Chinese Herbal Medicine Seminar

 

Last month I signed up for a seminar in Ateneo's Chinese Studies Program entitled, 'Understanding Chinese Herbal Medicine'. The guest speaker was a medical doctor from St. Luke's Medical Center, Dr. Francisco V. Navarro, M.D. He also studied, and trained in medical acupuncture from various schools, and universities abroad including Xiamen University Hospital in Fujian ,China. This course was a 2 part. The first course is about acupuncture. I chose the latter because I'm more interested in plants. Chinese traditional medicine is an ancient practice. I remember watching a good Chinese drama starring Cecilia Liu Shi Shi, 'The Imperial Doctress', it is based from a true historical figure Tan Yun Xian, a woman who is adept in the medical field during the Ming dynasty. If you have not seen the drama I suggest you try watching it. You will be able to understand a thing or two about Chinese traditional medicine.

   Sadly, I was unable to attend because the schedule of the seminar was in conflict with my work schedule. I asked my former classmate and college and friend to attend for me. I did not get any certificate even if I'm the one who paid and registered for the course because the participant, or the one who will attend (proxy) will be the one who will be awarded with a certificate. Anyway, I was able to get the handouts from my friend. Included in the handouts are some important notes, for example, the Principle of Chinese Herbs, the 5 flavors in Chinese, etc. In the handouts, vocabulary words connected with Chinese traditional medicine were written in Chinese characters, together with the English meaning. I have already read something about Chinese traditional medicine since I own a book about it.Thinking about this seminar, this evokes memories wayback when we went to a Chinese drugstore, wherein you can see growth balls, dried animals like seahorse, etc. I hope next year I'll be able to attend another Chinese related event, one that is not in conflict with my work schedule. I'll continue updating this blog from time to time. Thanks for visiting!

女医明妃传The Imperial Doctress

   This is another memorable Chinese tv series for me. Again, it stars Cecilia Liu Shi Shi of the popular Scarlet Heart tv series (I and II). This is another period drama. This is not in the Qing era, but in the Ming dynasty. This drama was based upon the life story of Tan Yun Xian. She was born to a family who practiced medicine. Although this series is not that faithful to the real life story, they added a twist and a sort of love-triangle plot. It is still enjoyable to watch. I am also amazed when it comes to naturopathy, herbal medicines. I have a late aunt who's a doctor and she doesn't rely or believe in these herbal or traditional medicines. But I know some doctors now combine these two beliefs.

Nowadays, some people don't rely on synthetic medicines, and instead turn to natural, or herbal medicines. It's also interesting to hear the explanation why Chinese herbalist, or a Chinese traditional medicine prescribe a certain medicine, like for example to balance our body. I remember a doctor that I visited before. He's a graduate of medicine, but still combines what he learned with traditional medicine. There was a time when I would get mouth sores, and he adviced me not to eat 'hot' food. But instead eat 'cold' or 'cool' foods. Like for example he compared apples from Japan and in the U.S. I just forgot which one he recommended me to eat. Maybe I mentioned it in one of my posts here before. Also, he told me I shouldn't eat food that makes my body hot, like pizza aggravated my mouth sores. He also recommended that I eat pears because it has a cooling effect on the body. Now isn't that interesting?

I really like the character of Prince Qi Yu later on became the emperor it was played by Huang Xuan. He also resembles someone that I saw, some weeks ago that really left an impression on me. Huang Xuan has cute eyes, and I do have a weakness for a person with chinky eyes, I do find Filipino-Chinese and Chinese people attractive.

Anyway, I want to share with you the OST of this drama. The English translation of the title is, 'Until That Day,' sung by Sara Liu. Very heartfelt song. The song is about waiting for someone, even if it takes a long time, even if one will grow old. I guess you can really wait for someone especially if your truly love that person.

sources: dramafever.com

Book Review: The Chinese Medicine Bible (Penelope Ody)

Chinese medicine began with myth, its practice has been recorded for centuries. 

   I recently bought a book entitled,"The Chinese Medicine Bible" written by Penelope Ody. When I saw it on the shelf of a popular local bookstore I knew in an instant that I got to have it. As a book lover and a Chinese studies enthusiast, I consider this book indispensable. Nowadays, most people are into naturopathy or alternative medicine, one that relies in the natural healing power of nature. More and more people are becoming health conscious. We can see that through the increasing demand of organic fruits and vegetables. 

 This book is a mini-book. It can be carried easily and you can carry it along inside your bag. It also has a lot of pictures that makes it even more so interesting to read. The classification of food is also included in the book. It says in the book that there are five energies from food. That is the cold and cool foods, neutral, warm and hot food and the balancing food. 

   When I had tonsilitis before (swelling and infection of the tonsils) I went to a doctor who is into the natural and scientific methods in curing an ailment. After checking my throat, he prescribed an over-the counter medicine and food that I should not eat until my tonsils is back in its normal state. He further explained the reason why I should not eat certain food. For example, if I have oral-thrush or mouth sores, what we call 'singaw' in our native language, I should avoid eating 'hot' food. It's not really about the temperature of the food, what he meant by 'hot' is the effects that this particular food have on our body. Pizza is categorized in the 'hot' food. I told him that I frequently eat pizza, and he said, "So you see the effect it has on your body!" Some doctors would dismiss this theory saying that mouth sores are caused by a fungal infection. 

    Here in the Philippines, in Chinatown you can find Chinese traditional drugstores. For throat ailments, I've heard from a friend about this sweet sticky syrup that goes by the name 'Pei Pa Koa' (枇杷膏 pi pa gao). It is a famous Chinese cough syrup. Today, they came out with 'Pei Pa Koa' candies. I have not tried this but I'm using a herbal spray whenever I have sore throat, and it works well for me.

     The book has six chapters. It talks about the theory of Chinese medicine, causes of disease and diagnostics, acupuncture and acupressure, types of Chinese herbal medicines, understanding Chinese food cures and body works. 

     I see nothing wrong in trying alternative medicine and going organic. After all, in the bible it says there that Adam and Eve were to eat only vegetables and fruits (Genesis 1:29). Natural is always the best. Have you noticed that our grandparents have longer life span compared to the generation of today. As they say, everything is instant now, and that's also the same with life. In closing let me quote a famous line, "What you eat today is what you will look and feel tomorrow!" So I say always stay happy and eat healthy!