Happy Chinese New Year

Some of you will breathe a huge sigh of relief as the Spring Festival (春节 ‘Chun Jie’) beginning on 16 February 2018 marks the start of the new year in the Chinese lunar calendar. It’s also time to clean the house in order to make way for good fortune and celebrate with families and good food (see dumpling recipe below).

Year of the Earth Dog

Chinese New Year begins on 16 February 2018, which is the 4715th Chinese New Year. With each year there is a related element and this year it is earth so it is also said to be the Yellow Male Earth Dog year.

According to Chinese horoscope theory, the Male Earth is represented by mountain and the sign of the Male Earth Dog is two mountains, representing a strong Earth. The focus will be on property, environment, territory, integrity whether spiritual or religious.... Read more

How to improve your sleep

Poor sleep impacts on a range of health issues from obesity, cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, hormone regulation, poor memory, anxiety and generally stress and inflammation in the body.

Many people find that coming for acupuncture helps them sleep better - even if sleep is not the main reason for having acupuncture.

There are a number of different patterns that we will look at when you come for acupuncture to help with insomnia and sleep. As part of the consultation we’ll look at what is out of balance and develop a treatment plan based on your particular combination of symptoms.

Some of the things that we’ll look at include whether you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. If you wake through the night, is it the same time every night or does this vary? Do you experience palpitations, dizziness or anxiety? Do you feel hot and restless?

We’ll also look at your diet and routine and often add some tailored recommendations of things to include (or to stop) which can also balance the patterns of disharmony.

Tips for a good night sleep:
● Reduce the use of screens…
● Avoid eating before bed…
● Pillows - how long since you’ve replaced your pillows…
● Empty your mind …

Read more

This article was co-authored by Laura Ichajapanich & Stacey Chapman

Wake up your eyes

This exercise was taught in schools and in factories and offices in China as part of the daily wake up routine before the start of the working day.

1. Place the thumbs on the temples and the knuckles of the index fingers on BL1 * acupuncture point.

2. Wipe in a semi circle under the eye with the knuckles of the index fingers towards the temple… Read more

MASSAGE THE EYES EXERCISE

Dumpling receipe

2 packets of wonton or dumpling wrappers (you will often find these in the freezer at a local chinese supermarket)

Dumpling Filling
250g white cabbage
250g pork mince
Half bunch spring onions, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2cm piece of ginger finely grated
2 tbs soy sauce
2 tsp sesame oil

Dipping Sauce
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbs rice wine vinegar
1 tsp chopped spring onions
¼ tsp toasted sesame seeds
½ tsp ground black pepper

Method:
Finely chop the cabbage (you can also do this in a food processor), sprinkle lightly with salt and allow to rest for 10 mins before squeezing out the excess liquid… Read more