Top 5 Beauty Secrets From TCM for Healthier, Younger Skin
Acupuncture for Overall Health and Wellness
Acupuncture is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to restore the flow of energy in the body. The application of pressure helps to detoxify the skin, and activate collagen production which helps with aging. Acupuncture is also an effective treatment for scarring, eczema, and psoriasis.
Mung Beans and Herbal Teas for Acne and Inflammation
Mung Beans are a staple in both the Chinese diet and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Mung Beans are rich in antioxidants and are used to soothe acne, cold sores and rashes. They are often used in face masks and treatments.
Herbal tea is extremely popular in Chinese culture. In particular, green tea is loaded with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. But green tea isn’t the only herbal tea that is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Goji and Ju Hua are also used to detox and boost the body’s defense system. They are most commonly used during the summer months as that is when the herbs are in season and most potent.
How do you make herbal tea the Traditional Chinese Medicine way? Let’s take Goji tea for example. First, soak the berries in a cup of hot or cold water. Add another tea bag of your choice (like Green Tea) and allow it to steep. Once the tea is ready, enjoy! And afterward, eat the Goji berries to get the full benefits of antioxidants, minerals, amino acids, vitamin C, and carotenoids! You can also steep Chinese herbs alone in hot water to make your herbal tea. They probably won’t taste the best but they have been used for thousands of years for a reason. They work!
Rice Water to Cleanse the Skin
Rice water is used in both Korean and Chinese cultures to cleanse the skin. Rice water boasts both brightening and anti-inflammatory benefits. Some say that it also helps with texture, firmness, and hydration! This is because rice contains the antioxidant ferulic acid, as well as an organic compound called allantoin which helps soothe and heal the skin.
Plus it is incredibly easy and affordable to make yourself! First, rinse off your rice to remove all the dirt and impurities. Then let your rice soak in water for 15 to 30 minutes. Strain the rice from the water (save the rice to cook!) and keep the water in a separate container. Now you can either store it in your refrigerator for a week to keep it fresh or leave it out on your counter to ferment. There is a belief that fermented rice water is even more effective than fresh rice water. Once your rice water starts to have a sour odor it is considered “fermented.” Be sure you’re making a fresh batch of rice water every week.
Konjac Sponges to Gently Exfoliate
The konjac sponge is a long-time staple in Asian cultures that has recently started being used in Western cultures. The konjac sponge is similar to a loofah, but it is much gentler and softer. It is made from the Asian konjac plant and acts as a cleansing agent for your face. It is effective at clearing dirt and skin impurities. Charcoal infused konjac sponges offer a gentle way to effectively remove dead skin cells from your face and other parts of the body.
Jade Rollers to Sculpt the Face
Jade rollers are another popular beauty tool that originated in China. They are often used in conjunction with another massage tool called a Gua Sha. A jade roller is believed to work by increasing circulation in the skin. “In ancient times, there were two basic devices: a jade roller to target acupuncture points and a special flat stone made of jade, which was used to open up the meridian blockage, allowing your Qi [Chi] and blood circulation to flow better,” Wei Brian tells Byrdie. “These devices were used to help the body and skin heal itself.”
Jade has a long history of being used to Chinese beauty. It was used by Chinese royalty to eliminate bad Qi from the body. It was also used to soothe, de-puff, and decrease wrinkles. To use a jade roller, first apply your favorite serum or moisturizer. Then take the roller and slowly roll it upward and outward from the center of your face.
Bottomline
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been practiced for centuries for a reason- it is effective! Both science and anecdotal evidence back this up. Try incorporating a few of these steps into your routine and you should see an improvement in your skin’s health.
Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare co-founder Steven Wang, MD has enjoyed a long and successful career as a board-certified dermatologist. He currently holds the title of Director of Dermatologic Surgery and Dermatology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Dr. Wang and his father Gui Wang, a licensed acupuncturist with over 40 years of experience, have teamed up to create Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare.
We believe that our experience and knowledge of both modern Western medicine and time-honored Eastern medicine allows us to provide unique skincare solutions. But don’t take our word for it! Read what experts from such reputable organizations as Bloomberg and The New York Times have to say about our products.