Your Fire Element – Healthy Summer Skin with Chinese Medicine!

A healthy glow and youthful looking skin is not just a matter of appearance. Healthy skin is also an indication of inner wellbeing. How do we keep our skin healthy throughout the hot, dry summer months? Chinese medicine understands that healthy skin starts from the inside out.

Skin is the largest organ in our body. It protects us from the elements, helps us process important nutrients such as vitamin D, and also releases toxins from within. In fact, the condition of our skin tells us a lot about the state of our health, including our rate of metabolism, digestion, and levels of stress. Chinese medicine practitioners “read” the skin to get valuable information about the overall state of wellness when evaluating a patient.

In Chinese medicine philosophy, skin troubles have correlations to internal organs and energy meridians. When skin problems arise, such as redness, dullness, age spots, wrinkles, dryness, puffiness and outbreaks or rashes, their location tells the acupuncturist which meridians are blocked. When the channels of energy flow smoothly in a state of balance, the skin will heal itself naturally.

What can we do to keep our skin healthy and young looking using Chinese Medicine?

Chinese medicine uses natural remedies to improve the texture and elasticity of the skin through nutrition, improved circulation and lubrication. Keeping skin cool and moist in the summer is essential. Here are some basics:

Internal Remedies to Keep the Skin Young

• Hydrate — I can’t say this enough. Drink plenty of water — fine lines around the mouth are an indication of dehydration. Drinking sufficient water is the #1 most important thing we can do for our skin and our health. Hydration will help the skin to stay plump and moist. Chinese Oolong tea has also been used for centuries to fight free radical formation, which causes oxidative stress, speeding up the aging process.
• Eat unprocessed, nutritious, and natural foods. Chinese Gogi berries contains powerful anti-oxidants including: Vitamin C, linoleic acid, thiamine, beta-carotene, and riboflavin to nourish and restore the liver, kidneys and blood for better circulation. Better circulation helps to clear excess waste and deliver nutrients to the skin.

Chinese Herbal Remedies for Healthy Skin — 
There are many Chinese medicine herbal formulas to treat skin problems. This form of therapeutic intervention is designed to encourage the self-healing process. Chinese herbs can be taken internally or used externally to revive tired, aging skin. With all herbs and supplements, it is best to consult with a trusted healthcare provider to know exactly which herbal remedies to choose and to get the proper dose.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture balances energy, stimulates better circulation and strengthens one’s immune system for better health and enhanced appearance.

Cosmetic acupuncture 
The Mei Zen System of cosmetic acupuncture is specially designed to increase blood flow to the face, neck and abdomen to promote a healthier complexion. This five-week treatment protocol will also reduce tension in the muscles of the face, increase collagen and elastin production, and promote exfoliation for a healthy glow. The results are long lasting.

External Remedies
Skin protection and lubrication with moisturizers, serums, and sun block — this is key to keeping skin moist and supple. I follow up my cosmetic acupuncture treatments with Mei Zen cosmetics , which are all natural and bioactive. The Mei Zen formulations combine traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, botanic extracts and oils, and naturally derived cosmetic ingredients to protect skin from the sun and other harmful environmental elements.

Summer is often a time for excess; too much sun, too many activities, too many opportunities to overindulge with too little time for rest. When we make healthy choices about what we eat, drink and how we balance our activity and our rest, it helps us look and feel vibrant too.

Make an appointment for a free cosmetic acupuncture evaluation!