Fluid accumulation and retention in the body result in puffy skin. With it, we feel like an inflated balloon and often see an increase in weight on the scales. Such skin requires special care rituals that depuff it and restore your glow.
Boost Hydration
Drink lots of water first thing in the morning. Yes, this advice may seem strange when you consider that a swollen skin is the result of excessive fluid accumulation. But it's scientifically proven that drinking enough water prevents water retention and de-puffs your skin. Our smart body is constantly striving for balance, so if you are dehydrated your body will hold on to fluid and try to prevent low water levels.
Treat Yourself to Coffee or Tea
Of course, you can hardly drink only water all day long. So if you want to drink coffee or a drink containing caffeine (which includes black and green teas) do not deny yourself. Contrary to popular myth, caffeine is not a contraindication when your fluid balance is slightly off. On the contrary, it acts as a mild diuretic and, in combination with water, removes fluid from the body even more effectively.
Eat Potassium-Rich Food
Salty foods are rich in sodium and are a common cause of puffy skin. Potassium, in turn, acts as a natural diuretic and removes sodium from the body. Thus, it prevents the accumulation of fluid and the appearance of swelling and edema. So eat something rich in potassium like leafy greens, beans, bananas, avocados, tomatoes, and so on.
Promote Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage removes the accumulated fluid (lymph) along with the toxins and bacteria in it. Gua Sha is great for stimulating lymphatic drainage.
Place the instrument on the picks,
draw along the chin line to the earlobe and back,
repeat the movement in each direction at least 3 times.
If puffiness around the eyes bothers you, Gua Sha practice is a little different:
Apply lotion or oil around the eye area
Run the Gua Sha tool over the area under the eyes (3 times for each eye)
Move the tool at the corner of the eyebrow and draw to the temple and hairline (the same 3 times on each side)
Cool Your Skin
To de-puff your skin, wash your face with cold water. A study published in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine showed that cold water can significantly improve the flow of lymph (the accumulation of which leads to swelling). You can also do a cold compress or rub ice cubes on your face. The use of ice constricts blood vessels and, as a result, reduces tissue swelling.
Try to Sleep on Your Back
Medicine shows that at night, when we lie down, fluid accumulates in our head and face, and this is normal. However, when you sleep on some part of your face or face down, you add even more fluid to your face, which is reflected in the appearance of the skin the next day. When you sleep on your back, you do not allow excess fluid to cling to your face and thus reduce the risk of swelling of the eyes and face.
Pay Attention to Internal Organs
In TCM, swelling is often the result of spleen-Yang deficiency or kidney-Yang deficiency since these organs are responsible for transporting fluids in our body. For both conditions, avoid cold and raw foods, instead including beef, lamb, cooked vegetables, legumes, and whole grains (warm energy foods), try moxibustion with a warming needle, and avoid stress as much as possible. However, a detailed and individualized treatment plan is only prescribed by a qualified TCM practitioner.
Control Your Stress Level
The problem of stress deserves special mention, as its relationship with skin puffiness has been proven not only by TCM, but also by modern science. So stress increases the level of cortisol, and this hormone in turn affects fluid retention. To restore fluid balance and relieve puffiness, make time to take care of yourself, meditate, read a book, draw, and do other activities that soothe your spirit.
Add Movement to Your Life
Research has shown that physical activity improves circulation and removes excess fluid from your body through sweat. Besides, in TCM, light exercises increase Yang energy and cope with its deficiency. Therefore, walking, yoga, swimming, Tai Chi or Qi Gong are very important for removing unpleasant puffiness of the skin.
Address Your Allergies
Puffiness of the skin may be the result of seasonal, environmental, or food allergies. Allergy, in turn, indicates a blockage in the flow of Qi energy in your body according to TCM. That's why its treatment involves stimulating this energy and opening the meridians for it to flow. Acupuncture is considered the most effective method for this. By inserting needles at certain points, the acupuncturist removes blockages and opens the way for the flow of Qi. So if you know you're prone to allergies, see a qualified acupuncturist for help.
The health and beauty of our skin are a response to our care for it. Paying attention to each of the rituals, you will see that the puffiness of the skin goes away day after day.
