The pandemic has left Hong Kong people physically and mentally exhausted, with businesses and industries bearing immense pressure. Under stress, immunity is easily compromised, creating opportunities for the virus to take hold. Dr. Cheung Yung, renowned as a personal physician to many famous figures both in China and abroad, emphasizes the importance of emotional well-being during a pandemic to prevent stress from weakening bodily functions. Learning from Dr. Cheung's unique health tips, timely stress reduction and strengthening the body's natural immune barrier can help us overcome this "hard battle against COVID-19." Text | Angus Photos | Cai Jianxin, Sing Tao Photo Library, provided by interviewees
Stress induces toxins; focus on soothing the liver and relieving depression.
With the ongoing pandemic and high levels of stress, those already burdened by demanding work schedules, irregular meals, and insufficient rest are more prone to stress overload, leading to elevated cortisol levels and various physical and mental ailments, including anxiety, irritability, dry mouth, bloating, constipation, and insomnia. Dr. Zhang Yong, founder of Shangyitang Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic, known for his expertise in treating pain and as a physician to renowned figures both domestically and internationally, has stated that he has recently seen a surge in patients in their thirties, many of whom are professionals in fields such as finance, banking, and law. He explains that most of these patients' health problems stem from excessive stress. "Excessive stress leads to the production of toxins in the body. Many patients exhibit signs of liver qi stagnation, requiring methods to calm the mind, soothe the liver, and detoxify to relieve stress."
High stress can lead to physical and mental discomfort. In addition to exercise, traditional Chinese medicine is a good way to relieve stress. Zhang Yong pointed out that Chinese herbs such as Bupleurum and Cyperus can help soothe the liver, relieve depression and detoxify, while Polygonum multiflorum has the effect of nourishing blood and calming the mind, especially suitable for insomnia caused by yin deficiency and blood deficiency. "With sufficient sleep, the resistance is naturally better and the ability to fight disease is also improved." High stress can also lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as constipation and diarrhea. Therefore, Dr. Zhang's prescriptions specially add spleen-strengthening herbs such as Ganoderma lucidum and Poria cocos to improve gastrointestinal function.
Protracted fight against the epidemic: Nourishing lung function
Based on years of clinical experience, Zhang Yong has noticed that many Hong Kong people suffer from lung deficiency. In today's fight against COVID-19, it is even more necessary to strengthen lung function. "Hong Kong's weather is humid, indoor air conditioning is often on, and many people like to drink cold drinks, which makes the body more susceptible to cold and the lungs weaker." People with lung deficiency often also have skin allergies, nasal allergies, and are also prone to fatigue, cold hands and feet, yellow or pale complexion, and are more susceptible to colds and coughs.
Zhang Yong suggests using lily bulbs, fritillaria cirrhosa, cordyceps extract, and astragalus to nourish the lungs. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the lungs govern the skin and hair. When the lungs are weak, the spleen and stomach are also prone to deterioration. For example, some patients have excessive bowel movements every day (some as many as five to six times), which requires strengthening the spleen. He suggests using Chinese yam, lotus seeds, and fox nuts to improve the symptoms of spleen deficiency.
Concentrated Chinese herbal pills for conditioning and disease prevention
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes strengthening the body's resistance and expelling pathogens, which is the best way to prevent viral invasion. In other words, proper conditioning of the body helps to enhance immunity and prevent disease. With busy urban lifestyles, many people have chosen to take Chinese herbal pills as a supplement in recent years, replacing traditional decoctions. Zhang Yong believes that the two are suitable for different situations and should be chosen according to needs. "Pills are convenient; one or two pills a day can achieve the effect of conditioning the body. They are mostly used for mild symptoms, conditioning, and prevention. Before taking them, you should refer to the instructions to understand whether your constitution is suitable. If you have any questions, you can consult a Chinese medicine practitioner." As for decoctions, they are more suitable for those seeking medical treatment. "When seeking medical treatment, the doctor needs to diagnose the symptoms and prescribe a separate prescription, so decoctions are more suitable." Chinese herbal pills are made from concentrated Chinese herbs and have similar effects to decoctions, but the latter is usually bitter, so those who dislike bitterness may need to take them with small snacks.
The search for a good doctor knows no borders.
Many foreigners are aware of the fundamental advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and seek out experienced TCM practitioners for treatment. Dr. Zhang Yong has treated numerous Western patients throughout his career, including many well-known figures, and many local celebrities are also long-term supporters of Dr. Zhang.
1+2. Mark Wahlberg, the male lead in the movie "Transformers 4", injured his shoulder and neck while filming action scenes for this big-budget production in Hong Kong. Dr. Zhang performed acupuncture treatment on him. Mark was very grateful after the treatment and took a photo with the doctor on the spot.
3+4. Pharrell Williams, a renowned multi-talented musician, rapper, songwriter, record producer, and fashion designer who has won multiple Grammy Awards, traveled a long way to see Dr. Zhang to regulate his body, help him eliminate toxins and reduce stress, so as to enhance his overall resistance and maintain a strong physique.
5+6. Steven Ma has been harassed by noise from his neighbors for over a year, and the pressure he's under is unimaginable. He recently posted on social media, "Every time Dr. Zhang Yong finishes his cervical and spinal realignment treatment, I truly feel like I've returned to Earth from space, finally feeling grounded again. Thank you!"
7. Zhang Yong, a disciple of Foshan Wing Chun master Cen Neng, received his full teachings and formed a connection with Tony Leung, who had also practiced Wing Chun. The doctor treated Leung's long-standing shoulder and lower back ailments and helped him improve his physical condition and strengthen his immune system. The photo shows Leung attending the opening ceremony of the Shangyitang Clinic in Wan Chai to offer his congratulations!
Zhang Yong's Five Health Tips
1. Go to bed early and get up early. The liver rests between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.
2. The period from 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning is the time when the spleen and stomach meridians are active, so it is essential to eat breakfast at this time, otherwise it is easy to damage the spleen and stomach.
3. Drink more Pu-erh tea daily to aid digestion.
4. It is advisable to exercise more, walk for at least half an hour every day, swim, hike, practice Tai Chi, Qigong, etc., all of which have the effect of promoting blood circulation and enhancing cardiopulmonary function.
5. In daily life, you should abstain from certain foods, eat less fried, dry, hot, and damp foods, eat more vegetables and fruits, and drink more soups that strengthen the spleen and remove dampness.
Doctor's Personally Prepared Epidemic Prevention Formula
Over the past year, a deluge of health and dietary information has flooded the market, leaving many bewildered. What Hong Kong people need most right now is how to relieve the heavy pressure of the prolonged pandemic. The following teas and soups, personally formulated by Zhang Yong, are targeted remedies that can regulate the mind and body, help Hong Kong people reduce stress, and release stagnant energy.