6 Common Gua Sha Myths: Setting the Record Straight!

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) employs many different techniques that help improve the health and well-being of individuals. For starters, this ancient technique is incorporated by many in Singapore as part of their TCM weight loss programs. TCM has many diverse facets, and one of them is gua sha.

Gua sha loosely means to “scrape”, “rub”, or “push.” This method uses a flat, smooth-edged jade tool to scrape different areas of the body in an upward stroke to improve blood circulation and promote healing. Aside from that, it helps the muscles relax and drain the tissues. Essentially, this ancient therapy is a type of massage that treats muscle pains by applying the right amount of pressure.

If you’re unfamiliar with gua sha, you may have read various articles that claim plenty of things about this ancient practice. Because of this, we will be debunking the most prevalent gua sha myths in this post.

1. It’s only for the face

This is one of the most common misconceptions people have about gua sha. While many social media influencers and multi-national skincare brands have promoted the flat smooth-edged tool used in gua sha as one that works wonders for the face, it can also help maintain a healthy body. Gua sha is used on many body parts to reduce pain and treat several physical conditions, such as muscle tension.

2. It can change the shape of your face

Gua sha has the power to make a face appear slimmer as it improves blood circulation and reduces facial puffiness. However, it cannot change the shape of your jawline or nose. Due to the fact that it doesn’t entail surgery, it cannot alter the structure of your face.

3. It works on all types of skin

This is one of the biggest myths that need to be debunked. Unfortunately, gua sha isn’t for all skin types. This is because gua sha can worsen skin inflammation. Those with acne, rosacea or other skin problems should consult a dermatologist or skip this treatment altogether.

4. It only works with one particular tool

The flat smooth-edged tool used in gua sha can either be made of jade or rose quartz. Regardless of what the instrument is made of, it still offers the same benefits. What’s important is the tool’s shape and the correct technique to use when massaging or scraping the skin with it.

5. It’s a good substitute for Botox

Botox and gua sha can both improve the appearance of your face. However, gua sha can only reduce puffiness, improve blood circulation, and drain lymph nodes. Unlike Botox, it cannot block chemical signals from nerves that cause muscles to contract. This means that it cannot reduce wrinkles on the face and neck.

6. It is painful

Gua sha is essentially a type of massage using a particular tool to massage or stroke different areas of the body. It is also performed in a relaxed and calm manner with firm and slow strokes. As long as oil is applied to the skin before the treatment starts, you won’t feel any pain with gua sha.

Conclusion

In summary, gua sha is a fantastic addition to your beauty regimen. Aside from improving the appearance of your skin and ensuring blood circulation all throughout your body, this TCM technique is also known to aid in weight loss programs as it can enhance your metabolism by stimulating blood flow. As a result, this can help you lose weight healthily and without any negative side effects.

To experience the weight loss benefits of gua sha, get in touch with us at Slim Couture today. We offer TCM slimming techniques that have proven and tested to be effective and long-lasting.

5 TCM Diet Secrets to Help You Lose Weight Effectively

Losing weight is one of the common challenges that some people may face at least once in their life. With plenty of online resources that might help you shed those extra pounds, it may seem tiresome to think about and read those repetitive recommendations on weight loss meal plans. If you’re considering starting your journey to a fit and healthier lifestyle, there are several factors that you should consider, such as your determination, hard work and discipline.

Many individuals have been embracing Traditional Chinese Medicine in their lives for many years not only to lose weight but also to heal the mind and spirit. The development of TCM slimming centres has also emerged throughout time and assisted people in achieving their objectives.

If your regular workout routine and diet are no longer effective, you might want to give TCM a shot! Check out these five Traditional Chinese Medicine diet secrets to help you lose weight effectively!

1. Eat ‘warm’ food

Did you know that consuming too much cold food or drink might affect your digestive system? This is because your stomach and spleen don’t respond well to chilly temperatures. Hence, when your digestion isn’t functioning well, it tends to produce inflammation. Chronic inflammation makes it very simple to acquire weight while also challenging to lose it. Try eating cooked food or seasoning your meals with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, or turmeric to aid digestion.

2. Eat earlier in the day 

The Traditional Chinese Medicine clock refers to when your human digestive organs are at the strongest point during the day. According to TCM practitioners, the best or ‘ideal’ time to have a meal is between 7am and 11am when your spleen and stomach are at their peak function. The worst time to eat is after 6pm as your body will just retain more of the calories and energy from your food as body fat.

3. Avoid greasy and sweet food

An excessive amount of oily or sweet food might trigger severe internal inflammation in your body. These foods produce significant blood sugar spikes and either release insulin or cause body fat to be stored. Try taking a spoonful of honey as an alternative to satisfy your need if you struggle to stop seeking sweet things.

4. Don’t overeat

Avoid eating out of habit and pay attention to what your body tells you. The human body is not designed to consume as frequent meals as most people do. The body is built to store the extra energy as body fat for use as a reserve only when necessary. Although it rarely occurs, this ‘emergency’ circumstance prevents your body from ever having the chance to use the stored energy source. Don’t overeat if your body is signifying that you’re already full.

5. Build up your body function

Your liver, kidney, and spleen greatly influence your capacity to lose weight and maintain it. The amount of internal inflammation in your body is controlled by your spleen, while many of the hormones that control your fat are regulated by your liver. Adrenaline, one of the body’s most potent fat-burning hormones, is produced by your kidneys. When these organs are functioning at their optimal state, losing weight is relatively simple.

Conclusion

Losing weight is not an easy journey and remember that if you are struggling in this aspect of your life, you are not alone! Many individuals find it challenging to stick to a strict diet or exercise regimen to achieve their goals.

If none of your plans is working, try incorporating TCM into your daily routine. If you’re looking for the best guides on TCM slimming in town, Slim Couture is here to help you achieve the body you’ve dreamed of with the help of Traditional Chinese Medicine!

We know that diet and exercise are the cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up the things you love. Here at Slim Couture, we blend TCM weight loss principles into our programs to ensure you get the desired outcomes. Our personalised, one-on-one approach lets you get the most out of your diet and exercise routine, helping you reach your goals.

Mind Over Body: How to Train Your Thoughts to Lose Weight

While weight loss can be difficult, the benefits are satisfying. Nevertheless, despite rigorous workouts and careful diets, many people have trouble losing weight. Meanwhile, some people do manage to shed those excess pounds, only to regain them in the end. It appears that nothing is working, and your routines and objectives are ineffective. Why? Well, to begin with, most weight loss techniques only work when performed correctly and with discipline.

Even so, one major factor in successful weight management that people tend to overlook is the brain. It is no secret that the brain manages every bodily function. The brain drives our hunger, choices, hormone production, and motivation, demonstrating the power of the human mind. Therefore, before beginning your weight loss quest, you must also alter your mind. With this in mind, let us share how you can train your brain for successful and permanent weight loss.

Self-acceptance is key

One of the most crucial points of thought is self-acceptance when losing weight. Many people continue with weight loss programs without first practising self-acceptance. Instead, they use mind-destructive motivational strategies like body loathing and body shaming.

Think of what motivates you to lose those extra pounds positively; this way, your subconscious thoughts will align with your conscious desire to lose weight. To have total control over your weight management, try not to despise your body, be mindful of it, and have a healthy relationship with it.

Meditate to reflect

Meditation can have long-term benefits, not only on your weight but also on your cognitive patterns. Mindfulness meditation can help to reduce emotional and stress-related eating. As such, being aware of your thoughts keeps you from overeating caused by habit, stress, or anxiety.

Additionally, during the first few months of weight management, some people may feel guilty or ashamed for attempting to lose those extra pounds. Combat these negative thoughts with mindfulness meditation to recognise your feelings and behaviours for what they are without criticising yourself.

Patience above anything else

When you begin a diet, your ultimate aim is to lose weight permanently. It is expected that you would want to achieve your desired weight immediately. However, it is crucial to note that long-term weight loss relies heavily on patience as you do not wish to risk making judgments that provide short-term gains but long-term disappointment.

One of the reasons people embark on highly restricted diets is the need to see immediate results. The problem with this approach is that it frequently leads to feelings of deprivation, causing you to revert to your previous eating habits or, worse, taking a toll on your health. As a result, a lack of patience frequently leads to rash dietary decisions. Remember that slow progress is better than forcing yourself to do the impossible. Therefore, patience must be a virtue to maintain a disciplined and fit body.

Conclusion

As the famous saying goes, train your mind, and the body will follow. In weight management, it is crucial not to overlook your thoughts. To be successful in your weight loss journey, have a healthy mind and body relationship. Once you have achieved syncing both, you will see a drastic difference.

However, if you are looking to gain more efficient results, TCM slimming can help you achieve more effective outcomes. At Slim Couture, we incorporate TCM weight loss principles into our programs, guaranteeing the results you have been looking for.

Sign up today and start seeing results tomorrow. We will help you every step of the way to reach your goals. With our guidance, motivation, and support, you will be able to reach your goals and live a healthier life.

4 New Approaches for Weight Loss, According to a TCM Expert

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a revolutionary healthcare system that targets the body’s overall well-being, restoring balance and harmony. It is an age-old approach that utilises herbal remedies and various traditional methods to cure prevalent and challenging ailments. For the uninitiated, the power of TCM stems from treating the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of an individual – weight loss included.

While the Western take on weight management focuses on balancing the number of calories you consume with how much you burn, TCM offers a more holistic understanding of obesity which can help you shed those extra kilos. TCM slimming aims to address your underlying health conditions and bring forth a healthier lifestyle for quicker weight loss than current weight loss treatments.

Recommended by TCM practitioners, they are tried and tested techniques that aid in weight loss. As a result, here are four practical tips for losing those extra pounds.

1. Consume foods with pungent flavours 

It is no secret that the food you consume plays a central role in weight loss. According to TCM professionals, there are five different flavours of food: spicy, bitter, sour, salty, and sweet. Each characteristic contributes to the function of various organs in your body, balancing your overall health. However, it has been said that foods with pungent flavours – as well as sour and bitter undertones – are to be incorporated into your diet if you intend to lose weight.

In TCM, weight gain refers to the accumulation of “dampness” in your system. This is due to excess intake of fatty or sweet foods, which causes your body’s digestion and nutrient absorption to be irregular. TCM practitioners believe that sour and bitter flavours of certain foods can eliminate “dampness” and support weight management.

Fruits like Chinese Hawthorn and bitter melon, for example, are known to aid digestion and curb sweet cravings. Hence, when combined with a nutritious diet and regular exercise, including herbs and spices known for promoting weight loss in your meals, it can help you achieve your fitness goals in no time.

2. Seek acupuncture treatment for sleep and stress management 

Several studies have shown that a lack of quality sleep and chronic stress can significantly impact weight gain. This is because the chemicals that control your appetite are disrupted, causing your brain to send out erroneous hunger signals.

As a result, to fulfil your transient needs, you turn to junk food, which typically leads to significant weight gain. If your hectic lifestyle has left you feeling anxious and caused you to have issues sleeping at night, acupuncture does wonders in resolving your current condition.

According to TCM, acupuncture relieves stress by stimulating the movement of Qi in your system. The treatment’s mainstay is using needles to target specific pressure spots on the body.

During the process, the procedure stimulates endorphins – also known as “feel good” hormones – in your system to counter binge-eating urges. It also reduces stress hormones, namely cortisol, influencing you to enter a calmed and relaxed state of mind.

As a result, the flow of Qi in your body is improved, and symptoms that cause you to feel unpleasant emotions or uncomfortable are eliminated. Your sweet desires will also be reduced, allowing you to consume fewer calories overall.

3. Incorporate Tai Chi into your workout routine  

Exercise is paramount in losing weight. But if you are an individual with ailments that restrict you from engaging in vigorous activities, Tai Chi is a suitable outdoor alternative to partake in. Often described as “meditation in motion”, Tai Chi is a form of martial arts that involves slow, gentle movements and deep breaths.

It is said to encourage the flow of Qi, thus inducing various emotional and physical benefits. Some health benefits include reducing depression and anxiety symptoms and preventing weight gain.

In essence, this simple workout routine is more than just about increasing your physical endurance. Because it is an activity commonly performed outdoors, it gives you the sunlight and energy needed to lose weight.

Studies have shown that the fat cells underneath your skin shrink when exposed to the blue light emitted by sunrays in moderation. As such, when basking under occasional sunlight, your cells store lesser fat and stave off obesity.

4. Receive ear acupressure to curb food cravings 

The biggest struggle for those attempting to lose weight is reining in cravings for junk food. However, by regulating the hypothalamus – known as the part of your brain that controls hunger hormones – via acupuncture, your appetite will be significantly suppressed. For the uninitiated, ear stapling or auricular acupuncture are alternate TCM treatment forms targeting weight loss.

The former refers to a procedure that involves using a specialised staple gun to pierce your ear cartilage. By doing so, nerves that transmit hunger signals to your brain are believed to be numbed, consequently dissolving your habitual desire to reach for snacks.

On the other hand, auricular acupuncture normalises your body’s dysfunction by stimulating five pressure points in your ear with needles. Aside from circulating Qi in your system, it also elevates the speed of digestion and controls your food cravings. With lesser calorie consumption, you will naturally begin to lose weight over time.

Conclusion 

When it comes to losing weight, having a fitness plan chock-full of effective techniques is requisite. And while exercising and dieting may be standard weight loss methods, the abovementioned approaches have also proven to be effective in helping individuals get rid of extra pounds.

At Slim Couture, our mission is to help you lose weight while keeping your body’s health in mind. As one of the best slimming centres in Singapore, we incorporate successful TCM strategies in our weight loss treatments that vastly boost your metabolism and burn unwanted fats. Simply book an appointment with our friendly team, and let us guide you in achieving your dream body today!