Whole Life Times: Breathing New Life Into Your Skin

November 2004

Breathing New Life Into Your Skin

Heal your complexion with Chinese medicine

by Linda LaRoche

One of the primary indicators of overall health is healthy skin. Our skin reflects the state of our lives in many unperceived ways, acting as a barrier through which we relate to the outside world. Yet so many of us suffer skin problems. Western medicine encourages consumers to treat the skin’s surface, perpetuating the illusion that “problem skin” can be cured with the right combination of expensive products. The western medicinal approach to skin treatment often includes prescriptions for antibiotics, persuading patients to view skin ailments as some sort of external infection that must be eliminated. As those of us who have undergone this type of skin treatment can attest, treating the skin superficially through the use of topical products and prescription medication is, for many, a short-term solution to a chronic problem. Harsh prescription drugs can even upset the bodies’ natural balance, resulting in further health ailments.

According to Chinese medicine, the face acts as a roadmap to the health of the major internal organs, as all ailments begin with the formation of toxins in the liver, heart, spleen, lungs or kidneys. Practitioners of Chinese medicine believe Qi (or life force) serves to regulate the body’s functions. Qi activates the flow of energy, maintaining the proper balance and flow of blood and supporting the organs. With poor circulation of the Qi, commonly referred to as Qi stagnation, an excessive amount of heat in the body will build, often erupting in skin ailments. Over time, unprocessed toxins in the body will manifest through the skin as blemishes, psoriasis, liver spots or bumps.

Dr. Andre Rafael, an acupuncturist located in Beverly Hills, has been treating skin problems for nearly a decade. “There are two primary organs responsible for good skin,” explains Rafael. “The lungs and the liver.”

According to Rafael, the lungs are responsible for hydration and the opening and closing of the pores. They also nourish the skin and keep it disease free. Indicators of a lung imbalance would include shortness of breath, shallow breathing, sweating, fatigue, frequent cold and flu, allergies, asthma and depression. “If a patient is seeking to improve his skin, he can start by breathing deeply,” states Rafael.

The liver relates to good skin to a lesser extent, assisting with skin circulation. In a healthy body, skin will “breathe” and allow the liver to eliminate toxins from the body. An acne outbreak is a warning of deeper trouble in the body’s defense mechanism. If the body contains more poisons then the liver can remove, facial blemishes are a wakeup call that overall toxic levels in the body need to be reduced. Symptoms of a liver imbalance include cravings for sweets, weakness and fatigue.

“There are many reasons why people have skin problems. Generally, women are more susceptible than men to skin problems because their Qi weakens monthly through the loss of menstrual blood. Exercise can assist the lungs by proper breathing [and] good elimination will help the liver. When these organs are stimulated through Chinese herbs, skin problems will clear up dramatically,” states Dr. Rafael.

Dr. Xiao Jiang is an acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental medicine with a private practice in Los Angeles. She cites stress as a major culprit for skin problems. “Stress has a huge impact on the internal organs, particularly the liver and kidneys. If those organs are under continual stress the body will compensate by eliminating through the skin. The face then becomes the dumping ground for unwanted toxins,” says Jiang.

Jiang promotes relaxation through meditation. “Women can reduce skin problems by avoiding stress and redirecting their emotions.”

Jiang uses acupuncture to treat skin that has lost its vitality. Fine needles are placed on points on the face to facilitate an increase of blood flow, thereby improving muscle tone and skin tension. “This treatment enhances rejuvenation and tightens the skin tissue from the inside out,” insists Jiang.

Centuries ago, Hwang Ti, known as the Yellow Emperor, asked a great sage, “How should I rule my body in order that it may continue for a long time?” The reply was, “You must be still and pure, not subjecting to toil, not agitating your vital force. Then you will live long.”

The 21st century has brought much stress into our lives, but wellness seekers in today’s world have options. Suffering from blemishes need not be one of them.

Linda LaRoche (tiferet22@yahoo.com) resides in Pasadena where she pursues her true love: writing features for magazines.

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