Latest news with #TCM
Epoch Times
11 hours ago
- Health
- Epoch Times
The Silent Signals of Liver Disease: Traditional Treatments and Natural Care Approaches
The liver is often referred to as the 'silent organ' because it typically produces no clear symptoms, even when serious conditions like cancer develop. However, before liver disease takes hold, subtle warning signs do sometimes emerge, though they are frequently overlooked. In an episode of the 'Health 1+1' program, Jonathan Liu, a professor of Traditional Chinese Medicine at a Canadian public university and director of the Kangmei TCM Clinic, explained how TCM views liver disease not just as a physical issue, but as an imbalance of internal energy—known as qi . When liver qi first becomes stagnant, timely care—combined with mindful diet, acupressure, and lifestyle changes—can help restore balance and prevent more serious disease.
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First Post
12 hours ago
- Health
- First Post
Can sunbathing lead to brain haemorrhage?
An elderly woman in China suffered a brain haemorrhage and slipped into a coma after lying with her back exposed to the sun for two hours amid blistering heat. Shortly after she returned indoors, she collapsed and lost consciousness. But is sunbathing really to blame? read more Sunbathing for long proved costly for an elderly woman in China. The 67-year-old reportedly suffered a brain haemorrhage and slipped into a coma after sunbathing her back for two hours in intense summer heat. The incident has spread shockwaves across mainland China. While there are advantages of sunbathing, the exposure to the sun for long comes with its own risks. Let's take a closer look. What is sunbathing? Sunbathing is the act of lying or sitting in the sun. The exposure to the star at the heart of our solar system in small doses could have benefits. People can get adequate levels of Vitamin D from sunbathing. The vitamin helps in maintaining the balance of calcium in blood and bones and boosts the immune system. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'To strengthen our immune system, it's proving that you have to sunbathe and another thing that improves is the levels of vitamin D in blood,' dermatologist Mónica Morcos González, of TecSalud, told TecScience in an interview. Sunbathing leads to brain haemorrhage in Chinese woman The woman, identified only by her surname Wang, in China's Zhejiang province, suffered severe brain damage after sunbathing for two hours, as per a South China Morning Post (SCMP) report. She was attempting a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remedy that claimed 'sunbathing your back can warm the yang energy, dispel dampness and cure illnesses'. Around noon, in blistering heat, Wang lay face-down in an open area outside her house. Two hours later, she collapsed and lost consciousness shortly after going back indoors. The woman was rushed to a hospital where doctors said she had suffered an aneurysmal cerebral haemorrhage and a brain hernia. Despite an emergency operation, she was left in a coma, reported SCMP. A brain aneurysm, or a cerebral aneurysm, is a weak spot on an artery in the brain that swells and fills with blood, putting pressure on the brain tissue and nerves. 'An aneurysm can also burst open (or rupture) and release blood into the brain or surrounding area (called a haemorrhage). All aneurysms have the potential to rupture and haemorrhage. A ruptured aneurysm can cause serious health problems such as stroke, brain damage, coma, and even death,' according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Brain herniation happens when brain tissue changes position, creating more pressure inside the skull. The condition, which occurs due to head injury, stroke, or brain tumour, is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Wang underwent a series of surgeries and acupuncture that helped her sit up, speak, stand and eventually feed herself. How much sun is too much? Sunbathing for too long in scorching heat can be harmful, leading to sun rash, sunburn and even sun poisoning, which includes red itchy bumps on the chest, legs, and arms, as per Healthline. Experts suggest sunbathing for 5 to 10 minutes a day during the summer. Representational Image/Pixabay Experts recommend sunbathing for five to 10 minutes a day during the summer and up to 20 minutes in winter. Does sunbathing 'cure' illnesses? Doctors say no. 'The saying 'sunbathing cures all diseases' has no scientific basis,' Ye Xiangming, Director of the Rehabilitation Department at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, told SCMP. 'Long-term exposure to the sun in high temperatures is extremely dangerous for elderly individuals and those with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or cerebrovascular disease, potentially leading to serious issues such as heatstroke or stroke,' Ye added. Zhuangshi Lihe, a medical influencer with millions of followers on social media, underlined the need for proper sun exposure and heatstroke protection in the summer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'I have seen many people giving advice on how to properly sunbathe your back; that is just nonsense,' the influencer said to the Hong Kong-based newspaper. 'For healthy individuals, the focus should be on sun protection and heatstroke prevention. In this kind of summer heat, staying indoors with air conditioning is the most comfortable choice,' added Zhuangshi. How to sunbathe carefully It is imperative to use sunscreen when exposing yourself to the sun. Use SPF 30 or more on uncovered parts of the body at least 15 minutes before stepping outside. The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests wearing sunglasses that block UV rays to protect the skin around your eyes. Drink water if you are spending prolonged time in the sun. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Chinese woman suffers brain hemorrhage, slips into coma after sunbathing during extreme heatwave; know the safe limit and health risks
Source: SCMP In a shocking case that has triggered widespread concern and debate across China, a 67-year-old woman from Zhejiang province slipped into a coma after sunbathing her back for two hours in intense summer heat. Following a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) belief that the practice could 'warm yang energy and dispel dampness,' the woman—identified only by her surname, Wang—collapsed shortly after the self-treatment attempt. She was later diagnosed with a brain haemorrhage and brain hernia, requiring emergency surgery. The incident has reignited public conversations about unsafe traditional remedies, elderly heatstroke risk, and the deadly toll of extreme temperatures. Woman in coma after attempting viral sunbathing trend According to SCMP reports, Wang reportedly attempted the back-sunbathing ritual around noon, exposing herself to peak ultraviolet radiation and extreme heat. The method, which claims to balance internal energy or 'yang qi' by soaking in sunlight, has been circulating in wellness circles online—despite no medical backing. According to experts, prolonged sun exposure without protection—especially during midday—can dangerously raise core body temperature, leading to complications like heatstroke, dehydration, and in Wang's case, aneurysmal cerebral haemorrhage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Moments after returning indoors, Wang lost consciousness and had to be rushed to the hospital. Doctors at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital confirmed that Wang had suffered severe brain trauma. An immediate operation saved her life, but she remained comatose for a significant period. Ye Xiangming, Director of the hospital's Rehabilitation Department, noted the complications of prolonged immobility, including muscle atrophy and organ stress. Wang's recovery involved multiple surgeries, acupuncture therapy, and months of rehabilitation. Eventually, she regained basic abilities such as sitting, talking, and eating—though full recovery remains uncertain. Doctors urge caution as viral sunbathing trends endanger public health Medical professionals strongly discouraged the uncritical adoption of traditional sunbathing remedies. 'There is no scientific basis to the claim that sunbathing cures all diseases,' Dr. Ye stressed. Particularly for the elderly and those with hypertension or cardiovascular issues, extreme heat can be lethal. Zhuangshi Lihe, a Chinese medical influencer with over 2 million followers, echoed the warning: 'People are romanticizing this nonsense. In high summer temperatures, even healthy individuals should focus on sun protection and heatstroke prevention.' A 2023 report by The Lancet estimated that heat-related deaths in China reached 50,900 in 2022, making climate-linked health emergencies a growing public health concern. Wang's case, which has gone viral on mainland social media, underscores the urgency of public education on safe health practices, especially among vulnerable age groups. Social media reacts to sunbathing tragedy, urging common sense over viral trends Social media users expressed both sympathy and frustration. One comment read: 'She literally sunbathed with her life. Moderation is key.' Another remarked: 'This is like a human barbecue. Even a healthy person would risk heatstroke—don't blindly follow trends.' While Traditional Chinese Medicine has proven benefits in several areas, experts caution against applying ancient beliefs to modern extreme environments without scientific validation. As temperatures continue to climb globally, stories like Wang's serve as a tragic reminder: health remedies should never come at the cost of safety. Benefits and risks of sunbathing While sunbathing can offer certain health benefits—especially for boosting vitamin D levels—it also comes with serious risks if not practiced with caution. Here's a closer look at the pros and cons of sun exposure, how long you can safely sunbathe, and why moderation is key. Sunbathing benefits Natural Vitamin D production Sunlight triggers the skin to produce vitamin D, an essential nutrient that supports various bodily functions. Globally, over 1 billion people are estimated to be deficient in vitamin D, making sun exposure a valuable natural remedy. Hard to obtain from food alone Vitamin D is found in limited food sources like fatty fish and egg yolks, but most people rely on fortified foods such as milk or dietary supplements. Sunlight offers a direct, cost-free alternative for improving vitamin D levels. Improved mood and reduced depression Sunlight stimulates the release of serotonin, a brain chemical linked to enhanced mood, calmness, and emotional stability. This can help alleviate symptoms of depression or improve general well-being. Better sleep cycles Exposure to sunlight helps regulate the circadian rhythm, your body's internal clock. This natural rhythm makes it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up refreshed in the morning. Stronger bones and joint health Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption, which strengthens bones and may lower the risk of osteoporosis and arthritis, particularly in older adults. Enhanced immunity Vitamin D plays a role in supporting the immune system, helping protect against heart disease, multiple sclerosis, the flu, and certain autoimmune conditions and cancers. Reduced risk of preterm labor For pregnant women, sufficient vitamin D levels may help lower the chances of preterm delivery and infections during childbirth. Note: The American Academy of Dermatology advises against using sun exposure as your main source of vitamin D, recommending supplements and diet instead for safer intake. Hidden dangers of excessive sunbathing Sun rash and heat rash Overexposure to sunlight can lead to sun rash—an itchy, red irritation caused by blocked sweat glands, commonly referred to as heat rash. Painful sunburns and skin damage Unprotected sunbathing can result in sunburns, which cause pain, blistering, and long-term skin damage. Repeated sunburns are a major risk factor for melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Sun poisoning (PMLE) Some individuals develop polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) or sun poisoning, a condition that presents as red, itchy bumps typically on the chest, legs, or arms after intense UV exposure. How long is it safe to sunbathe According to Healthline reports, most dermatologists agree that 5 to 20 minutes of sun exposure per day—without sunscreen—can be safe for individuals without skin sensitivities. However, this depends on: Your skin type and sensitivity to sun Geographic location (proximity to the equator) Time of day (UV rays peak around noon) Air quality, which can influence UV exposure Also Read | 5 coffee routine habits that could be doing more harm than good, say experts
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Wētā Workshop Designed TCM Cultural Experience Center Opens In Guangdong China
From the lotus petal-shaped building to the larger-than-life hyper-realistic figures, magical forests, and a futuristic herbal laboratory — these are just some of the aspects of the new TCM Cultural Experience Center designed by Richard Taylor and his team at Wētā Workshop, working in close collaboration with Wellington and China-based creative practitioners and companies. This unique and striking center opened on Saturday 19 July at the Guangdong-Macao Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Industrial Park, China. The Guangdong-Macao Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Industrial Park features a mix of facilities, including offices, R&D centres, hotels, retail streets, an experience centre, pharmaceutical plants, testing and extraction centres, and staff apartments. As a core part of the park, the five-storey TCM Cultural Experience Center, with a floor area of 36,000 square metres, is the flagship of its health sector and a powerful symbol of cultural integration in the Greater Bay Area. This new TCM Cultural Experience Center offers a fully immersive experience that brings the culture of traditional Chinese medicine to life, guiding visitors on a journey from its mythological origins to the advancements in modern practices, and on into thefuture. This natural approach to medicine is a critically important part of Chinese wellbeing, and the TCM Cultural Experience Center aims to inspire future generations to learn about this important cultural practice. Taylor, alongside creative collaborator Sam Gao, worked over seven years to realise the project in close collaboration with client Hengxin Shambala. Wētā Workshop's Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, Richard Taylor, says, 'For me it was critical to approach the subject with a deep sense of commitment, and to learn all that I could of the mythology, history, science, and culture of this fascinating subject. By exploring the use of herbal medicine over centuries of Chinese wellbeing, a complex and intriguing story begins to unfold.' The TCM Cultural Experience Center is Wētā Workshop's largest project to date, and their second large-scale immersive experience project in China, following the completion of their award-winning work on Aura: The Forest at the Edge of the Sky at the duty-free shopping mall in Haikou, on Hainan Island in 2022. The TCM Cultural Experience Center is especially significant for Taylor and the team at Wētā Workshop, not only due to the size and scale of the project, but the extent to which the team researched and designed the experience, from the uniquely designed building itself, through to the cultural narratives within its spaces. Taylor adds, 'As I have spent close to three decades working in China, it came as an extraordinary treat to work so comprehensively on something as monumental as this experience. What started as a white board drawing in my office now stands as a magnificent structure containing an utterly unique cultural exhibition.' 'This was a very special project that is testament to the tight collaboration and creative exchange between two teams — one in New Zealand, and one in China — united by the collective endeavour of creating the world's most unique TCM Cultural Experience Center,' Taylor adds. Wētā Workshop's head of creative media, Sam Gao, worked closely with Taylor on both creative direction and hands-on sculpting elements and says, 'Despite the challenges of often having to work remotely, the project was immensely fulfilling and brought together people from China mainland and Macau, alongside our own Workshop team in New Zealand.' 'On a more personal level, it was an honour to share my creative expertise on a project that celebrates traditional Chinese medicine and brings to life stories from my cultural upbringing,' Gao adds. The TCM Cultural Experience Center experience starts before guests enter, with its unique building design paying homage to the herbal plants that are critical to traditional Chinese medicine. Within the building guests encounter a multitude of exhibits, including a large number of hyper-realistic up-scaled figures representing key moments from Chinese culture including Hua Tuo, Zhang Zhongjing and Li Shi Zhen. A 50-metrre-long animated 'historical tapestry' is just one of several features which skilfully combine artistry and interactive smart tech throughout the building. The stunning central atrium showcases the story of Shen Nong with a large-scale mural on the ceiling, with 100 birds flying down towards the ground floor, connecting all five levels of the building. Working alongside collaborator Sam Gao, Taylor and Gao strived to facilitate and connect two teams of creatives. Providing design and fabrication services from their base in Wellington, Wētā Workshop worked with New Zealand-based designers, musical composer, architects, and lighting designers to work alongside them during this unprecedented project. In collaboration with client Shambala, Taylor and Gao also art directed dozens of highly skilled Chinese creatives and technicians to complete the center. Taylor adds, 'This project is the cumulation of a near three-decade long relationship that I have had with China, and celebrates the strong creative exchange we have established with friends and colleagues in both countries.' The TCM Cultural Experience Center adds to Wētā Workshop's growing portfolio of immersive experiences work globally, with significant projects in New Zealand, China and the Middle East. About Wētā Workshop Wētā Workshop brings imaginary worlds to life by delivering concept design, physical effects, collectibles, immersive visitor experiences, creative media and digital games to the world's entertainment and creative industries. Established by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger in 1987, they are best known for their screen work on The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, the Avatar films, District 9 and Dune to name a few. Their work in immersive visitor experiences, such as Gallipoli: The Scale of our War, Expo 2020 Dubai's Mobility Pavilion, Aura: Forest at the Edge of the Sky and Wētā Workshop Unleashed. Based in Wellington, New Zealand, Wētā Workshop's ground-breaking work has earned them multiple international awards including five Oscars and three THEA awards. About the TCM Cultural Experience Center The TCM Cultural Experience Center is the world's first large-scale TCM-focused experience that offers an immersive journey through an informative and visually unique experience. Designed by Richard Taylor, creative director, five-time Academy Award winner and co-founder of Wētā Workshop, the centre delivers a fantastical experience that celebrates in the culture, mythology, science and history of traditional Chinese medicine.
NDTV
a day ago
- Health
- NDTV
Sunbathing Results In Brain Haemorrhage, Coma For Chinese Woman
Sitting outdoors in the Sun is often termed as the ultimate health hack that can cure illnesses. A Chinese woman acted on the same advice but ended up suffering a brain haemorrhage, resulting in a coma. The incident took place in the Zhejiang province of southeastern China, where a woman named Wang sunbathed for two hours and ended up in the hospital. Ms Wang was attempting a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remedy she had heard about, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The remedy suggested that sunbathing the back can "warm the yang energy, dispel dampness and cure illnesses". In the afternoon, Ms Wang decided to sit outside her home in an area for two hours and soak in the Sun. However, upon returning to her room, she collapsed instantly and lost consciousness. After being rushed to the doctors, the doctors diagnosed that she had suffered an aneurysmal cerebral haemorrhage and a life-threatening brain hernia. An emergency procedure was performed, but Ms Wang was left in a coma. After an extensive rehabilitation process which included acupuncture and a series of surgeries, Ms Wang did regain the ability to sit up, stand, talk and eventually feed herself. 'No scientific basis' Ye Xiangming, Director of the Rehabilitation Department at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, warned that sunbathing was not the remedy for curing diseases. "The saying 'sunbathing cures all diseases' has no scientific basis," Ye said. "Long-term exposure to the sun in high temperatures is extremely dangerous for elderly individuals and those with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or cerebrovascular disease, potentially leading to serious issues such as heatstroke or stroke," added Ye. Ms Wang's case went viral on Chinese social media platforms, with users pointing out that everything should be done in moderation. Others pointed out that Ms Wang practically 'barbecued' herself by lying in the harsh afternoon Sun for over two hours. 'This is basically a barbecue. Even without pre-existing health issues, you risk heatstroke. Do not blindly follow these trends!' said the user.
