Latest news with #ChineseMedicine
Entrepreneur
21-05-2025
- Health
- Entrepreneur
Releasing Pain, Reclaiming Self-Love: Karly Bannister Heals Others Through Education, Empowerment, and Chinese Medicine
You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Karly Bannister's past has been defined by pain for too long. Having felt the impact of early traumatic experiences, she became too familiar with feeling scared and alone—or not feeling anything at all. Today, a confident CEO, homeowner, and mother, she no longer carries her burdens in silence. And, as a devoted acupuncturist blending the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine with modern Western science, she helps others reclaim that sense of freedom. Bannister's professional career spans 15 years of clinical experience and 30 years as a patient—a time that helped her refine her approach that is intuitive, joyful, personalized, and science-based. But the seeds of her love of holistic medicine were planted much earlier. "It all started with my grandfather," she shares. Watching a loved one struggle with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) changed something in her, especially as no conventional treatments were available at that time. "My father took it upon himself to learn different healing modalities, and I would assist, learning along the way," Bannister adds. In parallel to her grandfather's health decline, Bannister was struggling herself. As a child with asthma and allergies, she remembers feeling like an outsider, unable to run, exercise, or simply play like her peers. At just eight years old, she was also diagnosed with obesity, placed on cholesterol medication, and put on a strict diet. She then needed braces and headgear while the pressures of puberty also weighed heavily on her. It was the beginning of a long and painful journey—one centered on never feeling comfortable in her own body. Keahi Health Clinic When her father took Bannister to her first acupuncture treatment at 14 years of age, it changed her life. She was able to become the athlete she had always wanted to be, finding solace and safety in movement. Exercise became a way of life, and the school gym became her sanctuary. But it wasn't only about physical health; it was about finding a space where she could belong while connecting with and experiencing confidence in her body. For most of her life, Bannister has utilized several methods of therapy, including somatic techniques, to recover from bulimia and manage complex trauma and ADHD. Throughout her life, movement remained a daily practice where she always felt most at peace. However, while in the depths of her abusive marriage, Bannister was severely discouraged from exercising and other forms of self-care. She experienced fear, isolation, and overwhelm. "It reached a point where I didn't recognize myself anymore," she says. "I thought I was failing, that I was broken. In reality, I was trapped in a cycle of emotional abuse. This realization was the beginning of my healing. I then turned to my friends, family, and patients for support. My acupuncture clinic was a haven during a dark time in my life. It's truly an honor to now share proven self-healing methods to help my patients who supported me. " Starting with small steps, Bannister reclaimed her confidence by treating her daily habits as sacred self-care rituals. Whether it was walking outside with her daughter and her dog, participating in exercise classes, or connecting with friends and family, she was able to let go of grief and find herself again. This time, empowered with the healing properties of Chinese medicine coupled with somatic therapy, she promised herself never to let go of the joy and happiness she rediscovered. Her story, beyond personal transformation, laid the foundation for Bannister's career, which started at a renowned oriental medicine school. Working as the assistant to a premier acupuncturist in the area, serendipity did its work. Driven by her mentor's advice, Bannister packed her bags and accepted a one-of-a-kind opportunity to complete her postgraduate studies in hospitals, working alongside medical doctors at a major university in China. From China, Bannister began her career as an acupuncturist onboard a cruise ship. She immediately had a full schedule of new patients each and every week. For nine months, she honed her skills while traveling the world—from the vast Caribbean waters to the picturesque glaciers of Alaska. During her undergraduate education, she studied abroad in Seville, Spain, for six months. After graduation, she taught English in Costa Rica for three months. Today, these culturally vibrant and clinically diverse experiences enrich her practice, fusing time-honored Eastern medical knowledge with the exciting advances in Western science. When Bannister founded her practice in 2011, she did more than establish a purpose-driven business. She created a refuge where she became a partner for life, truly providing holistic health care. Her specialization is vast, including pediatrics, stress relief, weight loss, pain management, women's health, and hormonal balancing. The latter two are especially important for this passionate healer, as they fuel her mission of empowering women. A voice of love and wisdom, Bannister's mission is also about education and empowerment. By providing practical advice and effective tools to more people, she hopes to multiply her positive impact and cause ripples of hope and healing. She achieves this in part through her signature Flow Method, a technique to elevate anxious energy to a place of calm, confidence, and clarity. Additionally, inspired by her clients' requests, Bannister has expanded into public speaking and coaching and will soon release her first book, based on the Flow Method. For her, it was the natural next step, embodying her mission behind every venture: to help people heal, rise, and live healthier, happier lives. "I'm so grateful, as my journey so far has been remarkable. But I know that I am meant to do more, to give more," she reflects. "After all, if I can reach five, 10, or 100 people instead of just one, then I can do more good in the world. My life's purpose is to live with peace and confidence while helping others do the same. It's time for me to give back, to honor those who have helped me along the way. In fact, we have a family motto: comfy/cozy/happy/free. I don't let fear stop me anymore. Because it's not about me. It's about you."
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why eating too much ginger, turmeric or cinnamon could interfere with your prescription medication
A sprinkle of cinnamon on your porridge, a pinch of turmeric in your curry, or a dash of ginger in your biscuits – these popular spices are kitchen staples around the world. For centuries, spices haven't just been used to flavour food but also valued in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for their healing properties. But could something as innocent as a spoonful of spice interfere with your medication? Take cinnamon, for example. Sourced from the bark of Cinnamomum trees, it contains active compounds like cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and coumarin. Cinnamon oil, derived from the bark or leaves, is often used in food flavouring, fragrances and herbal remedies. Cinnamon has been linked to a range of potential health benefits: it's rich in antioxidants, it may reduce inflammation, it helps regulate blood sugar levels, it lowers the risk of heart disease, and even improves brain function. Traditionally, it's also been used to ease digestion and ward off infections. But a recent study from the University of Mississippi has raised concerns that cinnamon could reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. In lab tests, cinnamaldehyde was found to activate receptors that speed up how drugs are cleared from the body – potentially making them less effective. While this research is still in the early stages and hasn't yet been tested in humans, it raises important questions about how cinnamon interacts with modern medicines. The type of cinnamon matters too. The cinnamon commonly found in supermarkets – cassia cinnamon – is cheaper, widely available and comes from parts of Asia. Ceylon cinnamon, often labelled as 'true cinnamon,' originates from Sri Lanka and is generally more expensive. Cassia cinnamon contains higher levels of coumarin, a natural compound that can harm the liver in high doses, according to studies. Coumarin is also a known anticoagulant, meaning it helps prevent blood clots, which is useful in medicine but risky when combined with blood-thinning drugs like warfarin. There have been a few case reports suggesting that cinnamon supplements could increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants. This is probably due to coumarin affecting liver enzymes responsible for breaking down drugs like warfarin. Some research also suggests cinnamon could potentially interact with other medications, including painkillers, antidepressants, anti-cancer drugs and diabetes medications. But before you throw out your spice rack, it's important to remember: the risks come from high doses, particularly in supplement form. A light sprinkle of cinnamon on your porridge is unlikely to cause problems. Another spice with medicinal promise – and potential risks – is turmeric. Known for its vivid yellow colour and use in both cooking and traditional medicine, turmeric contains curcumin, a compound praised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, information on turmeric's interactions with medications is still limited. Most of what we know comes from lab and animal studies, which don't always translate directly to humans. Still, there's evidence that curcumin can affect how some drugs are metabolised, particularly by interfering with liver enzymes. This means it could potentially interact with antidepressants, blood pressure medications, chemotherapy drugs and certain antibiotics. Turmeric also has natural blood thinning properties, which could amplify the effects of medications like warfarin or aspirin. Animal studies suggest turmeric may also lower blood sugar, meaning it could increase the effects of anti-diabetic drugs or insulin. Additionally, turmeric has been shown to reduce blood pressure, which, when combined with blood pressure medications, could cause an excessive drop. As with cinnamon, these effects are most often linked to high dose supplements, not the small amounts used in food. Ginger is another spice celebrated for its health benefits, particularly its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects. But its active compounds, including gingerol, may also influence how your body handles medications. Ginger can act as a mild blood thinner, which means combining it with anticoagulants could raise the risk of bleeding. The evidence is mixed when it comes to ginger and diabetes: while some studies suggest it may lower blood sugar, more research is needed to fully understand the effect it may have when taken alongside anti-diabetic medications. While lab studies suggest these spices may affect how the body processes certain medications, the vast majority of these effects have been observed in high doses –usually from supplements, not everyday cooking. If you're taking medications, especially blood thinners, diabetes medicines, or chemotherapy drugs, it's worth having a quick chat with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new herbal supplements. But for most people, using spices in typical culinary amounts is safe – and a delicious way to add both flavour and potential health benefits to your meals. So go ahead: sprinkle, pinch, or dash – just be mindful of what's in your medicine cabinet – and be wary of taking any herbal supplement in high does. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Dipa Kamdar does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Observer
06-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
Finding balance through ancient wisdom
The fog of depression lifted slowly during my stay at a Zen Buddhist monastery in Kyoto Japan. Each morning I would join the monks in meditation. The simple act of focusing on my breath gradually untangled the knots in my mind that medication alone couldn't reach. My journey with mind-body practices began in desperation. Clinical depression had left me feeling disconnected and hopeless, even with prescribed antidepressants. During retreats at Buddhist monasteries in England and later Japan, I discovered something powerful – while meditation didn't replace my medication, it gave me tools to recognise destructive thought patterns before they overwhelmed me. On the Internet you'll find countless non-qualified 'experts' promoting mind-over-matter theories suggesting you can cure serious diseases through alternative 'natural' medicines with positive thinking. These false masters are dangerous, and some have had their lives cut short by rejecting traditional medical treatment. I'm not therefore suggesting meditation can cure any illness, but evidence supports that practices like meditation can help manage symptoms of serious conditions including the side effects of cancer treatment. Some alternative approaches can complement, not replace, conventional medical treatment. What I experienced personally now has scientific backing. When stressed, your body releases hormones that damage your heart and weaken your immune system. Mind-body practices help lower these stress hormones, allowing natural healing systems to work better. A groundbreaking Stanford study found women with late-stage breast cancer who participated in support groups lived twice as long as those who didn't. The connection between thoughts and physical health isn't just ancient wisdom – it's measurable reality. This understanding isn't new. Hippocrates recognised 'the natural healing force within us' thousands of years ago. While Western medicine historically separated mind from body, ancient healing traditions like Chinese Medicine always viewed them as inseparable. Western science finally caught up in the 1960s when researchers noticed how emotions like depression worsened physical conditions like arthritis. Since my monastery stays I've learned meditation was just one approach among many. Biofeedback uses equipment to show bodily functions in real-time, helping you control them – effective for pain and headaches. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps identify and change harmful thinking patterns that worsen depression and anxiety. Other techniques include guided imagery, muscle relaxation and hypnosis for relieving anxiety and pain. During my monastery stays, I noticed improvements not just in mood but also in unexpected areas – better sleep, improved digestion and fewer tension headaches. Research confirms mind-body approaches help reduce effects of numerous conditions beyond mental health: cancer treatment side effects, high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, chronic pain, digestive issues, diabetes complications and immune disorders. In meditation halls in England and walking monastery gardens in Japan, I learned that sometimes the most profound medicine begins with simply learning to breathe with awareness. The mind and body aren't separate systems – they're one interconnected whole. Mind-body medicine works best alongside conventional healthcare, creating a complete approach to wellness that honours both scientific advances and your body's remarkable capacity to heal. My personal journey taught me that while these practices aren't miracle cures, they can be powerful allies in healing our whole selves.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Your liver has a circadian rhythm too, why eating and sleeping late might be wrecking it
The liver is our metabolic powerhouse and its function is to process nutrients, detoxify harmful substances, and produce key proteins. The fascinating factor about the liver is that many of these functions rise and fall throughout the day following a predictable pattern. The liver's ability to break down fat, sugar, and alcohol changes based on the time of day, with it reaching its peak when your body expects food (based on regular eating patterns), and resting when it expects sleep. The liver's hidden timekeeper: The circadian rhythm Although the concept of circadian rhythms dates back to centuries, it was only during the 20th century when scientists began discovering how deeply our biological clocks are embedded in every cell of our bodies. In 200 BCE, traditional Chinese Medicine recognized that the liver was most active between 1-3 AM, part of their 'organ clock' system. Modern science has now confirmed these ancient observations through the discovery of 'clock genes' in the 1990s, which earned researchers Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young the 2017 Nobel Prize in Medicine. The term 'circadian' comes from the Latin term - circa diem which means 'about a day'. These biological clocks help regulate everything – right from hormone release to metabolism, and the liver is no exception. The liver is responsible for over 500 functions in your body, working with the clock with a precise 24-hour rhythm that influences everything from detoxification to metabolism. We all know that staying up late and midnight snacking, especially common during weekends, often leave us in a tired, groggy state the next day. But, these habits may also be responsible for silently damaging your liver. Just like our sleep-wake cycle, the liver functions according to its own biological clock and disrupting it with late-night meals or irregular sleep may have serious health consequences. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo A study in the early 2000s found that the liver's clock can be disrupted by nighttime snacking or staying up too late even though the brain's master clock (located in the hypothalamus, an important part of the brain) remains on schedule. Over the years, this circadian disruption can lead to conditions like fatty liver disease , insulin resistance, and even liver cancer. Night shift workers are at a higher risk of these liver disorders as their eating and sleeping habits clash with their natural rhythms. How your liver keeps time? Your liver's internal clock is synchronized with your master clock in the brain, both responding to environmental cues like light and food intake. Throughout the day, your liver: Produces more bile during daylight hours when you're eating Increases glucose production during early morning hours Enhances detoxification processes during resting periods Repairs and regenerates cells predominantly during sleep Fascinating Factoid: Your liver cells contain their own molecular clocks! Even when liver cells are isolated in laboratory dishes, they continue their 24-hour rhythmic activities for several days, demonstrating how deeply ingrained these cycles are at the cellular level. Late-night habits disrupting liver health When you eat or stay awake at times your liver expects to be resting, you force it to work against its natural rhythm. This circadian misalignment can lead to: Increased fat accumulation: Late-night eating signals your liver to store energy rather than process it, potentially contributing to fatty liver disease. Impaired detoxification: Your liver clears toxins most efficiently during specific times of day. Disrupting these cycles may allow harmful substances to linger longer in your bloodstream. Inflammation and oxidative stress: Working against its natural rhythm creates stress in liver cells, triggering inflammatory responses linked to liver damage. Insulin resistance: Circadian disruption affects how your liver processes glucose, potentially contributing to type 2 diabetes—a major risk factor for liver disease. Historical Connection: The rise in liver diseases parallels our modern shift away from natural light-dark cycles. Before electric lighting became widespread in the early 20th century, people typically aligned their eating and sleeping patterns with the sun. Today's 24/7 society, with constant light exposure and round-the-clock food availability, presents unprecedented challenges to our liver's ancient timing systems. Simple steps to support your liver's clock Studies show that realigning your eating schedule with daylight hours can begin to restore healthy liver rhythms in as little as 2 weeks, even without changing what you eat. Start by syncing your daily habits with your body's natural rhythm. You can help reset your liver's rhythm with these simple habits: Maintain consistent meal timing: Try to eat your meals at the same times each day. Create an eating window: Consider limiting food intake to a 10-12 hour period daily, allowing your liver a proper fasting period. Prioritize early dining: When possible, eat your largest meal earlier in the day, not late at night. Establish regular sleep patterns : Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep with consistent bedtimes and wake times. Seek morning sunlight: Natural light exposure helps synchronize your body's master clock, which influences your liver's rhythm. Our ancients were absolutely spot on when they advised us to wake up early perform Surya Namaskar, eat twice a day, the last meal before sunset and sleep early to wake up early again. The key is to stay in sync with your body and also with the clock in your liver. Dr. Rajiv Lochan, Lead Consultant – HPB, Liver Transplantation, and Robotic Surgery, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road
Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Singapore's traditional Chinese medicine scene gets an infusion of new blood
(From left) Undergraduates Shao Yue Han, 20, and Kon Zi Ting, 21, belong to the first batch of NTU's TCM degree programme. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Singapore's traditional Chinese medicine scene gets an infusion of new blood SINGAPORE - Growing up, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was always a part of Mr Justin Goh 's life. His grandmother often had a pot of herbal tea brewing on the stove. On warm days, she ladled up glasses of 'cooling' chrysanthemum tea and barley drinks for the family. And when two of his relatives were diagnosed with cancer, they consumed TCM herbs while undergoing chemotherapy, in hopes of reducing the side effects of the treatment. Seeing how TCM could bring comfort to the ill, the 25-year-old 's interest was piqued. Mr Goh is now in his third year of studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) , where he is reading a double degree in TCM and biomedical science . He is one of many young Singaporeans who are opting to read a degree in the traditional treatment modality. In August 2024 , NTU enrolled its inaugural batch for the four-year Bachelor of Chinese Medicine. Now a standalone degree, it is the first locally conferred undergraduate programme accredited by the Ministry of Health (MOH)'s TCM board. A renewed focus on TCM This new degree programme is part of a nationwide shift towards integrating TCM with modern, Western-based medicine. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in October 2024 that the ministry is seeking to incorporate TCM in public clinics and hospitals, as part of an expanded Healthier SG programme. In a similar vein, the university's renewed curriculum adopts a modern spin on TCM education, infusing elements of contemporary medical science in its lessons. Associate Professor Linda Zhong, the director of the NTU TCM programme , told The Straits Times: 'We are discussing the possibility of having western medicine modules taught by the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine . 'This includes topics such as anatomy, physiology, internal medicine, and pathology and diagnosis.' During clinical internships, NTU's TCM students get to observe seasoned practitioners at work, as they perform clinical therapies such as cupping. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG The new programme, which takes in 25 to 30 students per cohort , is determinedly different from its predecessor. Prof Zhong said: 'In the single-degree programme, there are more clinical modules and training components, and more components on prevention and healthcare with Chinese medicine.' The single-degree programe also offers additional opportunities for clinical internships, including locally at the Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution and Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital , and internationally at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong . Why study TCM? Despite the preeminence of western medicine, there remains a place for TCM in Singapore. Ms Kon Zi Ting, 21 , a freshman enrolled in the new NTU programme, said: 'I feel like in Singapore's multi-cultural society – where East meets West – there are many people who trust TCM. It can be seen in our environment, where there are so many TCM clinics in Singapore.' Ms Ling Qiu Ru, 31 , is the owner of one such clinic, Tat Fong Chinese Medical Hall . She took over its operations in early 2021 , when her mentor, Dr Kiu Teck Hin , retired at the age of 70 . Since 2021, she estimates that 25 per cent more young people have shown up at her clinic, which specialises in sport and spinal injuries. More people are starting to regard TCM as a form of alternative medicine, Ms Ling said. She said: 'If you don't require surgery for a physical injury, western doctors may usually refer you to physiotherapy since there's not much more they can do for you. 'So some patients realise that by doing acupuncture or Tui Na (a form of massage therapy), they can better solve the issue at hand.' Ms Kervone Ng, 46, receives acupuncture treatment at Tat Fong Chinese Medical Hall, to relieve soreness in her arm. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Her clients now come from increasingly diverse backgrounds, ranging from white-collared workers to foreign construction and domestic workers. One in five of her patients are also non-Chinese . She said: 'As the clinic is located in Marsiling, it is near Kranji, where there are foreign worker dormitories and several construction projects. Some supervisors bring their workers over when they get workplace injuries.' But despite rising demand, some remain sceptical about the efficacy of the treatment modality. According to Ms Ling, most western doctors do not recommend TCM to their patients. 'It's very sad, because not just medical professionals, but also some members of the public, feel that TCM treatment is more of a placebo effect or pseudoscience,' she said. The desire to scientifically prove the effectiveness of TCM was what led some students like Mr Goh to the field. He hopes to further his studies after graduation, by reading a PhD in acupuncture, or specialising in digestive illnesses, which he said many Singaporeans tend to suffer from. Mr Goh said: 'TCM has existed for almost 2,000 years - the fact that it is still standing today means that the treatment works. By attaching scientific evidence to a TCM treatment, it may make it more widely accepted.' A difficult, but worthwhile profession Despite the passionate disciples TCM draws, a career as a practitioner in Singapore remains a tough one to sustain. Ms Ling, who graduated from the NTU double-degree programme in 2018 , estimates that only a quarter of her batchmates remain in the TCM industry today. The main reasons? Long working hours and low pay, she said. TCM clinics like Tat Fong Chinese Medical Hall are dotted around Singapore's housing estates. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG When she first joined the industry as a TCM practitioner at NovaHealth in 2019 , her starting salary was $2,500 . After three months of probation, it was raised to $2,800 . Career advancement opportunities in the industry are also limited, she added, which may prompt those seeking a stable, high-paying job, to eventually leave the field. Ms Ling said: 'After working for two or three years, you feel like you're not moving along in society. 'Everyone else has career advancements, and their salary keeps increasing with bonuses and promotions, but yet you're stuck in the same area.' Though Ms Ling's paycheque has increased since assuming ownership of the TCM clinic, she has to work long hours to ensure the business stays afloat. Ms Ling Qiu Ru is a 31-year-old TCM practitioner and the owner of Tat Fong Chinese Medical Hall. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG She opens the clinic from 9am to 8.30pm, from Monday to Saturday , receiving patients at all hours save for a lunch and dinner break, which are an hour each. But even with the gruelling hours, Ms Ling has no intention to leave the field. She eventually hopes to recruit another professional - hailing from a programme like NTU's - to join the clinic as an additional hand. For Mr Jeffrey Nursalim, a 44-year-old patient of Ms Ling's, this comes as a relief. After suffering a leg injury from a fall last December, Mr Nursalim sought out both western and TCM treatment, but found that the latter offered him greater reprieve. He said: 'My injury brings more soreness and blunt pain. For these kinds of injuries, I need to go for TCM, as there are some things that western medicine practitioners just don't understand.' To him, it is crucial to preserve the traditional healing form. Mr Nursalim said: 'In Singapore, because we speak English more, people may be more familiar with western culture. 'But there are some things in the Chinese world - like TCM - that are useful, and have deep cultural roots and traditional values.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
