chinese cupping therapy
As i was walking along in Waterloo Street, i saw one interesting sight on Chinese Cupping Therapy.
I asked myself what's good about this althrough it look yucky that leave the patches on your body.
It reminded me of the day when i sprained my ankle (second time) that it hurt very badly. I could not walk so my father decided to bring me to a chinese doctor.
It could easily make my heart go weak...The chinese doctor told me that it looked bad so he need to do suction cupping on my ankle. I looked at him in bewilderment and thought that it was just a massage.
It turned out that he used needles to poke on my ankle and leave few holes. Then he used suction cupping to suck away the blood. Arghhh it nearly made me scream in fear...
He said that it will help to regulate the blood flow and to reduce the clot. My ankle would not be swollen like lump.
I nearly cried because of the suction cupping that suck away my blood. Soon after the blood was dried, he banadged my ankle with strong smelly chinese paste.
I hopped all the way home with less pain. My first sprain was worse that i could not hardly walked. It was when i was in Primary 6.
At Waterloo Street, I was curious and asked myself why many old men goes for the Chinese Cupping Therapy.
Here are little information i had read up.
Cupping is a practice of Chinese medicine recommended primarily for treating bronchial congestion, arthritis, and pain. It is also promoted to ease depression and reduce swelling. It can be used to soothe coughs, treat common colds, relieve tension and pain in the body, treat sports injuries, lower back pain, stress and menstrual problems.
Cupping is supposed to realign and balance the flow of vital energy or life force called qi (or chi, pronounced “chee”). In the presence of illness or injury proponents say, the qi is disturbed and there may be too much or too little at certain points. The practitioner diagnoses any imbalances in the qi and attempts to restore them. Although not widely used as an alternative method of treatment for cancer, some practitioners may use it to rebalance energy in the body that has been blocked by certain tumors.
There are few types of cupping therapies but the 2 types of cupping therapies are commonly used.
Traditiona
l cupping, with use of heated cups, also has some similarity to
moxibustion therapy. Heating of the cups was the method used to obtain suction: the hot air in the cups has a low density and, as the cups cool with the opening sealed by the skin, the pressure within the cups declines, sucking the skin into it. In this case, the cups are hot and have a stimulating effect something like that of burning moxa wool.
Moxibustion therapy has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. Moxibustion, uses the common herb Aiye, usually in combination with other herbs. The herbal compound is burned over certain acupuncture points or areas of the body. The dried mugwort leaves are rolled into a cigar-like stick or used loose over protected skin to create warmth and facilitate healing.
Suction Cupping Therapy is a suction gun that used to create a negative air pressure vacumn in the cups placed on the skin. This negative suction is able to release rigid soft tissues and muscles and bring blood flow to stagnant skin. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, the skin will turn red, indicating that circulation has been brought to the surface.
BenefitsThe skin is our largest organ, containing fluid, blood, blood vessels, connective tissue, muscle and rich in nerve supplies. By creating suction, cupping is used to drain excess fluids and toxins, loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue, and bring blood flow to stagnant muscles and skin. Cupping should generally improve blood and Qi flow in any ‘congested’ area of the body where it is used.
Common disorders treated by cupping therapy:
- Abdominal pain
- Anaemia
- Asthma
- Atrophy syndrome
- Back pain
- Common cold and influenza
- Constipation
- Cough
- Hypertension
- Muscular and joint pain
- Skin complaints
- Varicose and broken veins
The Family Stone hit the chord in my heart
Packed my stuff for my running with my church friend. It was my first time to have the short training on running with my church friend who wants to lose her weight.
Planned the route within the heart of city. I never knew that there are many routes that can be tailored for the beginners and for the runners who had been running for many years.
I set the time for 20 minutes to start from YWCA enroute towards Clarke Quay, pass through Ministry of Informations and Arts building to Park Mall. The finishing route will be along the road beside Singapore Shopping Centre to YWCA (finishing point). This suit well for the beginners given its flat ground.
This will work out well on legs and to build up the stamina. My friend tried to run continuously but stopped due to tiredness and short of breaths.
I encouraged her to finish the route within 20 minutes so to build up her stamina and on easy route that give her ample time to view Clarke Quay and the sights of Raffles Place.
Soon after finish the services, I went with youths and church friends for dinner. Food at Long John Silver at Macdonalds House is so cold to serve that i went up to the counter to complain. Cold food is not good for stomach. Piping hot food will warm your stomach that you are able to enjoy its freshness.
After dinner, we went back to YWCA Mhi Centre to watch a dvd movie, The Family Stone.
This story is about a New Yorker based career woman,Meredith whose personality that speak volumes on her tailored suits and her face to show that she was very composed and contempory. She faced the unconventional New England family, the Stone of her boyfriend, Everett Stone and the open hostility from the youngest, outspoken sister, Amy Stone.
In the process of adjusting to the Stone family, complications arises when Meredith's easy going sister Julie arrived. The scene of the family showed the great love and support towards Thad Stone who is deaf gay and his boyfriend.
With Meredith facing the hostility and the wrong relationship with Everett, this strike the chord in my heart because this movie show the strong personality of Meredith and soft side of Julie that brings out the open secret of Mrs Stone's diease and lastly of all, to discover the true love in midst of Christmas. Mr Stone showed his side in keeping family together and his warm welcome towards Meredith and Julie. Amy Stone showed her outgoing and frankness that brought her mother and Meredith closer. Ben Stone displayed his easy going character that was able to break the cold wall of Meredith.
It is heart warming towards the end of the show that i can feel the warmth of Christmas spirit and their acceptance of Thad Stone and his partner's decision to adopt a child.
It is the meaningful movie that made me appreciate what i have around me. I really love you Adrian for what you are and for your friendship we shared.
10KM Challenge by Sava Photos
Finally i found photos in my mail archives. Decided to share this 10km challenge. Sweats, joy and tears to be tasted after the completion of 10km.
Kudos to this fatansic team with their perservance and strength. If not for the endurance, we easily give up.
Photos to share and to be savoured....
22 teams in Kallang River rowing and pit against each other to complete 10km
"NuDe" Blog
Nothing here.. No Links...How shall i do with links? Sound "Nude" ..naked to the readers who will yawn away....
I am reading up on depression.. Kinda grouchy but got something to read and share in case you get misconception on the words,"depressed" and "depression"
Understanding depression=> you have no idea how it struck you.
Whatever its cause, depression is not just a state of mind. It is related to physical changes in the brain, and connected to an imbalance of a type of chemical that carries signals in your brain and nerves. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters.
Types of DepressionDepressive disorders come in different forms, just as is the case with other illnesses such as heart disease. This pamphlet briefly describes three of the most common types of depressive disorders. However, within these types there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence.
Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptom list) that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.
A less severe type of depression,
dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.
Another type of depression is
bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder. When in the manic cycle, the individual may be overactive, overtalkative, and have a great deal of energy. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, the individual in a manic phase may feel elated, full of grand schemes that might range from unwise business decisions to romantic sprees. Mania, left untreated, may worsen to a psychotic state.
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND MANIA
Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time.
DepressionPersistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
ManiaAbnormal or excessive elation
Unusual irritability
Decreased need for sleep
Grandiose notions
Increased talking
Racing thoughts
Increased sexual desire
Markedly increased energy
Poor judgment
Inappropriate social behavior
Who get this depression?Women are almost twice as likely to become depressed as men. The higher risk may be due partly to hormonal changes brought on by puberty, menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy.
Men. Although their risk for depression is lower, men are more likely to go undiagnosed and less likely to seek help. They may show the typical symptoms of depression, but are more likely to be angry and hostile or to mask their condition with alcohol or drug abuse. Suicide is an especially serious risk for men with depression, who are four times more likely than women to kill themselves.
Elderly. Older people may lose loved ones and have to adjust to living alone. They may become physically ill and unable to be as active as they once were. These changes can all contribute to depression. Loved ones may attribute the signs of depression to the normal results of aging, and many older people are reluctant to talk about their symptoms. As a result, older people may not receive treatment for their depression.
How to help yourself if you are depressedIt is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime:
-Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
-Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.
-Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
-Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
-Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.
-Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.
It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition like change jobs, get married or divorced
-Discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day.
Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.
Let your family and friends help you.
Dabbling with protaits/photos by Adrian
I love this photo because it do have its natural effect and its background.
Changed to the sepia effect. It do invoke the thoughts on how the person is deep in the thoughts while looking out to Kallang River
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals. "
Henry Ford
Training and ...Irritation
Rain pelting on windows and i thought if it continue to rain, training had to be cancelled. On second thoughts, it should not be cancelled because i do not like to dampen the team spirit by cancelling the training.
Met an lady, Wai Fun who read my article in Straits Times. At least it have some awareness on deafness and on how a deaf person lead their life. She was very keen on dragon boat. My God...somebody called her auntie....sending sweats on my forehead...Yes she is married lady.
One person really irritate me by giving me constant smses..Really stalked me after a night out with my friend on Vesak Day.
Manipulating the person's emotions really pissed me off and it gives the ugly side that the person is either obessed or want to possess over you. I cannot be so judgemental but i really feel that way... The person has their own right to have their privacy and their control over their well being.
During the training, i switched with Serene Leong to do some rowings. Felt much better despite the bad cramp on my right leg. Pulled slight injury while running with New Balance running group 2 weeks ago. Gave bad cramps.
Anyway after the training, Adrian looked moody so i sat beside him talking about the direction in our careers. We discussed further on how to reach out to our goals we have.
Goals are that gave you the purpose to live for and to work hard. The road may be hard but you have a goal or 2 to work towards. It is a purpose of living for. I realised that in the end of day, you will know that all the hard work you are working is for the goals you are having.
Had a great dinner. Looking at guys walking past us.
In streets of Orchard, we bumped into Adrian's ex. His ex did not bother to say Hi and walked off. It made me laugh because as ex, it can be awkward to see my own ex. but i see that it should be good if he or she treat us as a friend by saying hi. No grudges....Anyway, just brush it off and continued walking down to the bookshop.
I went out with Adrian to take a look at the books at bookshop which are related to career development and gave us some ideas on how to start out with choosing a career that we are interested in and to enjoy what we want.
Continued to Wheelock place to view the photos exhibition.
Gasp....The photographer showed his awesome work using the pillars. He captured the pillars in Venice at the San Marco Plaza. He managed to take photos of the pillars in the course of weathering and aging, developing its own individuality.
He played with lens and light and hence use the theme, "a bright forest" to describe his exhibition.
It left me with the impression that his mind is simply unfathomable but express his thoughts through the work. I tried to read his mind but his work speaks the volumes of words to decsribe each photo.
I saw a book which has japanese language and its translation in English. A thought popped in my mind and i decided to ask Adrian to read Japanese language and translate it into English. Adrian is curently taking japanese language as it is part of his interest to read japanese language.Impressed with his hard work in translating, it opened my mind that things can be translated in many ways.
For example, one photo you will see. It all depend on each individual how to translate the photographer's mind into words.
I caught the bus home...Constant Smses from the stalker that irritate me and i wanted to switched off my handphone but i cannot because i need to be in touch with my friends.
Keep my cool till i reached home. Almost had night mare but i have to deal with it.
I decided to harden my stance and sms back to the person not to bother me and to respect me and my privacy.
To finish the smses, i told him not to bother me and gave him harsh words through Smses..Finally peace unveil throughout the morning.....
Continued...Ferry Terminal not Tourist friendly!!!
Immediately i went out to catch a cab to Grand Palace which is the residency for the Thai Royal Family. Next to the Grand Palace was the Wat Phra Kaeo in the same compound enshrines the Emerald Buddha image, most revered by the Thai people.
It was so hot hot that i kept on drinking mineral water. Water is so precious that i am thankful for Singapore water which is so clean that you can drink from tap.
Took Tuk Tuk to Chinatown. Driver so witty to navigate through busy roads full of cars giving out black smoke( Carbon Monoxide)..Coughs coughs....
China town was full of vendors selling handicrafts, plastic bags ..etc at cheap price...I bought about 50 pieces of earrings ( Hope i am not that freak but sad to say that i am collector of earrings and watches). Real dirt cheap...make me....spend money on these items.. Knit my brows.Opss
Had my thai salad full of fruits and vegetables for my lunch.Honey dew is my most hated fruit that i put it aside.
Walking around Chinatown for 4 hours hunting for bargains till i was very very contented with my stuffs. Walked to ferry terminal.
It was not tourist friendly. 2 ang moh guys and i were so frustrated with the little information which ferry to Central Pier. We just sat down looking at the boats. I went off to ask one Thai lady. Just too bad she do not speak English. So i kept on gesturing which boat to take to Central Pier. One ang moh guy point at the map of Lonely Planet. She nodded and helped us to the right boat. Thanks to Lonely Planet book that is great to use....
Hopped off to Central Pier and caught train back to Silom Area. Night fell and the activities at night market was in swing..buzz with noises and sex shows.
Gave myself a little treat at Japanese Resturant which serve nice and cheap bentos.
Great dinner to end my bangkok trip but not the ending yet.....
Shopping was the last thing to do before ending my trip in Bangkok.
Next day=> Went down to a famous shopping centre, MBK. Spent almost half a day walking around. Browsed around DVDs collection and bought a few.
To end my trip, encountered with good and bad incidents.
When i was having my early dinner before catching taxi to airport, i heard a loud slap. My goodness....i turned around and saw a man slap so hard on a lady who looked so angry. They were fighting outside food court. This is really absurd.....Slapping a lady in public is uncalled. A man should settle the problem as a gentle man instead of slapping her...That lady ran off after the man wanted to slap her more. Fortunately, a few bypassers helped to stop him from slapping her.
Then i walked off to catch taxi. I was surprised to see 2 gays holding hands looking very initimate. Wow...In Singapore, it was frowned!!!...
Took a taxi to airport to catch my flight home. SUprise??? The taxi fare only cost 150 bahts compared to the taxi i took from airport to hostel.. What a RIP off!!!!!!!!
Flew home with memories of this trip...
A note to say with a beautiful quote i read.
"Life is either a great adventure or nothing."
Helen Keller
Being a back packer going on trips alone and being a woman had my friends being so concerned about my safety. But I decided to go ahead with this trip despite the stories told by my friends about abductions.
Overall, this trip was an eye opener and open up the windows to the whole new world where you learn the way of local people living and to have discovery of yourself. It was the adventure of self-discovery with good and bad experiences.
When I was sitting listening to my pastor's sermon, she talked about having adventure in your life. Going out to the world, transform many lives will be your adventure. It was another adventure where you stand up from the couch and come out from comfort zone to discover the "new" yourself.
I began to know myself better after my return from Bangkok. Went through the great changes and the roller coast of emotions but i am thank ful for the support from my good friends. Thank you, A for your patience with my whimps and tears and H, P for your prayers and K for his leadership advice.
TuK TuK in the middle of polution on road
In early morning, the lady boss of Urban Age handed me the map with Thai language on it. She said that she came to know about my asking for help on the direction after i check in Urban Age. So she decided to print the map for me. Thumbs up for her service. (Extra mile for this service).
She also helped to write Thai language to the interesting places for communication to drivers in case i take taxi or tuk tuk around in Bangkok.
Hailed the taxi to National Association for Deaf which was situated out of city and was 30 minutes drive away from Silom Area.
Phew, not caught in traffic jam in morning hour otherwise my legs cannot stand the small space in taxi.
So remote place and i noticed that National Association for Deaf was at the far tiny corner after the white big rich houses. I stepped in and 2 deaf ladies looked at me with many questions in their mind.
I quickly introduced myself from Singapore in ASL(American Sign Language). One deaf lady, Saowanee smiled and signed in ASL. We immediately clicked well using ASL and her Thai sign Language. I told her that i wanted to look around the association and its function.
Saowanee showed me the management chart. Dont make my jaws drop including yours. National Association for Deaf in Bangkok is the head quarter for the whole Thailand. They have regional quarters in different parts of Thailand. They are North East, South, Central and North.
Once every 3 months, the presidents of regional quarters will gather in Bangkok for General meeting to update the happenings in their regions and to list down the needs required so that National Association for Deaf will look into.
Thailand is quite big country comparing with Singapore which is just a tiny dot on the world map yet National Association for Deaf have to look into the regional quarters to meet the needs of deaf individuals.
I met an old deaf lady who was so zeal in bringing deaf youths to the association and never fail to smile. Guess how old was she? 64 years old..wah..She still have this zeal and energy to help deaf people out of her golden heart. Will you have this energy to do volunteer work? Suppose that many people want to enjoy the golden years of retirement....
It really invoke my inspiration in being an advocate for deaf community. Like Helen Keller who was an deaf educator in USA and had tirelessly gave lectures to inspire people despite her being blind and deaf. Full of optimistim...
Then i bought 6 parts of Thai Sign Language to add to the collection of international sign language books by this dare devil friend.
(continued......)
Thai Massage (Part 2)
Before i retire early for the next day trip to National Deaf Association, i went to massage parlour. Bangkok is said to be famous for their thai massage. So i gave it a try..
Shiok...Different from here which give you superficial massage.
Thai massage or Ancient Massage is an extraordinary method of aligning the energies of the body, and originates from the time of the Buddha.
They incorporate everything from Yoga positions and Yoga therapeutic practices to Reflexology and Thai style foot massage.Thai Massage treats the whole person in their entirety... mind, body and spirit.
It provides relaxation, balance in the body's various centers, healthy blood circulation, and an overall manipulation of the physical form and structure of the body.
You are given pajamas to change and lie down on mat. The masseur will start with your legs followed by your arms and lastly of all, your back. Yoga positions will be done together with your masseur.
It was very relaxing session that last only one hour. In fact i wanted to do more of this massage but time was short that my stomach was growling with hunger!!!
As i looked up the facts about thai massage techniques in internet, i came across interesting facts about this techniques. It was no wonder that the masseur did body contract with my body in order to allow the flow from the massuer from my body.
Techniques1) It's done with both palms of the hands. The most of Thai massage is based on finger pressure.In the process of circulation, the venous flux is generated by the muscles that, pressuring the vein, assist the blood circulation
2)The masseuses will use their feet on your back, even walking on it.
3)The massage giver leans on the recipient's body using hands and forearms to apply firm rhythmic pressure to almost every part of the taker's body
Physical Benefits from this massage1)Help detoxification of the body and boost immune system
2)Increase blood circulation, lower blood pressure
3)Good for muscle relaxation, increase flexibility in your muscles, increase mobility
4) Improve breathing
5)Improves posture, balance, corrects body alignments and dissolves energy blockages
6)Improves athletic performance
7) Help arthritis and back pain
8)Help tone the body, strengthen joints and fight diseases, including chronic joint problems
9)Prevents illnesses and alleviates degenerative diseases
10)Slows the aging process
Mental Benefits1)Improve your outlook towards life; builds an emotional balance
2) Help with concentration and creativity/ Mind and body concentration
3)Clear and calm your mind
4)Help you gain mental clarity
Ripped off and bunk at Silom Area in Bangkok(Part 1)
Caught afternoon flight on budget plane, Tiger Airways to Bangkok. TigerAirways did not provide any drinks and food on board so you had to buy instant noodles, bread, coffee..etc.. from them on board.
Be ware of taxi booths at the arrival hall when you cleared the immigration area. What a rip off!!!!
When i looked for one taxi booth that offered affordable price that would bring you into city, i was so amazed that they over charged you. Every taxi booth offer 700 bahts ( S$30) plus 60 bahts for toll on highway. They were like sharks that is ready to rip you off your money. I only discovered this when i returned home from Bangkok and my dad forget to warn me about these taxi booths...Remember to go to 2nd level at airport where you will find taxi meter that offer you affordable price to city.
Urban Age is a backpacker hostel that have all the basic needs. Quite good stay especially these nice ladies who offered you all the help you need. Urban Age was situated in Silom Area where you can go to night bazzaar and able to see many ladies doing bar top
dance in bikini. What a feast for your eyes.
Silom Area sell alot of pirated DVDs, "branded" bags, wallets and shoes. Alot of good things you can find there.
I trotted down to have my dinner. Food was cheap that you can afford to eat in restuarant. One set meal in restuarant would only cost you only $6 to 10 including services charges.
Thai fried rice noodles was one of Thai's speciality and i tried it. Full of noodles with chicken and hard vegetables that you could not chew properly.
What a night that i walked around Silom area, breathing in night life and enjoying seeing many men asking passerby to come in and watch sex show. They are pimps la..
Time to retire for the next day...
Off to BanGKoK
Hello
Please be patient for 3 or 4 parts about my BangKok trip.
Off to budget terminal that i never see before.
So Enjoy reading my blog and put up your comments if you have your own blog........
Cheers
It could easily make my heart go weak...The chinese doctor told me that it looked bad so he need to do suction cupping on my ankle. I looked at him in bewilderment and thought that it was just a massage.
l cupping, with use of heated cups, also has some similarity to moxibustion therapy. Heating of the cups was the method used to obtain suction: the hot air in the cups has a low density and, as the cups cool with the opening sealed by the skin, the pressure within the cups declines, sucking the skin into it. In this case, the cups are hot and have a stimulating effect something like that of burning moxa wool.
