Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the skin cells, triggering the rapid production of new skin cells. This skin disease affects approximately three percent of the population here in the U.S.A. According to western medicine, there is no cure for psoriasis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes many different causes for Psoriasis which most commonly include: Heat in the Blood, Blood Deficiency and/or Qi and Blood Stasis. In recent years, even conventional dermatologists have acknowledged that psoriasis is more that skin deep. Several papers presented at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting in 2009 linked psoriasis with other chronic conditions which are increasingly understood to be inflammatory in nature.

Recommended diet:

Avoid alcoholic beverages
Limit coffee, sugar and red meat
Eat more green vegetables, rice, chicken, eggs, and fish
Add fish oil, flax seed oil and primrose oil to your diet

Herbs vary from person to person. Ask your acupuncturist what’s right for you.

Acne and Skin Rashes

Chinese Medicine treats acne through a combination of acupuncture, herbs and diet suggestions. Acne can arise from a variety of different issues including: poor circulation, energy stagnation, excessive internal heat and/or heat in the stomach and lung meridians.
The power of Chinese medicine is in the personalized treatment. Two people suffering from the same facial acne may be treated in two different ways. Your TCM practitioner will recommend a treatment plan and customized herbal formula that is specific to your situation.
Diet suggestions may include a low carbohydrate/high protein diet and avoiding processed and greasy foods.

A variety of skin issues can arise from any imbalance in the body. It is important to address the underlying internal issue in order to clear the skin. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can help target the internal problem thus reducing the skin irritant. When too much heat is present, Gua Sha can be beneficial; not on the impacted skin, but on the surrounding areas.
Diet is always an important factor regarding any skin sensitivity. Avoid fried, greasy and spicy food and limit consumption of dairy and alcohol.“[I was] suffering from a red, itchy, widespread skin rash for a week. I had seen a dermatologist, who was unable to give me a diagnosis but recommended I stop nursing my 5 month old for a week and take Prednisone, a steroid. The dermatologist seemed to believe this was the only solution but given the potential side effects of the drug and my daughter’s needs, I definitely did not want to take it. I am happy to say that after one acupuncture treatment and four days of Chinese herbs, my rash was 90% better. After another treatment and another round of herbs, it is completely gone…” — Jennifer P. (2009)