An interview with Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practicioner Michaela Rinkel
How does Chinese Medicine differ from conventional medicine?
Chinese Medicine is a whole body system, viewing the body as a connected, functional unit, where a problem in one place can set off a series of symptoms throughout the body. It is my role as a practitioner to search for where dysfunction has occurred, and help the body return to a balanced, homeostatic state where healing can take place. This isn’t to say Chinese medicine can fix anything and everything alone, I definitely see it as integrative, rather than an alternative to other therapies.
How can we adopt an Eastern philosophy into everyday life?
Balance and harmony between Yin and Yang are at the core of Eastern medicine, where a complete balance between the two polar opposites means perfect health. Take a look at your lifestyle; does it represent an equal balance between activity and calmness? Are you working too much, or partying too hard? There is only so long that a high-intensity lifestyle can be maintained before it takes its toll on your health. Find time to wind down, reduce stress as much as possible, leave the desk at lunchtime, and introduce some moderate exercise such as walking or Qi Gong to help restore balance in your life.
Home Remedies
Tea for tired, red eyes:
2-3 Chrysanthemum flowers (Ju Hua)
5 Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi)
Hot water
Eyestrain is such a common screen-related problem. When looking at a screen we blink significantly less than usual, leading to dry, strained eyes. This tea can be sipped on throughout the day to help soothe achy, tired eyes. Don’t forget to take regular breaks from your screen to allow your eyes to rest.
Tea for menstrual cramps:
2-3 Rosebuds (Mei Gui Hua)
1 slice of Turmeric (Jiang Huang)
Hot Water
Take as a tea throughout the day to help ease menstrual cramps.
Both Mei Gui Hua and Jiang Huang are used to gently move blood and Qi. This tea can also be useful for easing pre-menstrual breast tenderness.
My name is Michaela and I am one of the acupuncturists here at BodyActive Health.
In the clinic, I treat both adults and children and see a wide variety of health concerns daily including women’s health problems, infertility, digestive issues, mental health concerns, compromised immunity and pain.