Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Journey Through Eternal Youth

Introduction :

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is much more than a set of remedies: it is a philosophy, a way of understanding the world and the individual as an interconnected whole. Based on millennia of observations, it provides us with treasures for understanding and preserving our youth, from the inside out.

Qi and Xue: The Pillars of Vitality

• Qi (energy): It is the vital breath that animates every living being. A vigorous Qi results in radiant skin, boundless energy and overall good health.

• Xue (blood): It is the material support of Qi. It nourishes the tissues, including the skin. A healthy Xue results in smooth, supple and glowing skin.

For TCM, maintaining the balance between Qi and Xue is essential for youthful appearance and well-being.

The Skin through the Five Elements Philosophy:

Wood (Spring)

• Traits and Symbolism : Associated with growth, rebirth, and newness. The season of renewal where everything begins to bud.

• Impact on the skin : More active blood circulation gives a radiant complexion. However, an imbalance can cause breakouts or a dull complexion.

• Recommended care : Deep cleansing to remove impurities and skin toning to prepare for summer.

2. Fire (Summer)

• Features and symbolism : Synonymous with warmth, joy, passion, and vitality. Summer represents effervescence and energetic abundance.

• Impact on the skin : Heat can cause oily skin, dilated pores and inflammation.

• Recommended care : Light products, moisturizers and sun protection.

3. Earth (Late Summer)

• Traits and symbolism : Evokes harvesting, anchoring and reflection. A period of transition.

• Impact on the skin : Oily skin due to humidity, with the risk of pimples.

• Recommended treatments : Exfoliation to eliminate dead cells and mattifying treatments.

4. Metal (Fall)

• Traits and symbolism : Associated with liberation, letting go and contemplation. A time to let go of what is no longer needed.

• Impact on the skin : Tendency to dryness and increased sensitivity.

• Recommended care : Deep hydration with nourishing creams and moisturizing masks.

5. Water (Winter)

• Traits and symbolism : Winter is marked by rest, conservation of energy and introspection. Like deep, calm waters, it is a time for internal reflection.

• Impact on the skin : Dry, dehydrated skin, pronounced dark circles.

• Recommended treatments : Deep and nourishing treatments, such as oils and balms.

Diet according to TCM:

1. Jujubes (Red dates):

• Nature and Flavor: Jujubes are considered to be hot in nature and mild in flavor.

• Main functions: These small fruits are known to invigorate the blood and harmonize the stomach. They are often used to treat anemia, fatigue, or other blood deficiency disorders according to TCM.

• Aesthetic Impacts: Their ability to tone the blood means they can improve circulation, which can benefit the complexion, giving skin a dewy, healthy appearance.

• Use: Jujubes can be added to soups, porridges or eaten as is as snacks. They are also commonly used in herbal teas to add sweetness and boost their invigorating power.

2. Eggplant:

• Nature and Flavor: Eggplants are generally considered to be fresh in nature with a bittersweet flavor.

• Main functions: In TCM, eggplants are known to eliminate heat, especially in the liver. They are used to treat various inflammatory conditions.

• Aesthetic impacts: By reducing inflammation, eggplants may help prevent rashes and other skin conditions associated with excess heat.

• Use: Eggplants can be cooked in various ways: grilled, sautéed, steamed or stewed. It is recommended to consume them in moderation for people who have a "cold" constitution.

  3. Nuts:

• Nature and flavor: Nuts are considered warm in nature and have a mild flavor.

• Main Functions: Nuts are known to nourish Kidney Yin. In TCM, the kidneys are considered the source of the body's vital energy, and nuts can help maintain this energy.

• Aesthetic impacts: By nourishing the Yin of the kidneys, nuts can have a beneficial effect on hair, preventing hair loss and premature whitening. Plus, they can improve skin hydration and elasticity, resulting in a younger, healthier appearance.

• Usage: Nuts can be eaten raw, roasted or added to various dishes. They are also often incorporated into tonics or herbal remedies to increase their effectiveness.

Chinese Herbalism: The Garden of the Senses

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) encompasses a rich universe of knowledge and practices aimed at maintaining balance and health. At the heart of this tradition is herbal medicine, a discipline that draws on the power of plants to restore harmony to the body. In this garden of the senses, each herb is a note in a melody, and when combined correctly, they compose a symphony of well-being.

Bai zhu (Atractylodes):

• Properties and uses: Renowned for toning the Spleen, Bai zhu promotes optimal digestion and good circulation of Qi, the vital energy.

• Skin impacts: Harmonious Qi circulation is reflected in radiant skin, while its imbalance can lead to a dull complexion.

Mu dan pi (Peony):

• Properties and uses: This herb cools the blood, providing a remedy for "hot blood" symptoms, such as inflammation.

• Skin impacts: Mu dan pi is a solution for skin problems like acne or eczema, thanks to its detoxifying properties.

He shou wu (Polygonum):

• Properties and uses: Intended to nourish Liver Yin, He shou wu is a true elixir of youth.

• Skin and hair impacts: Traditionally used to prevent gray hair, it also provides hydration to the skin, making it soft and supple.

Wild yam (Dioscorea opposita):

Energy signature: Known to revitalize the kidneys and support lung function, wild yam is an ode to longevity.

Dodder (Cuscuta chinensis):

Energetic Signature: This luminous herb revitalizes Kidney Yang, evoking renewed energy, fighting fatigue and infertility.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius):

Energy signature: Symbolizing circulation, safflower eliminates stasis, allowing a free flow of energy.

Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa):

Energetic Signature: A blood-nourishing herb, Rehmannia is the antidote to menstrual imbalances and anemia.

White mulberry (Morus alba):

• Energy signature: With its power to nourish Yin and regulate blood sugar, white mulberry is a guardian of balance.

Chinese herbalism is a delicate dance between nature and man. Each herb is carefully chosen, not only for its intrinsic properties, but also for the way it interacts with other plants and with the body itself. In this harmony, the garden of the senses of Chinese herbal medicine offers a path to healing and well-being.

Directions for use: The consumption of medicinal herbs requires caution and discernment. They should never be consumed without the advice of a qualified professional. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on an individualized assessment of the patient, and therefore it is essential to consult a competent practitioner for appropriate recommendations.

Conclusion :

Traditional Chinese Medicine is not just a series of remedies. It's a symphony of philosophies, techniques and age-old wisdom that, when played in harmony, can lead to eternal youth, not only in appearance but also in spirit.