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5 Ways To Prevent Getting Sick
Jan 09, 2017
Written by Maika Endo
Filed under Beijing, events, Health, kocoon spa, october, sick, Tips, Wellness

5 Ways To Prevent Getting Sick

5 Ways To Prevent Getting Sick

While the changing of the seasons might be all anyone can talk about right now, it’s fun to look back to the warm summer months, which were such a fantastic break from catching colds and flu. As the cool air arrives so does the onset of spreadable germs, causing sneezing, coughs, sore throats – you name it. It’s definitely exciting to break out our favorite fall gear – like rain boots and cozy sweaters – but catching a cold is no fun at all. Here’s a look at how to ride through fall looking and feeling your best with 5 ways to prevent getting sick.

Get Lots of Exercise. Good for your body in so many ways, getting your sweat on is an excellent way to flush your body of no-good toxins that cause you to feel ill. Keeping the heart pumping and muscles moving gives you the foundation you need for a strong immune system.
Get Enough Sleep. While it may be tempting to stay up late binge watching all the new primetime shows, that’s exactly what DVR is for. Getting in bed early and sleeping soundly through the night gives your body the strength it needs to fight off nasty germs that may come your way. Try winding down in the evenings a bit earlier than you normally would to get into the habit of a nice, early bed time.
Load Up on Fruits and Veggies. Packing your body full of healthy vitamins is one of the best ways to fight off cold and flu – and that’s pretty easy to do when your diet is loaded with good-for-you fruits and veggies. Mix in some citrus fruit for an added boost of vitamin C.
Scale Back the Party Mode. Everyone around you catching colds, but still hitting the town on Friday night? Alcohol is known for weakening your normally tough immune system. Opt for a Friday night in here and there to catch up on your favorite shows and snuggle up with some herbal tea. Also a great way to sneak in some extra Z’s.
Drink Enough Water. While staying hydrated is good for you in more ways than one, water helps flush out the toxins that cause illness. When you deprive your body of water, there’s nothing to flush out the bad cells – leaving you feeling pretty bad all around. Can’t stand plain water? Add some lemon or lime for a little flair.

Article from: Loren's world by Loren Ridinger

Thanksgiving Baileys Irish Cream pumpkin pie recipe
Jan 09, 2017
Written by Maika Endo
Filed under celebrate thanksgiving, delicious, dessert, Health, idea, kocoon spa beijing, thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Baileys Irish Cream pumpkin pie recipe

You need an idea for Thanksgiving's dessert? Kocoon Spa found this recipe for you. Don't hesitate to send us picture after you tried the recipe!

Ingredients

* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 Cup powdered sugar
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled cut into pieces
* 4 eggs
* 2 tablespoons cold water
* 1 1/2 Cup canned pumpkin pulp
* 3/4 Cup brown sugar
* 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/2 Cup heavy cream
* 1/4 Cup Baileys Original Irish Cream

Method

* Place flour, powdered sugar, and butter in a food processor and pulse until mixture resembles a coarse meal. Beat together 1 egg and water. Add to flour and process until mixture forms a ball. Form a flat disk from the dough. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.

* Roll out dough into a 12-inch circle on a heavily floured surface. Transfer dough circle to a 10-inch pie tin. Trim and crimp the edges of the dough. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to use.

* Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Beat pumpkin and remaining eggs in a medium bowl creamy. Beat in brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth. Add cream and Baileys and beat until thoroughly combined. Pour pumpkin mixture into piecrust.

* Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a knife inserted off-center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature.

* Cut into wedges and serve. Store for up to 3 days covered in the refrigerator.

* Note: If piecrust edges become too brown during baking, cover with aluminum foil.

Article from the Irishcentral written by Jane Walsh.

How to Use Chinese Herbs to Manage Cold & Flu
Jan 09, 2017
Written by Maika Endo
Filed under alex tan, Beijing, chinese medicine, cold, flu, Health, TCM, thehutong.

How to Use Chinese Herbs to Manage Cold & Flu

In July, Kocoon’s Wellness Hub will be bringing people together around health & wellness

"How to Use Chinese Herbs to Manage Cold & Flu”

Thursday July 23

Ever wanted to know how to use all those Chinese medicines on the shelf in the local pharmacy? How does herbal medicine work? Why is Chinese herbal medicine different to other forms of herbal medicine? In this introduction to Chinese herbs we will examine a brief history of herbal medicine and the development of herbal theory, tastes, actions and more. From a practical point of view, we learn how to identify common patterns for colds and flu and buy the most suitable patent medicines from the local pharmacy. Alex introduces his Beijing Cold & Flu book that can guide you in this process. Timing: 11:00am - 12:o0pm Venue: Kocoon spa Facilitator: Alex Tan, Chinese medicine therapist and health coach Cover: FREE - Space is limited, book your spot now!

The Beijing Cold & Flu Book

The Easy to Use Guide of Prepared Chinese Herbal Medicines to Treat Cold & Flu

After 10-years in China as a qualified Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Educator, Alex addresses one of the most common questions he gets in an easy-to-use self guide. That is: What Chinese herbs do I buy when I have a Cold & Flu?

Like the answer to most Chinese questions, including Chinese medicine... it depends! Alex's engineering and modern science background sensed he must be able to create a simple guide for people to be self sufficient in treating such a common condition like cold & flu. He began working on this project back in 2013 and with a skill in understanding and translating ancient health wisdom, then delivering it in a structured modern way - here is the final product. This book gives you the best chance of getting through a cold & flu as quickly and effectively as possible, or even avoiding the cold & flu all together.

Packed full of other information: ingredients; tips and notes on each formula; how to understand Cold & flu from a Chinese Medicine perspective as well as traditional remedies and more

This book is designed with the modern international person in mind. For those of you who are interested in Chinese Medicine and looking for a practical way to better your understanding, this book can be very useful. If you’re currently living in a Chinese city, and are keen to know how you can use Chinese herbal medicine to help you manage one of the most commonly experienced medical conditions - cold and flu - then this book is definitely for you!

About Alex Tan

Alex Tan has a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been living and working in Beijing since 2005. Many years prior to formal study, Alex’s engineering background and fascination with Western Science at the highest level led him to relational ideas in ancient Eastern philosophy. This connection and realization inspired him to eventually see life and health through the lens of Chinese medicine. Alex’s talent lies in understanding and translating ancient health wisdom, then delivering it in a structured modern way.

The Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is more than just another pretty plant.

The ancient succulent is just one of 450 different types of aloe that dates back to 2100 BCE. Originating in Africa, the dessert plant is now grown around the world for various reasons. According to the Global Diabetes Community,aloe vera juice can decrease blood lipids and swelling, both of which are common in diabetics. Aloe vera juice can also be used as a laxative, but be careful not to consume too much because it can also cause stomach cramps, kidney problems and heart disturbances, warn experts at The Mayo Clinic.

In the infographic below by Natural Healers, a website for students of natural medicine, we learn more about this medicinal plant, including how to grow it in your own home.

This infographic explain the story of the aloe vera, his composition and the benefits for your body.

Source: The Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera

How to find relief from migraines
Jan 07, 2017
Written by Maika Endo
Filed under Beijing, headache, Health, healthy, migraines, spa, spabeijing, Wellness, wellness beijing, wellnesshub

How to find relief from migraines

By Yvette C. Terrie for U.S. News

Everyone gets a headache now and then, but migraine headaches are characterized by recurring attacks of moderate to severe headache pain. Often called migraines, these headaches are a common neurologic condition that can negatively affect an individual’s quality of life. If you suffer from migraines, you are not alone. According to the National Headache Foundation and the American Migraine Study, more than 37 million individuals in the United States are affected by migraines, making them the second-most common type of headache. Migraines are most common among individuals ages 25 to 50, and migraines are three times more common in females than in males. Migraines typically start in childhood and may get better or worse as an affected individual ages. Research from the National Headache Foundation suggests that migraines tend to run in some families and that 70 to 80 percent of migraine sufferers have a family history of migraines. If you are like the 37 million individuals in the United States who are affected by migraines : We have a product suitable for you at Kocoon Spa : Head & Scalp Guasha at Kocoon Spa Our Anti Migraine Head & Scalp Guasha is especially recommended for headaches and migraine attacks, low energy and common cold. Otherwise we also have workshop and private sessions at Kocoon Spa created to learn thai massage moves for headaches :

Signs and Symptoms :

Migraines may last four to 72 hours and can disrupt your life. Some individuals who get migraines experience warning symptoms, known as an aura, before the onset of the migraine. An aura involves a group of symptoms including vision changes. The most common symptom associated with migraines is a throbbing pain on one side of the head. The signs and symptoms vary among individuals and may include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Blurred vision and/or a temporary blind spot
A zigzagging or flashing light
Sensitivity to light, smell and sound
Dizziness
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Cause and Common Triggers

While the exact cause of migraines is not known, genetics and environmental factors have been identified as possible causes. Several triggers include:

Stress
Fatigue
Anxiety
Caffeine withdrawal
Changes in weather, altitude and/or air pressure
Hormonal changes, like those that occur during a menstrual cycle or pregnancy
Environmental factors, such as noise, bright lights or certain odors
Consumption of vasoactive substances in certain foods, such as nitrates, tyramine (i.e. in aged cheese) red wine and monosodium glutamate
Alcohol consumption
Use of certain pharmacologic agents, such as nitrates, oral contraceptives, nifedipine and postmenopausal hormones
Changes in sleep or eating patterns
Smoking
Diagnosis

There is no single test for diagnosing migraines. If you suspect you are having a migraine, your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms as well as conduct complete physical and neurologic exams. Other medical tests, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, may be ordered to rule out other medical conditions.

Treatment :

The medications used for managing migraines are typically classified as preventive or pain-relieving medications. Treatment is determined by the frequency and severity of your migraines, the cause of your migraines, your other medical conditions, and your allergy history. Your pharmacist will explain how to take your medication. Some medications are taken daily, while others are taken at the onset of a migraine. In addition, several OTC products are marketed for the treatment of mild to moderate migraines. These products contain analgesics such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, as well as caffeine. It is important to note that self-treatment of migraines is only recommended after a diagnosis has been confirmed. To prevent drug interactions, contraindications or adverse reactions, it is important to discuss the use of these products with your doctor or pharmacist beforehand. Some patients with migraines may find relief by using alternative remedies such asbiofeedback, acupuncture, relaxation techniques and nutritional supplements.

Management and Prevention :

The best way to prevent migraines is to take your medication at the first sign of a migraine or before being exposed to a known trigger. Keeping a headache diary may help you identify possible triggers. Lifestyle modifications may reduce the frequency and severity of migraines; modifications include avoiding known triggers, exercising regularly, taking medication as directed and not skipping meals. You can ease the pain and discomfort associated with migraines by:

Getting sufficient sleep
Keeping a headache diary to determine your headache triggers
Resting and relaxing when possible, and reducing stress

Conclusion :

Migraine pain can be unbearable, so it is important for you to take your medication as directed and to seek immediate medical care if you do not obtain relief or if your migraine worsens. If you are taking any other medications, have other medical conditions, or are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should never take any medication until you have consulted your primary health care provider.

Source : huffingtonpost