Anti-Aging & Skincare
Age prevention > acne > ezcema > psoriasis
Age Prevention
Condition: As we age our skin changes. Our connective tissue becomes weaker, reducing the skin's firmness and elasticity. The sebaceous glands, which lubricate our skin start to shrink causing dryness and itching. The outer layer, known as the epidermis, becomes thin along with the subcutaneous fat layer creating a more sallow appearance. As the skin slackens, this can give way to fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. Aging is not a disease, but a natural phenomenon experienced by the living.
TCM Approach: Dermatology is considered a division of Internal Medicine in TCM. When our organ systems are working efficiently and our vital substances of Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang are in balance, our inner health will shine through our skin. To have a healthy, radiant complexion, it's important to be eating foods that nourish us, taking TCM herbal formulas to supplement and having a solid skincare regime to ensure Qi and Blood circulation. In TCM we split the face up into regions associated with a particular organ; this can give deeper insight as to which systems need a boost. The aim here is to age gracefully and naturally by taking care of ourselves inside and out.
Proposed Treatment: Once a diagnosis has been made, acupuncture needles placed in the body will treat the meridians and organ systems that need a boost in terms of their vitality. Once the skin has been prepared and cleaned, smaller acupuncture needles will be placed in specific areas of the face to lift, tone and promote the circulation of Qi and Blood. Modalities such as gua sha, cupping and tuina massage are typically employed to reinvigorate the skin, rejuvenating it by increasing Blood flow, relaxing overworked muscles and toning slack ones. Skincare, nutritional advice and a Chinese herbal formula may be dispensed depending on the individual's concerns. A series of the Acupuncture Face & Body treatments can be completed to get the ball rolling, followed-up by maintenance appointments as seen fit.
Acne
Condition: Acne is a condition whereby hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells causing whiteheads, blackheads, cysts or pimples. Acne is most associated with teenagers, however, it can affect people of all ages. Adult onset Acne can also be caused by excess oil, bacteria and skin cells not sloughing off. In some cases, there is a correlation with fluctuating hormones. Women specifically report breakouts happening around their periods, discontinuing or starting oral birth control, during pregnancy, during peri-menopause or menopause.
TCM Approach: When treating Acne in TCM, it's important to determine where on the face Acne is located and what is the presentation of the pimples; are they deep and cystic, are they whiteheads or both. The Lungs play a large role in TCM dermatology; they are responsible for the closing and opening of the pores. Heat is vented via our skin and if it's in Excess in the Lungs and Stomach, Acne could be caused. When the Liver is involved, a variety of patterns can emerge; it could be Insulting the Lungs or its Qi is stagnant causing a backup of Heat. Cold stops the Qi from circulating properly, while Dampness forms deposits. Noting all of these factors will help to determine the underlying cause of the Acne and will guide the herbal formulas involved.
Proposed Treatment: Essentially there is a combination of Excessive Heat, Cold, Fire or Dampness in the body causing eruptions in the skin. Again, TCM herbs will be used to treat the root cause of the Acne and are the real change agents. Acupuncture can be used to treat these pathogens, while calming the nervous system. For menstruating patients, two herbal formulas might be suggested to be taken at different points in the cycle. Lifestyle, skincare and nutrition advice will be dispensed as this prolongs the efficacy of the treatments but is preventative as well. Acupuncture Face & Body Treatments can address both the body, face and lesions directly to help heal the skin faster. In-person treatments and TCM herbs will be combined and used for at least 3 months to see an effect.
Eczema
Condition: Also known as Atopic Dermatitis, Eczema is a skin condition that causes it to become red and itchy. Eczema can present as dry. thickened, scaly skin that can crack. In other instances, the lesions contain small fluid filled bumps that can leak and crust over after scratching. Eczema tends to show up on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, the bend of the elbows and knees, the face and scalp. Many develop Eczema in childhood, but it can happen at any age. Eczema tends to be chronic, flaring periodically and can be triggered by environment allergens or food sensitivities.
TCM Approach: Known as the Itch that Rashes and the Four Crook Wind in TCM, Eczema starts with itching primarily in the crooks of the arms, legs and feet and ends in rashes or lesions. The aim is to stop the itching so that the skin can heal. The pathogen Wind is most commonly associated with itching; when the Blood is disturbed, either by being weak or inflamed with Heat, it can cause this sensation. Determining whether the lesions are dry or weeping, will dictate the treatment plan, but also indicate which organ systems are involved. Dry lesions are usually a result of Blood Heat or Blood Deficiency. Weeping lesions are most likely a result of Damp Heat or a combination of Blood Heat and Damp Heat combining.
Proposed Treatment: TCM herbs are the real hero when treating Eczema. These formulas can go deep to Clear the Heat, Drain Dampness and Nourish Blood to resolve the Eczema from the inside out. Acupuncture can be used to help calm the nervous system, which can help with the desire to itch. Shorter treatment lengths are fine as cupping cannot be performed on broken skin. Nutrition and diet is very important when treating Eczema; all known triggers must be eliminated along with other foods not considered. The herbs will be dispensed at higher doses and expect compliance for 3 months or more. Depending on the chronic nature and severity of the Eczema will help determine treatment outcomes.
Psoriasis