What these DNA test will tell you about your genes

If you had the opportunity to take a glimpse into your past and foresee your future, would you do it? Because at-home DNA test kits are the most current lifestyle trend that offers just that.

What is DNA testing?
An at-home DNA testing kit allows customers to submit their DNA sample to DNA testing services that will analyze and provide valuable information about a person’s family history, health and well-being. Unlike a visit to the fortune teller where premonitions of your future are based on a deck of cards or crystal ball, these DNA test results are processed in accredited laboratories based on advanced technologies and algorithms to decode anomalies in a person’s genetic code and trace various data such as ancestral history, food sensitivity and risks assessments of certain diseases including diabetes and cancer.

Why is it so popular?
These at-home DNA testing kits can be purchased online and typically come with a vial for storing DNA samples and instructions that involve either a cheek swab or a saliva sample. It can be done in the convenience and comfort of the customer’s own time and home. The samples are then mailed back to the lab, and within four to eight weeks, results are made available via the company’s website or dedicated app. It offers an accessible and engaging way for people to understand their health and ancestral history and according to market research specialist, Transparency Market Research, the market value of DNA test kits is expected to exceed US$3 billion by 2030.

What can you learn?

Ancestral history
If tracing ethnic roots or even tracking whether or not one is somehow related to royalty, ancestry DNA testing services offer a chance to learn just that. Big names in this sector such as AncestryDNA and 23andMe build their database through biomedical research with both profit and non-profit groups that, with customers’ consent, share anonymized data to provide insight on a person’s lineage, a family’s migration and discovering connections to past and living relatives.

Health & fitness conditions
With a simple swab of saliva sample, people can access comprehensive information about their health. From understanding what type of fitness regime best suits your body type to risk assessment on various diseases including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The most significant benefit from this test is understanding one’s own health risks and establishing preventive steps and plan a healthier lifestyle routine. Especially for couples planning a family, it could be significant to understand the health conditions their future child might be at risk of.

Nutrition and personality traits
If nutrition and weight-loss is a major concern, it would be worthwhile to track the various sensitivities a person’s genetic code is prone to have. For example, insight into a person’s level of lactose intolerance and vitamin deficiency can give customers and their nutritionists a better guideline to planning out a healthy nutritional diet. Other DNA testing services also offer comprehensive details across various categories such as skin health, personality traits and even success indicators that indicate a person’s likeliness to succeed in certain areas such as creative projects or entrepreneurship.

Concerns
While clinical DNA testing has long been used to determine health and genetic relations, the now trending ‘direct-to-consumer’ at-home kits are relatively new to the market and may raise concerns regarding the legal policies and privacy of consumer data are still being regulated. There is also a question of accuracy in results, which is why in an interview with Cleaveland Clinic, certified genetic counsellor Marissa Coleridge advises against basing health decisions on at-home DNA tests results without the proper consultation from a professional doctor.

Where to order a test kit?
Whether your curiosity is prompted by health concerns or unveiling your ancestry history, its best to opt for certified testing services that process samples in accredited labs, here are a few noteworthy companies to choose from:

AncestryDNA
AncestryDNA is the largest database of family tree and most effective ancestry matching algorithm available, especially in Asia. They offer insightful geographic details about countries a family originated from as well as specific regions they migrated to. There is also the option to download the ancestry result to keep and request for DNA samples and results to be deleted from their database.
Price: From HK$768

CircleDNA
CircleDNA is an all-rounded genetic analysis that uses comprehensive technology that provides up to 500 reports of personalised blueprint of how food affects a customer’s body and recommends which type of workout is best suited for his or her body type, followed up with a consultation with an on-site nutritionist and genetics specialist to walk through the results with customers.
Price: From HK$3,591

23andMe
23andMe is one of the most well-known DNA testing service that analyses genetic health risks and deep ancestry history from genetic traits and haplogroups (a group of genes that is inherited from a single parent) to neanderthal ancestry. Like AncestryDNA, 23andMe is CLIA-certified and uses an advance algorithm to find comprehensive genetic matches.
Price: From HK$768

Dietary Supplements vs. Weight-loss Medication: Which is more effective?

Struggling with weight loss is an all-too-common problem these days, particularly with stay-at-home schedules ensuring you’re never more than a few metres away from a tempting snack or meal. Although the best way to shed those unwanted pounds is to cut back on the calories and instate a rigid fitness regime, some wellness companies are also marketing the use of dietary supplements that can apparently have you reaching your summer-bod goals too. But while these pills are tempting, the devil is in the details and not everything is as it seems…

Nutritional supplements normally contain one of countless substances such as vitamins, minerals, fibre, caffeine, herbs and other plants that our bodies already produce to aid performance and various bodily functions, in addition to providing nutrients that the body either isn’t producing or getting enough of, which – if the promotional literature of dietary supplement companies are to be believed –are essential for staying healthy and maintaining weight.

Common nutritional supplements that are proven to work are creatine and protein supplements, which are usually packaged in powder form in a variety of flavours to dilute in water, mixed into a shake or even baked into cookies. They have been proven to support the body in functioning better and recovering faster after a work-out, according to several studies published by the US National Institutes of Health. They also promote muscle growth and boost the body’s natural metabolism, resulting in the body burn more fat. But nutritional supplements are only as effective as a person’s exercise and diet. Using protein supplements in the absence of resistance training can easily translate to extra calories the body just doesn’t need.

Some products, however, may claim to help lose weight or treat health conditions, but because the supplements are not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), outlandish claims on advertisements leave consumers vulnerable to health risks. This is particularly the case if taken in combination with other medication, especially when a person has an underlying ailment. At best, these products may afford some medical benefits, but by and large, they seem to be money-making scams with no proven effects. Take, for example, raspberry ketone – a natural phenolic compound that is the primary aroma compound of red raspberries – which according to Mayo Clinic was inaccurately marketed as having weight-loss benefits, with rigorous testing revealing it to not have any effect at all.

Meanwhile, there have been weight-loss medications approved by the FDA such as naltrexone-bupropion, commonly known as Contrave, which manages chronic obesity in adults in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Lorcaserin, on the other hand, branded as Belviq, is a weight-loss drug developed activates a type of serotonin receptor known as the 5-HT2C receptor in the brain to reduce appetite. These medications are are prescribed by doctors to treat obesity and diabetes as well as complement weight-loss plans designed by a qualified doctor or nutritionist. They come in the form of pills or injections to treat diabetes and obesity and suppresses the body’s appetite or reduce its ability to absorb fats from food.

They are FDA approved as a weight-loss tools though taking the advice of the National Institute of diabetes and digestive and kidney diseases, medications do not and should not substitute healthy habits such as exercise and a nutritious diet. Studies show that weight-loss medications work best when combined with a lifestyle program.

Between nutritional supplements and weight-loss medications, although there have been proven benefits delivered by well-known nutritional supplements brands, excessive intake and false advertising do pose risks for future health concerns. Whereas weight-loss medications are approved by authorities, it is prescribed by doctors to those who suffer serious weight management issues. Either way, health experts recommend prioritising healthy lifestyle habits that include exercise and a balanced diet, and if nutrition should be supplemented, they should consult a healthcare provider before moving forward.

Salad Daze: Do’s and don’ts of veganism

With the advent of contemporary cusinology and access to exotic foodstuffs from the world other, it’s never been easier to dispense with meat entirely and go fully vegan. If you add into the mix the rise of premium vendors of vegan meat alternatives – notably California’s Impossible Foods and Hong Kong’s own OmniMeat – and it’s small wonder the committed carnivore is an increasingly rare beast.

The concept of veganism, of course, is far from new. Although the term ‘vegan’ was only coined about 75 years ago (by Donald Watson, an English animal rights advocate who co-founded the Vegan Society in 1944), evidence of humans favouring meat-free mealtimes dates back more than 2,000 years. In fact, Pythagoras (570-495 BC), the famous Greek mathematician and philosopher, followed a vegetarian food plan, while his contemporary, Lord Buddha, was similarly and – more famously – solely keen on his greens.

Today, veganism – a commitment to only eating food not derived from animals or animal products – is experiencing something of a Golden Age. Whether drawn by the many apparent health benefits or driven by indignation with regard to the slaughter of animals, the world is now home to in excess of 75.3 million steak forsakers – roughly 0.1 percent of the global population. In 2018, alone, the global vegan food market was said to be worth some US$12.69 billion, with that figure expected to double over the next five years.

Such impressive stats aside, is veganism genuinely a healthier lifestyle or is that just a myth blithely trotted out by countless wellness brands and food companies in the hope of boosting profit margins? Well, as with most things in life, things aren’t quite that clear cut, with such a strict diet, arguably, having a number of negatives in addition to its more widely-championed plus points.

Starting off on the upside, one undeniable benefit is that an informed vegan diet does ensure that adherents get all their due portions of such healthy foodstuffs as grains, fruits and vegetables, something that is far from guaranteed among those dining more conventionally. This, in turn, delivers all the required quantities of such key nutrients as magnesium, fibre, Vitamin C, iron and folate, along with a lower calorie and saturated fats count. In fact, a 2014 study in Nutrients, a monthly peer-reviewed nutrition journal, showed that veganism ranked the highest of all diets in terms of nutritional quality.

Building on this, the beneficial ingredients normally consumed when missing out on meat and doing away with dairy also have distinct medical benefits. Indeed, many studies have shown that vegans enjoy a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, while also being less prone to certain cancers. They are also less likely to become obese or suffer from hypertension, while generally living longer. According to a 2017 study by the Bathesda-based National Library of Medicine, the lower blood sugar levels and a higher insulin sensitivity resulting from such a diet increases kidney function, leading to a 50-78 percent lower risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

Summing up the benefits, Jackie Keller, a Los Angeles-based nutritionist and wellness coach, says: “Assuming you’re consuming a high proportion of fruits and vegetables, you’re also getting more phytochemicals and antioxidants from your diet. Both these powerful substances significantly reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.”

Those going vegan in an effort to shed some unwanted pounds from their waistlines, meanwhile, will also be happy to hear that’s far from a vain hope. Numerous randomised controlled studies – the gold standard in scientific research – have shown that a meat-free approach is often much more effective when it comes to weight loss than any other diet. This is most likely due to the fact that elimination of high-calorie, high-fat meats and dairy products promotes an instinctive tendency to reduce calorific intake, reducing the need to commit to an enforced diet and a demanding exercise regime.

Those tender-hearted folk who eschew meat in a bid to safeguard animals and reduce their environmental footprint are also on the right track. Not only do livestock reserves extend across a staggering 45 percent of the planet’s surface, nearly one fifth of all greenhouse gas emissions derive from such practices. Inevitably then, withdrawing support for animal husbandry has a very real environmental and economic impact on the industry. As an interesting side note, a study published in the international peer-reviewed research journal, Appetite, showed that people who go vegan for ethical reasons tend to stick to such a diet for far longer.

Sadly, despite these many proven benefits, there’s also considerable evidence that the committed non-carnivore may be missing out in certain essential ways. For one thing, although a more plant-based approach undoubtedly boosts the intake of many key nutrients, it also increases the likelihood of suffering a severe shortfall of other nutrients more typically found in foodstuffs that are vegan verboten. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it is such substances as Omega 3 fatty acids, amino acids (typically found in meat protein), Vitamin D, calcium and Vitamin B-12 (typically present in many meat and dairy products) that the true vegan may find themselves deprived of.

Such a shortfall, indeed, could trigger enough health complications to have you prescribed an extended stay at the nearest steakhouse. A dearth of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, for instance, can severely affect heart, eye and brain function. A lack of calcium, meanwhile, can interfere with bone formation and regrowth, muscle contraction and many other essential functions. Addressing the risks of foregoing calcium in particular, Dr Tammy Tong, a nutritional epidemiologist at Oxford University, says: “Studies have shown that low BMI is associated with a higher risk of hip fractures, while low intakes of calcium and protein have both been linked to poorer bone health. Typically, vegans, who on average have lower BMI as well as lower intakes of calcium and protein than meat eaters, have higher risks of fractures.”

Another commonly-deficient nutrient – Vitamin B12 – helps prevent nerve damage and is commonly found in meat, fish, eggs and dairy, while being largely absent from fruits and vegetables. Highlighting the associated problems, Professor Janet Cade of the Nutritional Epidemiology Group, part of Leeds University’s School of Food Science and Nutrition, says: “A B-12 deficiency can lead to many neurological problem, such as numbness. It is also irreversible if the deficiency is maintained for too long.” In addition, a higher risk of strokes is also said to stem from low Vitamin B-12 levels.

So, then, is the much-vaunted veganism trend a healthy diet non-pareil or is occasionally vetoing the veggie option better for your bod? Well, while the jury is arguably still out on that, it does seem that taking the philosophy to the extreme may ultimately be to your detriment. Moderation in all things may not be sexy or chic but, all too often, it’s eminently wise.

Reiki Therapy: Exploring the health benefits of this ancient energy healing technique

Reiki, as many will be aware, is a multi-levelled healing therapy that benefits the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of a person. This centuries-old Japanese practice is aimed at channelling the universe’s life force into the body of an object, animal or person to balance and retune its energy and stimulate its natural healing abilities. While some may scoff at reiki as being a pseudoscience, in fact, its practical applications can yield medical benefits. Take, for instance, a study published in Harvard Health, which revealed that people who underwent Reiki sessions before cardiac catheterization were observed by cardiologists as feeling more confident, relaxed and cooperative.

What is Reiki?

Often described as a healing therapy in which certified practitioners act as a medium between the universe’s life force and their patients, these experts can transmit healing energy through the palm of their hands. Each session typically runs between an hour to an hour and a half, with tingling sensations around the body seen as a common sign of the healing process, according to Balance Health Reiki practitioner, Forest Ng. The speed and effects of healing, though, varies from person to person depending on their energy level and condition, adds NPO Japan Reiki Association’s Master Teacher Satoe Sasaki and co-founder of and Master Teacher at Shakti Healing Centre, Stephen Clasper.

Healing the body

Reiki’s healing effects have been studied to be so efficacious that hospitals in the US have started adopting this non-invasive therapy as part of their holistic therapeutic services. A clinical study published in the US National Library of Medicine have also unveiled quantifiable healing effects across different areas of the body thanks to Reiki therapy, promoting such benefits as reduced heart rate and blood pressure.

Healing benefits of reiki gafencu magazine corie chu — Corie Chu, Master Teacher of Usui Reiki

Healing the mind

The same study also explains how Reiki increases the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which has been observed to contribute to reducing pain, anxiety, and depression, as well as improving self-esteem and quality of life. By utilising this metaphysical treatment, future issues as well as past problems can be resolved. As Reiki Master Corie Chu explains, “I’ve facilitated Reiki for future events including countless job interviews, weddings, invasive surgeries and pregnancy deliveries, and Reiki can also go back in time to heal past experiences.”

Healing from a distance

While most Reiki sessions happen in close proximity between practioner and patient, Reiki healing treatments can also be done remotely. By using Reiki symbols, practitioners are able to tune into the universe’s energy reserve to channel into their patients without the need for touch or physical presence, yet still deliver the same healing effects as a hands-on reiki session, says Ng. A study published in the Global Advances in Health and Medicine explains that clinical applications of Distance Healing Intentions (DHI) focus on shifting physiological measures rather than the outcomes of a cure, thus allowing healing effects of DHI therapies such as Reiki to be effective.

Healing benefits of reiki gafencu magazine forest ng balance health — Balance Health Reiki Practitioner, Forest Ng

Side effects of Reiki

There is no recorded harm or risks presented by Reiki healing. Although this form of therapy can be done to any person of any background and age, the only downside, according to Ng, is that one might undergo a “healing crisis” — a temporary worsening of symptoms similar to a detox reaction. She says, “We consider a healing crisis a positive sign of the body that the healing is working.” For example, unusual tiredness is the body’s way of expressing that it needs to rest, while symptoms such as headaches, back pain and crying as a form of emotional release are all signs of the body releasing toxic energy and going through the process of healing.

Where to go

Those interested to reap the benefits of this unique and profound healing therapy can visit:

Shakti Healing Centre

A healing centre and training centre of Master Teacher levels for up to 21 years offers attunement training and hour-long Reiki session for individuals.

How much: HK$800 Up, depending on duration and practitioner of choice

Contact: info@shaktihealingcircle.com

Corie Chu Healing

A well-established Master Teacher in the city who has studied traditional Usui Reiki twice with a lineage that roots to the original Reiki masters.

How much: HK$1,200 (60mins) / HK$1,800 (90mins)

Contact: hello@coriechu.com

Balance Health

A health clinic offering an integrated health practices and alternative options to conventional treatments to facilitate patient’s healing process or offer a therapeutic escape from the stress of city life.

How much: HK$1,200 (60mins) / HK$1,800 (90mins)

Contact: appt@balancehealth.com.hk

SHINE Body & Soul Healing Centre

A training and healing centre founded by traditional Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Satoe Sasaki. She is a certified NPO Japan Reiki Association practitioner for its Hong Kong Chapter. The association is based in several other countries in the world including Japan, France, Korea and India.

How much: HK$700 (70mins) / HK$900 (90mins)

Contact: healinghk@gmail.com

Fit Frame of Mind: Get inspired with Hong Kong’s hottest fitness influencers

With the festive season over and the Lunar New Year festivities burgeoning on the horizon, it’s time to shed those extra pounds gained during Christmas and get back into shape. If you’re not sure where to start, these top Hong Kong fitness influencers might just be the inspiration you need to break past your boundaries and push your workout regime to new heights…

@emiwong_

Emi Wong is among the first of local Hong Kong influencers to have made a niche out of workout tutorials on YouTube. In addition to her variations of HIIT workouts, her down-to-earth personality and candor about her past battles with alcoholism and bulimia are what won over her loyal fan base of 3.64 million YouTube subscribers and 587k Instagram followers.

Fit Frame of Mind Get inspired with Hong Kong's hottest fitness influencers gafencu magazine fitness influencer — Image from @chaukeiyoga

@chaukeiyoga

Though breathing is an essential focus to practicing yoga, for Yogi and TedX speaker, Chaukei Ngai, breathing was abnormally difficult since the day she was born. Born two months premature and weighing merely two kilograms, she was diagnosed with chronic lung disease and spent several of her subsequent years in emergency rooms. Learning to gain control over her breathing and fear through yoga ultimately helped her conquer her respiratory problems and led her to open her own studio, YogaUp. Through her business as well as her strong digital influence, she continues to guide and inspire those still struggling with their own health and fitness issues on social media.

Fit Frame of Mind Get inspired with Hong Kong's hottest fitness influencers gafencu magazine benny liu — Image from @bennyliu_fitness

@bennyliu_fitness

Weekend warriors looking for motivation to make major transformations need not look much further than at Benjamin Liu, otherwise known as Benny Liu. The former bodybuilding champion has over 10 years of personal training experience under his belt, having won multi-national competitions and even ranked among the top five in Amateur Asia Olympia. Since then, Liu has co-founded One Personal Training, with his Instagram page showcasing his students all proudly flexing their achievements with coach Benny by their side.

Fit Frame of Mind Get inspired with Hong Kong's hottest fitness influencers gafencu magazine fitness influencer Cecilia Yeung Man-wai — Image from @cceciliayeung

@cceciliayeung

Celebrated local field athlete and Hong Kong high-jump record-breaker Cecilia Yeung Man-wai has been representing the national team since 2016. Her laid-back image and fun-loving personality complements the confidence and fortitude that has won her medals throughout her young career. An inspiration to many female youths, she encourages girls to not shy away from hard work, and to find success while breaking boundaries and challenging stereotypes.

@utahlee

Utah Lee is a Nike master trainer who embodies the athletic brand’s impetus motto, “Just do it”. She has been in the fitness industry for over two decades, initially as a model, then a dance instructor, and now is a master trainer for one of the most recognisable athletic brands in the world. When she’s not representing Nike in fitness conferences and media events, she is spreading her infectious energy with her daily cardio and dance workouts on her Instagram account.

Fit Frame of Mind Get inspired with Hong Kong's hottest fitness influencers gafencu magazine fitness influencer johnny tieu — Image from quacktieu

@quacktieu

Spartan Race veteran and pro athlete Johnny Tieu is a force to be reckoned with. The Nike trainer has raced in every mentionable endurance competition there is, breezing past the finish line as if it were a walk in the park. Looking to jump-start your own athletic aspirations? Perhaps a gander at this sporty influencer’s videos of weighted uphill and burpee sprints will help you find your own grit and determination…

Fit Frame of Mind Get inspired with Hong Kong's hottest fitness influencers gafencu magazine fitness influencer valerie lam — Image from @coffeesweat_

@coffeesweat_

Certified yoga instructor, Valerie Lam, is a well-known face across Hong Kong, not only for her television appearances but also thanks to her growing YouTube channel that is now backed by 1.29 million subscribers. Her 166k-strong Instagram platform also affords an impressive demonstration of her yoga abilities, where she also offers helpful fitness and yoga tips proven effective by the transformation photos her clients share on her page.

@ belinda_koo

Founder of the luxurious wellness brand, The Art of XYZ, the mother company of the eclectic spinning studio XYZ, Belinda Koo brought the two-wheel cardio revolution to the city, leading the way for other fitness studios to follow suit. After discovering her own health irregularities, she decided to enter the fitness industry while simultaneously continuing her career as a well-established managing director at a multi-national investment bank, an epitome of balancing career and well-being in living a healthy lifestyle.”

Transparent Face Masks: Are these trendy new Covid accessories really safe?

As we enter the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic, donning face masks daily and covering up half our faces has, unfortunately, become the new normal. One particular segment of the mask-making industry, though, is offering a rather new experience. In place of cloth and surgical masks, they are promoting new versions that offer full views of our faces – in other words, transparent face masks.

Designed with a transparent window over the mouth and nose area, this style of masks allows wearers to convey facial expressions and improve their communications and yet – purportedly – staying safe. These see-through designs have been promoted in many corners as particularly benefiting those in industries that require frequent face-to-face interactions, such as medical consultations and classroom lectures, and more importantly for those who rely on lip-reading and facial expressions for communication, such as the hearing impaired. But the big question on everyone’s mind is: Is it safe? And in the case of the products below, the answer is almost unequivocally: Yes!

Are transparent face masks safe gafencu magazine The ClearMask™ — Image from ClearMask™

The ClearMask™ brand is the first fully transparent mask to be approved by the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). The product was designed with healthcare settings in mind, such as operating rooms, dental and veterinary procedures, as well as serving professionals working with children where visual communication and emotional development are essential. The device is disposable and is for single use. However the breathability and effectiveness in crowded areas may cause for concern, not to mention it isn’t the most stylish piece of accessory for casual use.

Are transparent face masks safe gafencu magazine coronavirus covid-19 size — Image from Science Partner Journal

According to Mayo Clinic, the most effective disposable face masks are made with materials with much smaller pore sizes to cloth and synthetic materials, such as the N95 and KN95 masks which acts as respirators against both large and small microorganisms. Stated in a research published on the National Library of Medicine, N95 and KN95 filters can filter up to 94.4 percent of particles as small as 0.3 μm, 21 percent more than surgical masks.

Are transparent face masks safe gafencu magazine Civility transparent face mask — Image from Civility

One such example for a transparent mask that offers high performance filtration is the reusable and easy-to-clean Civility transparent lightweight face mask. Made in France with a Thermo-Plastic Elastomer which provides a comfortable and 98 percent seal against 0.3μm pathogens. The breathability and effectiveness of the product allows for 12 hours of filtered air. Changing its ISO certified filters by DGA, an independent organization, is as easy as removing the filters on the external valves and replacing them with a new one, making the mask a convenient protective accessory on-the-go.

Are transparent face masks safe gafencu magazine Civility transparent face mask cliu — Image from Cliu

However, a more advanced alternative by Cliu might be the ticket – a mask that meets both smart technology and lifestyle demands. Made with sustainable materials and fitted with an activated carbon filter (a non-medical material produce filtration efficiencies of 90.2 percent and 93 percent for 0.3 μm particles as stated in a research published on National Library of Medicine), it offers wearers an option for a comfortable, breathable and sustainable face mask that is recyclable at the end of its lifespan. The device also features UV disinfection, anti-fog material, and even a window that can be seamlessly opened when eating or drinking. What’s more, its smart-tech design can connect to a dedicated app to inform wearers of its breathing quality, filter consumption and any presence of nearby Covid-19 outbreaks.

Chiropractor vs. Massage Therapist: Which should you go see?

Whether you’re stuck behind a desk all day or are engaging in strenuous sports activities, occasional body aches are unfortunately a part and parcel of everyday life. Unhealthy behavioural habits can often result in physical and mental stressors that can affect the nervous system over time, causing spinal pressure and symptoms such as chronic neck pain and headaches. Joint paint and inflammation can also occur, according to the Australian Spinal Research. Although a relaxing day at the spa or massage parlour can often have you feeling refreshed in the aftermath of a session, other times, long-term discomfort and strains are usually a sign of much more serious underlying issues in the bones or nervous system. This, in turn, calls for more professional help, likely at the hands of a trained chiropractor. If you’re not sure what issues actually herald a need to visit the latter, here are some ways to tell.

The difference between a chiropractor and a massage therapist

Massage therapists are trained to relieve immediate muscle pain, tension and stiffness via the process of kneading, pressing and rolling flesh, while chiropractors focus on subluxations in the spine that are more often caused by the misalignment and dislocation of the spine and body. Chiropractic treatments are meant to ensure the body and nervous systems are at optimal levels. Anything from accidents, sport injuries, sleeping positions, repetition of poor form and movement and even emotional stress can cause bones in the spine to twist and misalign. Although such discomfort can easily be shrugged off as a temporary strain, if untreated it cause long-term pain and deformities.

What chiropractors can treat

Trained and licensed chiropractors either use their hands or small instruments to perform what is called manual therapy, or ‘manipulations’, on different parts of the body. This apparently can aid in relieving a range of discomfort and pain such as joint and muscle pain, headaches and even chronic constipation, according to a study in The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. Each patient’s treatment varies between symptoms, causes and practitioners. For example osteoarthritis, the most common kind of arthritis can be relieved or avoided with joint mobilisation therapy by gently working the joint through natural range of motions. Alternatively, ultrasound treatments can help relieve pain and swelling in joints and soft tissue. Which treatment is best for your condition will depend on the advice of your doctor and the consultation with the chiropractor.

Rare side-effects of chiropractic adjustments

Discomfort or side-effects such as soreness, fatigue or headaches are common reactions to chiropractic adjustments, though these effects are usually temporary and disappear as soon as the session is done, according to a study on the side effects of chiropractic treatment published on Pub Med. However chiropractors are not medical doctors and cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe medications, so it is advisable to consult with a doctor before visiting a chiropractor to treat any chronic pain or underlying health issues. Though rare, severe risks of this form of therapy include herniated disks, nerve compression and can even lead to strokes in some cases. As such, this type of treatment is best avoided by those who have spinal instability, severe osteoporosis, or spine cancer.

chiropractor vs massage gafencu magazinec hong kong sports clinic — Image from Hong Kong Sports Clinic

Which chiropractors to visit:

Drs. B. S. Vaughan & Associates

The Drs. B. S. Vaughan & Associates Clinic was established in 1966, leading an example for chiropractors in the city. The clinic has a team of five overseas-trained chiropractors qualified in treating pains such as frozen shoulder, bone spurs, scoliosis as well as lower back and neck pain.

Hong Kong Sports Chiropractic

Dr. Ian Shaw founded this clinic to help athletes and sports enthusiasts reach their performance goals and recover from injuries effectively. He a registered Hong Kong chiropractor and former performance therapist for the Chinese Olympic Committee and both Chinese and Hong Kong National Sport Climbing Teams.

Atlas Chiropractic Hong Kong

This chriopractic studio belives that a healthy nervous system is the key to mental and physical wellness. They treat patients of any age group, from babies and children to adults. The studio’s regular chiropractic adjustments go beyond symptom-based treatments. With a holistic approach, they guide patients with a custom plan for lifestyle habits and exercise correction that effectively combat the causes of their physical, mental and chemical stress.

Hong Kong Spine Centre

This clinic uses a number of techniques including acupuncture, trigger-point shockwave therapy to treat chronic myalgia, tennis elbow and frozen shoulder as it stimulates cell regeneration and restructuring. They also provide electrotherapy to treat spasms and ultrasound therapy for damaged tissues and promote blood circulation.

Unusual alternative wellness therapies to try in Hong Kong

Massages, scrubs and facials are all usual suspects when it comes to some much-needed pampering, but where do we go now that most spas and beauty parlours are set to close in the weeks ahead? These wellness establishments are keeping their doors open and offering alternative wellness therapies that will unwind, recentre and heal you during these stressful times.

Tension Release Exercise
Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises TRE®, a body movement exercise that releases deep muscular tension and stress in the body by activating a reflex shaking mechanism that stimulates the muscular and autonomic nervous systems. As the body trembles, the vibrations move through the body and releases the stress, tension and trauma built up inside. A recent study by Monash University found that the treatment yielded immediate improvements in physical and emotional wellbeing of a former soldier who suffered from PTSD. Each session includes of 25 minutes of ‘tremoring’, followed by 35 minutes of relaxation and mind and body integration.
Where to go: Balance Health. HK$1,400 per session with Kate Whitehead

Float Therapy
Float therapy is essentially a sensory deprivation therapy that involves a tank filled with lukewarm water and Epsom salts. The salts provide buoyancy to help you float more easily inside a floatation tank, one that shuts the outside world out and dims all sensory stimulation so your body and mind can relax. A study published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that the benefits of sensory isolation in floatation tanks soothed stress, anxiety and even helped with pain management and sleep quality. Each session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Where to go: Float On Hong Kong, FLOAX. HK$658 and up

Unusual alternative wellness treatments to try in Hong Kong gafencu magazine hypnotherapy — Image from All About You Centre

Hypnotherapy
Unlike what the movies show us, hypnosis isn’t a mind control trick. On the contrary, it is a natural state of mind that basically puts the conscious mind to sleep while awakening the subconscious mind. In doing so, the brain can rewire our automatic beliefs and alter a range of thought processes ranging from phobias to addiction and self-esteem issues. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis has even found that it can accelerate the healing of physical wounds.
Where to go: All About You Centre. HK$1,700 and up

Integrative Healing
Take on a distance-healing approach to wellness over Zoom if you prefer to reap the benefits of a personal one-on-one healing session from the comfort of your own home. From breathwork to techniques to promote emotional release and to systemic coaching and personal development, take care of the multi-dimensional health of the mind and body while keeping safe at home.
Where to go: iLiving Hong Kong. HK$1,800 and up with the founder, Anita Cheung

Five things to know before getting IV therapy

Intravenous therapy, otherwise known as IV therapy, is a new wellness trend that has been getting a lot of attention. In fact the Global Infusion therapy market was predicted to hit US$ 10.98 Billion by 2027, according to Reports and Data. This medical technique delivers vitamin and mineral fluids straight to the bloodstream to re-hydrate the body and restore energy levels. From drips to cure a hangover to drips that aids muscle recovery, this wellness therapy instantly refreshes the body.

Five things to know before getting an IV drip therapy gafencu magazine — Image from everydayhealth.com

It’s an unusual therapy for an unusual lifestyles

IV therapy was popularised by major league athletes and performers like Madonna and Rihanna. Professions and lifestyle that demand a lot of mental and physical work from the body can leave it feeling dehydrated and weak. Although there are supplements and wellness practices to balance your body and mind, IV drips offer an immediate, more direct solution to the problem. Because the treatment consists of a high concentration of vitamin that are injected directly into the bloodstream — bypassing the digestive system — this gives individuals who need to stay in peak condition an effective alternative to the slower process of supplement pills and recovery. It can also alleviate symptoms of jet lag, food poisoning and hangovers.

IV therapy should not replace a balanced diet

Although IV therapy is a convenient and easy way to feel energised and can supplement the body with nutrition lacking in a usual diet, it shouldn’t replace the consumption of water and a healthy balanced meal. According to study on Journal of sports science, sufficient nutrition, hydration, and rest appear are still the most effective strategies for optimizing recovery. But if the body is overworked, exhausted, is low on energy and is in need for a quick boost, then IV therapy is worth considering.

Five things to know before getting an IV drip therapy gafencu magazine (4) — Image from The Life Hub

IV therapies mainly include doses of vitamins and minerals

The intravenous drip delivers fluids of vitamins and minerals to alleviate fatigue, increase energy and boost the immune system. Take, for example, an immunity booster drip containing a high dose of Vitamin C – one of the most popular types of this IV treatment – that gives your body a stronger defense, or one with Vitamin B12 to help boost mood and brain function, while also building red blood cells. Other common problems that Hongkongers suffer from are sleep quality and fatigue. In this case magnesium drips are the way to go to increase energy and regulate blood pressure, sugar levels, and muscle and nerve function.

IV therapy can cause side effects

Like any medical procedure, inserting an IV can pose risks. According to clinical pharmacist, Dr. Dena Westphalen, PharmD, there are risks associated with intravenous drips in general, including blood clots, and vein irritation and inflammation. Air embolisms can also cause a stroke if the IV line is not administered properly. and fluid that is not carefully monitored can run the risk of dripping too quickly which can lead to electrolyte imbalance and kidney damage. Individuals with health issues such as kidney disease and heart conditions, should bring these conditions up during the consultation with the doctor. Other people who aren’t suitable to take IV therapy are those who have a G6PD deficiency, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding and individuals who suffer from heart conditions, according to medical centres like Reviv and The Life Hub.

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IV therapy should be performed by a registered medical professional

IV therapy involves having to insert a catheter into the vein and connecting it to an IV bag. It is a medical technique that can be performed in either medical centres or medical spas, but there should always be a doctor in-house to consult with and prescribe the therapy and a trained and qualified nurse to administer it. The therapy typically takes 45 minutes to an hour and the effects can last between two to four days. For a quick pick-me-up, the following clinics and medical centres offer IV therapy by medical professionals:

Integrated Medicine Institute:

Over 25 years in integrative wellness approach to medicine, the centre’s qualified doctors are well experienced in intravenous therapy as a modern day therapeutic alternative to medicine.

Dr. Susan Jamieson Integrative Medical Practice:

A functional medicine specialist who combines conventional medical skills with mind and body techniques for a more permanent relief. She has been using integrative medical treatments like intravenous therapy for over 20 years.

Reviv:

The first medical spa in Hong Kong to offer IV therapy and was set up by four A&E (Accident and Emergency) doctors with over 40 years of experience in treating dehydration and restoring energy levels.

LifeHub:

A Medical Wellness Centre and leader in detox and anti-aging therapy. They offer science-backed products and services in line with functional medicine philosophies that help clean out toxins and remedy the every damage of a busy city life, so you can leave feeling recharged and ready to work and play.

Good Vibrations: How gong baths reduces stress and heals the body

A gong bath reduces stress, heals and retunes the body.

Despite its name, gong baths have nothing to do with taking an actual bath. Rather, it is a form of sound meditation that balances the body’s frequencies through the vibration of sound.

The bath part of it has more to do with the feeling of gong baths or any form of sound baths. It is a sensation that many sound bath goers describe as being bathed in vibrations, a frequency transmission that can be felt throughout the body. With the body made up 70 percent of water, and with water a conductor, it makes sense for gong baths to affect the body’s resonance.

The gong is a percussion instrument traditionally used in East and Southeast Asian countries. The circular metallic bowl is usually paired with a mallet to produce a low-frequency sound. This low-frequency sound has been described throughout history to have a calming and healing effect on the body comparable to massages. A gong bath, though, is probably the only massage and bath in which you won’t have to strip down.

More often than not, Hong Kong people are stressed out. And as research has shown, stress on the body has serious impacts on physical and mental health. This explains why the hyperactive lifestyles of the city’s busy residents have influenced the popularity of meditation and wellness studios around the city. For those too busy or tired to engage in exercises or other forms of meditation, a gong bath offers an extremely easy and relaxing form of sound meditation in which all you have to do is literally lie down and close your eyes. This bath type relieves symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. Other sound baths with similar effects use Tibetan sound bowls and tuning forks.

“Imbalances in the body are addressed and resolved using sound meditation which is a natural alternative”

If you experienced tossing and turning in bed in the middle of the night, exhausted but unable to fall asleep, the culprit may be an imbalance of frequencies in your body. The different frequencies throughout the body relate to the different levels of brainwaves, indicating how alert or relaxed the body is. Our mind and body, however, are highly receptive to sound. The body has its own resonance and natural ability to synchronize brainwave frequency with the rhythm of external sounds which, according to Simon Heather, an internationally-known teacher in the field of sound healing, can be made harmonious with the use of sound meditation.

When stressed, the body releases hormones that boost our alertness like adrenaline and cortisol – keeping our body active even when our mind is fatigued. Too much of these hormones in the body also takes a toll on the body’s health, increasing blood pressure and inflammation, which underline the importance of correcting these imbalances in the body. A gong bath activates the body’s natural mechanism to relax, countering the adverse effects of stress hormones in the body. The process slows down the listener’s heart rate, brings down blood pressure and restores the body’s natural breathing rhythm, gradually restoring balance and calmness to the body. A gong bath is also a natural and holistic alternative to a growing trend in the use pharmaceutical medication as a mechanism to cope with stress and anxiety.

Very little action is required to participate in a gong bath. There is no need for extraordinary skills or proper attire in any meditation studio in the city. Experiencing a gong bath is easy as it entails just turning up and letting good vibrations flow through you.