People usually apply a moisturizing cream to minimize skin dryness. However, the creams, no matter if they’re applied everyday, will not solve the origin of the dryness. This article is on how to treat your dry skin using an ancient oriental healing technique known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM can aid you in having a skin that feels more moisturized, generally healthier, shinier and more elastic.
1. Is there a connection between your Internal Organs and your Skin? – TCM believes that the skin is one with your body. It is also the largest organ in the human body. The skin plays a pathological and physical function that is closely associated with certain internal organs. These organs that are related with the skin and its condition include:
Lung and Skin – the Lung, according to traditional Chinese medicine, governs the skin and aids in the opening and closing of the skin pores. A dysfunctional Lung will adversely impact the health of the skin and may lead to the following:
a. A body that is invaded by external Heat (virus) and Wind will cause problems in the function of the Lung. Sore throat and sneezing can develop as well as shingles, rash or itch on the skin.
b. For long time smokers, besides developing phlegm or cough disorder or other Lung disorders, they may also suffer from dry unhealthy skin.
Liver, Heart and Skin
The Liver and Heart govern the emotions and blood flow. Any emotions and circulation affect the skin. When the body develops a disorder in Liver or Heart function, it may build up toxins and heat in the blood that can cause flare ups in the skin and/or make skin conditions such as rashes, eczema or pimples worse.
Kidneys and Skin
The body’s original Yin and Yang are governed by your Kidneys. This Kidney is in charge of all the body’s and skin’s stages. A disorder of the Kidney Yin and Yang may lead to the following skin problems: perspiration, hot flashes around the face and neck, and dry skin.
The Large Intestine and the Skin
The Large Intestine and the Skin are closely related. If you eat spicy hot foods or overeat, toxins may accumulate in the intestines, which can manifest in your skin. Some of the skin problems associated with this condition include itchiness, rash, pimples and boils. Other symptoms that may also occur include bloating, pungent flatulence and constipation.
2. Dry Skin Symptoms
Some individuals develop dry skin over the course of time or it also can occur all of a sudden. Dry skin can be painful, irritated, itchy, cracked or scaly and can develop on the heels of your feet, elbows, nails, lips and around the mouth. Longstanding dry skin can leave it quite vulnerable to eczema, itchiness, rash or infection besides the dryness. The person may have symptoms that can be either serious or mild, and they can come and go. It all depends on the person’s specific condition.
3. Dry Skin Causes
It is important to stress that each person’s lifestyle, medical history and constitution is unique and even if one has dry skin, its cause may be different from the other sufferer. More importantly, the person needs to identify the exact cause of his/her skin problem in order for it to be treated correctly.
Blood and Liver Yin Deficiency
Acupuncturists specializing in skin conditions find this cause the most common underlying reason for dry skin. Dryness of this type occurs more in women who are over 40 years of age, postmenopausal women, or to women after giving birth.
Blood and Liver Yin Deficiency occur when the Blood and Yin become weaker and the skin suffers from inadequacy in moisture and nutrition from the deficient Blood and Yin. People with this problem not only possess dry skin but they also show other symptoms like dream disturbed sleep, insomnia, anxiety, hot flashes especially while sleeping or in the evening), increased thirst, heat sensation in the body, dry stools, unhealthy looking nails or cracks around the nails, reduced quality of the hair or hair loss.
Heat in the Lung & Liver
This condition can have a number of causes some of which include certain drugs, consumption of spicy and hot foods, chronic alcoholism, pneumonia, virus, cold, flu or Heat coming from other organs. When the Lung or Liver develops excess heat, it can result in dry and unhealthy skin. This kind of dryness can result in the following symptoms: constipation, insomnia, problem falling asleep, extreme emotions, dry eyes, red eyes, dry throat and dry cough. People with this type of skin problem can also develop diseases such as hay fever, eczema or asthma.
Other Causes
Besides the aforementioned causes, there are still many other causes of dry skin. They may include certain foods, certain drugs, chronic illness or injury, poor blood flow and others.
4. What to do for dry skin
Medical help
If your skin becomes dry over the course of time, you may be suffering from another health problem. It is advised that you consult with your doctor and undergo a general medical attention.
Aid from other alternative therapies such as Chinese Medicine
If no type of conventional modality is able to cure your dry skin, seek alternative medical therapies that can tackle your condition. Knowing the underlying cause of your dry skin is very important in order to completely cure it. If you want a natural and safe type of cure, traditional Chinese medicine is one of the best choices you can use to resolve your dry skin.
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