As discussed in part 1, TCM beauty therapy takes the holistic approach of targeting both the inside and outside of the body at the same time. Food therapy is often used in beauty treatments for its increased convenience and safety in long term consumption.
TCM Beauty food therapy enhances the complexion through 3 main ways: (i) replenishing Qi and Blood in the body, (ii) regulating internal organs and (iii) nourishing the skin.
1. Replenishing Qi and Blood
One major contributing factor for plump, radiant and blushing skin is having sufficient Qi and Blood in the body.
In TCM, the Blood’s major function is to nourish the entire body, including the internal organs and the skin. This nourishment brings both nutrition and moisture to the skin, thus giving it a full and healthy appearance.
While inside the body, Qi acts as the driving force for organ function, on the surface, Qi protects the skin by working as a shield against external pathogens. Qi also has the function of promoting blood circulation, and thus helps to bring nourishment and colour to the skin.
How does our body generate this Qi and Blood? Qi and Blood is mainly produced through the digestive system. In TCM, the Spleen and Stomach process the food we consume, extract the nutrients in the food, and transform them into Qi and Blood.
Through this process, one can see how digestive system directly affects our skin condition. Therefore, eating the right foods is important for the beauty of our skin.
2. Regulating the internal organs
In TCM, the five major organs are the Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lungs and Kidneys. Apart from maintaining bodily function, these organs also maintain skin health. For example, acne is often caused by poor functioning of the Spleen and Stomach, while dark spots on the skin are often related to poor Liver function. Furthermore, in TCM, the Lungs are seen as the most important organ that governs skin health.
Therefore, TCM food therapy aims to improve skin condition through nourishing the Lungs, strengthening the Spleen, replenishing the Kidneys, regulating the Heart, improving Liver Qi flow etc.
3. Moisturising and protecting the skin
Topical application of TCM food onto the skin feeds the skin directly with essential nutrients and moisture. When used in tandem with oral food therapy, it can reap much greater benefits. This nourishment helps to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, as well as lighten spots and pigmentation. It may also provide anti-inflammatory, skin smoothening and skin tightening benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, TCM cosmetology targets one’s overall body condition and brings one’s health towards a balance. By improving both the skin surface and the internal environment, TCM provides a healthier and longer lasting recipe for beauty.
Stay tuned to find out how the internal organs affect our complexion and what we can do about it.
> 阅读：中医美容的奥秘（一） ：天然健美人人爱
上期文章为大家介绍中医美容的整体性以及内外并用的大特点。除了用药以外，中医美容食膳是个即方便又安全的美容方法。
从传统医学的角度分析，食膳美容主要强调补益气血、调和五脏、润肤、护肤。
（一）补益气血
气血充足为表皮红润的重要因素之一。这是因为气除了在体内促进五脏六腑操作以外，在表皮也直接起到防卫外邪、推动血液的功能，以使表皮纯净、健康。而血除了濡养五脏六腑以外，也直接润滑肌肤。
气血的生成主要乃是透过饮食，在体内被化成水谷精微，并通过脏腑功能转化为气血。因此，中医食膳是通过食用恰当的食品以补益气血，滋养皮肤。
（二）调和五脏
人体五脏（即心、肝、脾、肺、肾）除了主管体内功能以外，也对表面肌肤有直接影响。例如，痤疮常见于脾胃失调，肝失调易导致面部出现黄褐斑，而肺为主管皮肤的脏腑，任何皮肤病都可因肺失调而生。皮肤为体内环境的一个外在表现，而表面肌肤的漂亮依赖于内外整体的健康。
因此食膳美容通过运用具有润肺滋阴，疏肝理气，健脾益气，益心养血，补肾填精等功效的食物来调和五脏阴阳，以达到美容的目的。
（三）润肤、护肤
中医食膳美容外用法直接使食物中天然美容成分注入皮肤，达到润肤、消炎、美白，紧肤等护肤功效，使皮肤滑亮、饱满。外用法多用于消除痤疮，除皱，除斑等。再加于中医食膳内服法，双管齐下，增强疗效。
总体来说，中医美容是以中医辨证、整体观念，通过调节全身功能，内外并用，致使皮肤漂亮。
下期文章将介绍人体各脏腑对美容的影响。
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