Health in Your Hands - The Integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Wisdom and Social Services
Text: Miss Lam Yick Man, Senior Manager of Family and Counselling Services, St. James' Settlement
Urban life is busy, and many people easily feel anxious and under immense pressure, which affects their sleep and emotions. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, excessive stress can lead to liver qi stagnation, affecting the flow of qi and blood, resulting in insomnia and a decline in immunity, thereby impacting physical and mental health. We can use the theory of depression in traditional Chinese medicine to help individuals understand their emotions from a new perspective and find ways to regulate their body, mind, and spirit to improve their health.
Balancing body, mind, and spirit
To maintain physical and mental health, one should exercise more and pay attention to diet. We can practise the Chinese fitness exercise "Ba Duan Jin", which promotes the flow of qi and blood and helps with emotions through stretching movements and deep breathing. At the same time, drinking flower tea can also be beneficial for health, such as drinking rose tea to enhance blood circulation and chrysanthemum tea to help relax the nerves.
In addition, simple acupressure massage can be used for conditioning, such as pressing the Hegu point at the web of the hand to help relieve tension; pressing the Shenmen point on the wrist to aid sleep and reduce anxiety; and pressing the Neiguan point in the centre of the wrist crease to reduce palpitations.
Establish good living habits
We can also establish good habits to take care of our body, mind, and spirit. For example, we can set a regular "quiet time" for ourselves, during which we stay away from electronic devices, relax, and reflect on the sources of our stress. Each week, we can relieve stress through practices such as Qigong, acupressure, and drinking herbal tea. Spending more time in nature and socialising can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Additionally, we can write in a journal, meditate, and join interest groups to find ways to relax.
The integration of traditional Chinese medicine and social services combines psychological counselling and wellness practices to provide a more comprehensive emotional management programme, enabling service users to better care for their physical and mental well-being. We are collaborating with the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at the University of Hong Kong, sponsored by the Jockey Club Charities Trust, to hold the "Depression Relief and Body Relaxation Class". Through leading the Ba Duan Jin exercises, acupoint massage, and imparting knowledge about flower tea, we aim to help service users harmonise their body, mind, and spirit. For inquiries, please call 28354342.
