Top 10 Health Tips From Traditional Chinese Medicine

If you’re looking to bring more balance and vitality to your life, we’re sharing our 10 favorite body practices from Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

Bonus: they’re super simple and you can start today!

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complex framework of ancient wisdom which honors and balances the mind, body, and spirit. It has been credited with increasing vitality and helping to minimize health problems for literally thousands of years.

While studying this discipline is complicated, there are several simple health tips you can start today to better support your health! 

Among these principles are proper sleep habits, keeping particular areas of the body warm, living in harmony with the seasons, adequate nutrition, herbs and teas, regular daily movement, breathwork, and acupuncture treatment.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Go to bed earlier 

While prioritizing rest and aiming for a replenishing eight hours of sleep are important, your actual bedtime also plays a role in getting health benefits from your sleep. 

According to TCM theory’s 24-hour circadian clock, it’s ideal to be in bed around 10-10:30 pm. 

Sleep is a critical time for the body to rest and restore. In Chinese medicine, being asleep between the hours of 11pm and 3am helps to support your liver and gallbladder organ systems. 

Additionally, practice staying off electronic devices at least an hour before bed to ensure the effects of blue light don’t keep you from a deep, restful sleep. 

2. Cover up with a scarf

According to TCM, the nape of the neck is particularly vulnerable to elements such as wind and cold, which may make one more susceptible to pathogens. 

To support a healthy immune system, TCM says you should protect your neck with a cozy scarf before stepping outside. 

If you’re traveling on an airplane or expect to be in environments with a steady flow of air conditioning (office spaces, trains, etc.), pack a light scarf to have on hand.