Exclusive: Ancient Beauty Rituals You Need to Know, According To A Traditional Chinese Medicine Expert

We all want glowing skin, strong hair, and that effortless, lit-from-within look. But contrary to popular belief, beauty isn’t just about the latest serums and trending facials. Traditional Chinese Medicine has been cultivating inner and outer radiance for thousands of years, with a philosophy that views beauty as a direct reflection of internal health.

That’s why I sat down with Alyssa Melody, a licensed acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist, and the founder of Root + Bones, a brand dedicated to making high-quality herbal extracts. Drawing from the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Alyssa curates potent herbal extracts that support health at the root level. Her passion for herbal medicine was born from personal health challenges that conventional medicine failed to address, leading her to discover the profound benefits of natural remedies.

From energy flow to powerhouse herbs, get ready to rethink everything you know about beauty—starting from the inside out.

The Connection Between Beauty and Balance

Carmen Schober: In TCM, how is beauty connected to overall health and internal balance?

Alyssa Melody: Beauty isn’t just about skincare—it’s a reflection of internal harmony. In TCM, we look at three key elements: Jing (essence), Qi (energy), and Shen (spirit). Jing determines skin elasticity and hair strength, Qi ensures proper circulation and nutrient absorption, and Shen governs radiance from within.

Think of your body as a thriving ecosystem—when digestion is strong, emotions are balanced, and circulation is smooth, your skin reflects that vitality. The Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys play a huge role in breaking down nutrients, clearing toxins, and keeping hydration levels in check, making internal health the foundation of beauty.

Another key part of this internal system is the network of meridians. When these pathways are clear and balanced, nutrients and oxygen can reach the skin efficiently, promoting radiance and vitality. But when meridians become blocked, stagnation can lead to dullness, puffiness, or breakouts.

Targeting Meridians for Radiance

CS: Wait, what’s a meridian, and why should we care about it?

AM: Great question! In TCM, meridians are energy pathways that run throughout the body, kind of like invisible highways carrying Qi (life force energy). When Qi flows smoothly, we feel vibrant and look radiant. When it’s blocked or stagnant, we experience dullness, breakouts, or puffiness. For glowing skin, these are the key meridians and organs to focus on:

Lung meridian: Governs respiration and hydration—clear, dewy skin starts here.

Spleen meridian: Handles digestion, so your body absorbs nutrients properly and avoids bloating or acne.

Liver meridian: Keeps Qi and Blood circulating smoothly—think brightness, even skin tone, and detoxification.

Kidney meridian: Controls Jing, meaning it influences skin elasticity, hair health, and aging.

Heart meridian: Rules Shen (spirit)—when we’re calm and happy, it literally shows on our faces.

Ancient Secrets for a Moden Glow

CS: What are some lesser-known TCM beauty secrets that women can incorporate into their daily routines?

AM: One of the biggest TCM beauty hacks is boosting circulation—you want fresh Blood and Qi moving to the face. This prevents stagnation (which shows up as dullness, puffiness, or premature aging) and encourages collagen production. Here’s how to do it:

Gentle acupressure & tapping: Stimulates lymphatic drainage and collagen production.

Gua Sha: A smooth stone tool that sculpts the face, releases tension, and promotes circulation. Best practice? Use a jade or rose quartz tool, always move in upward strokes, and pair it with an oil for smooth gliding.

Beauty tonics: Herbs like He Shou Wu (supports hair growth), Dang Gui (blood circulation), Tremella (deep hydration), and Schizandra (skin clarity) are TCM staples for keeping skin youthful and vibrant.

Ditch the iced drinks: Drinking warm water in the morning (instead of coffee or cold beverages) helps digestion, which is directly linked to clear skin.

Prioritize sleep: Being in bed by 11 PM allows the Liver and Gallbladder to detox properly overnight, leading to better skin elasticity and clarity.

What TCM Advises Against

CS: Are there any Western beauty habits that totally go against TCM wisdom?

AM: 100%! There are two big ones that might be surprising. TCM warns against overloading the Spleen with cold foods like smoothies, salads, and iced coffee. A weak Spleen = poor digestion, which can lead to dullness, fluid retention, and acne.

And while Botox is popular, it freezes muscle movement, which TCM sees as counterproductive. Natural circulation and micro-movements help deliver nutrients and prevent stagnation—something Botox disrupts.

The Best TCM Drinks for Hydration & Anti-Aging

CS: Your go-to drinks for a beauty boost?

AM: I have a few favorites that work wonders for skin and overall vitality. Tremella mushroom tea is my top pick—the “beauty mushroom” deeply hydrates skin at a cellular level, making it plump and luminous.

Bone broth is another must-have, packed with collagen and minerals that strengthen both skin and hair. For an added glow, I love pearl powder water, which enhances luminosity and supports collagen production from within. Pearl powder is also packed with calcium, amino acids, and minerals that reduce hyperpigmentation. You can drink it daily in tea or apply it topically as a mask mixed with honey or aloe.

And a simple but powerful staple? Warm water with lemon—it’s a Liver-loving morning ritual that aids digestion and naturally brightens the complexion.

Glow-Boosting Beauty Tonic

CS: Can you share a simple beauty elixir?

AM: Yes! This Cooling Beauty Tonic supports collagen production and fights inflammation.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup still water

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 tsp Tremella extract

• ¼ large cucumber, finely chopped

• 1-2 sprigs of fresh mint

• Pinch of sea salt

• 1 cup sparkling water

Blend lime juice, still water, and Tremella with a frother. Muddle cucumber and mint in a glass, add the mixture, top with sparkling water. Sip and glow!

How to Manage Acne Through Diet

CS: What does TCM say about acne?

AM: In TCM, acne is seen as a sign of internal imbalance, often linked to excess Heat, Dampness, or Liver stagnation. To clear Heat, cooling foods like mung beans, cucumber, and bitter greens can help. Avoiding dairy and sugar is also key, as they contribute to Dampness, which can lead to persistent breakouts.

Drinking chrysanthemum and dandelion tea supports detoxification and calms inflammation, while opting for easy-to-digest foods like warm soups, root vegetables, and congee ensures proper digestion and nutrient absorption—both essential for maintaining clear, healthy skin.

Bedtime Rituals for a Morning Glow

CS: According to TCM, how can we wake up looking our best?

AM: Try this simple yet powerful nighttime routine for glowing skin and deep relaxation. Pearl powder tea is a perfect pre-bedtime drink, supporting relaxation and overnight skin repair. A gua sha massage before bed helps release tension, enhance circulation, and promote a lifted, refreshed complexion by morning.

To further support restful sleep, a warm foot soak prevents Qi stagnation and encourages deep, restorative rest. And perhaps most importantly, avoiding screens before bed protects Shen (spirit), helping to calm the mind and ensuring you wake up with a peaceful, radiant glow.

TCM’s Approach to Lasting Beauty

My main takeaway from Alyssa? Modern beauty often focuses on quick fixes, but TCM reminds us that true radiance comes from balance, nourishment, and longevity. By supporting the body's natural rhythms—whether through herbal tonics, mindful eating, or energy-healing techniques—TCM cultivates beauty that isn’t just skin deep, but a reflection of overall vitality.

The real secret? Consistency. Small, intentional shifts in daily habits can create lasting transformation, proving that beauty isn’t something to chase—it’s something to cultivate from within.