In the ancient Chinese classic book “Book of Songs,” it is written: “The hand is as tender as a young leaf, the skin is as smooth as congealed fat.” Throughout history and across cultures, women who love beauty have always paid great attention to the care and appearance of their hands. In the Los Angeles area, due to the relatively dry weather, inadequate care of the skin on the hands over the years can prematurely show signs of aging. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique insights into skincare. By mastering some methods, one can maintain and beautify their hands daily without spending a lot of money.
At the United University Clinic in Los Angeles, Tina Hou, a senior Chinese medicine acupuncture practitioner with 27 years of experience, recently mentioned in an interview that in dry winter seasons, issues such as peeling and cracking of the hands are common. From a Chinese medicine perspective, this is related to the invasion of dry pathogens damaging the lungs, as well as deficiencies in qi, blood, and yin. Since the lungs govern the skin and hair, when dry pathogens attack the lungs and there is also yin deficiency, it results in insufficient yin fluids in the body, which affects the skin.
However, traditional Chinese medicine offers various methods for hand skincare. Dr. Hou introduced several approaches from four different aspects.
– Laogong Acupoint: Massaging the Laogong acupoint can moisturize the skin, improve blood circulation, and clear heat and dryness. The Laogong acupoint is located in the center of the palm, below the middle fingertip when making a fist. Massage by pressing with the thumb of the other hand for 3-5 minutes each time.
– Hegu Acupoint: Massaging the Hegu acupoint can promote the circulation of qi and blood, improve skin complexion, and relieve discomfort caused by dry skin. It is located between the thumb and index finger on the back of the hand. Alternate pressing with both hands for 3-5 minutes.
– Shaoshang Acupoint: Regularly massaging the Shaoshang acupoint can regulate the lung meridian, promote the transport of body fluids, and improve conditions of dry heat and dry skin. Located 0.1 inch outside the nail root on the outer side of the thumb, gently rub for 1-2 minutes until a slight swelling sensation is felt.
– Taiyuan Acupoint: Massaging this acupoint can moisturize lung yin and improve dryness in the hands. Located at the wrist crease, at the end of the radius bone on the outer edge below the thumb bone. Lightly press this point for 2-3 minutes to help moisturize the skin.
– Hand Heating or Soaking: Prepare a basin of warm water and soak both hands for 10 minutes with a few drops of olive oil or ginger slices to keep warm, promote blood circulation, and reduce dryness.
– Use Traditional Chinese Medicine Hand Cream: Choose a hand cream containing moisturizing ingredients such as Angelica, licorice, and honey to keep the hand skin moist.
– Moxibustion Therapy: Moxibustion on the Laogong and Hegu acupoints helps in replenishing qi and blood and improving dryness in the hands.
– Dietary Moisturization: Consume more lung-moistening foods such as pear, tremella, lily bulb, honey, etc. Adequately supplement nuts (such as walnuts, almonds) to provide unsaturated fatty acids and improve skin elasticity.
– Avoid Excessive Washing: Apply moisturizer immediately after washing hands and avoid using cleansers with irritating chemicals.
– Wear Gloves for Protection: Wear gloves in cold or dry environments to prevent damage from cold winds and irritating substances to the hands.
A mixture of 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1 egg yolk can be evenly applied to the hands. Wear disposable gloves or wrap in cling film, leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse off to moisturize the skin and alleviate dryness.
For housewives who often worry about dry and cracked skin on their hands, Dr. Hou also provided a simple care method: “If the hands are severely dry and cracked, apply petroleum jelly and wear cotton gloves when going to bed.”
Dr. Hou also shared that after washing her hands, she massages them with lotion. This not only promotes blood circulation but also stimulates the acupoints on the hands, ensuring smoother flow of meridians.
Dr. Hou emphasized that these methods are simple and easy to use, and with long-term persistence, results can be seen. “These Chinese medicine massage and skincare methods can effectively help improve dryness of the hands in winter and promote the circulation of qi and blood, making the skin more moisturized and healthy,” she said.