Natural Beauty from the Inside Out—Anti-Aging According to Chinese Medicine

By Maureen M. Conant, MTCM, L.Ac.

We all want to look our best. Ancient cultures have always known to enhance beauty from the inside out. In ancient China, beauty and health were synonymous. With the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the link between health and beauty became even more apparent. Natural, non-invasive treatments such as acupuncture, herbs and food therapy based on TCM can be used to improve both your health and beauty.

As early as the Sung Dynasty (960AD-1270 AD), cosmetic acupuncture was used by Empresses and concubines for beauty. Jade facial massage tools were used for their cooling effect and for acupressure massage on the face. Herbal medicine for cosmetic purposes was also used both internally and externally. Special moisturizing creams were made out of pearl powder from–yes–real pearls! These were used to moisturize the skin and correct discoloration. Pearl Cream is still a popular beauty cream used today.

How does cosmetic acupuncture work? Acupuncture meridians run all over the face as well as the body. When there is a weakness in one or more of the meridians, symptoms appear ranging from pain to digestive upset to insomnia or anxiety. Symptoms manifest on the face also because of these imbalances. Sometimes, the imbalances are only shown on the face. These can be redness, dryness, acne, wrinkles, sagging or dark circles. These all reflect internal imbalances that need to be addressed. Acupuncture works to correct these imbalances, but specifically, cosmetic acupuncture accomplishes that plus more. Special needling techniques are used to tighten and lift muscles in the face, reduce fine lines, improve hydration, lymph and blood circulation to the face.

How does Chinese Herbal Medicine enhance your beauty? Chinese herbal formulas have been used for centuries for numerous health conditions and simply for prevention and longevity. The herbs classified as tonic herbs or anti-aging herbs help replenish what is lost as we age. Some of these include Astragalus root, He shou wu (a well-known herb used in China to keep hair from turning gray according to TCM), Rehmannia root, and Dang Gui. They help to improve the appearance of the skin by replenishing blood, Qi (energy) and moisture to the skin which diminishes over time. Other herbs may be used to remove blocked Qi, manifesting as spider veins, dark circles or other blotchy skin conditions. Still other herbs can help to remove toxins or relieve 'hot' skin conditions such as acne, eczema or Rosacea.

There are many foods that also help to replenish the lost moisture and Qi to our skin as we age. Foods that promote healthy skin: apples, pears, berries, cherries, plums, almonds, walnuts, black sesame seeds, rice, green vegetables, avocados, lycium fruit, organic meats, fish and eggs. According to TCM, these foods help keep blood, qi, moisture, yin and yang balanced which is reflected on the face and skin. Many of these foods you have probably seen labeled as 'anti-oxidants' everywhere. This is modern science proving what Traditional Chinese Medicine has long known about diet.

The proper subtle balance of food therapy, exercise and time for renewal (sleep and relaxation) are also essential beauty enhancers. A practitioner of Chinese Medicine can set you up on a complete individualized beauty regimen which includes all of the above components. (Note: Ask if the practitioner has been trained in cosmetic facial acupuncture and be sure to consult a practitioner before taking herbs or starting a new health regimen. Herbs are powerful and if taken inappropriately can cause side effects.)

So improve the quality of your health by using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and at the same time, your inner radiant beauty will visibly appear!

{ top }