Inflammaging
Why We Dry Out as We Age — And What You Can Do About It
A look at why ageing causes dryness, stiffness, and slow healing—and how Traditional Chinese Medicine helps restore balance and comfort.
Why Do We 'Dry Out' as We Age?
One of the most common and frustrating signs of ageing is a sense of dryness—dry skin, dry eyes, stiff joints, and general discomfort in the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is understood as a natural decline in yin, the body’s cooling, nourishing, and moistening energy. But there’s a scientific explanation too.
As we age:
The body produces less collagen and hyaluronic acid, which help keep skin supple and joints cushioned.
Hormonal changes, especially during and after menopause, reduce the skin’s ability to retain oil and moisture.
And importantly, low-grade chronic inflammation—what scientists call inflammaging—acts like internal heat, gradually evaporating moisture from tissues and slowing down repair processes.
This loss of internal hydration doesn’t just make us feel dry—it affects how our tissues function and recover. Here are common examples or three ways this shows up in daily life:
1. Stiff, Achy Spine and Joints
With age, the spine and joints naturally wear down, but inflammation and dehydration make things worse. Discs in the spine lose their bounce, and joint spaces narrow. This leads to stiffness, nerve pain, and difficulty moving freely.
How TCM helps: Herbal formulas and acupuncture are used to nourish fluids, support circulation, and reduce inflammation—helping ease pain and restore mobility, especially in the lower back and neck.
2. Dry, Itchy Skin or Rashes
Many older adults develop persistent skin itching, even without an obvious allergy or skin condition. The skin barrier becomes weaker, and dryness triggers irritation, redness, and a scratchy feeling that’s hard to soothe.
How TCM helps: In Chinese medicine, this is a sign of blood dryness or internal heat. Herbal medicine can help cool and moisturise the skin from within, and reduce the inflammation that makes it itch. Specific formulas have even been studied for their effects on chronic dermatitis.
3. Slow Healing and Chronic Wounds
Whether it’s a cut that won’t heal or a pressure sore that lingers, wound healing slows with age—especially when inflammation is high and circulation is poor. This can increase the risk of infection and further tissue breakdown.
How TCM helps: Chinese herbal medicine includes topical and internal treatments that have been shown to promote blood flow, reduce infection risk, and stimulate tissue regeneration—supporting the body’s natural healing process.
What You Can Do
You can’t stop ageing, but you can support your body’s ability to retain moisture, heal efficiently, and stay comfortable well into later life. In Chinese medicine, the goal is not just to treat symptoms, but to strengthen your foundation—what we call yin, qi, and blood—so you age more gently and feel more like yourself.
Ready to support your body as it ages?
If you're noticing dryness, pain, slow healing, or chronic skin issues, these may be early signs that your system needs nourishment—not just treatment.
Book an appointment or get in touch to learn how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help you hydrate from within, reduce inflammation, and age with more ease.
📍 On the Pulse Clinic, South County Dublin
📞 086 811 9534