Feeling Dry and Drained?
Do you notice your skin is drier and more prone to flakiness and irritated patches?
(especially in Autumn!)
Here’s our best tips on what to do, eat and drink to keep your skin & body hydrated and protect your energy!
*If you’re interested, here’s more on Cosmetic Acupuncture.
Like some Chinese Medicine love for your body?
Autumn, Chinese Medicine and your skin
According to Chinese Medicine, Autumn is the season of dryness. It corresponds with the metal element, which in Chinese Medicine opens to the Lung and Large Intestine channels and pertains to the skin.
Do you notice your skin is drier and more prone to flakiness and irritated patches during this season of transition? You’re not alone. Just as leaves are drying out and falling from the trees, our skin is responding to the change in external environment and craving moisture.
Staying hydrated
It’s more important than usual to stay hydrated, aiming for 2+L of water per day (this includes water in herbal teas, but not in caffeinated beverages such as black tea, coffee and green tea).
Make your own electrolyte drink by squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water then stirring in big pinch of mineral salt (eg sea salt or river salt).
Water follows salt by osmosis so if your tissues are devoid of minerals you’ll be more likely to feel dehydrated even if you’re drinking plenty of water. By replenishing essential minerals including sodium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, potassium, iodine, iron, manganese, zinc and selenium found in quality sea and river salt, we help our system retain the fluid it needs.
Foods that help
Pears, apples, nashis, millet, spinach and barley are foods considered in Chinese medicine to moisten and cool the Lung system. Eat more of these if you experience thirst, dry lips and skin, an itchy throat or dry cough. Consult with a Chinese medicine or other healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist.
How & what to cook
Eat nourishing meals with heartier flavours and ingredients.
Replace raw salads with lightly stir-fried or baked vegetables.
Gradually incorporate more delicious root vegetables such as beetroot, turnip, sweet potato and pumpkin into meals.
Cook foods for longer, at lower heat with less water to enhance their nourishing quality.
Protect your energy
For optimal health and a smooth transition through Autumn toward Winter, it’s helpful to focus our energy inwards, gathering together on all levels to prepare for a cooler, quieter season.
Enjoy the fresh crisp change in weather, but dress appropriately for cold or rain with scarf, umbrella, socks and closed-toe shoes.
Focusing our energy inward also makes way for reflection on a personal level.
This is the time to plan for what you would like to achieve through Winter and the remainder of the year.
The more active, sometimes scattered patterns of summer are soon to be replaced by the relative order and organisation of Winter. Take the opportunity to use Autumn’s abundant yet inward focus for some quiet reflection.
Centering activities such as these will help you keep grounded and nourished:
yoga
meditation
practising slow, relaxed breathing
journaling
taking walks in the glorious Autumn sunshine
Acupuncture
Mind, body or skin need some extra attention?