Skin Health

The evidence of the effectiveness of Chinese Medicine to assist with skin conditions is not strong or has been shown to be unclear. There simply haven't been enough good quality trials to date. Some research though has shown that 

Acupuncture improves outcome measures in the treatment of dermatitis, chloasma, pruritus, urticaria, hyperhidrosis, and facial elasticity (1).

A study in 2016 found acupressure and acupuncture to be promising therapies (2).

​Although the results are promising they are not definitive and more studies need to be conducted.

​​What to do at home

​Decrease consumption of spicy foods, such as chilli. Decrease consumption of coffee, this is particularly important in cases of acne that involve red, hot or inflamed spots that are painful. You can substitute the coffee for Green or Black Tea instead as both assist with inflammation.

​It is important to avoid picking at pimples or spots as this can produce scarring. If pimples feel painful we recommend a herbal face wash of chrysanthemum tea or green tea to soothe the face.

Skin Health

Scrubbing the skin vigorously with cleansers and scrubs can aggravate the skin. Use a mild cleanser or herbal teas as a cleanser instead. When shaving, avoid using alcohol based shaving gels and creams, instead use an Aqueous based cream, these are cheap, amazingly gentle on the skin and are available from our clinic. Making sure ​you shave after a shower , as the skin is well hydrated and soft. ​Make sure you use sharp razors as blunt ones irritate the skin.

​Possible Irritants

​Washing of your face is important, especially after exercise, as oil and sebum build up with activity. We recommend washing with paraben and sulphate free products. These are available at health food stores and at our clinic. Pillows are a big source of skin and sinus irritation and putting your pillow in the sun every ​few days and changing the pillow cover may also help. 

​Itchy Skin

Most importantly, the skin should be kept moist by ​using a daily moisturizer.

  • Wearing 100 per cent cotton or soft fabrics; avoiding rough, scratchy fibres and tight clothing
  • Using rubber gloves with cotton liners
  • Having lukewarm baths and showers using a non-soap cleanser or hypoallergenic bath oil
  • Gently patting, not rubbing, the skin dry with a soft towel
  • Applying a moisturiser within three minutes after bathing to "lock in" the moisture
  • When possible, avoiding rapid changes of temperature and activities that raise a sweat
  • Removing carpets and rugs from houses, if possible, and keeping pets outside
  • Ventilating the house as often as possible
  • Avoiding stuffed toys which harbour dust mites
  • Changing bed linen regularly, using specialised dust mite prevention covers
  • Reducing daily stress
  • Learning your eczema triggers and how to avoid them
 
From a Chinese Medicine perspective we recommend that you avoid hot spicy foods such as chilli or curries.

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Keeping your fluid intake up throughout the day, drinking cooling teas such as green tea.

​When the itching is severe, try going for a walk instead or have a warm shower. 

Consultation – What To Expect

When you attend the skin clinic for your consultation you may be asked many questions that have nothing to do with your skin. In Chinese Medicine we are looking for patterns of symptoms in order to differentiate why and what is causing your symptoms.

The following is a typical Chinese Medicine questionnaire:

  • When did the skin condition start? 
  • What aggravates it? For example – heat, cold, stress (climate plays a significant role in Chinese Medicine, often prescriptions vary from season to season and the climate in Melbourne will influence your condition)
  • What improves it? For example – rest, exercise, cooler climates. 
  • How is your energy? 
  • How is your digestion? For example do you suffer from: indigestion or difficult bowel movements? 
  • Do you lack energy despite adequate sleep? 
  • Do you have any sleep problems? 
  • Do you have sugar cravings? 
  • Do you sweat easily or often feel overheated? 
  • For our female patients we ask. 
  • Does it get worse around your period? 
  • Do you have regular periods? 
  • Do you suffer from cramping or PMS? 
Sources
1. Ma C, Sivamani RK. Acupuncture as a Treatment Modality in Dermatology: A Systematic Review. J Altern Complement Med. 2015 Sep;21(9):520-9.

2. Vieira BL, Lim NR, Lohman ME, Lio PA. Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Atopic Dermatitis: An Evidence-Based Review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016 Jul 7.