STAY WRINKLE-FREE

STAY WRINKLE-FREE BY ANNA VIEIRA

WHAT DO THE WRINKLES ON YOUR FACE mean? They are signs that our body uses to show change. Oftentimes in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we use signs from our external body to provide us information about what’s happening in our internal state. Wrinkles on specific areas of the face mean certain things. Wrinkles between eyebrows are caused by anger, over-concentration, nervousness, or stress. Wrinkles on the forehead are caused by not getting enough sleep over time. Wrinkles at the corner of eyes, or around the temple area, are often signs of kidney deficiency. The kidney is the organ responsible for housing our life essence called “Jing”. Jing depletes over time, some quicker than others, showing more signs of aging. Wrinkles at corners of lips: the left side signals spleen deficiency, the right side signals liver, and gallbladder stagnation or overload. The spleen is our digestion, harmed by poor nutrition, excessive consumption of cold or raw foods, and worry. The liver and gallbladder are harmed by anger and stress, excessive medications, environmental toxins, drug, and alcohol use. Wrinkles on the bridge of the nose between the eyes area is often a sign of heart imbalance.

But how can we treat and prevent wrinkles and consequently treating our entire well-being? Daily mediation or concentrated stomach breathing with both eyes closed. Lay down for 5-10 minutes once or twice daily. Get to bed before 11:00 pm, apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to sleep better, or drink lotus seed and logan tea. This will also naturally help liver and gallbladder function. Eat 2 tablespoons of goji berry daily. Drink ginger tea daily to help the spleen. Practice kidney massage, placing both fists on the lower back, rub up and down motion for 3-5 minutes daily. Fascial cupping and CryoFascial can also help, and for those, seek professional advice.