My bed is like an onion: there are layers of blanketing ranging from thin sheets to thicker winter quilts, ransacked from every available cupboard on the evening I moved into my apartment. These are in place to cushion the blow of a mattress that would make a more fitting kitchen bench. This plank - it does not deserve the name mattress - was not placed on my bed by a particularly cruel landlord but is an inevitable part of living in China. The Chinese love a good, hard mattress. In Chinese thought, sleeping on a firm mattress is good for one’s health. Certainly, it’s not only a matter of cultural difference. According to some Western doctors too, if a person is experiencing lower back pain, he should sleep on a firmer mattress. Still, so great is the divide between Chinese and Western mattress preferences that when you stay in a hotel in China, there’s often a choice between the two kinds.
Shanghainese Jeff Lu gives us the local scoop on this kitschy recreation.
Don’t be scared, Shanghai has great dentists, even in places you wouldn’t expect.
Have you ever noticed that some illnesses are seasonal? It is indeed true that certain illnesses tend to flare in one season or another, primarily as a result of climatic factors such as temperature, humidity, etc. In Chinese Medicine (CM) we like to use these seasonal fluctuations to our advantage, and one way we do this is to treat “winter illnesses” (illnesses that worsen in the cold winter months) during the summer. This is called, “Winter Illness, Summer Treatment”, or 冬病夏治 in Chinese.
Summer in Shanghai is a special time when people escape from thier houses to lounge streetside. Its a great time of year to enjoy food, outdoor activities and the warmth of a mid-day conversation. Unfortunately, summer also presents the year's highest risk of heat related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke. It is therefore imperative to know the early warning signs, those most at risk, and what precautions you can take.
We will introduce you to the Shanghai municipal water system, its source, its drinkability, and various options for attaining clean water. At the end, we will provide you with some quick tips and facts about Shanghai water.
Running is one of the most popular forms of sporting activity worldwide. Despite its many health benefits, there are some concerns about the incidence of injuries affecting the lower limbs, such as blisters, plantar fasciitis, runner's knee (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome), and shin splints.