Your skin
The skin is the largest organ in the body and works as the first line of defence, protecting the body from germs and external irritants/toxins. The skin also helps to regulate body temperature and releases toxins through sweat glands
The skin is also a reflection of what’s happening inside the body. It is closely connected to your digestion, the lungs and immune system. If one of these systems is struggling or inflamed, it can show up on your skin, especially if you’re more prone to certain skin conditions with an underlying genetic predisposition.
Factors like poor diet, low immunity, stress, lack of exercise & sleep, and genetics can all play a role in how your skin looks and feels.
​The Gut-Skin Axis
The gut and the skin are closely connected through what’s known as the gut-skin axis. When the gut is healthy, it helps regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and provide the nutrients the skin needs to stay healthy and resilient. When the gut is imbalanced, due to factors like poor diet, stress, food intolerances, or gut conditions, it can lead to inflammation that often shows up on the skin. Issues like acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis are commonly linked to gut health and hormonal health. Supporting the gut and hormones through diet, lifestyle, and targeted therapies can help to improve skin health from the inside out.
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What to Expect in a Consultation
During your consultation, we will assess your skin and overall health. This includes looking at your lifestyle, diet, medical history and family history. From there, we will create a treatment plan designed just for you. This may include acupuncture, herbal medicine (both internal and/or topical), along with tailored nutrition, supplement/nutraceuticals and skin care product suggestions.
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If you are currently using prescribed medications or topical steroid creams, these can be incorporated into your treatment plan. We work with what’s best for you.​​​​​​
​​Nutrition & Diet
The food you eat plays a key role in skin health. Food intolerances & sensitivities, or certain naturally occurring compounds can trigger inflammation in the gut and show up as skin issues. Artificial additives and toxins found in the food supply may also aggravate the immune system, making conditions worse.
Together, we’ll design a nutrition plan that works with your lifestyle and supports both your skin and overall wellbeing. In some cases, further testing may be recommended—such as allergy testing, SIBO testing, or gut microbiome analysis. We can arrange many of these tests directly, or work alongside your GP if needed.
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Herbal Medicine and Supplements for the Skin
Herbal medicine offers many options for supporting healthy skin. Some herbs help nourish dry, itchy, or flaky skin (common in eczema and psoriasis), while others reduce heat, toxins, and inflammation (helpful in acne and rosacea).
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Chinese herbs can be taken internally as teas, powders, or capsules, or used externally as creams, balms, washes, or tinctures—depending on what’s best suited for you.
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Supplements taken orally or used topically can also improve skin health. We can make suggestions during your consultation.​​