Skin & Hair

Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis & Topical Steroid Withdrawal (Part 1)

March 4, 2024

David Heron, L.Ac.

Case study photo showing patient's face rash at first visit

Eczema is a broad term used to describe numerous related but different conditions involving redness, inflammation, itching of the skin, possibly scaling and occasionally the presence of vesicles. Each type of eczema has different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Dermatitis is another term that is used interchangeably with eczema for conditions involving skin inflammation and redness. Despite similarities in meaning, certain diseases are only used with either eczema or dermatitis in their title. This article provides the background of the disease and will be followed by Part 2 discussing case studies and herbal treatments.

Read More

Skin Formulas Comparison

March 1, 2024

Yvonne Lau, Mayway President

Skin formulas Comparison

This easy chart shows 10 skin formulas and how to use them including pin yin name, alternate name, functions, indications, typical tongue and pulse, and the ingredients so you can select the best formulas for your patients with ease!

Read More

Hair Loss and Traditional Chinese Medicine

February 27, 2024

Dr. Shaohan “Eddie” Chui

photo of a woman holding a hairbrush ful of hair that has presumably fallen out

Throughout all cultures, abundant hair has been seen as a sign of radiant health, as well as fertility and virility. This is also true in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as the quantity and quality of hair is understood to reflect the state of the Zang Fu organs and physical condition. Read on to learn the connection between hair health, the 5 internal organs, and other factors contributing to hair condition.

Read More

Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan / Seven Treasures for Hair

February 26, 2024

Janet L. Borges, MSTCM, Dipl. AC & CH (NCCAOM), L.Ac.

photo of seven treasures for hair product

Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan 七寶美髯丹, also known as Seven Treasures for Hair, tonifies both Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang, replenishes Jing, tonifies Blood, strengthens tendons and bones, and benefits vitality. Read more in this deep dive article all about this popular formula for beautiful hair!

Read More

Hives and Children

August 15, 2023

Raven Lang, L.Ac., O.M.D.

In this video clip from the Mayway course "Pediatrics and Shonishin," Raven Lang, L.Ac., O.M.D. discusses TCM treatments for hives in children.

Read More

Purple Patch Wind, Zi Dian Feng: Lichen Planus Case Study

April 4, 2023

David Heron, L.Ac.

Chinese medicine treatment of lichen planus - before photos of patient's rash on upper back

One percent of the world suffers from a skin disease that has been recognized and treated by Chinese medicine (CM) for roughly 1000 Years. These patients lose their sleep and ability to concentrate on daily activities due to persistent, intense itching. Lichen planus, known in Chinese medicine as Zi Dian Feng (紫癫风), which means 'purple patch wind,’ has been recognized, categorized, and treated by Chinese medicine since the Song Dynasty. This case study highlights the use of herbal medicine to treat Lichen planus, documenting the progression of improvement over several months.

Read More

Itchy Skin Recipes

April 1, 2023

Yvonne Lau, Mayway President

Papaya peanut chicken soup

Blooming flowers, green leafy trees, warmer weather, feelings of renewal and growth, and possibly...... dry, itchy, lackluster skin. The effects of cold and windy winter months followed by drier springtime weather can make our skin more vulnerable to peeling, itching and dryness. These 2 recipes will help battle dryness with delicious herb-infused food!

Read More

Congee Recipe for Beautiful Skin

March 31, 2023

Yvonne Lau, Mayway President

Congee for Beautiful Skin

Congee is a nourishing and comforting porridge, regarded to be particularly beneficial for its recuperative properties, often enhanced with herbs for specific functions that are added to the porridge while cooking. Rice is considered a Qi and Yang tonic. This particular recipe nourishes the skin by tonifying the Blood, preserving Yin fluids and helping to heal skin that has been damaged from UV exposure.

Read More

Purple Cloud Salve

July 22, 2022

Skye Sturgeon, DAOM, Quality Assurance Manager, Mayway

Purple Cloud Salve

Have you ever wanted to make your own therapeutic ointments from Chinese herbs? Skye Sturgeon leads you through easy and straightforward, step by step instructions that teach you how to make Zi Yun Gao, a famous, over 350-year-old Chinese herb formula that’s applicable for a variety of skin conditions.

Read More

Case Study: Treatment for “Fen Ci” (粉刺) with TCM

November 18, 2020

Juliette Aiyana, L.Ac. Herbalist

Chinese Medicine and Acne

Chinese herbal medicine can be very helpful to control one of the most common skin conditions in the world, known in traditional Chinese medicine as Fen Ci (粉刺) or “white thorns”, which can have a variety of etiologies. In this article, Juliette presents a case of adult acne, as diagnosed by her dermatologist, in an American 24-year-old cis female of Chinese heritage.

Read More

Margarite Acne Pills

November 14, 2020

Mark Frost, MSTCM, L.Ac.

Margarite Acne Pills

Is Margarite Acne Pills right for my patient? In this article, you will learn about the formula's treatment principles, in-depth information on the herbs used, and formula pairings to help you best prescribe for your patient's Fen Ci issues.

Read More

Facial Acupuncture in a time of Masks

July 19, 2020

Michelle Gellis AP, LAc, MAc DiplAc

Michelle Gellis

Acupuncturist Michelle Gellis discusses how to modify your facial acupuncture protocol during the pandemic to safely continue your treatments, including modification of masks and your office environment. Thank you to FSOMA for allowing us to use a portion of this webinar recording.

Read More

Differential Diagnosis of Acne in Chinese Medicine

September 1, 2019

Doctor Yu Feng Yau of Hong Kong

Acne

Taking into account the symptoms and characteristics of how the acne presents is vital to diagnosis. If pimples are primarily red, swollen, hot, painful, then it indicates true heat. If redness, swelling, heat and pain are less pronounced, then it is likely due to deficiency heat. Pronounced itchiness is likely due to wind, and pus is usually due to dampness. If pimples expel yellow pus, then it indicates damp-heat. If fresh blood comes out after a pimple bursts, it indicates heat in blood, which is forcing the blood out erratically. If pimples congeal and harden, particularly if they do not resolve for long periods of time, we must consider blocked Qi and stagnant Blood. However, we always need to consider the entire patient presentation, not just these symptoms.

Read More
To Top