The founder of the renowned Hayo’u Method, based on the Chinese self-care belief of yang sheng, shares her tips for top-to-toe health …
My wellbeing story: I was actually training to be an opera singer when I had a car accident and sustained severe whiplash. My injuries basically ended those dreams. Western medicine was unable to help me and I spent years searching for a solution, which ended up being a Chinese doctor in a humble Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic in London.
Having reached that pinch point, finding the solution after years of agony, I fell in love with Chinese medicine with a passion. I immediately embarked on a course and re-trained. Alongside practising massage and reflexology, I studied TCM and qualified as a Five Elements Chinese medical practitioner, graduating from the UK’s Integrated College of Chinese Medicine.
I could see that the Eastern philosophy that I had trained in had an answer to the Western illness epidemic. As a consumer, I believe companies need to offer responsible, long-term solutions to the products they were selling and offset any environmental damage along the way. As a practitioner, I could see that people wanted to be empowered about their health but didn’t know where to start. And as a mother, I wanted to do my part to safeguard the planet for my children, contributing to a better world, not a lesser one. And so I created Hayo’u!
On yang sheng: I quickly realised that the prevention and self-treatment of illness was the secret of longevity in ancient China. Basically, when my patients practice my self-care techniques between treatments they get better much more quickly. There is a great Chinese proverb – “Dig the well before you are thirsty” – the Taoist philosophy is wholly based on the principle that prevention is better than cure. Yang Sheng, the self-care part of Chinese medicine in which I specialise, is full of simple techniques to help you achieve precisely that.
There are three basic principles of preventative health. Firstly, the free flow of Qi (energy) and blood. You need your circulation to be moving unimpeded around the body. Secondly, the body needs to purge and nourish. And thirdly, you need to strengthen the five key organs (liver, heart, pancreas, lungs and kidney) as the body is ruled by these five “kingdoms”.
On the Hayo’u Method: Our motto is “one-minute to self-care” with enjoyable, simple techniques using quality tools and precious crystals. Facial gua sha is a great place to start as a simple massage technique widely practised in China for thousands of years. “Gua” means to press-stroke while “sha” describes the temporary red flush that results.
Facial gua sha stimulates the dermis to support collagen and elastin production, and releases tension to relax your facial muscles. I believe it’s the single most effective technique for transforming your skin. Facial gua sha really is a game changer and many of my clients tell me how much they love the way it transforms their skin. It’s been shown in studies to exponentially increase circulation and aid lymphatic flow, release congestion, and soothe sore eyes and skin to brighten your complexion and leave you with a radiant glow.
Body gua sha is such an unsung hero to treat inflammation, muscular tension, and even coughs and fever, or to boost immunity. Try our Hayo’u Body Restorer if you’d like to give it a try, there are lots of tutorials online and on social media.
3 daily self-care rituals: I begin by body tapping. Tapping with bamboo is an ancient Chinese therapy called pai sha that works wonders for your general wellbeing. It’s a simple yet hugely effective way to support and maintain your health, no matter what your age or physical state. As I mentioned, an absolute fundamental of health is good circulation of qi and blood around the body. This flow can be disrupted or stagnate for any number of reasons, such as a sedentary lifestyle, stress, emotional upset or injuries.
In as little as one-minute a day, an all-over body tap can clear areas of stagnation, support lymphatic drainage and release tension. Tapping will instantly energise you in the morning and deeply relax you in the evening.
Body combing is another ancient Chinese self-healing treatment that’s hugely beneficial. Similar to body brushing, it boosts lymphatic drainage for heavy legs, water retention and dreaded cellulite.
Finally, I have to mention Qigong which translates as “life force practice” and is the most incredible exercise. By strengthening your life force on the inside, you’ll see results on the outside. If you’re tired, lacking energy, out of shape or simply not feeling great, Qigong is for you. A fundamental pillar of Chinese medicine, it’s classed as a form of internal exercise (any combination of slow, considered movements with breath and mental engagement), much like yoga. The ultimate self-healing technique, it boosts your oxygen uptake and circulation while your body is relaxed. This builds your capacity to store and generate your reserves of qi.
Research shows Qigong offers the following benefits: reduce anxiety, cortisol and systemic inflammation, improve mood, cognitive function and sleep quality, in addition to supporting cardiovascular health and immune function. It’s also effective for pain reduction for arthritis, neck pain and fibromyalgia. One of the things that I love most is that it’s suitable for everyone, from older people to those recovering from illness and anyone with limitations. You balance the whole body and it gives you stamina without stress, tone without pain. Just because it’s gentle, don’t underestimate its power and efficacy. @katie_brindle
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