The Connection Between Body Wellness and Skin Health: A TCM Perspective
When it comes to achieving healthy skin, many often rely on skincare products such as serums and moisturisers, but did you know that body wellness is a significant contributor? As the largest organ, the skin connects all different parts of the body together. In TCM for skin especially, the body is seen as a complex system where balance and harmony among various organs are crucial for maintaining good health. But how exactly does all of this work? Let’s explore the link between body wellness and your skin through the lens of TCM to help you better understand holistic health.
Qi and Blood Flow
As two fundamental concepts in TCM for skin, Qi and blood flow represent vital energy and nourishing essence respectively, circulating throughout the body to sustain life and maintain health. While Qi animates the body, governs bodily functions and supports organ systems, blood is perceived as the element that strengthens tissues and organs. When Qi and blood flow smoothly and harmoniously, the skin cells acquire adequate nourishment and oxygenation, promoting cell regeneration, elasticity and an overall healthy complexion. Furthermore, balanced Qi and blood flow enable the body to regulate temperature and moisture levels, achieving greater skin resilience and improved hydration.
Conversely, obstructed or imbalanced Qi and blood flow can manifest as skin issues including dullness, dryness and premature ageing. Stress, poor diet, lack of exercise or emotional disturbances are some of the common factors that may contribute to this blockage. Depending on your condition, a TCM skin specialist in Singapore may recommend practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary adjustments and stress management techniques to improve Qi and blood flow for healthy skin.
Organ Systems
As mentioned before, TCM believes in the interconnectedness of each organ system and its role in influencing various health aspects, including skin conditions. Take, for example, lung and skin health in TCM. The lungs are considered to be responsible for dispersing Qi throughout the body, which also includes distributing moisture to the skin. Healthy lungs help better regulate the opening and closing of the skin’s pores, enabling proper perspiration to maintain body temperature and moisture balance. On the other hand, imbalances or deficiencies in lung Qi may cause excessive sweating or even rashes. Addressing lung health through proper breathing techniques or herbal remedies can support skin health by ensuring balanced moisture levels and efficient regulation of sweat production.
The Five Elements
Wood, fire, earth, metal and water are the five elements used to understand skin balance and its connection to overall health. The elements represent different qualities, energies and organ systems within the body, which can impact skin health. For instance, an imbalance in the fire element, characterised by excessive heat, may appear as redness and inflammation in the skin. This imbalance often occurs when the fire element, associated with the heart and small intestine, becomes overly active, leading to skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Below are some examples of foods and habits that individuals with eczema and psoriasis are advised to avoid:
Spicy foods: Have a heating effect on the body, which can further aggravate inflammation and redness.
Sweeteners: Can contribute to internal heat and worsen skin conditions.
Late nights and excessive alcohol: Can disrupt the body’s natural balance and lead to heat accumulation.
Instead, try eating more cooling and hydrating foods such as cucumbers, watermelon and leafy greens to help restore balance and promote skin health.
Learn more: TCM Treatment Options for Psoriasis
Emotional Imbalances
According to TCM principles, emotions are closely tied to specific organ systems and prolonged emotional imbalances can affect Qi and blood, resulting in certain skin issues. For instance, chronic stress may weaken the spleen and liver’s function, which in turn impacts the nourishment and regulation of the skin. On the other hand, emotions such as anger are correlated to heat in TCM for skin and can lead to excessive heat accumulation, potentially triggering conditions including acne, rosacea or eczema. Similarly, long-term sadness or grief may weaken the lung Qi, affecting its ability to regulate moisture and causing dry, dull skin. Therefore, resolving emotional imbalances alongside physical symptoms is essential for restoring overall health and facilitating skin wellness.
Rarely do we recognise the connection between our bodily functions and skin health. We hope that his article has provided valuable insight into the TCM perspective, shedding light on the intricate relationship between body wellness and skin health!
Tangs Clinical TCM is your trusted TCM skin clinic in Singapore. Our approach to skincare is designed to nurture and unveil your natural beauty by addressing the root causes within your body.
