, the wound on her leg had even deepened to the bone area. Whenever the nurse came to nurse her wounds, she had to force herself to hold back her tears.
At the end of Jan 2007, Xiong Li suffered from high fever of 40 Degrees Celcius and the baby's heart beat quickened. The doctors conducted an emergency examination of her condition and came up with a plan for induced birth. On 2nd Feb, Xiong Li smoothly gave birth to a 2.7 kg child. That day was exactly 37 days after Xiong Li was warded to the hospital for serious burns.
After giving birth, Xiong Li received extensive skin grafting treatment and her condition was under control. However, as a result of serious infections, the wounds left an indelible mark on her face.
On the year of 2007, Xiong Li received the title of "Ten Most Outstanding Mothers who Touched the Hearts of Hubei Province".
A student from Wuhan University was deeply touched. In the student's letter to Xiong Li, it said, "The merciless accident had presented you with a totally different kind of stage. Previously, you were a shinning star on stage. After the accident, fate had mercilessly forced you into the dark corners of life. You have made the choice of facing the fate of disfigurement in order to play the Greatest role in the stage of life - the role of a Mother."
The relationship between mother and child is a deep one. The coming of a new life in a mother's body signals the start of a life journey between two closely-knitted hearts. Nurturing this new and tender life is a mother's Heavenly duty. How can we bear to simply abandon it with all sorts of reasons? Furthermore, there are many young mothers who do things impulsively, or due to the concerns of looks and figures, or consider it troublesome to bring up a child; have eventually chosen abortion. After reading Xiong Li's story, we should seriously reflect and exercise the greatest caution in our deeds.
The greatest career belongs to that of a mother. Great sages, virtuous and wise men and women in History are the result of virtuous mothers who play an important role in the nurturing and education of their child. Hence, mothers contribute greatly to the peace and stability of the nation. The accomplishment and success of all other careers that women undertake are not able to replace their role and accomplishment in nurturing their child. At the juncture between life and death, Xiong Li had sub-consciously used her hands to shielf her abdomen area instead of her face. From that moment onwards, she persisted in holding onto her initial decision and choice of keeping her baby instead of returning to the stage as a performer.
On one hand, we see many career-minded women going after careers in our modern times. On the other hand, we see Xiong Li, using her virtuous love to carry out the decision and choice that had been made by mothers since ancient times and mothers in the future. Although she had lost her good looks, her haggard and weary face still showed signs of loving smile when she looked at her dear baby. Radiance of pure motherly virtues emitted from her smile, that was indeed the most beautiful smile on Earth!
****************************************************
Original Chinese version : http://www.dfg.hk/gb/jtjy/qzp/38-zuimei.htm
News link : http://news.sina.com.cn/s/p/2007-05-18/150613020805.shtml
If you are more proficient in Chinese, please skip my poor translation and view the original, Chinese version : http://www.dfg.hk/gb/jtjy/qzp/38-zuimei.htm
Here's my simple translation of the story :
On 8 Mar 2008, at the TV programme, 'China Mothers', the list of China's ten most outstanding mothers was announced. The stories of these mothers were also shared and the utmost motherly virtues of Xiong Li touched the hearts of all in China.
Xiong Li was from XianTaoShi in the province of Hubei and was a performer of the local Huagu folk art. She was then 28 years old. On the Dec of 2006, she was six months pregnant and was travelling home after a performance. Unfortunately, a terrible accident happened. A cargo truck, loaded with high temperature alkali collided violently with the passenger vehicle which Xiong Li was travelling in. The heavy impact from the collision caused the alkali to spurt from the cargo truck and Xiong Li's whole body was splashed with the dangerous alkali.
During the collision, Xiong Li had sub-consciously used both her hands to hold her abdomen area tightly. Her face, back and four limbs suffered from serious burns and there was a bone fracture in her right leg. She suffered the worst injury among all passengers. When the medical team arrived and gently moved away both her hands, they found a distinct mark in the shape of two palms on the abdomen area where no signs of burn was observed.
After examination by medical professionals, they concluded that substantial amount of antibiotics were required to control the ensuing infection and skin grafting were also necessary for Xiong Li's treatment. In this way, her looks might recover and she might be able to resume her performance in the future. However, the use of antibiotics and anaesthetic would cause a miscarriage. Xiong Li's family members decided to save the adult first. After Xiong Li regained her consciousness, she knew of her family's decision and with tears in her eyes, she pleaded, "I don't want to use medicines, I can't bear to lose my child!"
From that day onwards, in the period of the subsequent 37 days and nights, and without the use of any anaesthetic, Xiong Li suffered great pain that was beyond description. The doctors carried out conservative treatment methods that would not yield any side effects. In addition, they also came up with a plan to protect the baby. In the first operation, the doctors would use the surgery knife to slice away her burnt, decaying skin in small pieces. When the chief doctor asked her if she wanted the anaesthetic, she shook her head and replied, "As long I do not die of pain on the surgical bed, just let it pain."
During that night of operation, under extreme degree of excruciating pains, Xiong Li strongly used her teeth to hold onto the pillow. She bit till her lips started to bleed. Looking at the pain-killer medicine that was easily within her reach, her defense against the pain almost crumble. Xiong Li's hushand was by her side and could no longer bear to watch her. He pleaded with the doctor to give her the pain-killer jab. Suddenly, there seem to be an outburst of energy connecting mother and the unborn child, and Xiong Li vigorously shook her head to refuse the jab.
Without the use of medicine, the multiple small and big wounds on Xiong Li's body started to fester and deteriorate, the wound on her leg had even deepened to the bone area. Whenever the nurse came to nurse her wounds, she had to force herself to hold back her tears.
At the end of Jan 2007, Xiong Li suffered from high fever of 40 Degrees Celcius and the baby's heart beat quickened. The doctors conducted an emergency examination of her condition and came up with a plan for induced birth. On 2nd Feb, Xiong Li smoothly gave birth to a 2.7 kg child. That day was exactly 37 days after Xiong Li was warded to the hospital for serious burns.
After giving birth, Xiong Li received extensive skin grafting treatment and her condition was under control. However, as a result of serious infections, the wounds left an indelible mark on her face.
On the year of 2007, Xiong Li received the title of "Ten Most Outstanding Mothers who Touched the Hearts of Hubei Province".
A student from Wuhan University was deeply touched. In the student's letter to Xiong Li, it said, "The merciless accident had presented you with a totally different kind of stage. Previously, you were a shinning star on stage. After the accident, fate had mercilessly forced you into the dark corners of life. You have made the choice of facing the fate of disfigurement in order to play the Greatest role in the stage of life - the role of a Mother."
The relationship between mother and child is a deep one. The coming of a new life in a mother's body signals the start of a life journey between two closely-knitted hearts. Nurturing this new and tender life is a mother's Heavenly duty. How can we bear to simply abandon it with all sorts of reasons? Furthermore, there are many young mothers who do things impulsively, or due to the concerns of looks and figures, or consider it troublesome to bring up a child; have eventually chosen abortion. After reading Xiong Li's story, we should seriously reflect and exercise the greatest caution in our deeds.
The greatest career belongs to that of a mother. Great sages, virtuous and wise men and women in History are the result of virtuous mothers who play an important role in the nurturing and education of their child. Hence, mothers contribute greatly to the peace and stability of the nation. The accomplishment and success of all other careers that women undertake are not able to replace their role and accomplishment in nurturing their child. At the juncture between life and death, Xiong Li had sub-consciously used her hands to shielf her abdomen area instead of her face. From that moment onwards, she persisted in holding onto her initial decision and choice of keeping her baby instead of returning to the stage as a performer.
On one hand, we see many career-minded women going after careers in our modern times. On the other hand, we see Xiong Li, using her virtuous love to carry out the decision and choice that had been made by mothers since ancient times and mothers in the future. Although she had lost her good looks, her haggard and weary face still showed signs of loving smile when she looked at her dear baby. Radiance of pure motherly virtues emitted from her smile, that was indeed the most beautiful smile on Earth!
****************************************************
Original Chinese version : http://www.dfg.hk/gb/jtjy/qzp/38-zuimei.htm
News link : http://news.sina.com.cn/s/p/2007-05-18/150613020805.shtml
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Healthy at 100
Book title : Healthy at 100; author : John Robbins
This is another book by John Robbins which I found the on-line sample chapter very interesting, informative and thought provoking.
Home page : http://www.healthyat100.org/
Sample chapter (Introduction page) : http://www.healthyat100.org/display.asp?catid=2,32&pageid=192
This is another book by John Robbins which I found the on-line sample chapter very interesting, informative and thought provoking.
Home page : http://www.healthyat100.org/
Sample chapter (Introduction page) : http://www.healthyat100.org/display.asp?catid=2,32&pageid=192
The Food Revolution
Book title : The Food Revolution; author : John Robbins
I have not read this book but I find the on-line sample chapter interesting.
Homepage : http://www.foodrevolution.org/index.htm
The Food Revolution Book page : http://www.foodrevolution.org/food_revolution.htm
The Food Revolution Book chapter one : http://www.foodrevolution.org/chapter_one.htm
I have not read this book but I find the on-line sample chapter interesting.
Homepage : http://www.foodrevolution.org/index.htm
The Food Revolution Book page : http://www.foodrevolution.org/food_revolution.htm
The Food Revolution Book chapter one : http://www.foodrevolution.org/chapter_one.htm
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Emotion Free Techniques
Recently I came across this 'Emotion Free Techniques' which can be used to resolve emotional problems as well as physical ailments. Examples of applications include pain relief, anger, addictions, insomnia, allergies, anxiety, depression and the list goes on endlessly. The techniques are very simple and basically they involve using one's fingers to tap on certain major meridiens on the body.
Website : http://www.emofree.com/
To download the free manual : http://www.emofree.com/downloadeftmanual.asp
Website : http://www.emofree.com/
To download the free manual : http://www.emofree.com/downloadeftmanual.asp
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Tingshi's Initial Wish
Here is my summarized and translated version of the story contained in the Chinese Text Book of Virtues, Book three, Chapter on Trust( 信). Please pardon my translation errors and let me know if you spot any errors.Liu Tingshi lived during the Song dynasty. Before achieving the title of Jing Shi (进士, this is equivalent to the education level of doctorate in our modern times), he had already made plans to marry a young lady from his home town. At that time, the betrothal gifts had not been given yet. After Liu Tingshi attained the title of Jin Shi, the young lady contracted a illness and became blind. Furthermore, the lady's family became very poor and dare not bring up the marriage matter to Liu Tingshi. Somebody advised Liu Tingshi to marry the young lady's little sister who was not blind. He smiled and replied, "At that time, I have already decided to take her as my wife. How can I go against my initial wish?" Eventually, he married the blind lady who later bore him several sons. After some time, the blind lady passed away and Liu Tingshi never remarry.
The famous scholar, Su Shi (苏轼, his literary name is 苏东坡), asked him, "Grief arises from love and love arises from looks. Where does the love for your wife arise from?" Liu Tingshi replied, "I only know that I had lost my wife." Later, Liu Tingshi retired to a place at Lushan (庐山) and enjoyed longevity, living till a very old age.
Xu Zhijing commented that in ancient times, there were people who questioned one who enjoyed longevity to find out the cause of longevity. The reply was that having an ugly wife was the reason for longevity. Hence, having an ugly wife was to be seen as a blessing and not someone whom one disliked. Moreover, Tingshi did not go against his initial wish of marrying the young lady even though she had become blind. That was an act of benevolence and the benevolent ones enjoyed longevity. Shu Shi, of course knew that and used Liu Tingshi as a good example to educate others and future generations by posing him the question concerning love and looks.
Original Chinese story available HERE 《德育课本》,三集卷四,《二十四信》, 编号 : dykb3-04, story number 18.
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