Skin is our largest and most visible organ. Issues with our skin often indicate some type of internal issue, even if it seems you're perfectly healthy. Read more for information on a few common skin concerns.
Acne
Chinese Medicine sees the face as a map that reflects different internal organs. Depending where acne appears on your face, it can relate to a dysfunction within the body.
A breakout on your forehead could signify digestive problems whereas a breakout on your chin may relate to hormonal issues, and acne on your right cheek could imply an allergy.
Overall, acne typically reflects issues with heat and damp. Heat is signified by redness and inflammation and can arise from stress, diet (spicy foods, alcohol), or increased hormonal activity. Oily skin or acne with pus is a sign of dampness, which can build from eating too much cold, raw, sweet, processed, or greasy food.
Eczema
In Asia, eczema is called "skin asthma" and often times individuals with eczema will also have asthma or other respiratory disorders. It is also common for there to be a correlation between eczema and autoimmune disorders and allergies (food and environmental).
This is another skin issue that is best addressed by looking at how your body is working internally. Finding the pattern to treat in an individual depends on how red, itchy, dry, or oozing the eczema is, and where it is located on your body. It is also important to look at associated symptoms. For example, if there are also digestive issues and fatigue, the root of the problem could be Spleen function (from a Chinese Medicine perspective).
Due to the connection between allergens and eczema, you may consider having allergy testing done. Specific IgG blood testing is recommended for testing a high number of food sensitivities at one time.
Psoriasis
In Chinese Medicine one of the functions of blood is to moisten and nourish the skin. Chronic issues of psoriasis can be related to a blood dysfunction. Generally, there are 3 main patterns:
Red & itchy lesions that spread rapidly, show signs of heat in the blood. Other related symptoms may include overall feelings of heat, restlessness, irritability, heavy menstrual flow, and constipation.
Lesions that are pale red with tight, thick, and possibly itchy scales indicate dryness in the blood. Dry hair, eyes, brittle nails, and fatigue are related symptoms.
Psoriasis with more of a purplish color indicates blood stagnation.
Comentarios