Uneven skin tone, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, dryness, dullness, skin hardness, and premature aging –all these and many other skin issues often indicate poor overall health. But, most of us tend to overlook what our skin is trying to tell us. Instead of identifying and addressing the root causes of various skin problems, most of us opt for topical treatments, which do nothing more than just mask the symptoms.
However, as people are becoming more aware of how skin health and appearance is related to what’s going on inside the body, natural ingredients and holistic skincare are taking over the skincare and beauty industry.
It is this search for holistic skincare practices that made many beauty enthusiasts turn towards traditional Chinese medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Skin Care
Backed by about 5,000 years of practice, there’s little to doubt about the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Known for their youthful skin, the Chinese had found ways to improve their skin health and appearance long before scientists came up with anti-aging creams, vitamin C serum, or skin tightening formulas. A number of Chinese empresses, dating as far back as the 7th century, have been known in history for their clear, young-looking, and glowing skin.
Since TCM is based on a holistic approach, it views the human body as a complex network that is made up of several interconnected parts. This means that malfunctioning or imbalance in one part of the body can affect the functioning or health of other parts or organs too. As the largest organ of the human body, multiple factors can affect your skin in different ways.
Skin in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that the health of the skin is primarily dependent on the respiratory, immune, and digestive systems of the body. A problem or imbalance in any of these systems may manifest into skin problems. Since problems in these systems of the body can be caused by a number of factors, TCM specialists take into account a person’s lifestyle, along with their medical history to figure out the underlying cause(s).
Treatment of Skin Issues in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Based on a holistic approach, TCM aims to treat skin issues or any other health problems per se, by treating their internal causes and bringing the imbalanced parts, functions, or energies of the body back to normal.
A treatment plan for a skin problem typically involves both topical treatments and oral herbal medicines. Quite often, people are also advised to make certain dietary changes and undergo procedures like acupuncture.
For those who don’t know, acupuncture is a process that is believed to encourage and boost the natural self-healing process of the body by stimulating some specific points in the body, known as acupoints.
Traditional Chinese Remedies for better Skin Health and Appearance
Here are some remedies that the Chinese have been using since ancient times to get that beautiful glowing skin that they are known for:
For Skin Brightening and Improving Complexion
- Dried tangerine peel: 30 grams
- Peach blossom: 40 grams
- Watermelon kernel: 50 grams
Grind all the ingredients into a powder form and take 2 grams of the mixture three times a day.
For Skin Rejuvenation and Preventing Signs of Aging
- Walnuts: 30 grams
- Black sesame seeds: 20 grams
- Soybean milk: 200 ml
Grind the walnuts and sesame seeds together. Add the mixture into soybean milk and boil for about 5 minutes. You can also add rock sugar (to taste) if you want. Take this drink, warm, daily in the morning.
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