In this episode, Dr. Kirren explores the basic paradigm of Chinese medicine. She explains the different perspectives on the human body, illness, and treatment between Western medicine and Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine encompasses various healing theories and practices, including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage techniques, qigong, dietary therapy, and lifestyle advice. Dr. Kirren emphasizes the holistic approach of Chinese medicine, which considers the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and environment. She also highlights the importance of tailoring treatments to the individual and focusing on both addressing current concerns and preventing future ones. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese medicine and how it can empower your engagement with healthcare.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Chinese medicine is based on the concept of holism, viewing individuals as internally and externally connected, and aims to treat the root cause of concerns while also focusing on preventative care.

• The yin-yang theory in Chinese medicine recognizes the constant state of flux and dynamic movement between opposing factors, such as day and night, and emphasizes the importance of balance.

• The five element theory categorizes phenomena in Chinese medicine based on the qualities and interrelationships of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, including psychological states, internal organs, and tastes.

• The channel system in Chinese medicine acts as a network connecting internal organs and the external environment, with Qi and blood circulating within it to sustain normal physiological functioning.

• Chinese medical practitioners use the basic organizing principles of yin and yang and the five elements to identify imbalances in the channel system and apply specific methods, such as acupuncture or dietary therapy, to regulate and strengthen the body.

BEST MOMENTS
"My aim is to leave you feeling empowered in your engagement with healthcare, to mitigate unnecessary experiences and aim for more positive outcomes."

"Chinese medicine is based on the idea of holism. As individuals, we are both internally connected mentally, emotionally, and physically, as well as externally connected to our environment."

"It's a different way of viewing the human body to Western medicine, so you really need to bear that in mind if you were to be in a consultation with a practitioner of Chinese medicine."

"The whole human body is divided into stratums of yin and yang, such as interior and exterior, upper and lower, and front and back."

"Through carrying out an in-depth case history, taking into consideration the patient's lifestyle, physical and emotional environment, and dietary habits, including a tongue and pulse diagnosis, the Chinese medical practitioner can use the basic organizing principles of yin and yang and the five elements to identify where the hold-up is."

HOST BIO
With a diverse background that encompasses rigorous training in both the UK and China for her integrative medical degree, two decades of clinical practice in private and public healthcare settings, and a role as an esteemed Acupuncture lecturer for both undergraduates and professionals, Dr. Kirren's knowledge is truly comprehensive. Her passion for ongoing research in medical education has shed light on critical issues in the field, including competent practice, educational standards, regulation, and public health literacy.

Driven by a commitment to better healthcare outcomes, she has championed her clients' rights, successfully supporting one in identifying clinical negligence under another healthcare practitioner and securing the path to a healthier future, sparing her client from going blind and obtaining rightful compensation. With her exceptional insight and dedication to promoting medical excellence, Dr. Kirren offers invaluable perspectives on her podcast, empowering listeners to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

In this episode of Bridging Medical Paradigms, Dr. Kirren shares the story behind the creation of the podcast. Having completed a five-year medical program that integrated traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and conventional medicine, Dr. Kirren experienced firsthand the fascinating integration of both approaches to healthcare. From cancer patients receiving chemotherapy alongside acupuncture to patients receiving intravenous herbal drips and music therapy, the podcast explores the benefits and integration of TCM and conventional medicine in China's primary healthcare system. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse and evolving landscape of medicine.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Public health literacy is crucial for individuals to make informed decisions about their own health and care.

• Low health literacy is associated with increased hospitalization, death, and difficulty managing health problems.

• Acupuncture training programs may have gaps in theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, highlighting the need for improved curriculum and regulation.

• Bridging Medical Paradigms aims to empower individuals to navigate the complex landscape of medicine and make informed healthcare decisions.

• The podcast seeks to help listeners mitigate unnecessary experiences, reduce the financial burden of illness, and spend more time enjoying life.

BEST MOMENTS:
"It was fascinating how integrated it was. For example, at the Xiyuan Hospital in China, cancer patients would be receiving chemotherapy in conjunction with acupuncture as a means to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy and boost the patient's immune system."

"Through my clinical experience, as I was often having to go the extra mile for my patients to ensure that they had the best outcome, it was quickly becoming apparent that there were issues with public health literacy."

"Confidence is based on certainty so again if you have the knowledge you're more likely to feel certain rather than unsure or wobbly."

"Not to be grim, but no wonder. When combined with issues in the health system, it's been found that people with low health literacy, compared with the general population, are three times more likely to experience increased hospitalization or death, are more likely to have depression and struggle with managing their and their family's health problems and well-being."

"In my pursuit to improve the overall situation that I was experiencing in my clinical practice, the public health literacy issue, and as a teacher, I thought furthering my understanding into pedagogy, so that's teaching and learning, policy and practice would be the best way to go."

HOST BIO
With a diverse background that encompasses rigorous training in both the UK and China for her integrative medical degree, two decades of clinical practice in private and public healthcare settings, and a role as an esteemed Acupuncture lecturer for both undergraduates and professionals, Dr. Kirren's knowledge is truly comprehensive. Her passion for ongoing research in medical education has shed light on critical issues in the field, including competent practice, educational standards, regulation, and public health literacy.

Driven by a commitment to better healthcare outcomes, she has championed her clients' rights, successfully supporting one in identifying clinical negligence under another healthcare practitioner and securing the path to a healthier future, sparing her client from going blind and obtaining rightful compensation. With her exceptional insight and dedication to promoting medical excellence, Dr. Kirren offers invaluable perspectives on her podcast, empowering listeners to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

In this episode of Bridging Medical Paradigms, Dr. Kirren explores the impact of movement habits on our fascia. She discusses how inactivity can lead to decreased facial gliding and densification of the fascia, ultimately limiting mobility. Dr. Kirren emphasizes the importance of movement in stimulating the production and turnover of hyaluronic acid, as well as promoting the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products in our blood and fluids. She highlights the need to avoid prolonged inactivity to prevent chronic rigidity and the formation of adhesions. Overall, this episode provides insights on how our movement habits can affect the health and functionality of our fascia.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Inactivity can lead to sticky fascia, densification, and limited mobility, emphasizing the importance of staying active.

• Age-related changes in the fascia can contribute to stiffness, pain, and reduced muscle force transmission, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and management.

• Repetitive movements and overuse can negatively impact hyaluronic acid and result in fascial densification, stiffness, and pain.

• Hormonal changes, such as a reduction in estrogen levels, can increase facial density and contribute to stiffness and pain.

• Incorporating a consistent and varied exercise routine, including resistance training, aerobic exercise, and stretching, can help maintain sturdy and elastic fascia, improve flexibility, and mitigate stiffness and pain.

BEST MOMENTS
"Inactivity breeds stiffness and pain. Stiffness and pain breeds inactivity. It's a vicious cycle."

"Keeping active is the most effective way to keep your fascia sturdy and elastic."

"A weak musculoskeletal system is not going to be great at keeping the facial layers mobile."

"Remember, fascia is found all over our bodies. It's our spandex. We want to keep it all moving smoothly without adhesion."

"Through activity and stretching, we can make a difference, and as a bonus, improve our flexibility and give us a spring in our step."

HOST BIO
With a diverse background that encompasses rigorous training in both the UK and China for her integrative medical degree, two decades of clinical practice in private and public healthcare settings, and a role as an esteemed Acupuncture lecturer for both undergraduates and professionals, Dr. Kirren's knowledge is truly comprehensive. Her passion for ongoing research in medical education has shed light on critical issues in the field, including competent practice, educational standards, regulation, and public health literacy.

Driven by a commitment to better healthcare outcomes, she has championed her clients' rights, successfully supporting one in identifying clinical negligence under another healthcare practitioner and securing the path to a healthier future, sparing her client from going blind and obtaining rightful compensation. With her exceptional insight and dedication to promoting medical excellence, Dr. Kirren offers invaluable perspectives on her podcast, empowering listeners to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.