OCTAVE TIPS 04: Discover Your Beauty Acupoints
OCTAVE Institute, the pioneering platform for research, mindful learning and holistic wellness in China strives to provide a foundation for growth towards a purposeful life, mindfully lived. In the fourth chapter of OCTAVE TIPS, Chinese Medicine Practitioner Doctor David Wei explains on how acupressure can be used as a beauty treatment, aiding in one’s efforts to better health and increasing control over wellbeing.
Achieving beauty is never easy. Skin care products sometimes can only offer a temporary solution, appearing to treat the symptoms but hardly the root cause. The inevitable overtime at work, staying up late and lack of exercise gradually make us look tired and skin dull as a result of decreased vitality. In fact, most of these are related to the deficiency of qi and blood. If we are able to identify and overcome this problem, we can get twice the results with half the effort.
Judging Qi and Blood Deficiency through Physical Observation
Severe Hair Loss – According to TCM, one of the most obvious manifestations of insufficient qi and blood is hair loss, as well as yellowing of the hair and split ends.
Tired Eyes – Without proper rest, the eyes will appear bloodshot and dry; clouding or yellowing of the white of the eye is also indicative of a lack of qi and blood. In addition, deep dark circles and large bags under the eyes are not only signs of aging but also that the body lacks qi and blood.
Yellow Skin – The face is one of the main areas where the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming passes. Of the three Yang meridians, the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming is full of qi and blood. Generally, people with sufficient qi and blood will have elastic, dewy skin. If the skin becomes darker and more yellow, pores become larger or blood spots start to appear, these are all related to insufficient qi and blood.
Cold Limbs – Cold feet and hands or hot, sweaty palms which become more obvious in winter are manifestations of a lack of qi and blood. On the contrary, warm hands and feet and a lack of chills are signs of sufficient blood.
Insomnia and More Dreams – People with insufficient qi and blood often suffer from insomnia or have difficulty falling asleep, and are more likely to have nightmares, wake up in the middle of the night, drool and snore. By observing dark circles, the mental state can be judged.
Skin Rejuvenation with Acupressure Massage
In addition to changing eating habits, stimulating specific acupoints can help replenish the qi and blood levels which promotes self-healing of the body and improves skin condition.
Zusanli – Located three inches below the outer knee, Zusanli is the most important acupoint for health preservation and health care. TCM believes that massaging Zusanli can regulate the spleen and stomach, invigorate qi and clear the meridians. When massaging, press and knead with the index finger and middle finger together clockwise 200 to 300 times.
Xuehai – On the inside of the thigh by the upper corner of the kneecap where you might feel pain with a light touch, the Xuehai acupoint is the gathering place of the spleen blood. It can generate blood flow, regulate the blood and draw new blood. Xuehai is good at regulating gynecological blood diseases and is the main point for treating gynecological issues and skin diseases. Place the thumb pad on the Xuehai acupoint, using a firm touch, rotate and knead it for three to five minutes until there is obvious soreness in area. Every morning from 9am to 11am is a good time to massage as this is when the body’s qi and blood flow strongest.
Sanyinjiao – Sanyinjiao is not difficult locate, it is on the inside of the lower leg about three inches above the bony bump on the inner side of the ankle. Sanyinjiao belongs to the Spleen Meridian of Foot – Taiyin. It is an ideal point for promoting blood circulation and for nourishing the blood. Pressing this point can regulate menstruation and maintain the uterus, and has an impact on the skin too. Rotate and knead the thumb on the Sanyinjiao acupoint for one to three minutes, once in the morning and once in the evening every day.
About Doctor David Wei
A practicing Chinese medicine physician, Doctor David Wei has more than 10 years of working experience in Shanghai, working with private medical clinics to create customized health programs for individuals. He is a fifth-generation descendant of Beijing Chen style tai chi and holding the Wushu 3rd Duan certificate from the Chinese Wushu Association. He combines integrated therapies to treat common and chronic problems, such as headaches, muscular pain, anxiety and obesity.
