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immunomodulation, with probiotic supplementation preventing child allergies, and atopic eczema occurring 50% less in supplemented individuals than those in the placebo group.7 TCM As a practitioner of Chinese medicine, John Tsagaris’ ethos is analogous to Vidhi’s ‘heal from within’ philosophy, he also utilises the mechanical tools of acupuncture in TCM, the synergistic nature of antioxidants and plant actives as topical treatments, and the use of TCM herbs. Tsagaris explains, “The medicinal use of each Chinese herb is determined by the herb’s properties, therapeutic functions and by the herb’s ability to influence certain energetic bodily functions or organs to treat a patient’s condition.”
Holistic approaches to skin treatments Charlotte Maria Mawn investigates the growth of the holistic approach within the aesthetic industry A 2015 study by Wang et al.,1 defined holistic medicine as ‘an interdisciplinary field of study that integrates all types of biological information (protein, small molecules, tissues, organs, external environmental signals, etc.) The holistic approach to medicine can be seen as integrative, multi-tiered and progressive. The approach encapsulates the ethos of treating a patient as a whole, utilising the scope of worldwide medicine to achieve optimal health and wellness. Yet the practice currently exists under the surface of recognition and acceptance from Western medicine. Nutrition and supplementation Vidhi Patel, an Indian-trained homeopathic doctor and nutritionist believes the rationale behind adopting an holistic approach in aesthetic medicine is to cushion the impact of any non-invasive or invasive treatment. Patel’s ethos is, “Health is what you eat, drink and think.” Patel works with aesthetic practitioners to recommend tailored dietary supplementation two weeks prior and post treatment. With the aim of minimising inflammation, side effects, and downtime, she advocates the use of supplements such as Turmeric,2 green tea extract,3 cod liver and flax seed oil,4 as well as resveratrol5 pre and post treatment. Diane Nivern, clinical director and holistic skin therapist at Diane Nivern Holistic and Aesthetic Clinic, argues that practitioners should aim to recognise internal issues that could be causing an aesthetic concern, before prescribing potentially unnecessary or expensive invasive treatment. She exemplifies the case of a patient presenting with acute cystic acne. After testing for food intolerances, eliminating foods and the use of a probiotic, Nivern’s patient’s skin resolved itself almost completely. Nivern explains that the ecology of the gut has a strong link to inflammation and skin condition. This is supported in clinical literature, which links imbalances in gut microflora to numerous conditions such as obesity, allergies and Crohn’s disease.6 Notably, a Lancet study implicated gut microflora in
Acupuncture Acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin, causing micro-trauma to stimulate nerves under the skin and in muscle tissue. Commonly used for pain relief from conditions such as headaches and lower back pain, a 2015 study suggested certain types of acupuncture improve the appearance of nasolabial folds via a fibroblast-collagen synthesis and neovascularisation mechanism.9 “Side effects are minimal, and, if any, it will be light bruising which can be helped by the use of Arnica,” said Tsagaris. He advises that patients with hypersensitivity may be unsuitable for acupuncture treatment. Hormones and the aesthetic link Dr Harpal Bains, clinical director of The Harpal Clinic, an aesthetic practice utilising integrative medicine, explains that she often sees patients presenting with chronic acne and pigmentation, which, are shown to be the result of hormonal imbalances. As such, Dr Bains prescribes hormone therapy while simultaneously treating any skin parameters such as the acne and pigmentation. She says, “Treating the internal factors puts patients on a path of wellbeing, and improving their appearance becomes part of that journey of well being too.” Conclusion The resounding conclusion from the holistic-aesthetic practitioners interviewed is the aim to balance physiological systems through dietary, hormonal, psychological, supportive or topical treatment, collaboratively with aesthetic procedures. While some may argue that evidence for certain alternative therapies is predominantly anecdotal, a growing number of practitioners are adopting holistic approaches to their aesthetic practice in order to endeavour not only to enhance a patient’s appearance, but also improve their overall health, vitality and quality of life. REFERENCES 1. Y. Wang, C. Zheng, C. Huang, Y. Li, X. Chen, Z. Wu, Z. Wang, W. Xiao, and B. Zhang, ‘Systems Pharmacology Dissecting Holistic Medicine for Treatment of Complex Diseases: An Example Using Cardiocerebrovascular Diseases Treated by Tcm’, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, (2015). 2. Nita Chainani-Wu. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. February 2003, 9(1): 161168. doi:10.1089/107555303321223035. pp. 1-2. 3. E. Roh, J. E. Kim, J. Y. Kwon, J. S. Park, A. M. Bode, Z. Dong, and K. W. Lee, ‘Molecular Mechanisms of Green Tea Polyphenols with Protective Effects against Skin Photoaging’, Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr (2015). 4. Artemis P. Simopoulos.’ Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases’, Journal of the American College of Nutrition 21 6 (2002). 5. J. Soeur, J. Eilstein, G. Léreaux, C. Jones, L. Marrot, Skin resistance to oxidative stress induced by resveratrol: From Nrf2 activation to GSH biosynthesis, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 78 (2015) p.213-223. 6. Jose C. Clemente, Luke K. Ursell, Laura Wegener Parfrey, Rob Knight, ‘The Impact of the Gut Microbiota on Human Health: An Integrative View’, Cell, 148, 6, (2012) p.1258-1270. 7. M. Kalliomäki, S. Salminen, H. Arvilommi, P. Kero, P. Koskinen, and E. Isolauri, ‘Probiotics in Primary Prevention of Atopic Disease: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial’, Lancet, 357 (2001). 8. Jin Hyong Cho, Ho Jin Lee, Kyu Jin Chung, Byung Chun Park, Mun Seog Chang, and Seong Kyu Park, ‘Effects of Jae-Seng Acupuncture Treatment on the Improvement of Nasolabial Folds and Eye Wrinkles,’ Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, (2015).
Reproduced from Aesthetics | Volume 2/Issue 10 - September 2015