Q: Dear Dr. Mao, My daughter, not yet 30, often complains of sore knees. She has been complaining about her knees since she was very young; at that time, the doctor believed it was merely growing pains. Is there anything that traditional Chinese medicine can do? A: First, get tested by your primary physician to…
Category Archives: Exercise and Fitness
Exercises for hip pain?
Q: Dear Dr. Mao, I have hip and leg pain and numbness on my right side, which still persists despite physical therapy and cortisone shots. Can you recommend exercises to relieve this pain? A: I suggest you get a diagnosis to make sure that there are no serious injuries to the hip joint such as…
Exercise for weight loss?
Q: Dear Dr. Mao, Can you tell me what kind of exercise I can do that will not overstress my body, but will help me to tone up and lose weight? A: I personally use and recommend to all my patients a form of moving meditation called qigong. There are various forms available and you…
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How to naturally help stiffening in the knees?
Q: Dear Dr. Mao, I am getting older and my knees are beginning to stiffen up. Is there a natural way to take care of this inflammation and arthritis? A: As we age, our joints begin to manifest the wear and tear we have put them through over the years. I recommend you take up…
Connection between Eight Treasures and I-Ching?
Q: Dear Dr. Mao, Is there a connection between the Eight Treasures tai chi exercises and the I-Ching. There are Eight Treasures matching the Eight Trigrams and there are sixty-four movements that seem to correspond to the sixty-four hexagrams. If there is a connection, can this information benefit the spiritual development of the practitioner in…
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Should an athlete eat less to live longer?
Q: Dear Dr. Mao, One of your tips is that you should “eat less to live longer”. I run every day for an hour, bike, and lift weights. Wouldn’t I need more calories in order to build and maintain muscle and endurance? A: Of course you need more calories. The statement of “eat less, live…
Bodybuilder and natural health pursuer simultaneously?
Q: Dear Dr. Mao, Is it contradictory to be a bodybuilder and holistic/natural health pursuer simultaneously? What schools could I go to that specialize in acupuncture and Oriental medicine? A: It depends on the type of bodybuilding you engage in. Unfortunately, today the sport of bodybuilding has been engulfed with controversy dealing with hormones, steroids,…
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Best exercises to ensure a longer, healthy life?
Q: Dear Dr. Mao, How does physical activity figure into living a longer life? What are some of the best exercises to ensure a longer, healthier, more active life? A: There are several aspects about physical activity that play a role in a longer and healthier life. Movement is essential for proper metabolism and energy…
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Finding a qigong master?
Q: Dear Dr. Mao, I am interested in finding a qigong master in my area. I am also interested in learning Chinese medicine for personal and public practice. I have studied nutrition, some herbology, and massage techniques. A: I am pleased to hear that you are interested in learning and practicing Chinese medicine. As a…
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Benefits of tai chi?
Q: Dear Dr. Mao, Could you share with us the benefits of tai chi? A: Tai chi is an ancient Chinese system of slowly flowing movements and shifts of balance. It strengthens the legs while conditioning the tendons and ligaments of the ankles, knees, and hips, increasing their range of motion and making them more…
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