In the spring, people try to spend more time out doors in the sunshine.
This helps to eliminate depression, fatigue, arthritis and other discomfort.
With the pleasant spring weather, people often forget that the springtime
sun’s ultraviolet radiation is as strong as summer sun’s.
Some people are allergic to this ultraviolet radiation. This may be
due to inheritance or poor immunity. In addition, there is heavy pollen
in the air. During this period, many people notice allergic itching
and skin problems.
In wintertime, people usually wear more clothes, which protects their
skin and causes the melanin to decrease. This makes the horny layer of
skin thinner and its defenses lower. Warmer weather and less clothing
means there is more of a chance of exposure to the ultraviolet radiation.
The skin is easily damaged without the person realizing it. This may
lead to dermatitis. The common symptoms include redness and rashes. Severe
cases exhibit blisters, ulcers or bleeding. Another result of this over-exposure
may be melanin deposited in patches. The flat brown spots may appear
anywhere on the body. The most common are on the face, neck, and hands.
However, not everyone’s skin shows symptoms of sun damage.
These brown spots also may come from other kinds of dermatitis, which
may be caused by using harsh medicines or makeup (cosmetics). They may
be related to malnutrition or poor metabolism. The spots may be a sign
of a more serious hidden health problem, such as the lipofuscin accumulation
of a buildup of wastes. They are the surface sign of free radical intoxication
of the body, which means slow destruction of the body’s cells.
Western medicine calls these liver spots and may recommend taking vitamin
B complex, pantothenic acid and vitamin C or herbs (burdock or milk thistle).
It is more difficult to treat brown spots than dermatitis.
Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that the skin is a mirror of the
body and that it reflects the body’s health. It also teaches that
these brown spots come from the stagnation of Chi and blood. The root
cause is the liver. That is consistent with Western medicine. The Five
Elements theory in traditional Chinese medicine teaches that the kidneys
generate the liver. Treating the kidneys can help improve liver problems.
The symbol of the kidney is water. The symbol of the liver is wood. Wood
(liver) cannot live without water (kidneys).
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There are many Chinese herbal formulas to help this health
issue. Acupuncture is another unique healing art used to detoxify and
balance the liver and strengthen the kidneys. Acupuncture is very effective
to activate blood circulation and remove the stagnation. I also add facial
acupuncture to speed up the result and clear away the wrinkles and make
the skin smooth and beautiful.
Proper diet is important. Vegetable protein should be eaten more than meat protein.
High fiber foods such as cabbage, spinach, celery, turnips (radish), and other
green vegetables help digestion and remove the stagnation. Seasonal fruits, such
as blue berries, green apples, and kiwi, help cleanse the skin and balance the
nutrition. Overeating can form the stagnation of Chi and blood and result as
the buildup of wastes. In wintertime, people eat more meat. In the spring, the
earth’s energy wakes up and weather is warmer. The excess meat can lead
to wastes and toxins damaging the body and slowing down the circulation, causing
skin problems. Green tea is a good detoxifier. Water is always healthy. Don’t
wait until you’re thirsty; this means your body is low on water. The body
gets water from the skin first. If you want to keep the skin in good condition,
drink as much water as you can.
Happiness and positive thinking are essential for good skin. The liver maintains
the free flow of Chi and this relates to emotional activity as well as the heart.
Unhappiness or negative thoughts will obstruct the free flow of Chi and disturb
the normal function of the liver, depriving the skin. Spring is liver season.
People’s moods are easily changed. Depression can influence the function
of the liver. Life is not always full of happiness. When you are unhappy or have
negative thoughts, try doing something creative; sing a song loudly, see a comedy
movie, or see a psychologist. Happiness and positive thinking are the best prescription
in the world.
It is good for skin to work, rest and exercise on schedule. Avoid exposure to
the sun and wind. Wash the face with warm water often during pollen season, especially,
after spending time outside. Do Yin exercises to release stress, such as meditation,
Tai Chi Qi Gong,or Yoga. Add soups (thin or thick) to the diet. Keep a good mood
to enjoy beautiful skin in spring.
Contact Li Hua L.Ac. TCMD at Atlanta Acupuncture Center or 404-250-9903 or e-mail
lihua@aac2000.com or surf her web site at www.aac2000.com
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