Traditional Chinese Medicine Beauty Should Be Holistic, Not One-Sided
Spring sees an increase in people with sensitive skin, and herbal beauty care is favored for its claimed lack of side effects. While enjoying massage, acupuncture, or even weight-loss treatments, experts remind citizens that TCM emphasizes comprehensive regulation. Some beauty clinics or products overly emphasize one method's efficacy—be cautious. Also, ensure the beautician is qualified and understands TCM theory.
Can weight-loss pills be taken long-term?
Many slimming women persistently drink weight-loss teas. Experts point out that most commercial weight-loss teas use herbs like rhubarb, mirabilite, and aloe vera—all cold-natured purgatives. Long-term use may trigger new health issues.
Reports from hospitals in Shanghai show frequent cases of patients suffering from systemic dysfunction, even coma, due to long-term consumption of weight-loss teas. According to TCM physicians, rhubarb and aloe vera may produce quick bowel movements short-term but cause weakened immunity and potentially lead to new conditions such as menstrual irregularities, liver toxicity, edema, shock, anemia, dizziness, and localized liver cirrhosis. Elderly users may suffer uncontrollable diarrhea, weakening constitution, and even life-threatening situations.
Is clearing bowels equivalent to beauty?
Examining current detoxification and weight-loss product advertisements reveals claims of beauty enhancement, improved complexion, spot removal, and wrinkle reduction alongside bowel cleansing. Experts acknowledge some logic: according to TCM theory, "the lungs govern the skin and hair, and the lungs and large intestine are interrelated; the lung is a zang organ, the large intestine a fu organ—organs are interconnected." Thus, regular bowel movements can indeed fade freckles and improve skin quality. However, not everyone will see skin improvement just from better bowel movements. Skin problems stem from diverse causes—poor sleep, prolonged computer use, mental stress, etc., all can trigger skin issues.
Can acupuncture permanently cure dark circles?
Acupuncture for dark circles is currently widely used. A brochure from a beauty clinic describes a warming acupuncture technique claiming to treat dark circles, under-eye bags, crow’s feet, lateral eyelid sagging, and eyelid edema. It involves burning specially prepared precious Chinese herbs in a warming device and rolling it over meridian points or affected areas.
Dr. Ji Jun from the Shanghai Acupuncture and Meridian Research Institute notes that according to TCM theory, individuals with kidney deficiency are prone to dark circles, so treatment typically involves tonifying the kidneys. Acupuncture at kidney meridian points is one approach, but not a definitive cure. To improve symptoms, patients must also adjust diet, improve sleep quality, and reduce mental stress—relying solely on acupuncture is unlikely to yield results.