Scholars who study antique oriental rugs have long puzzled over how the ancient rug makers gave their products such deep, rich colors. Recently, two such scholars, Jack Haldane and Nest Rubio, have attempted to replicate the ancient dyeing process they envisage it. These studies have focused on the ability of yarn to absorb the red color from the natural madder root.

Haldane and Rubio reasoned that the makers of antique oriental rugs did not want to waste valuable fuel to heat the water that was used to dye the wool for the rugs. They reasoned that the absorption or the madder dyes must have taken place over an extended period of time, and at temperatures about equal to those used for making yogurt. The reasoning of Haldane and Rubio showed an excellent understanding of the mind-set of the ancient rug makers. They did not do things in a hurry.

If you are one of the many candidates who is prepared to dedicate time and effort to one of several Oriental medicine schools and desire becoming an Oriental medicine practitioner, then you will discover that the vast majority of Oriental medicine schools offer a comprehensive curriculum in Oriental medicine anatomy and pathology, physiology, diagnosis, various acupuncture styles (E.g., 5-element acupuncture, Japanese acupuncture, etc.),needling techniques, meridian therapy and acupuncture anatomy, Tai Chi, Qi gong, Herbology, Eastern nutrition, and Chinese herbs.

In addition to in-depth, Oriental medicine studies, students enrolled in Oriental medicine schools will gain general education in biology, biochemical principles, medical terminology, human physiology, pathophysiology, clinical science and report writing. In many cases, Oriental medicine schools may include or extend general business management courses to those wishing to go into their own medical practices.

Students enrolled in Oriental medicine schools who opt to participate in this more advanced academic program will acquire the skills and knowledge to sit for the National Certification exam, and in most cases, be able to obtain licensure to practice acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the area where they reside. Furthermore, ambitious students registered in a number of Oriental medicine schools may elect to enroll in the Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program, which entails over 1,200 class and clinical hours of study.

Thai massage actually started in India. It is a form of massage using guided stretching and Meridian pressure point therapy in combination with an ancient breathing method called “Pranayama.” This technique uses breathing techniques to relax and cleanse the body while strengthening the nervous system. Sessions usually end with a ritualized final relaxation that most customers find intensely restful.

Chinese acupressure or “tui na” was developed over 5000 years ago. By applying pressure to the body at certain key points, the acupressure therapist helps the body to activate its own self-healing abilities. Acupressure has been used for centuries to treat back pain, headaches and migraines, stress and anxiety. It is deeply relaxing and can have the added benefit of assisting the patient with weight management.

Japanese Shiatsu is another type of massage developed in the Far East. It concentrates on energy rebalance and physical well-being using the thumbs, palms and fingers to apply pressure to certain areas of the body. Benefits of this type of massage include rebalancing of the bone system, enhanced circulatory function, maintaining balance of the nervous system and greater skin and muscle flexibility.

Lacquered surfaces are a key attribute of the Chinese furniture style, creating luxuriantly deep finishes that are paradoxically subtle and striking in their elegance. Comprised of ebony, teak and rosewood, Chinese furniture often bears an inlay of semi-precious materials like lapis lazuli, jade and mother-of-pearl. Symmetrical construction, miter joints and copper, brass or pewter brackets are often employed to create a clean profile that enhances a modern, cosmopolitan living space.

Space-saving savvy puts Japanese-inspired furniture high on the list of city dwellers and dorm room denizens alike. If you love your sleek, streamlined platform bed and couldn’t live without your stowaway futon, you owe your admiration to the ingenuity of a culture that traditionally shuns large, overwrought furniture. Other recognizable items that hail from Japan include the stacked Tansu chests and Nagamochi trunks. Like Chinese furnishings, furniture influenced by Japanese design is defined by its joinery, with master artisans taking years to learn the construction of these complex, durable joints. Great pride is taken in the general lack of nails or glue that holds the structure together, and in the joint’s shock absorbing properties.

Take a glimpse at Italy’s finest recipes at Bella Italia, and taste the spaghetti and pizzas they make here with Italian ingredients. This restaurant is on 6 High Street. If you want to compare Italian dishes, you can also check out Bella Pasta, which is a traditional Italian restaurant in the Red Dragon Centre. Or you can go to 48 Charles Street, to the Capsule Space and Cantina restaurant.

For Turkish traditional food, visit Bosphorus on Mermaid Quay and you will be able to sample Turkey’s best dishes served in a pleasant ambiance. Listen to some jazz at Cafe Jazz, with live bands playing on a regular basis. For Moroccan food, go to Casablanca, a great place for couples. The Celtic Cauldron will offer you specific Welsh dishes in an atmosphere that will remind of the legendary times of Wales. For Spanish Tapas, go to Champers on St Mary’s Street. There is also an open kitchen here, so you can witness your food being made. Are you up for a large steak? Go to Charleston’s Brasserie, a place that is decorated in the 1920s style. Another place to eat a good steak is the Taurus Steak House on St. Mary Street.

Keep the center of your room open. This principle comes from the Eastern belief that the center of the room represents the heart of your self and therefore should be kept open to allow the flow of energy to have full freedom of action.

One of the first steps necessary to transform a home into Asian decor is banishment of clutter. It is necessary to strip away all that is unnecessary in terms of furniture, accessories, and material possessions. For Westerners, this is a very difficult thing to do. If you want a true Asian style home, this is the first step.

Asian decor is attuned to nature and the environment. It would therefore follow that materials used in this style would be natural and bring good feelings to our senses. Oriental flower arranging in the Japanese Ikebana style and bonsai trees are often used. Bamboo is considered to bring good luck when used in a home. Water fountains are in use to bring calm and order to the mind

Natural fabrics and materials tend to hold more interest for us. Unlike manufactured products, every piece of natural material is unique. It is impossible to get two stones, two pieces of wood, or two pieces of natural fabric to look exactly alike. Natural materials add a new dimension to a design every time they are used.