Meditation is a simple practice available to all, which can reduce stress, increase calmness and promote happiness. 41 is to find a comfortable spot and get ready to relax. Setting aside time for formal meditation is an important way to establish a routine and get comfortable with the 42 . Even just a few minutes a day can 43 a big difference. The purpose of meditation is to become mindful throughout all parts of our life, 44 we are awake, present and openhearted in everything we do. Mindfulness meditation isn’t about letting your thoughts wander. And it is not about trying to empty your mind, 45 . Instead, meditation involves paying close attention to the present moment — especially our own thoughts, emotions and sensations, whatever it is that’s happening.

   Getting a red face after downing alcoholic beverages is not a sign of strong qi (energy flow) or good blood circulation. Rather, it is an indication that your body is not metabolizing alcohol efficiently.

   This phenomenon, called “Asian flush syndrome,” is common among Asians of Chinese, Japanese and Korean descent, but is rare among Europeans and Africans. Approximately 36% of East Asians show such physiological responses to drinking alcohol. Symptoms range from facial flushing, nausea, headaches to tachycardia. Some individuals develop flushes or blotches on the face, neck, shoulders, and in some cases, the entire body, after consuming alcoholic beverages.

   Once alcohol gets into your system, your body starts metabolizing it into a compound called acetaldehyde. When your body isn’t able to break down the acetaldehyde, facial flushing occurs. This compound has a relaxing effect that causes blood vessels to expand, resulting in a blood pressure dip. But once the alcohol leaves your system, your body works to rapidly raise your blood pressure back to its pre-drinking levels. The risk of high blood pressure increases in this group of people because acetaldehyde isn’t efficiently removed from the body. Researchers collected data from over 1,700 participants and found that those who reported facial redness after drinking were up to 2.27 times more likely to have high blood pressure compared to those who didn’t experience alcohol-related redness.

   This syndrome has been associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer in those who drink. It has also been related with lower than average rates of alcoholism, possibly due to the adverse effects after drinking alcohol. Since the mutation is a genetic issue, there is no cure for the flush reaction. The easiest prevention would be not to drink alcohol at all.