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Key Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine
The benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine are well documented. TCM outlines the relationship between the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—and the life force known as “qi.” Understanding this approach helps the esthetician identify their client’s innate nature and devise a treatment plan that addresses their skin concerns.
What is TCM?
In this course, students will learn the differences between the TCM and the western approaches to dermatological conditions, how herbal medicines are formulated, and what can be expected when working with a TCM provider.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Identify how TCM differs from the Western Medicine approach to dermatological issues
- Review who can use and at what stage of a dermatological condition clients can seek TCM
- Recall the most effective method for treating dermatological issues through TCM
- Identify what patients can expect when they see a TCM practitioner
Face Mapping
This lesson covers the Traditional Chinese Medicine method of face mapping, a method identifying the health of various TCM organs by analyzing the areas of the face to which they are linked. Using that knowledge, estheticians are able to implement different treatment protocols
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Develop a general understanding of pathology from an East Asian medical perspective
- Discuss how to identify imbalances in the body’s systems by analyzing the face
- Summarize how to utilize this knowledge within the scope of your practice
TCM Modalities for Estheticians
Learn about various Traditional Chinese Medicine tools and movements known to sculpt the face. This course teaches the theory and practice of using TCM approaches to address skin issues. It includes the benefits, precautions, and hands-on techniques for treating the face, head, chest, and neck.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Recall the various tools used in traditional Chinese medicine for dermatology and skin care, and when to use them
- Recall how to provide a gua sha facial massage
- Define facial cupping
- Summarize how to use herbal poultices in a facial massage
- Describe a pressure point massage technique
- Describe how to properly use facial rollers
TCM Dietary Therapy
In this lesson, students will better understand the role dietary therapy plays in the TCM approach to health, wellness, and skin conditions.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Recall the historical evolution of TCM dietary therapy
- Contrast the TCM perspective on digestion with the western view and identify its implications on daily eating
- Summarize a different set of considerations when choosing foods for daily living and health or skin issues.
Faculty
Dr. Olivia Hsu Friedman holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, completed an additional diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology and is a NCCAOM board licensed Illinois acupuncturist. She is the owner of Amethyst Holistic Skin Solutions and treats dermatology patients in office and via video conference using only herbal medicine. Outside of the office, Olivia serves as a Board Member for the American Society of Acupuncturists and as faculty for the Chicago Eczema Support Center.
Dr. Fuller understands his purpose is to heal and help other heal. He realizes the importance of treating the whole person not just disease. He studied Psychology and received his BA from UCLA He is a certificated massage therapist with over 20 years of experience. Rufus is a certified yoga instructor (200Hr). He received both Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine (MTOM), and Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) from Emperor's College.
Dr. Fuller teaches yoga three times a week online and in person. He is the Academic Director of Panacea Holistic Institute where he also teaches integrative approaches. He owns and operates SOTAS Integrative Medicine and Acupuncture in Long Beach California.
Jenny’s background and experience are rooted in Traditional East Asian Medicine, Ayurvedic Healing and the Yogic Lineages.
She has worked extensively as an Ayurvedic Postpartum doula supporting mothers in their recovery from childbirth since 2012. Jenny has been teaching Yoga in the Long Beach community since 2006, and leads workshops and retreats with the aim of empowering folks to take control of their health and well being. She co-founded Sacred Roots Holistic Healing in 2013, a community wellness and education center located in Long Beach, Ca.
Jenny’s work is centered around preventative healing, using a trauma informed lens, and an understanding that wellness is interconnected to the health of the planet and society as a whole.
