Posts Tagged ‘China’

Stay Young Longer With Schizandra Berries

Schizandra (or schisandra) is major tonic herb in Chinese medicine, long prized by everyone from emperors to family herbalists for its ability to prolong youth, increase stamina, and prevent fatigue. Schizandra berries products are derived from the small, bright red, berry-like fruit of a hardy vine of the magnolia family. Schizandra is native to China as well as parts of Japan, Korea, and Russia. Two dozen additional species of schizandra also exist, all indigenous to Asia with the exception of a relatively rare schizandra vine native to woody areas of North Carolina and neighboring states. The Chinese refer to dried schizandra berries as wu wei zi.

Schizandra fruit was mentioned in early medical texts of China as one of the “superior herbs,” capable of promoting overall well being and enhancing bodily vitality. Some hunting tribes of Northern China would take supplies of the dried berries whenever they went on long hunting trips during cold weather. Eating the schizandra berries helped them to stoke their internal fires and renew flagging strength.

The Chinese have long considered Schizandra fruit ideal for lack of energy and for nervous exhaustion from stress. Schizandra has also traditionally been taken to beautify the skin, strengthen the organs, and promote mental function. Among the ailments it was used to treat are night sweats, asthma, cough, and insomnia. Schizandra was used topically for skin sores. It is a traditional Russian folk remedy for diabetes.

Schizandra fruits or berries contain various lignans, mainly schizandrins, these lignans have been found to prevent liver damage, stimulate liver repair, and stimulate normal liver functioning. These properties appear to be related to the various antioxidant abilities of the various schizandrins. Schizandra also helps in digestion, regulating gastric acid release. Other studies have shown that extracts of schizandra are stimulating to the central nervous system and are cholinergic. There have been numerous reports on schizandra’s ability to quicken reflexes, increase work efficiency, control anger and combat neurasthenias (headaches, insomnia, dizziness, palpitations).

Other reports have mentioned increased cognitive function and increased memory. Recent research studies have indicated that schizandra has numerous biological activities, including: anti-bacterial, mild stimulant, liver protective, anti-depressant, antioxidant, adaptogen and cardiac tonic. In Oriental Medicine, schizandra is recommended for the lungs, liver and kidneys, including as an aphrodisiac. Schizandra is also a registered medicine in Russia for vision problems since the herb has been found to prevent eye fatigue and increase acuity.

Schizandra berries are available in capsule or tablet forms at your local or internet health food store. Look for name brands like Solaray and Planetary Herbals to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Schizandra is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

 

Business In China, News & Information

We all need to be aware of that which is going on around us and therefore we take the time out of our busy schedule to check out what the latest news and trends are from wherever we can get the information. Depending on our various backgrounds and our levels of interest in various subject matters we will pay more attention to various market trends such as in the business and finance areas. Whatever happens, we can see that in the future there will be an ongoing trend in the amount of people that continue to use the internet to consumer and learn the latest news and information.

The internet is here to stay and we will continue to see that more and more people are making use of it to consume their information. With that said it is no surprise that we can see so many information websites on different topics that are popping up all over the place. The quality of the information is excellent and it is a really great thing that we can easily learn about something that is happening on the other side of the world within minutes by visiting an information website. No matter what your subject or topic of interest is – be sure to check out your information website today.

When it comes down to international business in china – all you need to do is ask which country in the world is playing a prominent part in shaping the way business is being conducted; and will continue to be conducted; and the business in china conversation will begin. We can see that Chinese exports are acting as a foundation to the business of many of the world’s largest corporations and as so Chinese business etiquette, learning to speak Chinese and travel to china are trends that we see will continue to grow as the life of the business of many companies are depending on business in china.

 

What is Tai Chi? A quick guide from Stratford Tai Chi

The exact origins of Tai Chi are hard to tie down. There are many myths about its origins. One of those says that Taoist monk Chang San-feng was disturbed by the sounds of a snake and a crane fighting in his courtyard. He then built a style based around their movements.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese form of movement that coordinates your body and focuses on the cultivation of internal energy. It’s aim is to harmonize the mind, body and spirit hence, promoting both metal and physical well being through relaxation. It is often described as a type of meditation that combines deep breathing and movements that exact structual alignment. Correct practice appears rhythmical, effortless and in continuous flow and it can generate surprising power almost at odds with its gentle movements.

People who regularly practice Tai Chi become revitalized, relaxed, tolerant, stronger and healthier. Tai Chi is suitable for all ages and sexes because it does not rely on strength, force or speeds. It brings benefits in many areas.

Tai chi is derived from Chinese health and longevity practices, which were merged with a comprehensive system of self defence. In the past, much of Tai Chi was kept secret, but very gradually, knowledge of the art spread throughout China. Now at the start and end of every day in villages, towns, and cities all over Chinese Asia, people can be seen practicing the slow, graceful movements of tai chi in courtyards, squares and parks.

Tai chi came to the West during the 20th century largely due to the cultural revolution when many masters fled the country. Today, tai chi is found in almost all countries, and a huge number of people practice it regularly.

It requires a high degree of concentration and mental focus. The breathing is natural, sometimes involving deep breathing, and is carefully synchronised to your movements.

Tai Chi consists of soft, relaxed (usually) slow movements and is recognised as being good for stress, balance, blood pressure and general health.It is one of the one of the Chinese Internal martial arts (neijia). The others being Hsing-I, Ba Gua Zhang and Liuhebafa(Six Harmonies, 8 Methods).

Tai Chi appeals to a wide range of people and age ranges, (teens and 20′s up to 80′s & 90′s) but it is not common for the art to be taught to children as the training can be slow for their tastes. There are a number of forms specifically targetted at the over 50′s and health problems such as Arthritis.

To get more free information about Tai Chi, Please visit Stratford Tai Chi at www.stratfordtaichi.co.uk.

www.all-set.org

 

A Little Bit About Kung Fu

Kung fu is loosely translated as “sustained effort or skill.” It is made up of hundreds of unique styles including northern and southern styles and tai chi. Within all the various styles, there are similar traits that run through all of them and brand them as a style of kung fu. Almost every discipline begins with foundational stances and movements which act as a springboard from which a practitioner may develop and learn new styles and form. As training continues and the student progresses, forms become more difficult and push the practitioner to become fluid and dexterous giving them the ability to perform magnificent moves with speed and strength. Kung fu styles are notable due to the use of some exotic types of martial arts equipment that they employ.

Two Different Kung Fu Styles

Wing Chun kuen kung fu one of a variety of martial arts disciplines, whose origins can be traced back to Southern China, and when compared to other well known martial arts styles, Wing Chun is a relative newcomer. Wing Chun’s origin is commonly thought to be from a female who was a protege to a Buddhist nun. Wing Chun is commonly believed to be a “soft” style, but is in reality blends both hard and soft techniques. To explain the term “hard” we refer to the concept of meeting force with force, and the “softness” of wing Chun comes from the evasive moves it teaches.

The rough translation of Wing Chun kuen is: wing Chun means “beautiful spring time” and kuen means “fist” or “fist fighting style.” However, many people refer to the style simply as “wing chun”, removing the kuen. It is rumored that “wing chun” was developed by observing a battle between a snake and a crane.

Shaolin mok-gar is among one of the original household disciplines of kung fu. Originating in Southern China, mok-gar is well-known for its focus and development of kicking techniques. The practice itself is not restricted to just kicking, and in fact the use of a full range of weapons is also part of the system. This creates a flexibility of attack and defense that typifies the basic concepts of Chinese martial arts. The ability to express yourself completely in the attempt to be victorious in your endeavor. Because the ultimate goal of mok-gar is to prevail, devotees understand that placing restrictions on particular movements and skills could potentially put one at a disadvantage.

Shaolin mok-gar kuen, is believed to have been developed by Mok-Da-Si, a midget who dwelt in a Southern Chinese Shaolin monastery. The discipline was originally called shaolin chuen and was taught to his family. The name is rumored to have been changed sometime around the third generation and was renamed mok-gar to honor its founder. Shaolin mok-gar kuen, is believed to have been developed by Mok-Da-Si, a midget who dwelt in a Southern Chinese shaolin monastery.

The discipline was originally called shaolin chuen and was taught to his family. The name is rumored to have been changed sometime around the third generation and was renamed mok-gar to honor its founder.