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Epoch Times
a day ago
- Health
- Epoch Times
7 Acupoint Massage Techniques and Wellness Tips for Eye Health
For healthy eyes, good blood circulation is essential. This relies on the well-being of the liver, kidneys, and heart—the body's core powerhouses. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) promotes vision care through acupoint massage, complemented by a balanced diet and regular exercise. Dr. Chiu-Hsia Cheng, director of Taiwan's Yongchang Chinese Medicine Clinic, appeared on NTDTV's 'She Health' program to discuss how acupoint massage can protect eyesight, and how home exercises and diet can improve organ health and eye wellness.
Epoch Times
19-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Depression Versus Sadness: How to Tell the Difference–and How to Help
'Take it easy' is often said to those feeling down. Yet for people suffering from depression, this advice can seem frustratingly out of touch. Depression is far more serious than ordinary melancholy, but how can we tell the difference? On NTDTV's 'She Health' program, Dr. Liu Zongxian, director of psychiatry at the Songde Branch of Taipei City Hospital, shared vital insights into diagnosing depression, supporting loved ones, and preventing relapse. Depression: It's More Than Just Feeling Sad Everyone feels sad or down sometimes, and these feelings usually disappear with time. However, depression is a condition that does not disappear, and can be caused by genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. For example, low levels of serotonin in the brain can cause depression. Liu said the symptoms of depression can be identified through four key aspects, remembered by the acronym 'ABCD': A: Affect (emotion) —Patients with depression are generally in an exceptionally low mood, feel a lack of energy, and show a decline in overall vitality. B: Behavior— Depressed people may become withdrawn, avoid going out, and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. C: Cognition (thinking) —Depression can affect focus and mental clarity—those who were previously sharp may seem inattentive or mentally dull. Related Stories 2/9/2025 3/24/2025 D: Drive (physiological motivation) —Depression may cause sleep problems, such as insomnia or sleeping excessively, reduced sexual desire, low appetite, and a general lack of motivation. Liu noted that even if the above symptoms occur, their duration matters. If the symptoms stem from a temporary low mood without chemical imbalance, they may gradually improve after one to two weeks. However, if the symptoms last more than two weeks, it may be a sign of clinical depression, and consulting a psychiatrist is recommended. The Right Way to Support Someone With Depression Liu mentioned encountering relatives of depressed patients who scolded, criticized, or preached to them—actions that only worsened the situation and added pressure. He emphasized that caregivers should focus on companionship and listening. For example, if the patient enjoys certain activities, join them. If they're disinterested, talk about things they used to enjoy and recall positive experiences to help shift their mood gradually. While listening, you can gently ask what the patient wants to say, what difficulties they're facing, and how they feel now. Always maintain an attitude of 'we are always by your side' to provide reassurance and a sense of safety. Liu reminded caregivers not to dominate conversations or completely withdraw, but to remain flexible. He stressed that caregivers' empathy is extremely important. For example, say 'You look sad,' then ask what's troubling them. This approach can help the person feel seen and understood. However, if the patient isn't ready to talk, you can still bring up past interests or happy memories to help them feel there are still positive parts of life to connect with. Caregivers shouldn't try to fix every emotional issue, as that is rarely possible. Instead, the goal is to encourage the patient to open up. Even if problems aren't solved, simply expressing them can bring relief. When a patient shares a story, they're reexperiencing it. These may be moments when they once felt helpless, hopeless, or overwhelmed. However, by retelling the event with a caregiver who offers support, understanding, and patience, the patient may begin to slowly untie the knot in their heart and experience relief. Liu said this is also a common technique used in psychotherapy. A Reminder for Caregivers: Take Care of Yourself Too Liu advised caregivers to monitor their own well-being. Becoming too emotionally involved can lead to guilt or burnout, especially if the patient's condition worsens. If helping someone begins to feel overwhelming, it's important to seek support from others—friends, family, or professionals. When a case becomes too difficult to manage, it's a sign that professional help is needed. A doctor can assess the patient's condition and discuss options with the caregiver for moving forward. What If the Person Refuses to See a Doctor? If someone resists treatment, Liu suggested framing care around treating specific symptoms—like insomnia or appetite loss—instead of depression itself. Alternatively, having someone who has recovered from depression speak to them may offer encouragement and show that improvement is possible. Should the above strategies prove ineffective, some hospitals offer in-home visits by a physician, which may be a helpful last resort. How to Boost Recovery and Prevent Depression While professional treatment is essential, daily habits also play a key role in recovery and prevention. 1. Get Moving Liu noted that exercise helps the brain release serotonin and dopamine. The more you move, the lower your risk of developing depression. Exercise and regular sunlight exposure are also key to preventing relapse. A However, people with severe depression may feel too depleted to exercise. Liu advised providing encouragement and building trust rather than forcing them to go out. In many cases, consistent support leads to a gradual willingness to try. 2. Nourish the Brain Tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, is vital for mental health. Insufficient tryptophan limits the synthesis of serotonin, affecting the normal functioning of the nervous system. Liu recommended eating foods rich in tryptophan—such as oats, nuts, salmon, and fish oil—to support serotonin and improve mood. However, in some cases, the brain may be unable to synthesize serotonin properly, so even high tryptophan intake may not resolve depression on its own. 3. Medication: Proceed With Caution Antidepressants can be life-changing for many, but they are not without risks. Liu emphasized that all medications have potential side effects and that any concerning symptoms should be reported to a doctor immediately. Unlike sleep aids, most antidepressants are not addictive. Liu said that people with severe depression may feel significantly better after three to four weeks of treatment—but they should not stop taking the medication at that point. Discontinuing too early can lead to relapse, often more severe than the initial episode. In general, people with severe depression should continue antidepressants for at least six months. If they show significant improvements, the dosage can then be gradually reduced or discontinued under medical supervision. Empathy Is the Best Medicine Helping someone through depression requires patience, empathy, and persistence. It's not about offering quick fixes—it is about being present and steady. With the right support—and professional help when needed—healing becomes a real and achievable goal.
Epoch Times
01-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Missing Teeth, Big Consequences: When and How to Restore Your Smile
Failing to replace a missing tooth promptly may lead to significant dental issues, such as tooth misalignment, periodontal disease, or an improper bite. In an episode of the 'She Health' program, Chia Chun Lee, a specialist from the Taiwan Alliance of Dental Implant Associations, discussed various tooth restoration methods. Tooth Restoration Across Different Age Groups Whether a missing tooth should be replaced depends on several factors, Lee said, with age being one of the most significant. Children Under 18 Lee does not recommend dental implants for children who have lost a permanent tooth, as their jawbones are still developing, and implants may interfere with the growth of surrounding teeth and bone. Instead, dentists may explore alternatives, including: Orthodontic treatment to shift existing teeth into the gap Autologous transplantation of wisdom teeth A removable denture to preserve the space until the child reaches adulthood and becomes eligible for implants Adults For adults, neglecting to replace a missing tooth can cause adjacent teeth to tilt into the empty space. If the missing tooth is in the lower jaw, the opposing upper tooth may gradually shift downward, resulting in an uneven bite. This can lead to tooth fractures, excessive wear, and the formation of hard-to-clean areas that increase the risk of Though these effects may develop slowly, they worsen over time. Patients often assume that a missing molar does not require immediate attention. However, 'replacing the back teeth is particularly important, as they play a critical role in chewing,' Lee said. Older Adults The concept of a ' While a complete adult dentition typically includes 28 teeth, research shows that even with 24, many older adults can maintain satisfactory chewing function. Why Teeth Tend to Tilt Forward After Tooth Loss A Lee explained the biomechanics: 'Front teeth are subjected to lighter bite forces, whereas the back teeth endure much stronger pressure. Think of it like a seesaw with people of different weights—rather than tipping backward, the imbalance causes the teeth to tilt forward. If there is space at the front, the surrounding teeth will naturally shift in that direction. Bite misalignment can further accelerate this forward-tilting tendency.' Pros and Cons of Dental Implants and Bridges When replacing missing teeth, the two most common options are dental implants and bridges—each with distinct advantages and considerations, Lee said. A Implants offer several benefits as they: Don't require altering adjacent teeth Preserve natural tooth structure Can be cleaned just like natural teeth using regular dental floss These features help maintain both oral hygiene and long-term dental stability. Before implant technology became widespread, dental bridges were the standard solution. A bridge uses the healthy teeth on either side of a missing tooth as anchors, which are filed down to support a false tooth between them. While bridges can effectively restore function and aesthetics, they also have certain drawbacks: Teeth on either side of the bridge may weaken due to enamel removal. Standard flossing isn't possible. Special tools like interdental brushes or floss threaders must be used and are often less effective, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and gum disease. Teeth tilting, root fractures, and decay at the edges of the crowns can occur over time, particularly in the back of the mouth, where the bite force is stronger. However, with proper care, bridges can last for many years and remain a reliable option—especially for those unsuited for implants due to medical conditions or bone loss, Lee said. Ultimately, the right choice depends on a range of factors, including oral health, bone density, budget, and long-term goals. A thorough dental evaluation can help determine the most appropriate solution. Related Stories 11/2/2022 7/25/2022 Who Should Avoid Dental Implants? While implant technology has been used for more than 30 years, it is still a surgical procedure that requires careful evaluation of each patient's suitability. A CT scan is usually performed to assess whether the jawbone can support an implant. If bone width and height are sufficient, the implant may be placed directly. However, in the following cases, patients may need additional procedures or be advised to temporarily avoid implants. Alveolar Bone Resorption Patients with a history of severe periodontal disease may have a narrowed jawbone. Others may have experienced long-term tooth loss, leading to progressive bone In such cases, supplemental procedures, such as bone or soft tissue grafting, may be required before placing implants. Such procedures typically involve placing synthetic bone material in the affected area and using specialized techniques to promote blood flow and support natural bone regeneration. However, it's important to note that bone grafts do not always integrate successfully, and some patients may require additional procedures if the initial graft does not take. While these techniques are well established, the specific approach depends on the extent of bone loss, Lee noted. In more severe cases, patients may need two or more bone grafting procedures. 'For most patients, this is a minor, localized surgery with relatively low risk when properly managed, so there is no need for undue concern,' she added. Osteoporosis or Cancer Medications Patients who have recently taken or received medications to treat osteoporosis or cancer may not be suitable for immediate implant placement. These medications can interfere with wound healing and increase the risk of jawbone necrosis. It is generally recommended that such patients avoid implant surgery within two years of receiving treatment. Chronic Conditions Patients with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease can undergo dental implant procedures, provided their health is stable and well-managed. The Crucial Role of Postoperative Care Lee emphasized the importance of understanding the distinctions between various tooth replacement options and making informed choices based on individual needs. Key considerations include chewing efficiency, ease of long-term maintenance, and overall cost. Equally important, patients must be reminded of the need for proper postoperative care, which is critical in preserving oral health and ensuring the longevity of treatment outcomes. Dental Implants Dental implants are fixed individually and provide the highest level of chewing efficiency among tooth replacement options. Postoperative maintenance, such as regular brushing and routine dental checkups, is typically sufficient. However, the internal screws used in implants can loosen or develop metal fatigue over time, necessitating occasional replacement. Without regular follow-up care, patients with strong bite forces may risk screw fractures. Inadequate oral hygiene can also lead to peri-implant inflammation or infection. Dental Bridges Fixed dental bridges also offer better stability and higher chewing efficiency than removable dentures. Regular cleaning between the connected units using interdental brushes or other specialized tools to prevent plaque buildup and decay, and support ongoing dental health. Removable Dentures Removable dentures consist of a resin base that rests on the gums and are held in place by clasps attached to adjacent teeth. Food particles frequently become trapped under the denture after meals, making it necessary to remove and clean the appliance thoroughly. While they are a more affordable option, removable dentures offer lower chewing efficiency and are more prone to shifting during eating or speaking. This may lead to discomfort and an increased loosening over time, especially in patients with extensive bone loss or multiple missing teeth. Prioritizing Natural Teeth Over Implants Despite being a specialist in dental implants, Lee encourages patients to prioritize periodontal treatment to preserve their natural teeth rather than opting for implants as a first-line solution. Implants can never fully replicate the function of natural teeth, she noted. Treatment decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis to determine which teeth can be preserved and which require extraction and replacement with implants, Lee said. For instance, in cases of tooth fracture, a break above the root can often be treated, whereas a root fracture typically means the tooth cannot be preserved. 'I've had patients whose teeth were still in treatable condition—manageable with periodontal care—but they wanted to have them all extracted for full-mouth implants. Fortunately, they came to me. If they had seen a dentist more focused on profit, their natural teeth might have been unnecessarily removed.'
