Your skin—the body’s largest organ—is more than merely a container or cover for your bones. It is the largest organ in your body, and it is constantly working to absorb, secrete, metabolize and protect. Your skin is also a reflection of your health, such as when we say that someone’s skin is radiant, or glowing, we are suggesting that they look healthy. The continued well-being of your skin is critical in maintaining good health and is a focal point of Chinese medicine.
First, Chinese medicine attributes skin conditions and related diseases to imbalances or invasions of pathologies such as cold, heat, damp, damp-heat, dryness, deficiency or excess. Chinese medicine seeks to restore balance by improving skin circulation. Optimum circulation means that nutrients flow freely throughout the skin, minimizing the blockage of food, blood and energy. To illustrate, Chinese medicine considers acne to be the result of damp heat, which prevents normal circulation from cooling or drying the skin. Chinese medicine, like Western medicine, uses a combination of skin care tools: medicinals—formulas that address skin conditions—topicals, acupuncture protocols, dietary therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Second, Chinese medicine considers stress management to be a key component of skin care. Chronic skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, are often exacerbated when life gets challenging. Chinese medicine, and acupuncture specifically, have protocols to promote relaxation and stress reduction as part of the response to these conditions.
Third, Chinese medicine accepts the natural aging process while emphasizing anti-aging approaches that can slow the process or minimize its impact. For example, acupuncture, which is designed to improve circulation, enhance feelings of well-being, help us get better sleep and alleviate stress, and can keep our skin looking its best for many years. Facial acupuncture, in particular, has specific protocols for reducing wrinkles and fine lines, enhancing circulation, and bringing color and bloom to your face. In fact, facial muscles are the only muscles directly attached to skin, so relaxation techniques such as needling, cupping and gua sha can be especially effective in making you look and feel better because your skin will be a little brighter, and a little tighter. A typical protocol requires approximately 10 treatments, but even one session can give you a little lift. A Chinese medicine alternative that may be a little quicker and focuses on fine lines, age spots, and melasmas (skin discolorations) is micro-needling. Micro-needles use an electronic needle-tipped pen to exfoliate your skin, enhancing collagen production and lightening discolorations or age spots. The recommended course is five treatments and the effects can last up to three years.
As the saying goes, if you take care of your body, your body will take care of you. Healthy skin is a great place to start.
If you have any questions about what acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can do for your skin, contact Dr. Sara Youner at Morning Light Acupuncture by email, [email protected], or by phone (908) 400-2314. Morning Light Acupuncture is located at 28 Millburn Avenue, Springfield. You may also visit the website at www.morninglightacupuncturenj.com.
