How Acupuncture Nourishes Qi-Blood and Fades Dullness?
01/09/2026
The Spleen and Stomach Are Energy Factories: Acupuncture Nourishes Qi-Blood to Fade Dull Skin
Guang Ming Liang Yi: Women's Health
"The spleen and stomach are the source of Qi and Blood production."
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the spleen and stomach act as the body's internal "energy factory". Operating around the clock, they are responsible for converting the food we consume into essential Qi and blood, which are then transported throughout the body.
When this "factory" slacks off or slows down, production efficiency drops, leaving Qi and blood insufficient to supply the body. In response, the body sends out various signals—the most noticeable of which appears on the face. Skin begins to look pale or yellowish, lose its radiance, and resemble a withered rose that has lost its hydration.
胡继意中医师
Ms Hu Kee Yie
TCM Practitioner
Hot Weather and Heavy Diets Cause Dull Complexion
In clinical consultations, especially in Malaysia's tropical climate, underlying spleen and stomach dysfunctions are frequently discovered behind many patients' health concerns. This is closely related to the local environment and dietary habits.
To beat the scorching heat, many enjoy cold coffee, bubble tea, nasi lemak, curry noodles, or laksa. Combined with the fast pace of modern life and late-night habits, these lifestyle choices gradually impair digestive function.
From a TCM perspective, long-term consumption of greasy, sweet, and cold foods—compounded by a humid environment—causes a decline in digestive transport and transformation. Some individuals may experience heavy body sensation, fatigue, bloating, loose stools, or unformed bowel movements. Over time, this directly affects overall skin complexion.
Dull Face in the Afternoon? Liver Qi Stagnation and Stress to Blame
Besides digestive issues, another common state in modern individuals is "Liver Qi Stagnation."
In TCM, the liver oversees the smooth flow of Qi, regulating emotions and energy movement throughout the body. When a person experiences prolonged pressure, stress, anxiety, or overthinking, the body's self-regulatory function becomes compromised, leading to dull skin, uneven skin tone, and a fatigued expression.
Many people notice that their skin tone looks fine when waking up, but by the afternoon, it turns dark and yellowish, accompanied by lack of energy, poor sleep quality, emotional volatility, or high stress levels. Therefore, improving skin tone requires addressing lifestyle habits and overall internal well-being—not just surface-level skincare.
Body Acupoints & Facial Acupuncture: Dual Regulation Inside and Out
Cosmetic acupuncture goes far beyond local facial stimulation. It approaches wellness holistically, tailored to an individual’s constitution.
Clinically, TCM physicians select different body acupoints based on individual needs:
- Spleen/Stomach Weakness & Fatigue: Acupoints such as Zusanli (ST36) and Zhongwan (CV12) may be selected for conditioning.
- High Pressure & Emotional Stress: Acupoints such as Taichong (LR3) and Neiguan (PC6) can be targeted to ease body tension.
In addition to body acupoints, facial acupuncture is a vital component of TCM cosmetic care. Stimulating facial acupoints improves local microcirculation, giving the skin a healthier glow and vitality.
Mosquito-Bite Sensation: Essential Pre-Treatment Assessment
A common question before undergoing facial acupuncture is: "Will it hurt?"
In reality, the needles used for facial acupuncture are significantly finer than standard body needles. At the moment of insertion, you might feel a mild prick resembling a mosquito bite. Most individuals adapt quickly and experience no obvious pain during the needle-retention phase; some even feel relaxed enough to fall asleep.
Because the face has a dense network of micro-capillaries, minor bleeding or slight bruising may occasionally occur upon needle withdrawal. Applying gentle pressure with a cotton swab usually stops bleeding promptly, and any bruising typically fades over time.
Prior to treatment, physicians conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's background—such as whether they take anticoagulant medications, have bleeding tendencies, sensitive skin, or metal allergies—to ensure maximum safety throughout the procedure.
3 Key Pillars of Daily Care & When to Seek Medical Evaluation
- Reduce Ice and Sugar Intake: Limit sugary and iced beverages weekly. When craving a cold drink in the afternoon, opt for sugar-free tea or warm/lukewarm drinks instead.
- Stretch the Liver and Tendons: Office workers sitting for long hours should stand up and move regularly—stretching arms, expanding the chest, and releasing shoulder tension to help relieve stress.
- Maintain Regular Sleep Habits: Keep consistent sleep schedules and avoid frequent late nights. Adequate rest helps preserve mental vitality and healthy skin tone.
Naturally, a yellowish skin tone is not always solely a digestive issue.
If you experience persistent skin paleness/yellowing, severe fatigue, weight loss, sudden changes in appetite, or poor sleep accompanied by skin/eye yellowing,
please seek further medical evaluation to rule out underlying health factors, such as liver/gallbladder issues, anemia, nutritional deficiencies, or other internal medical conditions.
Once your overall health state is evaluated, a TCM physician can tailor a personalized conditioning strategy combining acupuncture and herbal medicine to improve internal vitality.
If you have long struggled with dull skin, fatigue, high stress, or poor sleep, consider a comprehensive health assessment to truly understand your body's condition and choose the right therapeutic path.
TCM cosmetic acupuncture emphasizes "conditioning from within to radiate outwards." True skin radiance isn't a temporary quick fix on the surface; it is achieved as the body's internal state improves and Qi-blood becomes abundant, resulting in a naturally healthy, radiant glow.
(Article by TCM Practitioner, Ms. Hu Kee Yie)
