Anti-epidemic fatigue and immense pressure on all walks of life have left Hong Kong people physically and mentally exhausted! Stress can easily affect resistance, giving viruses an opportunity to strike. Dr. Cheung Wing Ming, known as the imperial physician to celebrities both local and international, explicitly stated that emotional and mental healthcare is paramount during an epidemic to prevent stress from weakening bodily functions. By learning from Dr. Cheung's unique health preservation tips, we can reduce stress and strengthen our foundations, helping to consolidate the body's natural immune barrier. This will enable us to overcome the "tough battle against COVID" and emerge victorious. Text ∣ Angus Photography ∣ Choi Kin-san, Sing Tao Image Bank, courtesy of interviewees
Stress Induces Toxins, Focus on Soothing the Liver and Relieving Depression
With the ongoing epidemic, life stress is high. If one is already under work pressure, coupled with irregular meals and insufficient rest, it's easier to experience stress overload, leading to elevated cortisol levels and various physical and mental ailments. These include anxiety, irritability, dry mouth, stomach distension, constipation, and insomnia, as well as gastrointestinal discomfort. In addition to specializing in pain management, Dr. Cheung Wing Ming, founder of Shang Yi Tang and known as the imperial physician to celebrities, who possesses unique expertise in body conditioning and health preservation, revealed that recently, there has been an increase in young adults in their thirties seeking treatment. Many are professionals in fields such as finance, banking, and law. Most of their health problems are caused by excessive stress. "Excessive stress causes the body to produce toxins. Many patients' clinical symptoms show signs of liver qi stagnation, requiring calming the mind, soothing the liver, and detoxifying to relieve stress."
Stress can lead to physical and mental discomfort. In addition to exercise, traditional Chinese medicine is an excellent way to relieve stress. Dr. Cheung Wing Ming points out that Chinese medicinal herbs such as Chaihu and Xiangfu help soothe the liver, relieve depression, and detoxify, while Ye Jiaoteng nourishes blood and calms the mind, especially suitable for insomnia caused by yin deficiency and blood deficiency. "Adequate sleep naturally leads to better resistance and improved ability to fight illness." Stress can also cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as constipation and diarrhea. Therefore, Dr. Cheung's prescriptions specifically include spleen-strengthening herbs like Lingzhi and Fuling to improve gastrointestinal function.
Long-term Anti-epidemic Battle: Boosting Lung Function
Based on years of clinical experience, Dr. Cheung Wing has noticed that many Hongkongers suffer from lung deficiency. In the current climate, combating COVID-19 requires even greater emphasis on strengthening lung function. "Hong Kong's humid weather, constant indoor air conditioning, and many people's preference for cold drinks make people more susceptible to cold, further weakening the lungs." Individuals with lung deficiency often experience skin allergies, nasal allergies, and are prone to fatigue, cold hands and feet, sallow or pale complexion, and are more susceptible to colds and coughs.
Dr. Cheung Wing recommends using lily, Sichuan fritillary, cordyceps sinensis extract, and astragalus to nourish the lungs. From a Chinese medicine perspective, the lung governs the skin and hair, and weak lungs can also lead to poor spleen and stomach function. For example, some patients have too many bowel movements daily (some up to five or six times) and need to strengthen their spleen. It is recommended to use Chinese yam, lotus seeds, and gorgon fruit to improve spleen deficiency symptoms.
Concentrated Chinese Medicine Pills for Conditioning and Prevention
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes strengthening the body's vital energy to ward off evil, which is the ultimate way to prevent viral invasion. In other words, proper body conditioning helps boost immunity and prevent illness. With busy urban lifestyles, many people have opted for Chinese medicine pills as supplements in recent years, replacing the traditional method of decocting Chinese herbs. Dr. Cheung Wing believes that both are suitable for different situations and can be chosen according to individual needs. "Pills are convenient; one to two pills a day can already achieve the effect of body conditioning. They are mostly used for mild symptoms, conditioning, and prevention. Before taking them, one should refer to the product instructions to understand if their constitution is suitable, and if in doubt, consult a Chinese medicine practitioner." As for decoctions, they are more suitable for those seeking medical consultation. "During a consultation, the doctor needs to diagnose and treat based on the symptoms, and then prescribe an individualized formula. Decoctions are more suitable for this." Concentrated Chinese medicine pills are made from concentrated Chinese herbs, and their efficacy is similar to that of decoctions, except that the latter are usually bitter. Those who dislike bitterness may need to take them with a snack.
Seeking a Good Doctor Across Borders
Many foreigners are aware of the fundamental advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine and seek out experienced Chinese medicine practitioners. Dr. Cheung Wing has treated numerous Western patients over the years, including many well-known figures, and many local celebrities are also long-time supporters of Dr. Cheung.
1+2. Mark Wahlberg, the lead actor in the movie "Transformers: Age of Extinction," injured his shoulder and neck while filming the action scenes of this big production in Hong Kong. It was Dr. Cheung who provided acupuncture treatment for him. After the treatment, Mark was very grateful and took a photo with Dr. Cheung on the spot as a souvenir.
3+4. Pharrell Williams, the renowned multi-talented musician, rapper, songwriter, record producer, and fashion designer who has won multiple Grammy Awards, traveled all the way to seek treatment from Dr. Cheung to help detoxify his body and relieve stress, thereby enhancing his overall immunity and maintaining a strong physique.
5+6. Steven Ma was disturbed by his neighbors' noise for over a year, and the stress was unimaginable. A few days ago, he posted on social media, "Every time Dr. Cheung Wing treats my cervical and spinal realignment, I truly feel as if I've returned from space to solid ground again. Finally, I'm grounded again, and I'm grateful!"
7. Dr. Cheung Wing, a true disciple of Grandmaster Cen Neng of Foshan Wing Chun, formed a bond with Tony Leung, who also practiced Wing Chun. Dr. Cheung treated Tony Leung's chronic shoulder and back pains and helped him condition his physical fitness to strengthen his immune system. The photo shows Tony Leung specially attending the relocation ceremony of Shang Yi Tang to its current location in Wan Chai!
Dr. Cheung Wing's Five Health Preservation Tips
1. Go to bed early and wake up early. The liver rests between 11 PM and 1 AM.
2. The spleen and stomach meridian operates between 7 AM and 9 AM, so it is crucial to eat breakfast during this time; otherwise, it can easily damage the spleen and stomach.
3. Drink more Pu-erh tea daily to aid digestion.
4. Exercise regularly, at least half an hour of walking daily. Swimming, hiking, practicing Tai Chi, and Qigong are all beneficial for promoting qi and blood circulation and strengthening cardiopulmonary function.
5. Avoid fried, overly heating, and damp-inducing foods. Eat more vegetables and fruits, and frequently consume soups that strengthen the spleen and remove dampness.
Doctor-formulated Anti-epidemic Secret Recipe
Over the past year or so, there has been an overwhelming amount of health and dietary information, making it difficult for people to know what to follow. What Hongkongers most need to address right now is how to relieve the heavy stress caused by the prolonged fight against the epidemic. The following teas and soups personally formulated by Dr. Cheung Wing are targeted prescriptions that can regulate emotions and mood, help Hongkongers reduce stress, and resolve qi stagnation.
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