Chinese medicine beauty is probably the most popular beauty method among women nowadays. It is safe and free of side effects, with various methods including herbal medicine, diet, acupuncture, massage, and qigong. In addition, it is important to understand the principles of using Chinese medicine for beauty, as this is also the essence of Chinese medicine health. If you master this beauty technique, it will greatly enhance the effectiveness of your future beauty regimen.
(1) Adapting to the Seasons
To understand Chinese medicine beauty, it is important to first understand the concept of health in Chinese medicine, which includes adapting to the seasons. This means following the natural laws of spring, summer, autumn, and winter to complete the entire process of life, growth, maturity, and aging. Chinese medicine believes that humans are products of nature, and a person's health, disease, and physical appearance are closely related to the changes in climate throughout the year. Spring warmth, summer heat, autumn coolness, and winter coldness create the cycle of birth, growth, harvest, and hibernation for all living beings, which is a natural rule. Therefore, it is important to "nurture yang in summer and nourish yin in autumn and winter."
"Nurturing yang in summer" means that during the spring and summer seasons when yang energy is abundant and everything is thriving, the body's metabolism is relatively active. It is important to prevent excessive release of yang energy, which may affect the growth of hair. "Nourishing yin in autumn and winter" means that during the autumn and winter seasons when yang energy is hidden and yin energy is abundant, the body's metabolism slows down. It is important to focus on nourishing yin energy to prevent depletion of yin essence. Adapting to the changes in seasons can prevent illness and promote beauty. Conversely, failure to adapt can lead to illness and compromise physical beauty.
(2) Preventing Cold and Avoiding Heat
In nature, there are six types of qi: wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness, and fire. Under normal circumstances, these six types of qi do not harm the body. However, when the climate is abnormal or when the body's resistance is weakened, these six types of qi can become pathogenic factors.
In terms of beauty, "cold" and "heat" are the most harmful attributes of the six types of qi because the manifestations of yin and yang imbalance are very obvious. The face, hair, and skin are all exposed to the external environment. Prolonged exposure to pathogenic factors can easily lead to skin diseases. Therefore, Chinese medicine advocates taking measures to adapt to the seasons and protect against cold and heat. In winter, it is important to prevent extreme cold, and in summer, it is important to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and heat.
(3) Balancing Activity and Rest
Balancing activity and rest means following the seasonal changes and maintaining a regular daily routine. For example, in spring, it is important to go to bed early and wake up late, take walks or do exercises, and maintain a positive mindset to keep the body in a vibrant state. In summer, it is important to sleep late and wake up early, exercise in the morning, and maintain a refreshed state of mind to harmonize the body's yang energy. In autumn, it is important to go to bed and wake up early, engage in low-intensity labor and exercise, and maintain a calm state of mind to balance activity and rest. In winter, it is important to go to bed early and wake up late, avoid extreme cold, and engage in outdoor exercises when the weather is clear. In summary, a regular and balanced daily routine is essential for a vibrant spirit and a beautiful body.
(4) Moderation in Work and Rest
Moderation in work and rest is also a necessary condition for Chinese medicine beauty. Excessive fatigue can harm the body's health, while excessive comfort can lower the body's immune function. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balanced and moderate approach to work and rest.
Normal labor and physical exercise can help promote blood circulation, enhance physical fitness, and necessary rest can eliminate fatigue, restore physical and mental energy. Only with a balanced and moderate approach to work and rest can we achieve the goals of strengthening the body, improving intelligence, and maintaining beauty.
(5) Physical Activity
Life is movement, which is a consensus shared by people from ancient to modern times. The ancient Chinese physician Hua Tuo pointed out, "The human body desires labor, but it seems unable to exert itself to the utmost; shaking can eliminate stagnant qi, promote blood circulation, and prevent diseases." Therefore, Chinese medicine not only advocates appropriate physical activity but also provides various flexible exercise methods.
For older adults and women, activities such as qigong, tai chi, and walking are recommended. For teenagers, activities such as skipping rope, gymnastics, and dancing are suitable. In short, engaging in physical activities with appropriate methods and intensity can promote the smooth flow of meridians, the circulation of qi and blood, and the digestion of food and waste. This ultimately contributes to the vigorous functioning of the body's biochemical processes and benefits overall health and beauty.
(6) Emotional Balance
Chinese medicine believes that emotional balance directly affects the health and beauty of the skin. Normal emotional activities contribute to the harmonious flow of qi and blood and a rosy complexion. Excessive emotional stimulation can damage the balance of yin and yang, resulting in facial diseases such as acne, melasma, flat warts, and wrinkles related to disharmony of the organs. Therefore, Chinese medicine advocates maintaining optimistic and stable emotions to support the health and beauty of the skin.
(7) Proper Diet
A proper diet is crucial for nourishing the skin with essential nutrients. For example, consuming foods high in protein can help reduce wrinkles on the face. Consuming foods rich in collagen can make the skin fair, tender, and plump. Consuming foods rich in vitamin E can inhibit aging. These examples illustrate the importance of a proper diet.
Only when the body receives sufficient nutrients can the organs function properly and the skin appear radiant and flawless. Insufficient nutrition can result in a pale and dull complexion, while overeating can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to a sallow complexion, melasma, and other diseases. Irregular eating habits can cause acne and wrinkles. Therefore, Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of proper eating habits.
