Traditional Chinese Medicine

The Lime

Lime, with its cool nature and sour flavor, is excellent for spring and summer when internal heat may rise. It resonates with the Liver and Digestive system, helping to regulate Qi and aid in digestion. Furthermore, lime supports the body/s detoxification processes, making it useful in treating indigestion, bloating and enhancing overall skin health. Its refreshing quality also makes it a popular choice for boosting immunity and preventing common cold symptoms.

Cilantro Lime Rice

A refreshing side dish that can complement any meal. Cook rice as usual then stir in lime juice, zest, and chopped cilantro after it’s cooked. Lime adds a zesty flavor and aids in digestion, while cilantro supports detoxification.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Zest of lime
• A quarter chopped cilantro

Preparation

1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Once cooked, while still warm, add lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro.
3. Stir well and serve

When it comes to achieving healthy and radiant skin, sometimes the best solutions can be found right in your kitchen. Nature has provided us with an array of powerful ingredients that can nourish and rejuvenate our skin. By incorporating kitchen remedies into your skincare routine, you can harness the power of natural ingredients to promote a glowing complexion. Let’s explore some easy and effective kitchen remedies for skin health.

1. Honey for Hydration:

Honey is a true skincare gem with its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. It helps to retain moisture, leaving your skin soft and supple. Apply a thin layer of raw honey to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. The natural enzymes in honey also gently exfoliate, revealing a refreshed complexion.

2. Turmeric for Brightening:

Turmeric has been used for centuries for its skin-brightening properties. Its active compound, curcumin, helps to reduce inflammation and even out skin tone. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with plain yogurt or honey to form a paste. Apply it to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. Be cautious, as turmeric can temporarily stain the skin, but it will fade over time.

3. Oatmeal for Soothing:

Oatmeal is a gentle and soothing ingredient that can calm irritated and sensitive skin. Grind a handful of oats into a fine powder and mix it with warm water to form a paste. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off gently with water, and enjoy the calming effect on your skin.

4. Lemon for Brightening and Exfoliation:

Lemon is a natural exfoliant and skin brightener, thanks to its high vitamin C content. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl and dilute it with equal parts water. Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing off. Due to its acidic nature, lemon juice can be drying, so it’s important to moisturize afterward and avoid sun exposure.

5. Avocado for Nourishment:

Avocado is a treasure trove of nutrients that can deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. Mash half an avocado and mix it with a tablespoon of honey or plain yogurt. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. The natural oils in avocado will leave your skin feeling soft, supple, and rejuvenated.

Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so it’s important to patch test any new ingredients to ensure compatibility with your skin. Additionally, these kitchen remedies can complement your regular skincare routine but should not replace professional dermatological advice for specific skin conditions.

Incorporating kitchen remedies into your skincare regimen can be an enjoyable and cost-effective way to nourish your skin naturally. So, raid your pantry and indulge in these wonderful kitchen remedies for radiant and healthy skin.

Note: If you have known allergies or skin sensitivities, it is crucial to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional before trying new ingredients on your skin.

Food as Medicine – Dill

Dill, with its warm nature and pungent flavor, is excellent for warming the Middle Jiao and promoting digestion. It supports the Spleen and Stomach meridians, aiding in the relief of digestive discomfort such as indigestion and bloating. Furthermore, dill’s ability to dispel cold makes it particularly beneficial in conditions where digestive coldness leads to sluggish digestion, enhancing overall digestive well-being.

Lemon Dill Salmon

Bake salmon filets with a marinade of lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt and pepper. Dill is known for its ability to settle the stomach, and combined with omega-3 rich salmon, it makes for a heart-healthy meal.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon filets
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Place salmon on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with dill, salt and pepper.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through.

You’ve probably heard the buzz about microneedling—and maybe even seen the impressive before-and-afters online—but did you know this treatment has roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

As an acupuncturist, I approach microneedling not just as a cosmetic treatment, but as a powerful tool for holistic healing and skin rejuvenation. Here’s everything you need to know before you try it for yourself.

A Little History Behind the Needles

While modern microneedling as we know it became popular in dermatology circles in the 1990s, the concept of stimulating the skin to promote healing and renewal goes back centuries in Chinese medicine. In fact, ancient practitioners used small dermal tools to improve circulation and encourage qi (life force) flow at the surface of the skin. Today, we’ve refined that wisdom into a science-backed, minimally invasive treatment that naturally encourages your skin to do what it was designed to do—heal and renew itself.

What Exactly Is Microneedling?

Microneedling (also known as collagen induction therapy) involves the use of a device with tiny, sterile needles that create micro-channels in the surface of your skin. These controlled micro-injuries jumpstart your body’s wound-healing response, which leads to:

• Increased collagen and elastin production
• Improved skin tone and texture
• Better absorption of serums and skincare products
• Reduced appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation
• It’s like a workout for your skin—waking it up, strengthening it, and leaving it healthier than before.

What Microneedling Can Help With

Here’s what microneedling is great for:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Acne scars and enlarged pores
• Hyperpigmentation and sun damage
• Dull, uneven skin tone
• Skin laxity and rough texture
• Mild hair thinning on the scalp

And here’s what it can’t do:

• Replace surgical procedures for deep wrinkles or sagging
• Work overnight (it takes time and consistency!)
• Treat active acne breakouts or certain skin conditions like eczema or rosacea (we’ll assess that together)

What to Expect: The Process

Here’s how it works:

1. We start with a consultation to go over your skin goals, concerns, and overall health.
2. Your face is gently cleansed and prepped.
3. The microneedling device is passed over your skin in a specific pattern. Most people say it feels like a light prickly sensation—more tingly than painful.
4. I may apply a calming mask, serum, or even red light therapy to enhance healing.
5. You’ll leave a bit red, like a mild sunburn, which typically fades in 12–24 hours.

The next day? You’ll feel fresh, your skin might be a little tight or dry, and then over the next week, that healthy glow kicks in. Results build with each session, and while everyone’s skin is different, most people start seeing noticeable changes after a few treatments.

Why See an Acupuncturist for This?

Great question. As acupuncturists, we’re already trained in the use of needles, the energetics of the body, and how to treat the whole person—not just a symptom. When you receive microneedling from a licensed acupuncturist, you’re not just getting a surface-level treatment. You’re getting a holistic experience that may include facial acupuncture, herbal support, and lifestyle guidance to enhance your results from the inside out.

We understand the importance of qi flow, constitutional imbalances, and how external skin issues often reflect deeper internal patterns. So, your skin gets the glow-up—and your whole system gets support.

Ready to Try It?

If you’re curious about microneedling or wondering if it’s a good fit for you, let’s talk. I’m happy to walk you through the process, answer your questions, and design a treatment plan that aligns with your skin goals and overall wellness.

As the summer temperatures begin to rise, so does the need for effective ways to stay cool and maintain a balanced state of health. One avenue that many individuals may not have considered lies in the time-tested traditions of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – specifically, acupuncture and the therapeutic use of Chinese herbs. Here, we explore how acupuncture can be applied to promote summer health and also delve into some refreshing recipes using Chinese herbs renowned for their cooling properties.

Acupuncture and Summer Health

Acupuncture, one of the pillars of TCM, has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body, known as acupoints. According to TCM, these points are thought to be linked to the body’s vital energy, or Qi, and by manipulating these points, practitioners aim to correct imbalances and promote health.

In the context of summer health, the primary concern for many people is managing the excess heat, which can lead to symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, dehydration, and even heatstroke. TCM views these symptoms as signs of excess heat or Yang energy in the body. Acupuncture can help rectify this imbalance by stimulating acupoints that have cooling or Yin-enhancing effects.

Several acupoints have been traditionally associated with heat-clearing effects, such as LI11 (Quchi), HT8 (Shaofu), and GV14 (Dazhui). It’s crucial, however, to seek the assistance of a trained and certified acupuncturist, as they can provide a personalized assessment and treatment plan based on your specific needs and overall health condition.

Cooling Down with Chinese Herbs

Beyond acupuncture, TCM also extensively uses herbs to rectify imbalances in the body. For combating the summer heat, several Chinese herbs and ingredients have been recognized for their cooling properties.

1. Mung Beans:  Mung beans are well-known for their cooling and detoxifying effects. They are rich in proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and can be included in both sweet and savory dishes.
2. Chrysanthemum Flower:  This flower is often brewed into a tea and is believed to clear heat and toxins from the body. It also has calming properties, making it excellent for alleviating stress and insomnia.
3. Lotus Seeds:  Used in a variety of Chinese dishes and desserts, lotus seeds are considered cooling and beneficial for the heart and kidneys. They are also known for their calming effects, assisting with restlessness and insomnia.

Recipes for a Cool Summer

Here are two simple recipes incorporating these cooling Chinese ingredients:

Chrysanthemum Tea

Ingredients:

• 20-30 dried chrysanthemum flowers
• 1 tablespoon of honey (or to taste)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the chrysanthemum flowers under cold water.
2. Place the cleaned flowers in a teapot or a heat-resistant pitcher.
3. Pour boiling water into the pot and let the flowers steep for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the honey until it dissolves.
5. Strain the tea into cups and serve. You can enjoy this drink hot or allow it to cool and then refrigerate for a refreshing chilled beverage.

Mung Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mung beans
• 4 cups water
• Rock sugar or honey to taste
• A handful of dried lotus seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the mung beans and lotus seeds under cold water.
2. In a large pot, combine the mung beans, lotus seeds (if using), and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.