Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) states that the skin is not a separate entity of the body. Being the largest organ of the human body, the skin possesses pathological and physiological functions that affect certain internal organs. Listed below are the organs that are closely associated with the skin and are affected when the skin suffers from certain conditions.
1. The Large Intestine – It is the skin that will show what kind of food we eat. If the body eats, for example, too much spicy and hot food, toxins will build up in the intestines, which may manifest as itchiness, rash, pimples, or boils. Other symptoms that may arise include bloating, malodorous flatulence, and constipation.
2. The Kidneys – The Kidneys govern the original Yin and Yang of the body. Original Yin and Yang, in turn, governs all stages of the skin and body. Profuse sweating, hot flushes (particularly around the face and neck), and dry skin are some of the skin problems that may arise if the body has a Yin and Yang disorder in the Kidneys.
3. Liver and Heart – These two organs are responsible for the body’s emotions and circulation of substances. Any emotion and circulation can affect the skin. If a disorder in one of these two organs arises, toxins and heat may develop in the blood which can flare up the skin resulting in rashes, eczema, pimples and other skin problems.
4. The Lungs – In TCM, the Lungs govern the skin and help with the opening and closing of the skin pores. If the Lung malfunctions, skin health is affected which can lead to the following conditions:
a. If you have smoked for ages, besides developing a lung disorder or chronic phlegm or cough, you may also suffer from chronic dry skin.
b. Shingles, rash, and/or itchy skin as well as sore throat and sneezing may develop when your body is infiltrated by external Heat (virus) and Wind that affects the function of your Lung.
Dry Skin Symptoms
One can suffer from dry skin within a short period of time or it may develop over long periods of time progressively worsening as time moves on. Dry skin can be painful, irritated, itchy, cracked, or scaly and can develop around the heels of the feet, elbows, nails, or mouth. Besides the simple dryness, the person can become susceptible to eczema, itchiness, rash, or infection if the skin has been dry for a long period of time. Depending on the person’s condition, these symptoms can be severe or mild or it may be permanent or may appear from time to time.
Dry Skin Causes
The Different Types of Dry Skin
Each person’s lifestyle, disease history, and constitution are unique. The cause of dry skin may be different from person to person, which means if these factors are all taken into account, a different plan of treatment will be formulated by the acupuncturist or TCM practitioner in Cleveland for each patient to correctly treat each patient’s dry skin condition.
Heat in the Lung & Liver
Excess Heat in the Lung and Liver can have many possible causes. They can include Heat that came from the other organs, certain drugs, spicy and hot foods, chronic or excessive consumption of alcohol, pneumonia, virus, cold, or flu. When the Lung or Liver overheat, it can lead to dry and unhealthy skin which often develops to the following diseases and symptoms: hay fever, eczema, asthma, constipation, insomnia, insomnia, intense emotions, dry and red eyes, dry throat, and dry cough.
Blood and Liver Yin Deficiency
Acupuncturists believe this is the most common type of dry skin. This condition occurs more in women past the age of 40 years, in postmenopausal women, and in women after labor. Occasionally, dry skin due to Blood and Liver Yin Deficiency can develop in males and in people of other ages, as well.
When a person suffers from Blood and Liver Yin Deficiency, his/her skin has a hard time getting adequate moisture and nutrition. Sufferers of this type of deficiency not only have dry skin but also can experience dream disturbed sleep, insomnia, intense emotions, anxiety, hot flushes that usually occur during sleep or in the evening, increased thirst, heat sensation in the body, dry stools, unhealthy looking nails or cracks around the nails, poor quality of hair or loss of hair.
Other Causes
Certain foods and drugs, chronic illness or injury, and poor circulation can be additional causes that lead to dry skin.
What to do if you have dry skin
Medical attention
Consulting with your doctor and getting a general check up is one way of addressing your dry skin especially if your skin is becoming dryer and dryer over time.
TCM
If conventional modes of treatment fail to address your dry skin problem, then you ought to consider Traditional Chinese Medicine. This alternative form of treatment offers natural therapies that can help cure your condition safely and efficiently
Diet & lifestyle
Sleep – Avoid sleeping late at night (the best time to retire is before 11 PM). Make sure you get enough sleep
Exercise in a comfortable and nice environment – Avoiding direct sunlight as well as fast and intense exercises as they tend to flare up Heat in your body. Light and passive exercises such as swimming, slow bike riding, gentle walking, and yoga are highly recommended.
Consume cooling foods and greens – These include pear, lemon, eggplant, mung beans, peppermint tea, green tea, spinach, carrots, green leafy vegetables, cucumber, and celery.
Refrain from eating deep fried, spicy, or hot foods – These include lamb, shellfish, chives, garlic, ginger, and onion. Stay away from alcohol. All of these cause Heat in the digestive system, Lung, and Liver and flare up the skin.
Relax – Your work and lifestyle should be arranged in such a way that it does not lead to too much stress in your mind and body. Avoid emotional outbursts as they tend to weaken your Liver causing Liver Heat.
If you properly take care of your skin and know and avoid the factors lead to dry skin, then this condition can be easily avoided.
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