Is Beauty only skin Deep?

Are you loving the Skin you are in?

Skin forms an essentially protective and containing barrier for us physically but it can also reveal our inner emotional state. Our skin literally holds us together and forms an effective frontier and boundary between our body and the elements. Just like the rest of our complex, integrated, selves, our skin is responsive, reactive, sensitive and not divorced from our emotions! I hope the following will provide an interesting insight about the connection between your feelings about yourself and your actual skin from a 5-Element perspective.

On your Metal: With Traditional Chinese Medicine Philosophy (TCM), our Skin falls under the ‘Metal’ Element* which also governs the Lungs. Both play a vital role for us.  Both organs need to breathe. Both are responsive to varying levels of pollution, internally and externally and both also respond to kindness and compassion!  In this context, Metal is associated with the many benefits of letting go: E.g. of physical tension, stress, worry, grief and limiting self-beliefs – metaphorically breathing in the good and breathing out the bad; for releasing what doesn’t serve your purpose

Is your ‘Metal’ in or out of balance? Metals appreciate beauty and refinement and are not adverse to a bit of bling! They can be deep thinkers and have high standards.  However, an out of balance Metal Element can lead to “Pondering too much on the past or reflecting too often on the future (which) immediately limits the present” (1)

Metal adds value to all the other elements. This is rather nice to know! However, many people do not adequately value themselves; are not that comfortable enough in their own skin and sadly, when they look in the mirror, feel overly judgmental and dissatisfied with themselves for a variety of reasons. Whatever a person’s age, shape, ethnicity, gender, it’s important to know that beauty can be more than just skin deep. When we start to love ourselves on the inside, it shows and glows on the outside! If you feel that’s a bridge too far, Emotional Freedom Technique or ‘Tapping’ can help you kick-start liking some aspect of yourself, no matter how small. Remember, a little bit of self-kindness can go a long way.

Body language: Each of the 5-Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) relate to various yin-yang organs and a spectrum of physical and emotional qualities.  In harmony, they all positively enhance each other’s functionality;  when disharmony sets in, from what ever source, their interactive relationships flag, along with our own condition. For example, when we are happy and healthy our skin’s vitality glows; when we are tired, under the weather or mal-nourished our skin lets us know by erupting, becoming dry, dull, flaky etc. These are some of the signs that reflexologists consider when addressing the accumulating effects of stress expressed.

The TCM 5-Element health system is one of wellness relationship checks and balances.  On this basis, the correlation between Metal and ‘Fire’ Element interactions has a significant bearing on our emotional and hormonal balance in particular.  For example, many of us know how, at certain times of the month, our hormones can become unruly,   skin can erupt and moods swings fluctuate. This would demonstrate a Metal/Fire energetic imbalance. The Heart is known as ‘The Emperor of the Body’ whereas the Lung, as second in command to the Heart, is known as ‘The Prime Minister’!  From the TCM perspective, maintaining good chemistry between these two with regular ‘re-balancing’ therapies, such as meridian based Reflexology or classical acupuncture, can be very supportive.

Thick and thin Skinned is physical and emotional state of being! Rather like our emotions, skin has two layers. A top, thin but resilient, cover (the epidermis) plus a thicker layer beneath (the dermis).  Both are interdependent upon each other’s state of vitality. When most of us are in balance we can ‘take the rough with the smooth’; have a reasonably balanced perspective but when our Metal Element is out of kilter, say due to prolonged over-work, anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, we become increasingly sensitive i.e. too ‘thin skinned’, open to introspection and self-criticism – or perhaps worse, too ‘thick skinned’ and aloof.  So environmentally protecting our actual skin and our emotions is symbiotically wise!

“I choose to feel good about myself.  I am worthy of my own love” (2)

Skin is the largest organ of the body and sensitive to many things, internally and externally.  It also functions as a thermostat and therefore plays an important role in regulating body temperature.  As such our skin’s condition can be a good barometer of general body health.  With the Metal Element in mind, think of your own value, your own self-worth with compassion because when you love and value yourself when you are ‘comfortable in your own skin’, it’s easier to appreciate and value others too.

If you enjoy using aromatherapy oils at home, essential oils like Eucalyptus is known for its antiseptic and anti-viral properties, Geranium is known to balance sebum production and Lavender has a particularly  good reputations as a relaxant and for soothing irritated skin, burns and blisters. Tea Tree oil has been used for thousands of years by the to treat cuts and wounds. Interestingly, during World War II, in Australia, the Government issued Tea Tree to soldiers because of its natural germicide and antiseptic properties. Tea Tree also inhibits mould, fungi, bacteria.  “When Captain Cook first arrived in Australia, the  leaves from one of the many species of this plant were used as a substitute tea, hence its name”.  Caution:  Always read the labels and be aware that not all essential oils are suitable for use during pregnancy (e.g. Lavender).  Recommendation:  Do use good quality 100 percent natural oils because synthetic or chemically changed oils can cause reactions – so go for the best quality you can find.  A good book: I have a super book entitled ‘The Aromatherapy Kit.  Essential Oils and How to Use Them’ by

Charla Devereux and Bernie Hephrun from which the above product types were sourced.

Hang out in harmony with me:

(1) The Metal aspect of ourselves, just like our lungs and skin, needs time and space to breathe, emotionally and physically. Taking time for good health, makes space for wellbeing.  (2) Allowing your body to receive and let go is a personal investment in looking after your energies. (3) Connecting to all joints, muscles, organs and body systems, when cared for the nourishing meridian network also looks after your energy.  (4) As a therapist, I was pleased to find out that we have over 20,000 nerve fibres terminating in each finger tip! Remember, that as an important sensory organ, skin is highly sensitive to the power of touch.

Louise Exeter
Copyright Reflexology Plus Therapies February 2019

Disclaimer: Please note this article is for general well-being guidance and is not a substitute for clinical care.   If you have any skin issues or affiliated health concerns always consult your GP or a specialist directly.

References:  (1) Chris Stormer ‘Language of the Feet’  (2) Louise L Hay Hay House 2018 Calendar      (3) Louise L Hay ‘The Power is Withi’n You Hay House.  Essential Oils ‘The Aromatherpy Kit’ by Charla Devereux.

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In the ‘Zone’ for ‘5 Resolutions to improve your health and looks’ | Foot Stories | The Energy Exchange

Whilst sorting a pile of journals recently, I came across an old ‘best seller’ book on the concept of ‘Zone Therapy’ for beauty, health and wellbeing by Joseph Corvo. (A little more about his interesting life later in the Blog).  It’s a veritable ‘mine of information’ covering conditions ranging from anaemia to varicose veins!  Given to me by one of my clients, this book goes back some (to the 1990’s).  At that time, Joseph was recognized for the efficacy of his pioneering holistic work with pressure points, energy zones, colour therapy and diet.  However, times have moved on and many books later, this little treasure languished in my ‘library’, the pages yellowed with age.

Wise Tips

I was contemplating throwing it out but as I placed it to one side a worn press cutting fell to the floor – looking rather like an ancient pirate’s map, it contained some familiar wisdom and well-being tips for health and beauty which still resonate, as follows:-

  • Accept that your health and well-being matter – ‘nobody will look after them if you don’t . . . taking care of yourself is not self-centred or vain – it’s good sense and an investment in your future’
  • Reduce or avoid toxins e.g. tobacco, alcohol – which ‘alter the natural action and therefore the balance of the body’ . . .by doing so you ‘give the body the best possible conditions to help it recover its natural balance’.
  • Eat foods which your body needs for vitality, glowing skin, healthy hair etc., because ‘food is the fuel for everything you do, think and are . . . ‘say yes to whole grains, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, juices, salads’ and  no to ‘processed meals, overcooked vegetables, sweets, soft drinks, sugar and white bread.
  • Keep moving ‘use it or lose it is the rule for physical ability. You don’t have to take a ten mile morning run. You do have regularly to stretch the body, stimulate circulation and exercise the muscles and organs.
  • Develop your mental strength. ‘Serenity, happy relationships and cheerfulness can’t come from anywhere but inside us.  . . .

Follow your talent!

Joseph Corvo was a Yorkshire lad; his father was a miner and at the tender age of 14, Joseph followed in his father’s footsteps down the mines.  However, a year later, as fortune would have it, Joseph won a singing competition, catapulting him into a career as a tenor and to the United states which, in turn, would change the direction of his life for ever.   

It’s interesting how paths cross because whilst on a concert tour in the USA Joseph discovered the ground-breaking work of Dr. William Fitzgerald – well known to reflexologists for his clinical research into the efficacy of reflex and zone therapy.

Background:

The Founding Father: ‘while head of the Nose and Throat Department of St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, Conn.’ Dr. Fitzgerald’s ‘discovery of the Chinese method of Zone Therapy was brought to the attention of the medical world, pointing out the fact that pressure and the massaging of certain zones has a definite effect in bringing about normal physiological functioning in all parts of the zone treated, no matter how remote this area may be from the part upon which the treatment is exerted’. 

This is a quote from the trail blazing.

 Founding Mother of modern-day reflexology, Eunice Ingham (1889-1974) whose books ‘Stories the Feet Can Tell Thru Reflexology and Stories the Feet Have Told Thru Reflexology’ are very much part of the curriculum for reflexologists.  They also make a good read for non-therapists, interested in the power of the body and good health maintenance read more

Destiny Calls! It seems that Joseph, even as a child, had a natural talent for hands on healing work and captivated by the potential of Zone Theory eventually set up his own Clinic specializing in this form of therapy.  Corvo’s ‘alternative’ practice was ahead of its time and based on results, went from strength to strength, attracting the celebs of his day as his reputation grew.

From one place to another:

 ‘Science tells us that the body is an electromagnetic field, with electromagnetic currents coursing round it.’ 

These ‘zones’ which so fascinated Joseph Corvo run vertically through the body in line with the toes and fingers and, from a reflexology perspective, are reflected in the hands and feet also.  The idea is that the body is divided into equal parts with five zones on the left side and five on the right.  All organs, glands and nervous systems fall into these zones’

Energetically, I find there is a validity to their principle and purpose.  Likewise, with the meridian system –  whose ‘branches’ and ‘sub branches’ connect to and nourish the joints, muscles, organs and systems of the body. Despite their differences, both the Zones and the meridians (a more complex body network) share common therapeutic ground: namely, if you press reflexes or acupressure points in one location, there is a knock-on effect in another, relevant, location – both act like energy dam-blockers or busters.

Wellness is a state of being:  Our energy levels are always changing for better or worse, depending on what we think, how we feel, what we do and how much stress we are under. Looking after your body inside and out matters.  The beauty of working with TCM 5-Elements, the meridians and the ‘zones’ is that together they’re an energy compass for restoring,  re-energizing and re-integrating the harmonics of mind, body, spirit equilibrium.

Call to action!

‘Energy is your body’s magic. Keep it healthy and it keeps you healthy’ (Donna Eden).

Coming full circle, the press cutting referred to above recommends:

  • Invest in your wellness
  • look at improving your diet and life-style
  • take action
  • build more movement into your life
  • don’t neglect your spiritual state because without it you can’t be healthy, happy or beautiful.

The amazing thing – this cutting was dated 1978! Alas I couldn’t see any reference to give credit here.

Whilst styles of methodology and protocols have evolved and changed somewhat since Joseph wrote his book, I won’t chuck it, instead (and this should appeal to his mining background)  I shall cherish it for some ‘golden nuggets’  such as  ‘the thyroid is often referred to as the third ovary’.

Mind body harmony: Everything works together for the benefit of the whole.   

Louise Exeter

© September 2017

 

 

 

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