TCM Dietary Choices for Radiant and Healthy Skin
In TCM, diet is intricately linked to skin health as the skin is considered a reflection of internal balance. According to TCM principles, various skin conditions such as acne, eczema or dryness can stem from certain dietary options that disrupt harmony within various organs. For example, acne is associated with excess heat in the body, often attributed to excessive consumption of spicy or greasy foods. This then begs the question – What are the dietary choices that facilitate radiant and healthy skin? Let’s explore this further!
Learn more: Understanding Itchy and Dry Skin from a TCM Perspective
Balance the Five Flavours
Sweet, salty, sour, bitter and pungent are the five primary flavours that hold significant importance in understanding how food affects the body, including its impact on the skin. Here’s a quick guide on how each flavour corresponds to different organ systems and elements.
Sweet: Nourishes the spleen and stomach, promoting digestion and harmonising other flavours.
Salty: Supports the kidneys and aids in water metabolism to balance moisture levels in the body.
Sour: Stimulates the liver and helps with digestion.
Bitter: Benefits the heart and small intestine, encouraging detoxification and cleansing.
Pungent: Supports the lungs and large intestine, aiding in the dispersal of Qi (energy) and enhancing circulation.
In TCM for skin, incorporating and moderating these five flavours in your diet enables optimal organ function and maintains the body’s internal balance. This, in turn, manifests externally as radiant and healthy skin.
Drink Plenty of Water and Herbal Teas
Hydration supports cellular processes, regulates body temperature and aids in nutrient transport, all of which are crucial for prime bodily functions, radiant skin and overall well-being. In TCM, drinking plenty of water and herbal teas helps to keep the body hydrated, improving skin moisture and elasticity. Particularly, chrysanthemum tea is believed to cool the body and clear excess heat, which can alleviate skin conditions associated with heat imbalances such as acne or rashes. Similarly, green tea, rich in antioxidants, protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals and promotes a healthy complexion. Beyond keeping hydrated, being mindful of food triggers for skin conditions like eczema is essential, as some foods can exacerbate symptoms. Read to find out the foods to avoid if you suffer from hives, eczema or psoriasis.
Incorporate Medicinal Herbs
The use of medicinal herbs is a common practice in TCM, aimed at promoting wellness and addressing specific concerns including skin health. Herbs restore balance and harmony within the body and some are held in high regard for their skin-revitalising properties. For instance, goji berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, helping combat free radical damage and supporting skin regeneration. Schisandra berries assist the body in coping with stress and facilitate a balanced physiological response, which can contribute to clearer skin. Last but not least, Dang Gui or angelica root, is revered in TCM for its blood-nourishing attributes that stimulate circulation and improve skin complexion. Research suggests that herbs used in TCM may relieve eczema symptoms and can be leveraged in a TCM-based diet for eczema management.
Avoid Excessive Consumption of Spicy Foods and Alcohol
When it comes to understanding health conditions and skin issues, the concept of internal heat plays a substantial role in TCM. Consuming too much spicy food and alcohol may accumulate internal heat within the body, disrupting the body’s natural balance and leading to a range of health issues and skin problems including acne, rashes and inflammation. TCM also believes that prolonged consumption of such foods can weaken the body’s ability to regulate heat, further exacerbating skin issues. Ultimately, moderation is key to maintaining internal balance and supporting healthy skin function.
Practise Mindful Eating
While the food you consume directly impacts your health, the way it is consumed matters too! Mindful eating is heavily emphasised in TCM for skin, highlighting the importance of presence and attentiveness during a meal. It is recommended to savour each bite and dine in a relaxing environment. This practice encourages better digestion and nutrient absorption, which bolsters healthy skin and empowers overall well-being. Eating mindfully also enables you to cultivate a deeper connection with food and become more attuned to your body’s hunger and satiety signals. Having this awareness prevents overeating and fosters a more balanced intake of nutrients, vital to maintaining optimal skin conditions.
A harmonious and holistic relationship between food and the body can significantly influence your skin health. In your conquest towards healthier and radiant skin, try pairing your usual skin routines with the above practices and the results might just surprise you!
Tangs Clinical TCM is a reputable TCM Skin Clinic in Singapore with the goal of helping patients achieve their dream complexion. We start by identifying the root causes within your body and then deliver tailored solutions for each unique condition.
Contact us today for more information.
