UGLY London wellness

28/09/2025

In TCM, menstruation is seen as a time when the Chong and Ren channels open, Qi and Blood move more freely, and the body is in a more sensitive, vulnerable state. Good habits at this time help protect the uterus, preserve Kidney and Liver function, and support smooth flow of Blood.

Here are key TCM-based habits for women during their cycle:

Lifestyle & Habits

Keep warm (especially the lower abdomen, lower back, and feet).

Avoid exposure to cold, damp environments, cold drinks, or swimming in cold water.

Cold contracts and can cause stagnation, leading to pain and clotting.

Rest adequately.

Avoid overexertion, long hours, and late nights.

Gentle movement is fine, but avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or intense stretching that could disrupt Blood flow.

Emotional balance.

Stress and anger affect the Liver, which governs the smooth flow of Qi and Blood.

Practices like meditation, gentle breathwork, or quiet rest help maintain smooth flow.

Avoid sexual activity.

In*******se during menstruation is discouraged in TCM because the cervix is slightly open and the channels are more vulnerable. This could allow pathogenic factors to enter and disturb Qi/Blood.

Diet & Nutrition

Eat warm, cooked foods.

Soups, congee, lightly spiced stews, root vegetables.

Avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods, which burden the Spleen and block transformation of Qi/Blood.

Support Blood.

Include iron- and blood-nourishing foods: dates, black beans, goji berries, spinach, carrots, beetroot, sesame seeds, walnuts.

Avoid excess stimulants.

Too much coffee, alcohol, or spicy food can stir Heat and disrupt flow.

26/09/2025

LI20 and Bitong acupuncture points. I use these points almost daily. So incredibly helpful. Like a breath of fresh air into your lungs.

Found at the sides of the nose, LI20 is a powerful point for easing blocked sinuses, improving breathing, and restoring clarity to the head. It can help with hay fever, allergies, congestion, and even bring a sense of lightness and refreshment to the mind.

20/09/2025

18/08/2025

🌿 Today, i have been preparing a Chinese herbal topical wash for an acute rash that’s itchy, hot, and red. These herbs work directly on the branch of the issue —calming and soothing the skin to reduce the itch and heat.

This, when combined with acupuncture and internal herbal medicine (which will focus on the root of the imbalance), creates a complete inside–out approach to healing.

07/08/2025

First fun run this year. All for a good cause. And, actually, really fun with a group of friends. Now, I need to focus some acupuncture treatments on my knee. An old skiing injury showed itself. Old injuries can be treated successfully with Chinese medicine. It can just take longer than an acute injury.

So, the lesson here is to always come for treatment straight away. It doesn't matter if it feels insignificant or that it may heal on its own. Acupuncture helps prevent future issues when we have MSK damage.

02/08/2025

"In the height of summer, even the yang must learn to rest." — inspired by the Huangdi Neijing

16/07/2025

Research shows that courses of acupuncture can help support people experiencing depression, by calming the nervous system, improving sleep and restoring balance.

16/05/2025

07/05/2025

Even when on a holiday, wellness is priority. Using points on the stomach channel to treat acute throat and mouth issues.
Relaxing whilst healing.

28/04/2025

Good morning world

09/04/2025

🌸 SPRING

✨️ Did you know that the Magnolia flower is a medicinal Chinese herb?

Found in the materia medica, in the category "release the exterior," this medicinal, when combined with its other pairing herbs, is given to unblock the nasal or***ce via the lung channel pathway. It also can clear a foggy head and brain by leading clear qi to the head.

Sounds a lot like Hay-fever. Another way that nature gives the medicine you need in the season that you need them.

-fever -fever