Ramadan-Style Fasting from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective

Ramadan fasting, observed by millions worldwide, involves abstaining from food, drink, and other consumables from dawn to sunset. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, this practice is relevant to the body’s Qi (气), Yin-Yang balance (阴阳平衡), and organ functions. While fasting has spiritual and physical benefits, its effects vary based on how it is […]

Monthly Cupping Therapy: Health Benefits and Misconceptions from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective

Cupping therapy (拔罐, bá guàn; الحجامة, al-hijamah) is a therapeutic modality deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is used to restore balance, expel pathogenic factors, and invigorate the flow of qi (气) and blood (血). While it is often associated with China, its origins trace back to ancient Persia, from where it spread […]

Propolis (蜂胶) in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Analysis

Propolis, known as 蜂胶 (Fēng jiāo) in Chinese, is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from tree resins and plant exudates. In Arabic, it is referred to as صمغ النحل (Samgh Al-Nahl), and its scientific name is Propolis cera. With its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, propolis has been widely integrated into both Traditional Chinese […]