The external application of Chinese medicines dates back thousands of years. In particular, die da (in Cantonese Dit Da) formula had the first recorded us from Shaolin monks. Prior to starting kung fu training, monks used to use herbal washes, ointments and oils to rub into muscles and joints to warm up the area and prevent injury. To finish training, they also used herbal rub downs to aid in recovery.
Who makes this product?
Golden Sunshine, is a company based in Colorado, USA. has been faithfully serving the Chinese medicine and health care community since 1998. Using the knowledge of classical Chinese medicine formula and utilizing modern scientific methods in their manufacturing process, the company have come up with a user friendly herbal spray that can be conveniently applied to any body area.
What herbs are in the formula?
The herbal formula combination is set out and explained below as to how it works from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective.
tian qi (san qi) – This herb has had the history of being so famous and well known, that when it was given its latin name, they called it panax pseudoginseng, because it was almost as well known as ginseng. It is regarded as being the king herb of blood regulation and is in many historically well known formula to treat injuries. With many other strong blood circulation increasing herbal medicines such as saffron, caution needs to be taken into account if the patient is blood deficient as they can become dizzy. But Tian qi is unique in its action, as it regulates blood circulation and can be used even with the most delicate of weak constitutions. Its action helps promote circulation of blood, reduces pain and prevent injury.
shen jin cao– This herb has a dual role in expelling wind dampness whilst invigorates blood circulation and relaxing sinews. One of its classical indications is to assist with difficulty bending and stretching the body after hemiplegia and has been put in this spray to loosen the body before and after training. Furthermore, shen jin cao helps with flexing and extending the joints.
sheng jiang– ginger is warming so to help the action of other herbs penetrate and circulate more effectively
bai zhi– When used as an external applied herb, bai zhi helps resolve dampness. Dampness is another cause of cramps and hence can be applied to muscle groups to minimize cramps.
chi shao– Otherwise known as red peony, is another common herbal ingredient in many dit da formula to help assist in regulation of blood flow and also has an analgesic effect.
rou gui– Cinnamon bark is in the formula to warm the channels and unblock the vessels (meridians) to reduce pain and prevent blood stasis. Over training with the excessive use of particular muscle groups can lead to blood stasis and cinnamon can help prevent that.
Wintergreen oil and jasmine oil– are carrier oils to help the action of the herbal formula penetrate.
Ethanol– The dispersing action helps the formula to be used as a spray.
When to use the use the spray?
Any personal sports trainer and coach will emphasize the importance of pre and post training warm up and run down. I have personally used it in loosening up my hamstrings before doing forward back flexion exercises and find it particularly effective in the mornings when naturally one is more stiff. It is recommended before and after any training regime.
Where do you spray and rub the solution into?
It can be applied to any muscle group or joint, depending where you are focusing your training on or experiencing any pain or discomfort. For example, if you are doing squats at the gym, focus the spray on the thighs or if running, it can be applied to the calves. Another example, is when practicing siu nim tao from wing chun which has multiple wrist extension and flexion movements, the spray can be used on wrist joints.
Who is the spray best suited for?
Any athletes or martial artists can use the spray including runners, joggers, triathletes, tennis player or even just someone going on a long walk. It can be used by the novice, professional, whether fit or unfit.
What is the product used for?
Simple warm up exercises increase blood circulation and this formula also does this and enhances the exercise. It can lubricate the ligaments and tendons to help with flexibility whilst dispelling dampness from muscles to help with cramp and pain from built up blockages due to over training. Overall, its formulation has prevention of injury at heart.
Where can the spray be obtained?
Patients of The Acupuncture Clinic can get it from the clinic. Practitioners can obtain this product and other Chinese medicine sports medicine products wholesale from Kinetic Distributions, the New Zealand distributor of Golden Sunshine products.
