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thetcmfolks

thetcmfolks

By thetcmfolks

Where we discuss health and Chinese medicine related topics from the millennial physician's perspective. Tune in to find out what TCM does, who it's for, and how all of us can start using it to make us healthier and happier today.
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What to take note of during your pregnancy and confinement (Part 2) | Huat The Health

thetcmfolksDec 15, 2023

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26:54
What to take note of during your pregnancy and confinement (Part 2) | Huat The Health

What to take note of during your pregnancy and confinement (Part 2) | Huat The Health

In this episode, our guest Sheryl talks about her experience going through pregnancy and confinement. Find out what are some of the dos and don'ts from the perspective of TCM.

Dec 15, 202326:54
What to take note of during your pregnancy and confinement (Part 1) | Huat The Health

What to take note of during your pregnancy and confinement (Part 1) | Huat The Health

In this episode, our guest Sheryl talks about her experience going through pregnancy and confinement. Find out what are some of the dos and don'ts from the perspective of TCM.

Nov 01, 202325:17
"Man dies from taking TCM herbs" (public perception on TCM in Singapore) | Huat The Health

"Man dies from taking TCM herbs" (public perception on TCM in Singapore) | Huat The Health

In this episode, we talk about a recent news article that put TCM in the spotlight and why we are angry!

Sep 29, 202320:16
How a stroke, changed this young couples' lives forever | Huat The Health

How a stroke, changed this young couples' lives forever | Huat The Health

In this episode, our guests Jess and James share about their experience with stroke and how they managed to overcome the challenges they faced along the way.

Sep 15, 202359:59
What is the best age to start trying for a baby? | Huat The Health

What is the best age to start trying for a baby? | Huat The Health

In this episode, we talk about the ideal age for couples to start trying for a baby, as well as some tips to help boost your chances

Sep 01, 202332:19
Are you bothered by certain symptoms on a regular basis? (TCM Sub-Health) | Huat The Health

Are you bothered by certain symptoms on a regular basis? (TCM Sub-Health) | Huat The Health

Prevention is always better than cure. Take care of your health especially if you have symptoms that have yet to manifest into an actual illness.

Aug 25, 202322:28
Why the health (matters) | Huat The Health

Why the health (matters) | Huat The Health

Just a friendly reminder to all of us to take care of ourselves, so that we can enjoy and live life to the fullest!

May 26, 202327:14
Questions you've always wanted to ask your TCM physician | Huat The Health

Questions you've always wanted to ask your TCM physician | Huat The Health

In this episode of our brand new series 'Huat The Health', we will be answering some of the commonly asked questions regarding the TCM profession in Singapore. Find out what it takes to become a TCM physician and what really goes on behind the scenes.

May 17, 202324:60
TTF #76 - Facial Acupuncture 101. Do you dare put needles on your face?

TTF #76 - Facial Acupuncture 101. Do you dare put needles on your face?

Facial acupuncture sounds pretty intimidating but it actually isn't. There are many uses and benefits of facial acupuncture, which we will talk about briefly in this episode.

Apr 21, 202208:32
TTF #75 - Chinese Yam, amazing benefits for the whole family.

TTF #75 - Chinese Yam, amazing benefits for the whole family.

Chinese Yam or 山药 is a type of food that is packed with nutritional and medicinal benefits. In this episode, we talk about what these benefits are, and how you can use Chinese Yam for the entire family.

Apr 14, 202211:50
TTF #74 - How to get rid of Hives.

TTF #74 - How to get rid of Hives.

Hives or Urticara is a skin condition that can cause severe itching and discomfort. Most people associate hives to an allergic reaction within the body. However, there may be other things that can be causing this problem. In this episode, we talk about how hives is understood from a TCM lens, and what you can do to manage this condition.

Apr 07, 202211:10
TTF #73 - TCM for Mommy’s Hand (妈妈手)

TTF #73 - TCM for Mommy’s Hand (妈妈手)

Mommy's Hand is a painful condition of the wrist that affects not only young mothers, but anyone who uses their wrist excessively. In this episode, we talk about what Mommy's hand is and what you can do about it.

Mar 31, 202208:02
TTF #72 - Beat the bloat with TCM

TTF #72 - Beat the bloat with TCM

Feeling bloated all the time? Have no clue why this is happening to you? In this episode, we’ll be talking about the common symptom of bloating, why it happens, what you can do to manage it, and what TCM can do to help.

Mar 24, 202214:33
TTF #71 - What is sciatic nerve pain?

TTF #71 - What is sciatic nerve pain?

If you suffer from lower back pain that radiates down the back of your legs, you may be suffering from sciatica. In this episode, we talk about what this common condition is, how it happens, and what you can do to address it.

Mar 17, 202212:50
TTF #70 - What is Yin Deficiency?

TTF #70 - What is Yin Deficiency?

Yin deficiency, is a TCM body type characterised by symptoms such as feeling warm, restlessness and dryness. In this episode, we talk about how Yin deficiency occurs and what you can do if you have such an issue.

Mar 10, 202209:57
TTF #69 - The 3 types of Hair Loss (and what TCM can do about it.)

TTF #69 - The 3 types of Hair Loss (and what TCM can do about it.)

Suffering from hair loss and looking for ways to overcome it? In this episode, we talk about the 3 common types of hair loss (genetic, hormonal and pathogenic), how it relates to TCM, and what TCM can do to help with hair loss.

Mar 03, 202215:50
TTF #68 - What is a slipped disc and how serious is it really?

TTF #68 - What is a slipped disc and how serious is it really?

A slipped disc sounds scary, but in reality, it is a fairly common condition that most people manage to live with without too much problems. In this episode, we will be going through the basics of what a slipped disc is, as well as talk about some of the misconceptions and treatment options available for it.

Feb 24, 202216:10
TTF #67 - My experience with Covid

TTF #67 - My experience with Covid

I got Covid. Thankfully i've recovered now and so in this episode I want to share about my experience and what I've learn. Hopefully this will be of help to those who have yet to get Covid, and for those who have gotten it, some of what I say will be relatable to you.

Feb 17, 202211:32
TTF #66 - Discover how TCM tongue reading works.

TTF #66 - Discover how TCM tongue reading works.

If you're curious about what your tongue says about your health, then stay tuned. In this episode, we talk about the basics behind TCM tongue reading, and also some tips that you can use to read your own tongue.

Feb 10, 202210:27
TTF #65 - 5 Red Date recipes to supercharge your health.

TTF #65 - 5 Red Date recipes to supercharge your health.

The humble red date, is a TCM herb that is packed with many amazing benefits. In this episode, we talk about 5 different Red Date recipes you can use to optimize your health.

1. Immunity - Snow Fungus Dessert

2. Digestion - Red Date Tangerine Peel Tea [10g each]

3. Mood / Energy - GanMaiDaZaoTang [Red Date 10 pieces, Light Wheat Grain 30g, Licorice Root 6g, 1L water] / Red Date Tea [Red Date 10-20 pieces]

4. Sleep - Red Date Longan Tea [5-10g each]

5. Women's Health - Red Date Ginger Tea [Red Date 8 pieces, Ginger 5-10 slices]

Feb 03, 202211:06
TTF #64 - Only Tennis players get Tennis Elbow. True or False?

TTF #64 - Only Tennis players get Tennis Elbow. True or False?

Tennis Elbow refers to pain on the outside of the elbow, caused by inflammation of the tendons in the area. In this episode, we talk about how to identify if you have tennis elbow, what are some of the common causes of it, and how you can better prevent and manage this condition.

Jan 27, 202211:21
TTF #63 - Feeling depressed, anxious or unmotivated all the time? You may be suffering from Qi Stagnation.

TTF #63 - Feeling depressed, anxious or unmotivated all the time? You may be suffering from Qi Stagnation.

Qi stagnation is a TCM body type that is closely linked to negative emotions like unhappiness, anxiety and moodiness. In this episode, we talk about how you can tell if you have such a body type, and what you can do to fix it.

Jan 20, 202211:25
TTF #62 - Waking up with Neck Pain. What went wrong?

TTF #62 - Waking up with Neck Pain. What went wrong?

Waking up with neck pain is more common than you think. In this episode, we talk about what a strained neck is and how you can better manage it.

Jan 13, 202207:58
TTF #61 - The Emperor's Disease. Protect yourself from Gout, with TCM.

TTF #61 - The Emperor's Disease. Protect yourself from Gout, with TCM.

Gout is known as the Emperor's disease because in the olden days, it only happened to the rich and wealthy who had plenty to eat and drink. In this episode, we talk about what gout is and how you can protect yourself against it.

Jan 06, 202210:45
TTF #60 - The hidden benefits of Ginger.

TTF #60 - The hidden benefits of Ginger.

Ginger is widely used in the kitchen, but also in TCM as well. In this episode, we talk about the medicinal properties of ginger and how TCM physicians use it to help you.

Dec 30, 202107:54
TTF #59 - 5 things NOT to do when you sprain your ankle

TTF #59 - 5 things NOT to do when you sprain your ankle

Rest. Ice. Compress. Elevate. (RICE). This is the mantra that we're taught to follow whenever we sprain our ankles. However, recovering from an ankle sprain is usually not so straightforward, and it is usually a long process with several other things that you need to take note off as well. In this episode, we talk about the 5 things not to do when you sprain your ankle, as well as what I would do exactly if it ever happened to me.

Dec 23, 202111:54
TTF #58 - The 50 year old shoulder. (Frozen shoulder explained)

TTF #58 - The 50 year old shoulder. (Frozen shoulder explained)

Frozen Shoulder is called "the 50 year old shoulder" or 五十肩 in Chinese, because it is a problem that commonly occurs amongst this age group. In this episode, find out what frozen shoulder is, what you can do to manage it, and how TCM can help.

Dec 16, 202109:07
TTF #57 - Is your weight gain being caused by "Phlegm Dampness"?

TTF #57 - Is your weight gain being caused by "Phlegm Dampness"?

"Phlegm Dampness" is a body type in TCM that can cause annoying problems like stubborn weight gain. In this episode, we'll be talking about what this "Phlegm Dampness" body type is, how you can identify if you have it and what you can do to manage it if you do.

Dec 09, 202112:49
TTF #56 - Dealing with acne, gout or high cholesterol? Want to have better complexion? Drink Chinese Barley.

TTF #56 - Dealing with acne, gout or high cholesterol? Want to have better complexion? Drink Chinese Barley.

Ever wondered about the health benefits of barley? Here's what Chinese barley can do for you.

Dec 02, 202109:31
TTF #55 - Can TCM cure Covid?

TTF #55 - Can TCM cure Covid?

Lian Hua Qing Wen (连花清瘟) is a TCM formula that has gained popularity in recent years, due to it purportedly being able to treat Covid19. However in Singapore currently, such TCM formulas are not yet permitted for the prevention and treatment of Covid. In this episode, we talk about how such TCM formulas work and whether or not they are really safe to use.

Nov 25, 202111:20
TTF #54 - Worse than just neck pain. How neck issues can start to affect your hands.

TTF #54 - Worse than just neck pain. How neck issues can start to affect your hands.

Numbness in the arm or hand is often a result of having a pinched nerve in the neck. Find out what this problem is, why it occurs, and what you can do to address it. 

Nov 18, 202109:34
TTF #53 - A fast and easy way to help you overcome Tech Neck.

TTF #53 - A fast and easy way to help you overcome Tech Neck.

Neck and shoulder pain caused by using tech is the silent epidemic of the 21st Century. More people are getting it, at an increasingly younger age, with no signs of this trend slowing down. 

Lucky for us, the solution to this problem is remarkably simple. In this episode, we uncover what Tech Neck is, how to prevent and treat it, and what are the consequences if we choose to ignore it.

Nov 11, 202111:30
TTF #52 - Don't mistake tuina for massage. Why these two therapies are surprisingly different.

TTF #52 - Don't mistake tuina for massage. Why these two therapies are surprisingly different.

推拿 or tuina, is the Traditional Chinese Medicine term used for manual therapy treatment. Many people often confuse tuina and massage with each other. So in this episode, we'll be talking about the differences between the two, to help you make an easier decisison.

Nov 04, 202108:40
TTF #51 - The secrets behind TCM pulse taking.

TTF #51 - The secrets behind TCM pulse taking.

Pulse taking is mysterious as it is intriguing. In this episode, we talk about how pulse taking works, as well as what are some of the things your pulse can say about your health.

Oct 28, 202113:15
TTF #50 - Experiencing frequent headaches? Here's how TCM can help.

TTF #50 - Experiencing frequent headaches? Here's how TCM can help.

Looking for a solution to your headaches? In this episode, we talk about how TCM understands this problem and what are some of the treatments used to address this problem.

Oct 21, 202113:03
TTF #49 - Herbal medicine that is easy to swallow

TTF #49 - Herbal medicine that is easy to swallow

TCM medication is not just limited to bitter tasting soups. 

In this episode, we talk about the different forms of herbal medication you may encounter in your next TCM visit.

Oct 14, 202112:49
TTF #48 - What is TCM Moxibustion?

TTF #48 - What is TCM Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is an ancient form of heat therapy used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this episode, we dive deeper into this topic, giving you a brief introduction to what moxibustion is all about.

Oct 07, 202108:57
TTF #47 TCM baby massage: How it benefits your little ones.

TTF #47 TCM baby massage: How it benefits your little ones.

Many people know that TCM can be used for adults and the elderly. But did you know, TCM can be used for kids as well?

In this episode, we talk about pediatric massage, a TCM technique exclusively used for infants and young children.

Find out what it is about, how it works and what it can do for your little ones.


Sep 30, 202110:21
TTF #46 - 3 things my mom always nags me about (and why it makes sense).

TTF #46 - 3 things my mom always nags me about (and why it makes sense).

Asian parents are known for nagging. But when it comes to our health, our parents usually do know best. So in this episode, it is my turn to nag at you. 


Here are some things that my mother always says, and how it makes sense from a TCM perspective.

Sep 23, 202108:13
TTF #45 - Stimulating foods to avoid when you are sick.

TTF #45 - Stimulating foods to avoid when you are sick.

In TCM, the term 发物 or 'stimulating' foods refers to certain types of foods that can trigger or worsen illness. Based on your body type and condition, your physician might ask you to avoid or minimize the consumption of such foods during your treatment. In this episode, we talk about what some of these foods are, why they can trigger or worsen illness and whether or not you should really be avoiding them.

1. Heat generating foods: onion, garlic, chives, ginger, pepper, lamb, beef

2. Wind generating foods: shellfish, prawn, crab, goose, eggs

3. Damp-heat generating foods: malt sugar, glutinous rice, fatty meat, milk, yogurt

4. Cold generating foods: watermelon, pear, persimmon, salads, tea


Sep 16, 202108:55
TTF #44 - Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan: The 'sacred' pill for women.

TTF #44 - Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan: The 'sacred' pill for women.

乌鸡白凤丸 ( Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan ), is a well-known TCM supplement used by women to help regulate and maintain their reproductive health. Here are some facts about this 'sacred' pill, to help you better understand it.

Sep 09, 202108:40
TTF #43 - Chrysanthemum Tea. What is it good for?

TTF #43 - Chrysanthemum Tea. What is it good for?

Did you know, that the humble Chrysanthemum is actually a TCM herb that can be used to treat sore throat, dry eyes and even acne? In this episode, we go through the functions of Chrysanthemum, as well as highlight the differences between the various types.


Recipes

1. Chrysanthemum with Wolf Berry Tea: Good for eye health and reversing the harmful effects of electronic devices.

2. Chrysanthemum with Hawthorn Berry Tea: Good for lowering cholesterol and improving digestion.

3. Chrysanthemum, Honeysuckle and Jasmine Flower Tea: Good for clearing heat and preventing sore throat.


Sep 02, 202112:28
TTF #42 - The health benefits of a foot bath.

TTF #42 - The health benefits of a foot bath.

In TCM there are many health benefits of using a foot bath. For example it can help you sleep better, help you relieve stress, help you deal with fatigue etc. So in this episode we'll be going through how foot baths work, what they are good for, how to prepare a proper foot bath and what are the things to take note of.
How to prepare a foot soak
<ol>
<li>Ensure your pail is cleaned well before starting the foot soak.</li>
<li>Wooden pails are the most ideal for foot soaking.</li>
<li>The best time to perform a foot soak is around 9pm at night.</li>
<li>Duration of a foot soak should be around 15-20 mins and not too long.</li>
<li>Temperature of the foot soak should be around 40°C and not too hot that it burns your skin. For reference, this temperature should be around a warm shower temperature, or the equivalent of two big scoops of cold water to one big scoop of hot water.</li>
<li>The water level of your foot soak should be high enough to reach the middle of your calves, or at least cover your ankles.</li>
<li>You may want to add some ingredients in like Chinese Mugwort (50-100g), Fresh Ginger (use half a portion of a average sized ginger, peel of skin, boil and simmer in small pot for 20 mins), Bai Jiu (one table spoon).</li>
<li>Stay relaxed during the foot soak and avoid distractions like reading, using your phone, or watching TV to get the most benefit.</li>
<li>During the foot soak, you ideally want to start sweating a little from your forehead or back. You should however stop the foot soak if you start sweating excessively.</li>
<li>Wait at least 30 mins after a meal before doing a foot soak to avoid indigestion.</li>
<li>Do not go to bed immediately after a foot soak. Cover your feet with a pair of socks, and wait for your body temperature to cool down before going to bed.</li>
<li>Foot soaking can be done 3-5 times a week, or even daily.</li>
</ol>
Things to take note:
<ol>
<li>Foot soaking is not recommended for young children (may loosen ligaments in the foot and affect development).</li>
<li>For pregnant women and women on their periods, a foot soak with warm water only will suffice. Avoid adding any herbs into your foot soak.</li>
<li>Individuals with decreased skin sensitivity (eg. diabetics) should monitor the temperature of the foot bath closely to avoid being burned. It is best to get someone else to test out the water temperature first or use a thermometer.</li>
<li>Individuals with allergies to certain herbs should avoid using these herbs in their foot soak.</li>
<li>Individuals with blisters, open wounds, or skin conditions like eczema should avoid using a foot soak.</li>
<li>Individuals with varicose veins should avoid using a foot soak.</li>
<li>The elderly, as well as individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, should carry out their foot baths with a lower temperature and shorter duration.</li>
<li>If you start feeling giddy, weak or start to have heart palpitations, stop the foot bath immediately and lie flat on your back to rest.</li>
</ol>
Aug 26, 202110:55
TTF #41 - Goji Berries: Superfood for dry eyes, beautiful skin and more!

TTF #41 - Goji Berries: Superfood for dry eyes, beautiful skin and more!

In this digital age where we spend so much time looking at screens, eye strain is becoming increasingly common with many people experiencing tired or dry eyes on a regular basis. 

In this episode, I'll be introducing the TCM herb known as Goji Berries, which is known for being a superfood that is great for eye health as well as having many other amazing benefits.

Aug 19, 202104:48
TTF #40 - Physiotherapy: Janine Cheng & Alex Poon

TTF #40 - Physiotherapy: Janine Cheng & Alex Poon

Nowadays when dealing with muscular aches and pains, there are just so many options like Chiro, Physio, TCM, Osteo etc. and it can be quite confusing to choose who we should seek help from.

To help you answer part of this problem, i've invited 2 physiotherapist to share more about what physiotherapy is and how it can help.

Aug 12, 202101:21:20
TTF #39 - TCM for period cramps

TTF #39 - TCM for period cramps

Dealing with painful period cramps? In this episode, we'll be talking about what period cramps are, whether they are normal, how TCM understands this problem and what you can do if you're dealing with cramps.

https://www.facebook.com/ntu.cm.clinic/photos/san-yin-jiao-is-located-about-four-finger-widths-above-the-inner-tip-of-the-ankl/894182520618030/

Aug 05, 202113:13
TTF #38 - The Four Deity Soup: Herbal remedy for a healthy gut.

TTF #38 - The Four Deity Soup: Herbal remedy for a healthy gut.

The "four deity soup" or 四神汤 is a TCM herbal remedy that is good for digestive and gut health. It consist of 4 TCM herbs: Fu Ling (Poria), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Lotus Seed and Gorgon Fruit. In this episode, we talk about the benefits of this commonly used formula and how you can start incorporating it into your diet today.

Jul 29, 202107:57
TTF #37 - Why TCM physicians in Singapore are leaving the industry.

TTF #37 - Why TCM physicians in Singapore are leaving the industry.

Pursuing TCM as a career in Singapore is not easy. In this episode, we talk about the challenges that TCM physicians face, and why more of us are choosing to leave the industry.

Jul 22, 202149:21
TTF #36 - TCM, is it safe?

TTF #36 - TCM, is it safe?

Have you ever wanted to try TCM, but were hesitant because you're worried about how safe TCM treatments really are? In this episode we talk about some of the risks involved with TCM and what you should do to better prepare yourself.

Jul 16, 202111:16
TTF #35 - Wonder herb for indigestion: Hawthorn Berries

TTF #35 - Wonder herb for indigestion: Hawthorn Berries

Dealing with indigestion? In this episode we talk about hawthorn berries, a TCM herb that you can easily find and make into a simple home remedy to help with your indigestion woes.

Jul 09, 202107:26