The Skin
The skin is the largest organ of the body and serves as a barrier to protect the insides of the body from external pathogen. The skin also releases heat and toxins through the sweat glands. Healthy skin function is derived from healthy respiratory, digestive and immune systems. When any one of these systems is poorly functioning or inflamed, the skin can also present with symptoms of inflammation, especially if you have a genetic predisposition to skin conditions. Poor diet, weak immunity, erratic lifestyle, stress, genetic makeup, and environmental factors can all play role in causing skin conditions.
Chinese Medicine Dermatology
During a consult I will carefully inspect your skin, as well as conduct a thorough health assessment including lifestyle and diet, medical and family history. I will then provide a individualised treatment plan which typically consists of acupuncture and herbal medicine (internal and topical) and specific lifestyle and nutrition advice. If you are already using topical steroid creams or taking prescribed medication for you skin, we can incorporate this into your treatment plan.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture points exist all over the body that can be use in skin conditions. When stimulated with acupuncture, these points may assist in restoring normal immune function and reducing inflammation. Acupuncture is also important for skin conditions, that have an emotional component such as stress or anxiety.
NUTRITION & DIET
Food allergies and intolerances can contribute to some skin conditions. Some naturally occurring compounds in foods, as well as some artificial ingredients can elicit allergic reactions and aggravate your immune system, leading to inflammation in the gut and the skin. I will formulate a customised nutrition plan that suits your needs and lifestyle, with the aim to improve your skin and overall health. Sometimes further testing is required, such as allergy, SIBO and/or microbiome testing. I can order some of these tests directly, or we can do this in conjunction with your GP.
Herbal Medicine for Skin
There are a variety of herbs that help skin conditions. Certain herbs can nourish and moisten skin that is dry, flaky and itchy, in conditions like eczema or psoriasis. While other herbs can act to reduce toxins and inflammation, in conditions like acne and rosacea. Chinese herbs can be ingested as a tea, powder or in capsules. Herbs can also be applied as a topical cream, balm, tincture or external wash.
Dermatology M Products
Dermatology M is a range of carefully designed topical creams, ointments and tinctures, developed by world-renowned dermatologist Mazin Al-Khafaji.
Mazin is recognised as one of the leading experts in the field of dermatology and Chinese medicine. He is also an authority on the toxicity and authentication of herbs.
I prescribe Dermatology M products in conjunction with internal herbs to treat skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. Dermatology M products are made in the UK, at Mazin’s dispensary, using organic ingredients wherever possible. These products do not contain artificial colours or preservatives, petrochemical substances or steroids.
