Health Advice

A central concept of Chinese medicine like acupuncture is that of Qi or vital energy. This is said to flow through a network of channels known as meridians to vitalise the inner organs. Qi also influences Jing (essence) and Shen (spirit) and is seen as the link between the physical body, the mind and higher consciousness. When Qi flows freely there is a good balance between yin and yang in the body and good health. If Qi becomes blocked of deficient due to dietary, lifestyle or other factors disease will ensue. inserting tiny needles and manipulating them at trigger points restores the flow of energy.

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Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which as person experiences poor sleep or has trouble sleeping. It affects both adults and children and means there is difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up too early in the morning and not feeling refreshed after a nights sleep. It can be due anxiety, tension and stress but an also be influenced by an excessive intake of stimulants like caffeine contained in coffee and colas. Inability to stay asleep can be due to depression, physical pain such as arthritic pain, other illnesses such as respiratory disorders or disturbances in normal body rhythms due to jet lag or shift work.

Suggestions to help with Insomnia include

• Don’t eat late in the evening and avoid stimulants such as coffee or colas
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine and don’t work or watch TV in bed
• Ensure that your bedroom is warm, quiet, well ventilated and dark

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There are no shortcuts to having more energy if your lifestyle doesn’t support your body. Energy production depends on some specific physiological reactions - for instance enough oxygen has to reach your cells where it is needed to metabolise glucose which is your body’s fuel. Smoking hinders this as doe’s lack of movement. It’s terrible for your energy levels as it not only reduces the oxygen flow it also gobbles up Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C both essential for energy production. Things like watching TV is classed as passive relaxations as it doesn’t energise you as ‘active relaxation (exercise) does. Additionally Harvard research shows that scents of lemon and peppermint wake you up - so does chewing gum as your body registers your moving jaw as exercise and wakes you up - peppermint gums is the best for both cases!

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Research has found that what really drains energy is constantly changing from task to task without taking a break. If you are exhausted then having time at the weekends and evening for you to relax and restore yourself is essential. US research shows that after 90-120 minutes we lose focus and get tired - this is when we need to stop, take a couple of minutes break and when we return to work again start up another task. By taking a lunch break it best to use it to seek out another environment - parks, listening to music, going for a walk. Even taking a 10minute power nap between 2pm and pm (even just resting with eyes closed) has been shown to increase alertness and productivity.

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To have enough energy you need good quality food. You also need to eat regularly of your energy production to remain constant. Your ideal daily prescription is at least five fruit and vegetable portions to supply vitamins such as vitamin C (for energy) at least two portions of wholegrain for B-Vitamins, and two portions of protein to give you a long lasting energy supply. It is recommended that you eat small snacks every three hours as10 % of your energy intake each day is spent on metabolising food - if you eat most of your calories in one huge meal you’ll be wiped out.

CoQ10 is also believed to be crucial for energy production. In one study middle aged exhausted women who took 60mg a day reported a 30% increase in their energy levels. Added to this drinking good fluid such as water, herbal or weak tea as hydration is recommend for energy and one glass with meals.

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One survey discovered that around 75% of those who went to their GP complaining of tiredness got no help. It’s possible this is because there was no illness and they simply weren’t addressing the basics - nutrition, sleep, exercise and stress. If after a couple of weeks of looking after yourself really well you still don’t feel right or if your tiredness is accompanied by you need to make an appointment. Tiredness when coupled with lack of concentration could be due to anaemia which affects the oxygen supply to the tissues and causes fatigue. The symptoms of diabetes are very gradual in onset, so a creeping tiredness could be down to that. If you have put weight on, especially if you are always cold or low then hypothyroidism is possible. The disadvantage is that it is difficult to diagnose and blood tests are needed to confirm. Also it can be the principle symptom of depression. There is some evidence that physical exercise has been shown to be effective in helping moderate depression.

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Potatoes are naturally fat free and a great energy source for children. An average of 175 grams of new potatoes contains just 116 calories. In comparison a similar serving of boiled white rice contain 248 calories. When served in their skin potatoes are a great source of fibre which can help prevent constipation. Potatoes are packed with useful nutrients including iron, vitamins B1 and B6 which help maintain a healthy immune system and folates which is good for kids and pregnant mums as it’s important during growth spurts and pregnancy. A portion of new potatoes contains around two thirds of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

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