5 TCM Treatment Techniques and What They Do for Your Skin
TCM encompasses a wide range of treatments, aimed at restoring balance and harmony in the body. Each technique is carefully and meticulously tailored to the individual and their health condition. While these treatments can promote holistic well-being and prevent recurring illnesses, they also serve as an effective alternative to enhancing skin health and improving complexion. As such, let’s take a look at five common TCM treatment techniques and explore their impact on your skin health!
Acupuncture
In TCM for skin, acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. Trained practitioners will insert these needles along meridians or pathways to regulate the flow of Qi, or vital energy, and facilitate the body’s natural healing processes. When it comes to skin health issues such as acne, eczema and psoriasis, acupuncture empowers better circulation and reduces inflammation by targeting acupuncture points associated with the affected areas of underlying imbalances. This supports nutrient delivery and oxygenation to the skin and modulates the body’s immune response, which plays an important role in managing various skin conditions.
Herbal Medicine
Plants, roots, seeds and minerals are common components used in herbal remedies, offering solutions that can aid in improving skin conditions by addressing health imbalances and promoting overall well-being. TCM practitioners will carefully select and combine herbs based on their properties, flavours and energetic qualities to create personalised formulations. Often prescribed in the form of teas, powders, pills or topical ointments, Chinese medicine can treat a myriad of acute and chronic conditions including skin issues.
Herbs like Fructus Lycii (goji berries) and dandelion are used to detoxify and cool the skin, particularly useful in treating acne on the face. Fructus Lycii is believed to nourish the Yin and blood, helping to clear heat toxins from the body. Similarly, dandelion with its detoxifying nature, supports liver function and cleanses the blood, minimising acne flare-ups. Other herbs such as calendula and aloe vera are renowned for their soothing and healing properties, making them popular ingredients in herbal formulations to calm irritated skin. Calendula possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while aloe vera offers cooling and moisturising effects, alleviating redness, inflammation and discomfort associated with various skin irritations.
Learn more: A Journey Against Acne: A Case Report on Herbal Healing 青春痘 (痤疮）
Non-Bleeding Cupping Therapy
Also referred to as dry cupping, this TCM treatment technique supports healing and relieves a variety of health issues. It involves the placement of small glass or plastic cups on specific points of the body, creating a vacuum seal either by briefly heating the cup or using a suction pump. The cups remain in place for a few minutes, mimicking a gentle pulling sensation on the skin and underlying tissues. This action stimulates blood and Qi flow and releases stagnation or blockages within the body. Unlike wet cupping, which entails making a small incision on the skin to draw blood, non-bleeding cupping, as its name suggests, does not involve bleeding.
In terms of cupping and skin benefits, this therapy can improve circulation and lymphatic drainage to address skin conditions like cellulite and skin congestion. The increased blood circulation ensures the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells while facilitating the removal of metabolic waste and toxins, factors that can contribute to skin congestion and cellulite formation. Furthermore, the gentle pulling action of the cupping aids in lymphatic drainage, removing excess fluid and waste from the tissues, further supporting skin health.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion involves burning dried mugwort near precise acupuncture points on the body to facilitate Qi restoration and balance. During a moxibustion session in TCM for skin, a small cone or stick of moxa is ignited and held close to the skin or placed directly on the acupuncture point. The heat generated from the burning moxa penetrates the skin and stimulates the flow of Qi and blood in the body. This warmth aids in boosting metabolism and propelling the body’s ability to eliminate cold and dampness – the two underlying culprits of cold urticaria (cold hives) and damp-heat eczema. Moxibustion in TCM can also soothe itchy skin by effectively warming and invigorating circulation.
Tui Na
A form of therapeutic massage, Tui Na utilises a range of techniques including kneading, rolling, pressing and stretching to manipulate the body’s soft tissues, muscles and joints. Similar to acupuncture and cupping, Tui Na applies targeted pressure to acupoints and meridians to regulate the flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, addressing imbalances and inducing harmony. It is known for its ability to bolster blood circulation, transporting essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells. Additionally, the manipulation of muscles and tissues can release tension, reduce stiffness and encourage relaxation, indirectly supporting the skin’s overall health and vitality. This holistic approach to healing recognises the interconnectedness of the body, mind and spirit for optimal health and radiant skin.
Individually, each of the TCM treatment techniques mentioned above is considered good and reliable in improving skin conditions like eczema while boosting bodily functions. However, when used in combination, these alternatives can serve as effective and powerful tools to achieve your desired outcome.
Experiencing poor skin health? TCM dermatology may just be the solution for you. At Tangs Clinical TCM, we offer a comprehensive range of personalised and tailored services to help patients address any underlying skin conditions. Contact us today for more information.
