HEALTH REPORT
Feeling fatigued? W e all get a bit tired from time to time. If you need an energy boost, here are some ideas to consider from traditional Chinese medicine, shared by Erika Bass .
of healthy qi and the vitality it brings to the body and mind, so if you’ve been feeling fatigued, it might be time to nourish your qi! Start by embracing the four pillars of health according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): 1. Consume plenty of fresh food , ideally in harmony with the seasons (for example by eating lighter meals as the weather heats up and we head into summer) 2. Enjoy regular physical activity , ideally in nature, since breathing fresh air is a great way to enhance your qi and get it moving around your body 3. Create a balance between work and play in which you prioritise optimal
What do you mean when you say you’re tired? For an experience that’s so familiar to us all, fatigue is a surprisingly complex topic, and can mean different things to different people. A good way to summarise it is that fatigue or tiredness is a state in which you have reduced capacity for activities that require effort – like your job, parenting, household chores, socialising or exercising. Fatigue is often a natural, healthy state. For example, the drowsiness we feel as bedtime draws near is a normal experience that occurs after you’ve spent hours meeting the mental and physical demands of your day. On the other hand, tiredness can sometimes be symptomatic of underlying health problems, so it’s important to consult your healthcare professional for further investigation if your fatigue isn’t relieved by rest; is brought on by only a small degree of effort; has developed suddenly; is associated with physical symptoms; or interferes with your daily activities. In many cases though, fatigue is the result of lifestyle choices such as our sleep, diet and exercise habits. Qi – your vital energy source The Chinese word ‘qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) is the name of the vital force or life source energy that’s traditionally believed to power all aspects of wellbeing in Chinese medicine. A healthy lifestyle is the foundation
Consider Korean ginseng Traditionally regarded as the most potent of all the qi tonics in Chinese medicine, Korean ginseng is traditionally taken to support general health and wellbeing by strengthening the qi. Korean ginseng has been used to relieve fatigue, increase energy levels and vitality, and promote stamina since ancient times in TCM. Its traditionally prized effects are summed up perfectly in the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic, a herbal medicine text written around 2000 years ago, which states that when taken over time, Korean ginseng will “invigorate the body”. Korean ginseng is also traditionally used in TCM to calm the spirit, aid recovery after illness and improve the body’s ability to adapt to stress . Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. References available on request. Erika Bass is Technical Support team leader at Fusion® Health. She has over a decade of experience in the natural health industry, and a particular passion for helping women look and feel their best.
amounts of rest and relaxation 4. Take good care of
your emotional and mental wellbeing , e.g. connect with the people you love.
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ISSUE 62 • 2021
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