Health, Dr. Mao, Santa Monica

Posted Jun. 23, 2013, 8:42 am

Dr. Mao Shing Ni / Mirror Columnist

Did you know that eczema affects more than 15 million
people in the United States?

If you are one of them, you are not alone!
However, the blisters and itching do not have to be a permanent part of your
life.

Here are a few tips to help keep your skin smooth and moisturized
throughout the year.

You Are What You Eat

Your skin is the largest organ on your body and a
functional part of your immune system.

In traditional Chinese medicine your
skin is regulated by your lungs and large intestine.

So if your lungs or
intestines cannot properly expel toxins from your body, a back-up of toxins
will appear on your skin in the forms of lesions or rough spots.

If you
eliminate processed foods that contain artificial additives and treated
ingredients your body will have fewer toxins in your system.

Instead choose
foods that nourish the skin, such as broccoli, beans, oats, watermelon,
carrots, grapes, cherries, and pineapple.

Relax & Breathe

Stress and anxiety can trigger eczema attacks, so it is
important to implement stress reduction exercises in your regular workout
routine.

In addition to their physical benefits, tai chi and qi gong are great
for reducing stress and calming the emotions.

This Cleansing Qi Gong is
designed to help with circulation and promote opening of the pores.

Sit
comfortably or lie down on your back.

Slow your respiration to deep, abdominal
breathing.

Say the word “calm” in your mind with every exhalation.

Visualize your
body parts relaxing and releasing tension with every exhalation.

Reduce Allergens

Eczema is exacerbated by exposure to environmental
irritants such as household chemicals, laundry detergents, temperature changes,
and dry weather.

Food allergies and nutritional deficiencies can contribute to
its development.

Recent studies have linked stress and anxiety with eczema.

Currently dermatologists provide palliative solutions to relieve itching –
usually corticosteroids or, in severe conditions, immunosuppressant drugs.

Chemicals and artificial ingredients can cause allergic
reactions and irritate your immune system.

Keep a diary of your meals and be
attentive to your physical and emotional reactions to food.

Soon you will
discover whether you have allergic reactions that worsen your eczema.

Avoiding
problem foods can significantly reduce flare-ups.

Soothing Home Remedies

Several items that you probably have in your home will
also help soothe your dry itchy skin.

Mash one small raw potato and apply it as
poultice to the affected skin area, changing every four hours for three days,
or until skin improves, to help moisturize the skin and heal the sores.

In traditional cultures, people would soak the affected
areas in natural sulfur springs when possible.

To relieve itching and to help
the healing process at home, start by adding 1/3 cup each of sulfur powder,
Epsom salts, and olive oil to a lukewarm bath and then soak.

For topical relief
from itching, mix ten drops of Tonic Oil (containing wintergreen, eucalyptus
menthol, and other herbs) with fresh aloe vera gel and apply liberally and
frequently.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

Dr. Mao Shing Ni,
best known as Dr. Mao is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and
board certified anti-aging expert. He has recently appeared on “The Ricki Lake
Show,” “Dr. Oz,” and contributes to Yahoo Health and The Huffington Post. 
Dr. Mao practices acupuncture, nutrition, and Chinese medicine with his
associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica, Newport Beach, and Pasadena.
Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni, founded the Tao of Wellness more than
25 years ago in addition to founding Yo San University in Marina del Rey. To
make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310.917.2200 or
you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com. To subscribe to his
tip-filled newsletter please visit www.taoofwellness.com.