Excel in PSLE with Minimal Effort

Is it possible? It absolutely is. But how?

A girl friend revealed to me that parents go through the Singapore's Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) twice, once as a student, and again with their own child. I must say, I am not exactly looking forward to it myself.

It is essential that the child puts in their best effort. Regular revision and good analytical skills are important. However, there are also clever ways to support their learning. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) point of view, here are a few suggestions to help keep the brain functioning well:

1. Get some morning sunlight each day, around 15 minutes, or at least half an hour outdoors every other day.

2. Ensure proper sleep at appropriate times. Children at that age should be in bed by 9 PM. They can wake earlier to study instead of staying up late.

3. Eat nutritious meals. Foods like rice, fish, lean meat, eggs and green leafy vegetables boost both the body and mind.

4. Include healthy breaks, for example light exercise, music practice, or even just a bit of boredom can help relieve stress and refresh the brain.

5. When doing revisions, a cooler environment (around 20–22°C) has been shown to help one stay mentally alert and attentive.

6. Managing the symptoms of your child's respiratory allergies, which include sneezing, and runny or stuffy nose.

There is a saying in TCM, 《素问.解精微论》：“泣涕者，脑也。脑者，阴也。髓者骨之充也，故脑渗为涕”。王冰注曰：“鼻窍通脑，故脑渗为涕”。

“Tears and nasal mucus come from the brain. The brain is a yin organ. Marrow fills the bones, and when fluid from the brain leaks out, it becomes mucus. The nose is connected to the brain, so fluid can seep into the nose and appear as discharge.”

While modern medicine does not support this anatomically, the idea reflects how classical TCM views symptoms like a runny/congested nose as signs of deeper internal imbalances. It is a theoretical way of describing how body fluids and organs are all connected.

From my perspective, when a child’s nose is constantly obstructed, it feels as though it ‘blocks the passage to the brain’, for lack of a better description. When the nose is dripping, this leakage is often described as “draining the essence of the brain” (脑精耗损), meaning that valuable vital substances are being lost. These seem to reduce their focus and makes it harder for them to concentrate or perform at their best.

My father is very experienced in prescribing TCM medication for children with allergies, asthma and cough. If your child has these symptoms, perhaps he could have a look and help ease their discomfort, which in turn may help them concentrate better and improve their grades with less struggle.

Photo by Jessica Lewis thepaintedsquare on Unsplash

#singapore #traditionalchinesemedicine #TCM #tcmsg #PSLE

All views expressed are my personal opinions and do not reflect those of my employer or any affiliated organisations.