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These days, it only takes a quick scroll through Instagram to find yourself transported to a world of beauty and wellness practices rooted in Asian tradition. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are highlighting some of our favorite Asian beauty, wellness, and self-care rituals that have been integrated into mainstream culture.

  1. Gua Sha. While this ancient Chinese medicine technique may have just begun to experience Instagram fame, rest assured, Gua Sha has long been a beauty and wellness staple for many Asian families. While most westerners are most familiar with Gua Sha as a facial beauty and/or lymphatic detox tool, Gua Sha is also strongly connected to traditional Chinese bodywork, which focuses on healing and invigorating the entire body by reducing inflammation and promoting circulation. One particularly exciting study even showed Gua Sha has a positive impact on alleviating perimenopause symptoms!
  • Acupuncture. Perhaps one of the most popular Asian medicines in western culture, Acupuncture is the practice of thoughtfully inserting thin needles through the skin at key points on the body to treat various ailments and illnesses. At the Kimble Center for Intimate Cosmetic Surgery, we are particularly impressed by acupuncture’s success in supporting patients with endometriosis, menopause, perimenopause, fibroids, PCOS, and even incontinence. At the Kimble Center for Intimate Cosmetic Surgery, for the treatment of refractory incontinence cases, we offer a treatment derived from the practice of acupuncture. We use an acupuncture needle combined with electrical stimulation called PTNS to stimulate the nerves involved in bladder function.
  • Cupping. Another wonder of ancient Chinese medicine, cupping involves using small glass or bamboo jars as suction devices on the skin with the intention of clearing energetic blocks, congestion, and stagnation that may be causing pain and/or illness in the body. Often used in harmony with Acupuncture, cupping may help clear any physical manifestations of stress contributing to pain in the body. This is certainly an exciting option for persons struggling with chronic or even acute pain caused by gynecological issues.
  • Vaginal steaming. Also commonly referred to as “Yoni steaming,” this ancient practice has roots in many Asian cultures, including those in Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand. The practice, which involves steaming the vagina over a pot of herb-enhanced waters, is said to benefit the vagina and reproductive organs by soothing vaginal tissues and promoting gentle pain relief. It is commonly used as a tool for healing and support during menstruation, menopause, and after childbirth.
  • Coining. Coining is a healing technique that as long been used in treatment of various illnesses and ailments in many Asian cultures. The process traditionally uses camphor oil and a coin to bring negative energies that may cause illness and “heatiness” out from the skin. Coining is believed to stimulate blood flow and may even reduce fevers.
  • Tea ceremony. An ancient cultural practice, originating in Japan and China, the tea ceremony has recently picked up steam as a popular meditative and wellness practice in the west. The tea ceremony serves as a practice of slowing down, of connecting with nature and ourselves, and of mindfulness. Depending on which varietal of tea is being used, one may experience additional health benefits on top of stress relief. With so much dis-ease in the world today and so much praise on “keeping busy,” we love the lessons the ancient tea ceremony can bring to the western world.

Here at the Kimble Center for Intimate Cosmetic Surgery, we consider ourselves warriors for intimacy and self-love. Therefore, we are thrilled to see so many of our patients embracing these Asian traditions in pursuit of their self-care. Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, everyone!