Ageing Gracefully - Raffles Medical Group

Raffles HealthNews Q&A 29
My mother is turning 50 this year. She has been suffering
from constant fatigue, severe hair loss and pain in the
joints, especially in the knees. Are these symptoms
interrelated Or is this because her kidneys are ‘weak’
The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic states “At 49 due
to declining kidney essence, the Conception Vessel and
Thoroughfare Vessel become empty and collapse, her body
will then deteriorate generally, and her ability to menstruate
and give birth will cease”.
As we age, different manifestations appear, such as stiffness
in the joints, bones and tendons, loose teeth, hair loss, poor
memory, declining eyesight, dry eyes and mouth. These
symptoms arise primarily due to declining kidney essence. In
TCM, the kidneys play a very important role that regulates not
only the urinary system, but also influence the reproductive,
endocrine and nervous systems. While the “kidneys store
essence and manifest in the hair”, “the liver rules the tendons”.
Thus, the symptoms that your mother is experiencing could be
due to a deficiency in both the kidneys and liver.
The therapeutic aim of a TCM treatment is to invigorate
the kidneys and liver. This is especially through nourishing
kidney ‘yin’ to restore the inner balance. Good nutrition and
regular exercise is critical to prevent further depletion of kidney
essence.
What are the signs of ageing nails What should we do to
prevent or slow down the onset of these aging signs
As we age, the nail plate becomes paler, dull and opaque.
Longitudinal ridging may occur and this may lead to cracks in
the nail. Occasionally, this sign may also be seen in younger
individuals. In addition, nails grow slower in old age, with nail
growth being inversely proportional to age. Both the toenails
and fingernails would be affected the same way.
These signs and symptoms occur due to impaired blood supply
to the nails as one ages, and also possibly due to the effects of
UV (ultraviolet) radiation.
Healthy nails which are not prematurely aged can be achieved
through proper care, although sometimes an unhealthy nail
may indicate an illness that requires attention.
How can you care for your nails Don’t abuse them! To prevent
injury, don’t bite your nails or use them to poke or pry at things.
Protect them by wearing gloves when using soap and water
for long periods or when exposed to harsh chemicals. Perform
nail maintenance by trimming them regularly and moisturise
them on a regular basis together with your hands.
In addition, nails can become dry just like the skin. Your nails
also need to be moisturised regularly. You can rub lotion into
your nails when you are moisturising your hands.
Ms Seah Ai Wei, Physician
Raffles Chinese Medicine
Dr Chris Foo, Dermatologist,
Consultant at Raffles Aesthetics and
Raffles Skin Centre