Travel To China

Jonathan Mitchell asked:


The use of Chinese herbs for many different diseases has a history of centuries, and also for Arthritis, a debilitating disease of the joints and bones, the Chinese use herbs as and effective treatment. Arthritis is not just one disease there are many different forms and symptoms but it has plagued many people through the ages. Chinese herbs for arthritis have been used to treat sufferers of arthritis by the Chinese but this treatment has also grown in popularity in the western world the last few decades. There are many countries that have a growing use of alternative medicine and some have a real history with the alternative medical powers of herbs.

Alternative medicine have been ridiculed for years and Chinese herbs for arthritis has been attacked at and put away as quackery for years. Now a day there are many studies about the treatment with Chinese herbs that have proven to be very useful.

To get an effective result the Chinese herbs for arthritis are in most cases mixed together. In comparison with alternative medicine using herbs in other countries, they almost never put the herbs together. There are some Chinese herbs for arthritis that are only used as pain relief and these are not mixed but most are given in combination with others.

The Chinese herbalist examines the patient, ask some questions and diagnoses the problem, after this the ingredients and powders get weight and put together to use as a tea or a tonic. When the mix is to be used as an beverage or tea it might have to be strained before you can drink it.

The dosage and the times you need to take the Chinese herbs for arthritis are prescribed by the herbalist. The combination of chinese herbs for arthritis together created a better efficacy.

What kind of Chinese herbs for arthritis are being used?

Cinnamon (Rou Gui) is a very effective Chinese herb for arthritis. The cinnamon bark is good for the flow of blood and it helps for a better spleen and kidney function. Improving the blood flow is important because it removes blockages and deposits that can be the cause of pain and inflammation in some arthritic conditions.

Angelica (Dong Quai) is a proven to be an effective Chinese herb for arthritis, It is available in Asia but also in Europe and America. Angelica works as an antispasmodic, pain killer and anti-inflammatory treatment. Angelica is almost never used on its own, it is almost always combined with other Chinese herbs for arthritis.

Ginger is a know root that is also used in western alternative medicine and its know to help with arthritis, but there is a rare ginger species that can only be found in some places in China during a specific season that the Chinese use for the treatment of arthritis.

A mix of these herbs is usually used to effectively treat the symptoms caused by arthritis. It controls any negative effects and brings out the positive ones.



Olivia

Paul Hata asked:


Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history of over 4,000 years. For centuries, millions of people in China have relied on TCM for their health and treatments.

What is TCM

TCM joins the power of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and energetic exercises to correct imbalances found in the body. This not only allows the body to heal itself but also helps to prevent other illness. TCM has been used to treat various ailments, from acne, cellulite, dandruff, gout, insomnia, menopause, weight loss and wrinkle to other more serious health conditions such as arthritis, cancer, cholesterol, depression, diabetes and heart diseases.

Ying and Yang

Chinese believe that the imbalances of organ energies (or Qi) may cause disease that affects the health. The TCM approach is fundamentally different from that of modern Western medicine. In TCM, the understanding of the human body is based on the holistic understanding of the universe as described in Daoism, and the treatment of illness is based primarily on the diagnosis and differentiation of syndromes. The goal of TCM treatment is to adjust and harmonize Yin and Yang - wet and dry, cold and heat, body and mind. This is accomplished by regulating the Qi, Moisture and Blood in the Organ networks. Weak organs are strengthened. Congested channels are opened to flow, heat is cooled, cold is warmed, tightness is softened, agitation is calmed and dryness is moistened.

Advantages of TCM

Western medicine has approached health and a well being from a very different angle and viewpoint. It is reactive, rather than proactive. Science and symptoms is the main drivers. Western medicine examines and dissects to determine the conditions of the body and attempts to introduce external, often synthetic drugs to restore health. TCM on the other hand, focus on why the body is not functioning properly and attempts to use individualized organic herbal formula to rejuvenate and to restore the body to its natural state. Modern drugs may cause side effects in the long term and creating another disease while treating the other.

Disadvantages of TCM

One of the shortcomings of TCM is the lack of research in the area of toxins and heavy metals. This is because TCM was established centuries ago when the world was not polluted by industrial waste or toxic chemicals. The lack of standardization in Chinese herbs and the possibility of toxicity present some of the major disadvantages in dealing with traditional Chinese herbs. Numerous cases of potentially toxic levels of arsenic and mercury in Chinese traditional medicines have been reported. It is advisable to purchase traditional Chinese medicine from reputable sources and those which has met FDA guidelines or strict local health certifications.



Greta

Mahendra asked:


Enchantment is everywhere in Nepal; be it in the cool and invigorating shade of the high mountains, or on terraced farmlands carved like stairways out of hill ridges, or still across waterfalls, creeks, rushing mountain rivers amidst gorges, valleys and forests teeming with a cornucopia of flora and fauna. There are lakes amidst breathtaking settings, strong-current rivers for rafting, Wildlife Safaris, the tallest mountains to climb, trekking across vales and dales, and, above all, warm, friendly, welcoming people. In this respect, Nepal becomes a perfect holiday destination for tourists, trekkers, mountaineers, writers, honeymooners, lovers, retired people and people interested in research.

Nepal Geography

As Nepal is sandwiched between two economic and geographical Leviathans, it is rightfully regarded as “ A Yam between Two Boulders” as While Nepal abuts on Indian border in the east, the west and the South, Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China shares the vast Himalayan frontier with Nepal. The length of the county is 885 kilometers from east to west, and its breath varies from 145 kilometers to 241 kilometers from north to south. The total area is 147,181 sq. kilometers.

 Climate 

Nepal isn’t only the home of mysterious Yeti and elusive Snow Leopard, but also a constant cause of wonder for meteorologists for her simply amazing variations in climatic conditions. Divided into three different geographical regions, Nepal houses the snow-capped Himalayas in the north, a vast stretch of plains in the south and two chains of hills, known as Mahabharata and Churiya range, acting as a geological bridge between the northern and southern region.

The most astonishing thing about the geography of Nepal is that the distance between the tropical lowlands and the snow-capped mountainous region is very less. While the distance between the tropical and alpine regions in most of the countries around the globe is more than 1000 km, it is just less than 100 km in some places in Nepal.. The temperature varies between zero in the mountains to over 30 degrees Celsius in the valleys, and to mercury plummeting up to 38 degrees during summer in the lowlands.

Population

‘Unity in diversity’ is really the mot just for a multi-ethnic, multicultural and multilingual country like Nepal. It had a population of 18,462,081 at the time of the 1991 census. The average population density at the time was 125 persons per sq km (329 per sq mi), although nearly half the people were concentrated in the narrow Terai region. In contrast, the 2003 population estimate was 26,469,569. The population has grown rapidly since 1950 when there were only 9 million people. In 2003 the population was increasing at an annual rate of 2.3 percent. Only 12 percent of the population lived in urban areas. The rate of population in the urban areas, however, has grown significantly thanks to a number of social, political and economic reasons.

Get in

You may need a tourist Visa to enter the country. A propspective visitor can apply for the visa from several embassies and consulates in most countries in the world. Nepal has diplomatic missions in

 Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Burma, Canada, China, Denmark, Finaland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Myanmar, The Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Phillipines, Spain , Sweeden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tibet, the United Kingdom and the United States of America that issue visas to the propective visitors.

Entrance/Egress

The following entery/exit points have been set by the government of Nepal for the foreign visitors:

1. Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

2. Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (North)

3. Karkarvitta, Jhapa (East)

4. Belahia,Bhairhawa (West)

5. Birgunj, Parsa (Central Nepal)

6. Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Mid-East)

7. Mohana, Dhangadi (Far-West)

8. Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar (Far-West)

 

Via Air

Since there is only one international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, in Nepal, it is the Hobson’s choice for vistors to start their Himalayan voyage from the capital city itself. The following airlines company operate their services from/to Kathmandu:

 

1. Nepal Airlines (Run by the Nepalese government, it operates its service to/from Bangkok, Banglore, Calcutta, Delhi, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Osaka, Paris, London, Shanghai, Singapore)

2. Korean Air (Seoul)

3. Biman Bangladesh Airlines (Dhaka)

4. Air China (Lhasa)

5. Condor (Munich)

6. Druk Air (Paro)

7. Gulf Air (Abu Dhabi)

8. Indian Airlines (Delhi, Calcutta, Varanasi)

9. Qatar Airways ( Doha)

10.  Thai International (Bangkok)

11. Martin Air (Amsterdam via Sharjah)

 

Via Land

Although Indo/Nepal border is a porous one, you must enter the country by road from India through one of the border crossing points ( as described under the heading Entrance/Egress). If you are coming from Tibet, the route is Kodari, Sindhupalchowk. There is no national passenger rail service in Nepal, but there is a rail service operating from Calcutta, India. A train by the name Mithila Express plies regularly between Howrah Station, Calcutta, to Birgunj, one of the chief entry points to Nepal.

 

Contact

Although the comminication infrastructure of Nepal is not to the world’s standard, still the pincipal cities across the countries entertain almost all forms of sophisticated communication systems. These include:

 

1. Telephone: The international country code for Nepal is 977. There are two to three digit area code and six-digit local phone numbers. The communication system, operated by Nepal Telecom, a quasi-governmental organization, caters its service in almost all the seventy-five district of the country. But some off-the-map villages don’t have telephone facilities. However, the East-West optical fibre project, which is on the verge of its completion, is expected to cover all the villages and hamlets of the country within two to three years time. Besides Nepal Telecom, United Tele Communication Limited (UTL), a privately owned company, is providing its services in Kathmandu Valley.

2. Cell Phones

Mobiles are widely used, but due to the geoprphical constraints , some rural areas have only analog service, or no service at all. Nepal Telecom and UTL operate operate CDMA networks; Mero Mobile, a private mobile company, operates the only GPRS network. Travellers planning to bring their GPRS phones with them might do well to check that their handset supports the appropriate frequencies.

 

3. Internet

There are cyber cafes in almost most of the tourist areas all over the country. A trekker can surf the net in Solokhumbu, the entry point of Mount Everest Region. Nomal rate is Rs 20 to 30 per hours in the main cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. New Pokhara Lodge Lakeside Pokhara offer free internet to hotel’s customers.

 

4. Mail

The snail mail system is there but, as a rule, it is not always speedy. Also, international parcel postal services can be costly. Furthermore, internationally acclaimed courier service providers like DHL and Fedex also have their branches in most parts of the country.

http://www.visit-nepal.com



Christopher

Kieron Sellens asked:


Overseas adventure travel is all about seeing jaw dropping sights and having unforgettable experiences. It’s no wonder that more and more people are getting drawn into the exciting world. But if you’ve never done any adventure travel and want to know what you’re missing, this really is the crème de la crème: 7 Adventure holiday trips you need to take before you die…

The Antarctic Circle

Amongst the least travelled places on the planet, The Antarctic Circle is the perfect place to start your overseas adventure travel. For nature lovers, this is particularly brilliant with some beautiful and unique wildlife and some truly breathtaking sights. Penguins, seals, whales and albatrosses can all be spotted during your trip.

Galapagos Islands

The islands that inspired Darwin, unique wildlife found nowhere else on the planet makes the Galapagos Islands a must visit for the adventure travel enthusiast. Amongst the wildlife you can expect to see are giant tortoises, lava lizards, and land iguanas. The region has a fascinating history and some incredible sights and sounds - the essentials of any adventure holiday.

Great Wall of China

Walking along the Great Wall of China is an amazing experience - as man made structures go, it just constantly amazes with its sense of scale and grandeur. Adventure travellers will find visiting this most famous of Chinese icons an unforgettable experience.

The Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans Siberian Railway may sound a less gruelling trip than some of the others because you’re not walking, but it still presents its own challenges. An epic railway trip that takes you all the way from Moscow to Siberia and on to Beijing, the real beauty here is that you get to take in sights that would normally be well off the tourist track. It’s an experience like no other, and one that anyone interested in overseas adventure travel should make sure they enjoy before they die.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Sure, this one is going to be exhausting and it only for experienced trekkers, but if you manage to reach the snow covered peak of Africa’s tallest mountain on an adventure holiday, you can actually see the curvature of the planet. That’s something that you never, ever forget.

The Grand Canyon

If you’re looking for adventure travel in America, you really cannot beat hiking along the Grand Canyon. The stunning landscapes mean that even after two day’s hiking, you’re unlikely to be bored of the sights. You may have seen pictures, but actually walking along it is the kind of unforgettable experience you will be recounting for years to come…

Machu Picchu

The lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful ancient sites in the world. Clinging to the steep hillside, and surrounded by jungle covered mountains, it’s no wonder this site took quite so long to find. Suffice it to say that photos, website, travel brochures, and indeed, these words cannot do the site justice - you cannot fail to feel inspired when surrounded by the beautiful ruins.

Whichever of these adventure holidays you wish to take first will not disappoint. Just remember to take your camera so you can showcase the amazing sights you saw to your friends and family!



Roy

Baby, I’m Anxious asked:


What factors have allowed China’s economy to grow so much?

Why do some experts predict China’s economy is going to collapse as fast as it expanded?

Clarence

Criss A asked:


What is one reason that China had its golden ages during the Tang and Song dynasties?
Choose one answer.
a. Its less powerful people gave loyalty to its more powerful people.
b. Its strict system of social classes controlled all life.
c. It developed many trade products and trade routes.
d. Its officials came only from rich and powerful families.

Mike

Kerry Finch asked:


As 2008 progresses it has become clear that e-commerce is going to have a huge impact on China. Indeed China is developing new models of online business that will influence how things are done in the west.

It is widely believed that e-commerce in China will lead that country’s economy into a new era where customer focus, responsible business practices and innovation are the determinants of success rather than cultivating relationships with people in high places.

China could but watch as we western countries embraced e-commerce in the nineties. The idea that one could buy from strangers just by clicking a mouse was incredible.

No credit cards were available, no online banking and you could only access the internet if you were one of the few with a telephone line. An if you did the connection was slow an expensive.

What westerners consider a simple task - posting a package - mean long waits in long lines at the post office. State run organizations, which included the whole Chinese retail system, were inefficient, and low disposable incomes meant improvements were a low priority.

In its infancy, China’s e-commerce was driven by businesses that saw the opportunity for finding both suppliers and buyers. When it entered the World Trade Organization, companies on the fertile east coast of China, where businesses had begun to flourish, saw the internet as key to connecting to trade partners.

A milestone year for Chinese e-commerce was 2003, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the country’s first generation of internet users was graduating from universities, and they were quick to grasp the concepts of online commerce, shopping and gaming.

A healthy consumer culture was the result of increasing disposable incomes, and the previously state run retail outlets were no longer able to cope.

Secondly, major investments in China were being made by international e-commerce companies. This created real competition for the first time between local and foreign companies.

To instill trust in both buyers and sellers of online traders, escrow systems were developed, and real-time chat enabled them to get to know one another before confirming deals.

This was a very important feature, because the cultural history of the Chinese society saw relationships as one of the most important channels in establishing trust.

By 2007 for the first time the amount spent on online transactions surpassed the cash taken by physical retailers in China. And in a departure from the way online purchasing progressed in the west, users of online payment systems exceeded the number of credit card holders.

2008 has seen the trend towards a new type of business, conducted by entrepreneurs, niche marketers who deal directly with niche retailers, cutting out the middlemen. A lot of them are buying in large quantities from China and then onselling to western countries. Individuals from the west are embracing the “drop, ship” concept - marketing products that are fulfilled and shipped from China.

Research has shown that one of the best opportunities for to enter this lucrative Chinese market is by marketing information products. Downloadable ‘how to’ and ‘best ways to’ ebooks, courses and webinars are hot items in China, and they can apply to business, hobbies, crafts or entertainment.



Alex

Drew Nesbitt asked:


Find out all the basics about acupuncture and TCM and why it’s use is on the rise in Ontario.

Tools of the TCM Practitioner

Acupuncture is undoubtedly the most common tool which TCM practitioners use. It is best explained as the insertion of hair thin needles on specific locations on the body referred to as acupuncture points. Acupuncture has the unique ability to regulate bodily systems which are out of balance (i.e. disease). For example, if your immune system is too low, the correct acupuncture treatment will strengthen it; if your blood pressure is to high, acupuncture can reduce it. Simply put, acupuncture gives the body a “physiological nudge” in the right direction.

Chinese herbal medicine has a long and extensive history which dates back further than acupuncture. The Materia Medica (the Chinese herbal medicine bible, if you will) is filled with information about thousands of roots, plants, flowers, barks, minerals and animal products, each possessing unique medicinal properties. Chinese herbal medicine is considered by most traditionalists to be the most important and useful tool of the TCM practitioner.

Tuina (twee-na) is TCM massage. Tuina is most appropriate for issues like musculo-skeletal pain but can also be used for issues like digestive and menstrual issues with great success.

Cupping or “fire” cupping uses round, glass cups which are placed on the body. The term “fire” is used because a small, controlled flame is quickly inserted into the glass, burning off the oxygen in the cups; this creates a mini vacuum in the cup which, after placed onto the skin (usually the back) gently pulls the skin and muscle tissue into the cup. This is very effective at reducing chronic muscle aches and pains.

Moxibustion is the burning of a Chinese herb called Mugwort on or around acupuncture points. Moxibustion, or moxa, is generally used when the person experiences “cold” pain such as knee pain that is worse in cold weather.

Other TCM modalities include gua sha (mild skin scraping technique), diet therapy and exercise recommendations.

What to Expect During your First Visit

Your first visit with a TCM practitioner should be at least an hour and could go an hour and a half in length. A complete health history is taken during this time noting recent illnesses, medications and issues with your family history.

When you see a TCM practitioner, you will also be asked a number of questions which are important for the TCM practitioner to know and will help them decide which acupuncture points to use and which herbs to prescribe. Finally, a true TCM practitioner will always take your pulse (at the wrist) and inspect your tongue. A lot of time is spent in TCM colleges learning these two important diagnostic tools. TCM believes that there are 28 different types of pulses, each indicating a certain imbalance within the body. The size, shape, coating and surface of the tongue also contains a wealth of information which further helps us narrow down a diagnosis. Take a look at your tongue the next time you get the flu; the changes are drastic!

Follow-up visits can be anywhere from 30min to an hour depending on the condition being treated. Typically, it can take anywhere from 6-10 treatments to see a change in your condition; less if the problem has been around for a short time (weeks) and longer if it has been around for months or years.

Training of a TCM Practitioner in Ontario

This is where things get confusing for the public but thankfully, the province has responded by passing Bill 50 in December 2006 and a regulatory college for Acupuncture and TCM for Ontario is currently being formed. That being said, many people still practise acupuncture with very little training and it is (for now) up to the public to determine if their acupuncturist is qualified enough to provide them with the care they need. Your best bet is to go to someone with specific TCM training (at least four years) from a recognized TCM college to receive the best possible treatment results.

Much More than Pain Management

The scientific community agrees that acupuncture is helpful with pain management and there are many articles on this subject in medical journals all over the world. However, the general public is only recently becoming aware of all the other common conditions which acupuncture is successful at treating. Chronic digestive problems, gynaecological concerns and emotional issues are all very common complaints in the clinic of a TCM practitioner and can be treated very successfully.

Give it a Try!

TCM and acupuncture have been around for thousands of years and is currently being used by over a quarter of the world’s population. In Ontario, it is increasingly evident that this form of healthcare continues to be an important part of many healthy individuals primary medical care. Contact your local TCM Practitioner today and enjoy the safe and natural path to optimal health.



Felipe

Alex Aziz asked:


Thailand

Travelling through Thailand is a great experience public transport is great and roads are in excellent condition. A great way to see some of the countryside is to rent a motorbike. When renting a motorbike be sure to check it out thoroughly this is easy enough to say but important points like does the odometer or fuel gauge work these can come in handy later on in the trip, especially if going long distances. The motorbikes in Asia are built a little differently with two brakes a hand brake (front wheel) and the other a foot brake (back wheel). Try to use only the foot brake when travelling fast as using the hand brake will send you flying as it only applies pressure to the front wheel. Another common mistake is when going uphill shifting down gear while gassing the engine this tends to result in a front wheelie and more often than not an accident.

China

China is extremely diverse and the Chinese lead a completely different way of life to the West making it a great experience to travel too. When travelling in China, the roads are excellent as are some of the trains and tracks. As large distances are involved there is a lot of overnight travel. Sleeper trains and buses are common as the local Chinese like to wake up at their destination.

One great tip I learnt while travelling in China on sleeper transport is never to take the bottom bunk. The reason for this is that on many overnight trains and buses the people like to dispose of their rubbish on the floor of the bus or train. This means that if you are sleeping on the bottom bed you are likely to have rubbish thrown down past you during the trip. This is not that bad to deal with but another past time is eating nuts and spitting out the seed casings on the floor, this along with spitting makes the bottom bunk an interesting experience. Waking up to find a pile of rubbish and spit on the floor by your bed doesn’t exactly help either.

Laos

Laos is an extremely beautiful although still primitive country to visit and local transport from villages is normally done on converted trucks, with benches in the back for customers to sit on. Try to avoid travelling on this mode of transport when coming or passing through fishing villages heading to the more centrally located towns, especially in the mornings. The reason is because the villagers tend to take their produce which is mainly fish, including dried fish to sell in the towns. This can make for a very unpleasant experience as the truck is never really considered to be full and sitting next to baskets of fresh and dried fish which stinks for hours is enough to test the stomach of any person.

Cambodia

When travelling in Cambodia, locals like to take Taxis as they are quicker than the buses and manage to avoid the potholes better. The only problem with this is that what the West considers being a normal five door car with two seats in the front and three in the back is considered in Cambodia to hold seven or sometimes eight people. The Cambodians will fit four in the back and three or sometimes even four in the front. If a taxi holds eight people then there would be four in the back and two in the front passenger’s seat a passenger in the driver’s seat, the driver would then be squashed up to the passenger, leaning against him to hold the wheel with his feet at an angle to reach the pedals. This would be impossible in a manual car but some how it is managed in an automatic. Travelling like this is extremely dangerous and not recommended.

There is a general place where Taxis depart from and they don’t depart till they are full. A way to get around this is to buy two or even three seats, effectively meaning you travel in more comfort and safety as this means there would be less people in the Taxi.

More information on travelling and tours in South East Asia can be found at http://www.xplore-asia.com



Katlyn

Bob Freer asked:


Recently, a trend has developed in high schools and communities around the United States. Many people want to or are now learning the Chinese language. This could be a good turn of events, but it can also be problematic. This is particularly so for those who know nothing about Chinese culture, history and the state of affairs in China today.

In mainland China they no longer use the traditional Chinese characters that go hand in hand with Chinese history. For some reason, the Chinese Communist Party decided to alter the Chinese language and thereby change the vehicle for written communication.

Traditional Chinese characters evolved naturally over a period of time from pictographs or small drawings. By contrast the simplified Chinese created by the Chinese Communist Party has watered many of the traditional characters down to the point that they no longer are rooted in more ancient traditions.

Here is an example. The traditional Chinese character for the word ‘love’ contains a picture of a heart in it. This makes sense because love is closely associated to the heart. Not so in simplified Chinese. There is no heart in the word ‘love’ in simplified Chinese. One may ponder how you can love without a heart.

Just as this example shows, in many ways the Chinese Communist Party has removed the heart of the entire language, distorting and altering it into a water downed version of its former self. In Taiwan, however, they still use traditional characters.

So if your community or children’s school is planning to teach Chinese, you may wish to ensure that you are getting the traditional variety. It more fully encompasses the rich history of China and the Chinese people. By contrast, those who teach our children simplified Chinese are from mainland China and unfortunately, they will also be passing on the values and ideas of the Chinese Communist Party. Whether they do so on purpose or automatically as a result of growing up in that environment, the end result is the same. Only you can decide if you want the influence of the Chinese Communist Party imparted to your children.

Be sure to insist that our children are taught traditional Chinese and not the simplified version. This way the richness of traditional Chinese culture can be more fully enjoyed and appreciated. There will be a more solid foundation to understand the more ancient Chinese traditions.



Gabriel