Replenish AcuSpa / Dr. Jenelle Timmers DTCM, R.Ac
172 McKenzie Lake Cove SE Calgary Alberta T2Z1L1 Calgary, AB, Canada

Our internal health is mirrored by our skin which can tell us a lot about what is going on with our bodies. Skin mapping can help identify the source of certain skin problems so that they can be addressed from the inside out for faster and more long-term results. Here are the top three Skin Conditions to Correct with Holistic Skin Mapping: 1. Acne... Acne occurs as a way for our bodies to detox. The face is a key detox zone because of the increased circulation, the sebaceous glands, and its connection to the internal organs. Depending on where the toxins are coming from inside our body is where they will present on the face. Estrogen toxins that come from toxins in our food and water mimic the estrogen hormone are purged in the zone along the jawline as well as the chest and back. Candida toxins, a yeast that overgrows in different areas of the gut, appear in the upper part of the face such as the forehead, temples, and cheekbone area. Where the candida grows in the gut will determine where on the face it appears. Have a look at the picture to see the different areas. 2. Rosacea and Redness Inflammation of the digestive tract can result in redness of the face. Candida, IBS, food sensitivities, long term antibiotic use, and other sources can cause irritation to the gut and result in a lot of inflammation which will be mirrored on the face as redness in the regions related to those organs. 3. Blackheads If there is an excess of mucus in the body, it will be processed and purged out from the pores which is why you most commonly see blackheads in the digestive zones depicted in the picture. Mucus can occur due to allergies and post-nasal drip, or because of inflammatory foods such as dairy, fried foods, or citric acid in juices and candy. Contact me for more information regarding skin mapping!

Why does your Acupuncturist always ask to see your tongue? Tongue diagnosis is an important part of the Chinese medical assessment. It nearly always shows the true condition of what is going on inside the body. Your Acupuncturist is looking not only at the shape and color of your tongue but also the coating on your tongue. The tongue reflects the health of the internal organs and blood circulation. Changes in the tongue color usually reflect chronic illness. As your heal...th changes, the condition of your tongue will change as well. How does this all look in terms of Digestive Health and Skin Health? A normal looking tongue indicates a healthy functioning digestive system among other things. The digestive tract is known as the second brain because it too is densely populated with nerve tissueinteresting, right? All these nerves are intertwined within your immune system in the gut. So, what does this all mean? Poor digestion over long periods can stress your immune system leading to inflammation. Often this inflammation will manifest in our skin along with other systemic symptoms. And this will present some telltale signs on the tongue to inform your Acupuncturist of these imbalances. I know, I know, this all sounds like bad news BUT Chinese Medicine is here to help! Fortunately, Chinese Medicine looks at the body as one beautifully connected organism. So even though someone comes in to get cosmetic acupuncture done, it is always combined with a whole-body acupuncture treatment to address any underlining issues causing the problem. But of course, you do not have to come in for cosmetic acupuncture to address any digestive issues such as IBS, Crohn’s, Celiac Disease, etc. These can be addressed on their own. DM me with questions!

Ever feel like you are eating all the right things but still not feeling as good as you should be? This might be because you are not properly absorbing the nutrients in your food. Weak digestion can lead to gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn. It can also make you feel quite tired, affect your state of mind/emotions, cause food sensitivities/allergies and affect the quality of your sleep. Our ability to digest food is the foundation our bodies need to establish health. Therefore, I focus on strong digestion as one of my approaches to any treatment plan.

What is going on underneath your skin? If we take a closer look, in some ways, your gut and your skin play similar roles. Both have the job of defending your body against pathogens, and both are covered in beneficial bacteria that contribute to this job when in a healthy state. One of your gut’s job is to keep infections, toxins, and inflammation away. Your skin is the major detoxifier that helps eliminate these substances and waste that our gut encounters. This connection i...s called the SKIN-GUT AXIS. When the gut is not functioning optimally, it can result in issues throughout the body, even to the point of autoimmune disease. The skin is often the first place to show the effects of an unhealthy gut. One of the benefits from a healthy gut is it will synthesize extra vitamins and minerals that are valuable for your skin health. HEALTHY GUT = BEAUTIFUL SKIN! If you have been struggling with acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, or redness, let’s talk! www.replenishacuspa.com

I am a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and Registered Acupuncturist that help people who have ‘tried everything’. I tailor programs for you with a combination of a customized skincare regimen, acupuncture & nutrition to change your skin. I view skin more as a MUSCLE, that can be strengthened and trained. We all know skin is complex, what we see on the surface (the epidermis), is only a small reflection of what is happening UNDERNEATH. Therefore, to improve the problem, we need to correct what is going on below the surface. This is what I do. I look at the skin’s fitness level. I ask a lot of questions about your diet, lifestyle, stress, skin history, sun history etc. and I set about identifying and dealing with the CAUSE. For bookings or to chat about your skin concerns visit www.replenishacuspa.com