Emma Lu

3 Ancient Cures for a Disease-Ridden Modern World

They say modern problems require modern solutions; but sometimes, the answers we look for are all readily available when you look into the past. In the field of medicine, traditional cures and practices are as relevant and important as modern-day medicines. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), traditional medicine (TM), known in the scientific ...

Emma Lu

The Unani system of medicine.

An Interesting History of Incense Burning in China

In China, incense holds a special religious significance. Whether it be at Buddhist temples or during ancestral veneration ceremonies, this is always lit. Some of the methods of its preparation also have similarities with the preparation of medications developed in traditional Chinese medicine. History of Chinese incense During the time of the Han Dynasty (206 ...

Emma Lu

Burning incense sticks in China.

A Simple Health Primer Based on Yin and Yang Principles

The concept of yin and yang pertains to the existence of two dual forces in life. Yin and yang symbolize dark and light, cold and hot, and passive and active. Two natural energies working with each other, yet contradicting in essence. Our world is composed of this duality — the changing of day into night, ...

Emma Lu

The Tao's yin-yang.

How to ‘Speak’ Chinese With Your Body

As far as a Western person visiting China is concerned, a basic knowledge of Chinese body language is necessary to ensure that you understand the gestures people make and do not end up insulting anyone.  Communication is not just about words. The way people move their heads, the gestures they make with their hands, how ...

Emma Lu

A Chinese woman with a smile holding flowers.

Foods to Keep Your Lungs Healthy in Winter

The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which originated in Wuhan, is spreading fast. Apart from preventive measures to contain its spread, it is also important to keep your lungs strong. Traditional Chinese medicine regards the lungs to be a vulnerable organ in the body. Once its resistance is weakened, it is the first organ to be invaded ...

Emma Lu

White radishes.

Ancient Arts: The History Behind Chinese Cloisonné

Cloisonné is an ancient ceramic and metalwork decoration technique. Though believed to have originated in the West or Middle East, Chinese artisans are well known to have produced some of the world’s best cloisonné works. The term is derived from the French word cloison, which means “partition.” Craftsmen used strips of metal to create partitions ...

Emma Lu

A Chinese cloisonné bowl.

Chinese Traditional Medicine: Taking Care of Health During the Spring

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), every change in the universe and human body occurs in five stages that are linked with a specific season as well as organs in the body. Spring is seen as the beginning of a new cycle of life and a time for rejuvenation. It is represented by the wood ...

Emma Lu

A bluebird in spring.

The Potential Medical Benefits of Ginger

Ginger is a common item found in most households. It is not only good for your health, but it is also useful in treating certain ailments. Ginger may have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and other healthful properties. Below are some of the possible medicinal uses of ginger. Reducing gas and improving digestion Several studies have investigated ginger’s effects ...

Emma Lu

Visiting Hananomai, a Sumo-Themed Restaurant in Japan

Sumo is one of the most popular traditional sports in Japan. Ryogoku is basically the center of the country’s professional sumo wrestling world. And in this city is located the Hananomai, the only sumo-themed restaurant in the region. Hananomai “Hananomai’s menu is sumo inspired, serving their own rendition of chanko-nabe or ‘sumo stew’. You might ...

Emma Lu

A sumo wrestling match.

Ceramic Pillows: How People in the Song Era Used to Sleep

When we speak of pillows, we usually think of something soft on which we rest our heads. However, Chinese people in ancient times would often sleep on ceramic pillows, which were hard as a rock. During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), these ceramic pillows were at the peak of their popularity. Ceramic pillows The trend of ...

Emma Lu

A Chinese ceramic pillow.