I often talk about how nutrition and digestion can play a role in our skin health. And there are many different dietary theories out there that have been used over the decades (and even centuries) that could be beneficial. As you might already know, I don't think diet for many with chronic skin rashes is the only tool that should be used to help achieve healthier skin. It's one tool in the larger toolbox. So today I'd like to share with you the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach to nutrition as it could potentially relate to skin rashes. It's honestly fascinating and this ancient method does draw some interesting conclusions about the impact of different foods on the body based on certain imbalances present. My guest today is Dr. Olivia Hsu Friedman, DACM, L.Ac, Dipl.OM. She is the owner of Amethyst Holistic Skin Solutions and treats eczema, TSW, psoriasis, and acne patients throughout the US in person and via video conferencing using only herbal medicine. Dr. Olivia earned a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine as well as a diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology. Outside of the office, Dr. Olivia serves on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Acupuncturists, the Advisory Board of LearnSkin and the faculty of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Support Group sponsored by the National Eczema Association. Join us as we talk about how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diets may help improve skin health. Has a Traditional Chinese Medicine diet improved your skin rashes? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: Historical context for the TCM diet (and why this is relevant to your skin) Understanding how different types of food affect your body How does TCM view digestion? What types of food does Dr. Friedman recommend for people with eczema and other skin conditions? Should your diet change with the seasons according to TCM Why bitter foods are important to incorporate into your diet Quotes “There was this understanding that there are foods that are on the colder side. There's foods that are on the cooler side. There are foods that are warm. There are foods that are hot. And then later on, they figured out obviously there's neutral foods too.” [5:25] “In Chinese medicine, especially when we're putting together herbal formulas, we're always looking at balance. A lot of times when we put together formulas that are looking at these inflammatory conditions like TSW, like eczema, like psoriasis, we have a lot of herbs in there that are actually cooling in nature. However, we always make sure that there's something in there that balances that, so it's not ultra cold, so that your body has a better chance of actually not being wrecked by any one individual ingredient.” [16:23] Links Find Dr. Olivia online Healthy Skin Show ep. 144: How Chinese Medicine Can Help Topical Steroid Withdrawal w/ Dr. Olivia Hsu Friedman, DACM The Tao of Healthy Eating by Bob Flaws Apple Cinnamon Porridge (congee) Follow Dr. Olivia on Facebook