Acne
Chinese Medicine View on Acne:
- Acne is often seen as a reflection of internal imbalances, particularly related to heat, dampness, and blood stasis.
- It may be connected to factors such as poor digestion, lung health, or hormonal imbalances in the body.
- Common patterns in TCM related to acne include Heat in the Lung and Stomach channels, Blood Heat, Damp-Heat, and Stagnation of Qi and Blood.
Causes According to Chinese Medicine:
- Dietary Factors: Spicy, fried, and greasy foods create Damp-Heat, which can lead to acne.
- Emotional Stress: Emotions, especially anger or anxiety, can lead to Qi stagnation, which can manifest as acne.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Blood Heat is often associated with hormonal acne.
- Environmental Factors: Humidity and pollution can introduce more Dampness and Heat into the skin.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Custom herbal formulas may include ingredients like honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum) to clear Heat and reduce Dampness.
- Acupuncture: Specific points (e.g., Large Intestine 4, Stomach 36) may be used to balance Qi and reduce inflammation.
- Dietary Therapy: Avoidance of greasy, spicy foods and increase in cooling, detoxifying foods like cucumber and watermelon.
- Lifestyle Changes: Stress management techniques, such as Tai Chi, to promote a better flow of Qi.
Eczema
Chinese Medicine View on Eczema:
- Eczema is often attributed to Wind, Dampness, and Heat within TCM, with a deficiency in Spleen Qi or Blood.
- Chronic eczema may result from a deficiency in Yin or Blood, leading to dryness and itchiness.
- Environmental factors, diet, and emotional stress play significant roles in flare-ups.
Causes According to Chinese Medicine:
- Constitutional Weakness: A deficiency in Spleen Qi may cause Dampness accumulation, manifesting as eczema.
- External Factors: Wind and Heat exposure can aggravate symptoms.
- Diet: Damp-generating foods like dairy, sugar, and processed foods can worsen eczema.
- Psychological Stress: Emotional disturbances can lead to Qi stagnation, which can exacerbate eczema.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Formulas may include Rehmannia (Sheng Di Huang) for cooling the Blood and Scutellaria (Huang Qin) for clearing Heat and Dampness.
- Acupuncture: Points such as Large Intestine 11 and Spleen 9 are used to clear Heat and eliminate Dampness.
- Dietary Therapy: A diet low in dairy, sugar, and processed foods, with an emphasis on cooling, nourishing foods.
- Lifestyle Advice: Avoid overheating the skin, reduce stress, and practice calming exercises.
Acne Scars
Chinese Medicine View on Acne Scars:
- Acne scars are seen as a result of blood stasis and Qi stagnation in TCM.
- Proper circulation of blood and Qi is necessary to prevent scar formation and promote healthy skin regeneration.
Causes According to Chinese Medicine:
- Blood Stasis: Long-term inflammation or untreated acne can lead to stagnation, causing scars.
- Qi Stagnation: Blocked Qi flow due to stress or imbalanced lifestyle habits may hinder healing.
- Constitutional Deficiency: Poor healing capacity in some individuals due to Spleen or Kidney deficiencies.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Herbs such as Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) and Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus suberectus) to move Blood and promote healing.
- Acupuncture: Targeted acupuncture to enhance blood flow and micro-circulation in affected areas.
- Dietary Therapy: Include foods that nourish Blood (e.g., leafy greens, beets) and reduce stagnation.
- Lifestyle Advice: Stress management techniques and regular exercise to promote a better flow of Qi.
Youthful Skin
Chinese Medicine View on Youthful Skin:
- Youthful skin is maintained by a balance of Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood.
- Skin vitality reflects the health of internal organs, particularly the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys in TCM.
- Aging is seen as an imbalance, often linked to declining Kidney Qi or insufficient nourishment of Blood and Yin.
Causes of Aging According to Chinese Medicine:
- Kidney Deficiency: The Kidney stores essence, which is essential for longevity and youthful appearance.
- Blood and Yin Deficiency: Leads to dryness, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity.
- Qi Stagnation: Stress or emotional strain may lead to dull, lifeless skin.
- Environmental Exposure: Excessive exposure to sunlight or pollution introduces excess Heat and Dampness.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi) to replenish Yin, and Ginseng (Ren Shen) for boosting Qi.
- Acupuncture: Facial acupuncture to enhance blood circulation and stimulate collagen production.
- Dietary Therapy: Emphasis on nutrient-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, berries, and seeds to nourish Blood and Yin.
- Lifestyle Practices: Regular Qi Gong or Tai Chi to keep Qi and Blood flowing smoothly.