The skin is such an amazing organ, it encases us and forms a protective shield from the world around us. It is waterproof yet it absorbs what is put on it and releases sweat to regulate our temperature. It allows us to sense our world through touch and sensory receptors. It indicates emotional states by flushing in embarrassment or anger, going white with fear. So what is your body trying to tell you when your skin gets irritated and starts flaring up?

I remember when I was in South Africa and working with baby homes who looked after abandoned babies, there was one little girl who had been abandoned in a graveyard. When I first met her she was very wary and had the roughest skin. She had put up such a strong physical boundary to protect herself from the world. The second time I saw her after giving her some Reflexology and introducing homeopathy, her skin was better and she wanted me to hold her the whole time I was there. The skin tells us a lot about what is going on in our bodies.

According to the Chinese, skin issues usually relate to deficient Liver Chi and blood resulting in a build-up of heat (toxins) in the blood. As the heat accumulates, the skin tries to get rid of it which can result in itching, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, pain and inflammation. The Liver is the organ that deals with stress, hence stressful times usually cause a flare up of skin conditions. The Liver is also one of the detoxification organs along with the kidneys, bladder and colon. So when the internal organs are struggling to deal with toxins from food or the environment, the Skin steps in as it too is a detox organ.

Skin issues are usually linked to the digestion, namely food not being digested properly resulting in large particles getting into the blood stream and the immune system launching an attack on them.

There is also an emotional aspect to skin conditions. Skin can flare up when you feel like your boundaries have been crossed or someone is getting ‘under your skin’. Are you feeling insecure and holding back while putting up a protective boundary? Something is bothering you, causing your boundaries to react.

Skin is affected from both sides, by what comes into contact with it on the outside and how we feel on the inside.

How you can support your skin:

• Diet – start by eliminating any foods that you feel cause a flare up. Common allergy foods include: Wheat, dairy, citrus, nuts and corn. Try and eat as organic as possible as it is often the chemicals in food that cause the irritation. Avoid processed foods containing trans fatty acids, additives and preservatives (more chemicals). Try and avoid sugar, which causes inflammation and stimulants like caffeine, alcohol and smoking, which exacerbate skin conditions. Focus on a wholefood diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit and wholegrains.

• Drink plenty of filtered and clean water to support the Liver and Kidneys in detoxing and eliminating. Distilled is best.

• Take a digestive enzyme to help the digestive process and ensure the food is properly broken down before being absorbed.

• Supplements like Beta-carotene (converts to Vitamin A) supports and nourishes the skin; Vitamin C, an antioxidant and antihistamine, it helps to boost the immune response; Zinc helps the body heal from wounds and is a must for treating skin issues. Make sure you take it with Copper in a ratio of 15:1. Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and support the immune system. Sources include oily fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring or flaxeed oil. Gamma linoleic acid (GLA) protects your cell against degenerative damage and reduces inflammation throughout the body. Sources include: Evening Primrose oil, Borage seed oil and black currant seed oil. Quercetin is a bioflavanoid and has anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties.

• Herbal remedies that help include: Liqorice, which suppresses inflammation and supports the adrenal glands. Burdock cleanses the blood and helps the cells to eliminate toxins. It is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, a gentle diuretic and helps the Liver to release toxins. Yellow dock supports the Liver and cleanses the blood. It helps to remove the toxins that Burdock has dislodged. Red Clover is a gentle blood cleanser. Dandelion is an archetypal Liver tonic supporting the Liver and Kidneys and is packed full of vitamins and minerals. Dong quai is a blood tonic that helps to move and invigorate the blood. (not to be used in pregnancy).

• An Oatmeal bath can help soothe and relieve itching and moisturise the skin.

• Sunlight helps the skin to heal so spending some time in the sun can help alleviate skin irritations.

• Stop using chemicals on your skin and in your home. Anything you put onto your skin will be absorbed so if it has a long list of ingredients, ask yourself if you really want that going into your body. There are plenty of natural options for skincare and cleaning.

• Acupoints that help skin issues include: Spleen 6 strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, aids digestion and metabolism, resolves damp conditions. It is located about 4 finger-widths from the inner ankle bone in a depression just next to the shin, it will be sensitive (see picture). Note: not to be used in pregnancy. Spleen 10 moves and invigorates the blood and removes heat (toxins) from the blood. Located 3 finger-widths above the kneecap on the inside of the leg. It will be a sensitive spot (see picture). Large Intestine 4 disperses stuck energy from the upper part of the body and relieves skin symptoms. Located in the webbing between the thumb and index fingers on the top of the hand (see picture).

• Essential oils that help to soothe skin include Lavender, Peppermint, Tea tree, Chamomile, Geranium, Helichrysum, Juniper berry.

What is causing your skin to flare up?

I would love to hear from you, let me know what you find helpful to soothe your skin irritation.

With love,