Do you feel frustrated of waking up every morning, hoping that maybe today your skin will be clean, but facing the same red, inflamed patches you’ve battled for years?
For many people with chronic psoriasis, it’s not just the discomfort or constant itching, it’s the impact on their confidence, their daily life, and the hope that something, anything, will finally bring lasting relief.
You’ve tried every cream, every diet, every promise of a cure, yet here you are, still searching.
If this is your case, this article is for you, it is time to try a Chinese medicine treatment of psoriasis.
You are not alone, almost 3% of Americans suffer psoriasis, around 7.5 millions!
Limitations of Conventional Treatment:
Conventional treatments like topical steroids, biologics, and immunosuppressants can indeed be effective for managing psoriasis symptoms, offering relief from itching, redness, and inflammation. However, these approaches often come with potential side effects, such as skin thinning, debilitating skin cells, increased risk of infections, mood changes, and other systemic impacts when used long-term. Biologics, which work by suppressing certain parts of the immune system, may also leave patients more vulnerable to infections and other immune-related issues.
While these treatments may control flare-ups, they don’t address underlying causes, leading many to find only temporary relief before symptoms return.
Chinese Psoriasis Treatment
In Traditional Chinese medicine, your skin lesions are a reflex of the health of your internal organs, like the liver or the intestines, so just a topical cream can't be an effective treatment, you need to treat your internal organs in order to achieve a real long lasting relieve
Unlike conventional treatments that may suppress the symptoms of psoriasis, Chinese medicine seeks to address the root causes, such as internal inflammation, immune system imbalances, and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to flare-ups.
Chinese herbal medicine is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects compared to conventional chemical therapies.
The treatment of psoriasis is based on combining techniques like acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle recommendations. This approach offers a more individualized form of treatment, as Chinese medicine views each patient’s psoriasis as unique, adapting treatments to suit personal health patterns. This combination of targeted and comprehensive care offers a natural, effective path toward long-term relief, making Chinese medicine an ideal complementary therapy for those seeking both immediate improvement and deeper, lasting wellness.
Understanding Psoriasis from a Chinese Medicine Perspective
Holistic Approach to Skin Health:
Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on the idea of achieving balance and internal harmony within the body to promote health and prevent disease. This philosophy views the body as an interconnected system where physical, emotional, and environmental factors influence our overall well-being.
When applied to skin health, this holistic approach addresses both the external symptoms of skin conditions and their internal root causes, the malfunction of the internal organs , blood flow, or energy (Qi).
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) classifies psoriasis syndromes into four types: Blood Heat type, Blood Stasis type, Blood Dryness type, and Blood Deficiency type.
Root Causes of Psoriasis in Chinese Medicine:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), psoriasis is understood as a manifestation of internal imbalances rather than a localized skin lesions. The origin is in the body's internal organs.
Here are the key TCM concepts associated with psoriasis:
1. Blood Heat
Definition: Blood Heat refers to an excessive heat in the blood that can rise to the surface, manifesting as red, inflamed, and itchy plaques characteristic of psoriasis.
Symptoms: Bright red lesions, intense itching, and burning sensations are typical of this pattern. Blood Heat often reflects a hyperactive immune response.
Treatment Approach: Cooling blood and detoxifying the system with herbs like Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root) and Mu Dan Pi (Peony Bark) is common in TCM.
2. Dampness
Definition: Dampness refers to excess moisture that stagnates within the body, often combined with Blood Heat or Cold. It is associated with thick, scaly plaques and a greasy texture.
Symptoms: Lesions that are swollen, oozy, or crusted, often accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or fatigue.
Treatment Approach: Resolving Dampness with herbs like Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) or Fu Ling (Poria) is crucial, alongside dietary changes to avoid damp-producing foods like dairy or fried items.
3. Blood Stasis
Definition: Blood Stasis refers to poor circulation of blood, leading to stagnation in specific areas. It can be combines with blood heat. This stagnation can result in dark, purplish plaques and thickened skin.
Symptoms: Lesions that are dry, rough, or take on a darker hue, sometimes accompanied by pain or discomfort.
Treatment Approach: Promote blood circulation and removing blood stasis using herbs like Dan Shen (Salvia) or Tao Ren (Peach Kernel).
4. Wind
Definition: From TCM perspective, Wind happens where there is a deficiency of Blood of Yin.
Symptoms: Itch in the upper body, symptoms change rapidly,
Treatment Approach: Nourishing blood with herbs like Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) or treating itchiness with herbs like Fang Feng (Saposhinikivia Root).
5. Yin Deficiency with Heat
Definition: Chronic psoriasis often depletes the body’s Yin (nourishing, cooling energy), leading to blood dryness and internal Heat.
Symptoms: Dry, cracked skin, scaling, and persistent itchiness.
Treatment Approach: Nourishing Yin with herbs like Bai Shao (White Peony) and Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) to restore moisture and calm internal Heat.
By addressing these root causes, TCM takes a holistic approach to psoriasis, focusing on rebalancing the body's internal environment rather than just suppressing symptoms. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, and stress management are integral components of this treatment plan. This comprehensive approach can lead to deeper, long-term healing for individuals suffering from psoriasis.
3. Chinese Herbal Medicine for Psoriasis
-> How Herbal Formulas Are Customized in Chinese Medicine?
One of the defining features of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is its emphasis on personalization.
Herbal formulas in TCM are not "one-size-fits-all"; they are carefully tailored to address each patient's unique health condition and specific symptoms. This customization ensures a holistic and effective approach to healing.
Here's how the process works:
1. Individual Diagnosis and Assessment
A TCM practitioner begins by conducting a detailed assessment, which includes examining the patient’s pulse, tongue, physical symptoms, and asking about their lifestyle, emotions, and dietary habits.
This process identifies the underlying pattern of imbalance causing the illness. For example, two people with psoriasis might have completely different root causes, such as "Blood Heat" for one and "Dampness" for the other.
2. Balancing the Formula
Once the diagnosis is clear, the practitioner selects specific herbs to target the identified imbalance.
Each formula usually contains a combination of "chief," "deputy," "assistant," and "envoy" herbs, which work together:
Chief Herbs: Directly address the main issue.
Deputy Herbs: Support the chief herbs or address secondary symptoms.
Assistant Herbs: Reduce potential side effects or enhance the formula's harmony.
Envoy Herbs: Guide the formula to specific areas of the body or harmonize its effects.
3. Adjusting for Symptoms and Constitution
Formulas are adjusted to account for the patient’s overall constitution (e.g., age, strength, Yin/Yang balance).
For example, treating psoriasis for someone with a weaker constitution might require gentler, nourishing herbs, while someone with acute symptoms might need stronger, cooling herbs to bring immediate relief.
4. Continuous Monitoring and Modification
As the patient’s condition evolves, the herbal formula is often revised to reflect changes.
For instance, if a patient’s psoriasis shifts from inflamed (Blood Heat) to dry and cracked (Yin Deficiency / Blood Deficiency), the formula will be adapted accordingly.
5. Holistic Integration
The herbal treatment is not isolated. It is part of a broader plan that may include dietary recommendations, acupuncture, lifestyle changes, and stress management to address the root causes comprehensively.
Benefits of Herbal Customization:
Targeted Healing: Treats not just symptoms but the root cause of illness.
Reduced Side Effects: The balancing of herbs minimizes unwanted reactions.
Holistic Approach: Improves overall well-being while addressing specific health concerns.
This personalized approach to herbal medicine exemplifies the core of Chinese medicine: treating the person, not just the disease. It’s why TCM remains a trusted and effective healing modality for chronic and complex conditions like psoriasis.
4. Acupuncture’s Role in Treatment Of Psoriasis
-> How Acupuncture Relieves Symptoms?
Acupuncture, a core practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is an effective treatment method for relieving various symptoms due to its multifaceted physiological effects. Here's how it works:
T1. Promoting blood circulation
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoint. These points often correspond to areas with rich nerve and vascular supplies.
By stimulating these points, acupuncture increases microcirculation, enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Promoting blood circulation helps reduce stagnation, which, in Chinese medicine, is often linked to pain and dysfunction.
2. Reduces Inflammation
Acupuncture has been shown to influence the release of anti-inflammatory chemicals, such as cytokines and cortisol, helping to calm the immune system.
By regulating the body's inflammatory response, it can reduce swelling, redness, and pain associated with chronic conditions like arthritis, psoriasis, or digestive disorders.
3. Releases Natural Pain-Relief Chemicals
Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals that act as painkillers.
It also influences the production of other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which contribute to emotional and physical well-being.
4. Modulates the Nervous System
Acupuncture balances the autonomic nervous system by reducing sympathetic overdrive ("fight or flight") and promoting parasympathetic activity ("rest and digest").
This nervous system regulation helps relieve stress-related symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, or muscle tension, while improving overall organ function. This is very important treating psoriasis.
5. Addresses Energy Flow (Qi)
In the TCM framework, acupuncture restores the flow of Qi (vital energy) along meridians, correcting imbalances that cause illness or discomfort.
This concept complements the physiological effects described in Western medicine, reflecting a holistic approach to health.
->Supporting Long-Term Healing with Acupuncture
Acupuncture offers more than symptom relief; it supports the body's ability to heal and maintain balance over time. For treatment of psoriasis, regular acupuncture sessions can provide long-term benefits by strengthening the immune system and harmonizing internal energy.
Here's how:
1. Strengthening the Immune System
Immune Modulation: Acupuncture helps regulate the immune response, calming overactivity (as seen in autoimmune conditions like psoriasis) while boosting overall immune resilience.
Promoting Blood Circulation: By enhancing microcirculation, acupuncture ensures that immune cells are efficiently distributed throughout the body, optimizing their ability to repair and defend.
2. Balancing Internal Energy (Qi)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), psoriasis is often linked to imbalances like “Blood Heat” or “Dampness.” Acupuncture works to restore the flow of Qi (vital energy) along the meridians, harmonizing the body’s internal systems.
By addressing underlying imbalances, acupuncture reduces the recurrence of symptoms and promotes a stable, healthy environment for the skin to thrive.
3. Long-Term Management
Cumulative Benefits: With consistent treatment, acupuncture has a compounding effect, gradually reducing inflammation, improving stress resilience, and enhancing the body's healing processes.
Emotional Balance: Regular sessions also help alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common psoriasis triggers. The calming effects of acupuncture create a supportive environment for long-term healing.
-> Why Regular Sessions Are Key <-
Prevention of Flare-Ups: Ongoing treatments help maintain balance and prevent future episodes.
Adaptability: Acupuncture protocols can be adjusted over time to match the patient’s evolving needs, ensuring that treatment remains effective as the condition improves.
Combining acupuncture with lifestyle changes and Chinese herbal medicine provides a comprehensive approach to managing psoriasis, offering both immediate relief and sustainable results over time.
5. Benefits of Chinese Medicine for Chronic Psoriasis
-> Reduces Inflammation and Itching Naturally:
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture offer gentle, effective solutions for relieving inflammation and itching, key symptoms of conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and chronic skin disorders. These natural therapies work without the harsh side effects often associated with conventional treatments, providing a safer alternative for long-term treatment of psoriasis.
How Herbs Reduce Inflammation and Itching
Cooling Herbs for “Blood Heat”: Chinese medicine identifies “Blood Heat” as a common cause of inflammation and itching in skin conditions. Herbs like Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia root) and Huang Qin (Scutellaria root) help cool the blood and calm irritation.
Dampness-Clearing Herbs: For skin conditions linked to excess dampness, herbs such as Yi Yi Ren (Coix seeds) and Fu Ling (Poria) work to dry and balance moisture levels, reducing the persistence of inflammation.
Anti-Itch Effects: Herbs like Ku Shen (Sophora root) and Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus root) are specifically used to soothe itching while targeting the underlying causes.
How Acupuncture Eases Symptoms
Anti-Inflammatory Action: Acupuncture can treat psoriasis promoting the release of natural anti-inflammatory compounds, helping to calm overactive immune responses that contribute to redness and swelling.
Itch Relief: Acupuncture modulates nerve signaling, reducing the sensations that trigger itching.
Stress Reduction: Since stress is a known trigger for flare-ups, acupuncture’s ability to calm the nervous system indirectly reduces inflammation and itching.
Advantages Over Conventional Treatments
Gentle on the Body: Unlike steroids or antihistamines, herbal and acupuncture treatments support the body’s natural healing processes without harmful side effects.
Customizable: Treatments are tailored to address the individual’s specific symptoms and root imbalances, ensuring effectiveness.
Holistic: Beyond symptom relief, these therapies improve overall health by promoting better blood circulation, immune regulation, and emotional well-being.
Chinese medicine’s integrative approach provides not just relief but also addresses the root causes of inflammation and itching, empowering patients with a sustainable path to recovery.
6. Case Studies and Patient Success Stories
Chinese herbal medicine has been shown to be effective treatment of psoriasis without producing adverse reactions. There is plenty evidence that CHM improves the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) score of patients.
It is very difficult to make a study on Chinese medicine, because TCM uses customized herbal and acupuncture treatments for every single patient. When any laboratory or hospital make a trial or an study usually they do it on the efficacy of a particular herbal formulas for a group of patients, and that is not TCM, that is judgment of Traditional Chinese medicine from Western medicine or Allopathic medicine.
If we understand that TCM treat the patient, and it doesn't treat psoriasis, then we could have realistic probes that how amazing TCM can be.
The best prove of how effective TCM can be for the treatment of psoriasis is the thousands of years of use and evolution of the medicine.
Here we have prove of some modern studies of Traditional Chinese medicine treating psoriasis:
1- Chinese Herbal Medicine for Psoriasis: Evidence From 11 High-Quality Randomized Controlled Trials
CHM appears safe and effective in the treatment of psoriasis and has a great positive impact on the DQLI of patients.
2- A review of Chinese medicine for the treatment of psoriasis: principles, methods and analysis
Compared with modern medicine, CM has unique advantages in the treatment of psoriasis, including the uniqueness of syndrome classification, the abundantly and flexibility of treatment ideas, as well as the efficiency and safety of treatment methods.
3- Efficacy and safety of curcumin in psoriasis: preclinical and clinical evidence and possible mechanisms
CUR has excellent efficacy and broad potential to treat psoriasis in multiple ways. Its use also plays a crucial role in improving the psoriasis phenotype and reducing the inflammatory microenvironment. In conclusion, our findings suggest that CUR alone or in combination with other conventional treatments can effectively treat psoriasis.
4- Chinese herbal medicine Jia Wei Jing Xie Yin (JWJXY) ameliorates psoriasis via suppressing the Th17 cell response
The study confirmed the therapeutic effect of JWJXY on psoriasis. Its mechanism of action might be to inhibit the Th17 cell response but not the Th1 and Treg response.
5- Potential effects and mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of psoriasis
The CHM formulas, single CHM and its active components have considerable positive reports about the treatment of psoriasis, which brings hope for a promising future of CHM in the clinical therapy of psoriasis.
7. Practical Tips for Starting Chinese Medicine for Psoriasis
Choosing a Qualified Practitioner for Chinese Medicine: Why It Matters
Selecting the right practitioner for Chinese medicine can significantly impact the success of your treatment. A licensed and experienced professional ensures your safety, provides accurate diagnoses, and tailors treatments to meet your specific needs.
Why Choose Soul Acupuncture & Herbal?
At Soul Acupuncture & Herbal, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional care that blends traditional Chinese medicine with modern precision. Here’s why we’re a step ahead:
Diagnostic Skills:Our practitioners bring years of experience and expertise, enabling them to make accurate and detailed diagnoses. Through unique pulse reading technique, tongue diagnosis, and other traditional techniques, we get to the heart of your condition.
Customized Herbal Formulas:Unlike clinics that rely on pre-made formulas, we operate an in-house herbal pharmacy. This allows us to create personalized remedies tailored to your unique needs, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
Proven Results:Our patients consistently report remarkable improvements, from reduced symptoms to enhanced overall health. Chronic conditions like psoriasis, eczema and other skin diseases often see transformative results under our care.
Holistic Care Philosophy:We believe in treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Our treatments go beyond symptom relief to foster long-term wellness and balance.
Commitment to Treatment: Encourage patients to commit to several months of treatment to see gradual improvement, emphasizing that results often build over time.
Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations: Offer basic tips, such as avoiding inflammatory foods and practicing stress-reducing activities that complement Chinese medicine.
Commitment to Treatment: Why Patience Pays Off
Healing through Chinese medicine requires a shift in perspective from quick-fix solutions to a journey of gradual and sustainable improvement. Unlike conventional treatments that often mask symptoms, Chinese medicine focuses on correcting deep-seated imbalances, which takes time and consistency. Here’s why committing to several months of treatment is essential for lasting results:
Healing at the Root
Chinese medicine works by restoring balance within the body—addressing issues like “Blood Heat,” “Dampness,” or energy imbalances. These conditions don’t develop overnight, and reversing them requires a steady, layered approach. Treatments such as acupuncture and herbal formulas are cumulative, meaning their effects build over time as the body adjusts and heals.
What to Expect Over Time
Early Stages (First Few Weeks):Initial improvements might include reduced inflammation, better sleep, or less severe flare-ups. These are positive signs that the treatment is beginning to work.
Midway Progress (2-3 Months):Gradual, deeper changes occur, such as improved immune function and better regulation of internal systems. Patients often notice longer periods of relief between flare-ups.
Long-Term Results (4+ Months):With sustained treatment, many patients achieve significant, lasting relief as their body’s internal balance is restored. This phase is crucial for reducing the recurrence of symptoms and maintaining overall health.
Why Commitment Matters
Cumulative Effects: Just like building physical strength requires repeated workouts, acupuncture and herbal medicine rely on consistency to achieve optimal outcomes.
Customized Adjustments: Over time, your practitioner may tweak herbal formulas and treatment plans based on your progress, ensuring a tailored approach to your unique needs.
Prevention: Regular sessions help prevent relapses by maintaining balance and strengthening the immune system.
Soul Acupuncture & Herbal’s Commitment to You
At Soul Acupuncture & Herbal, we understand the importance of personalized, consistent care. Our experienced practitioners will guide you through every step of your healing journey, providing customized treatments that evolve with your progress.
Remember: true healing is a marathon, not a sprint. Trust the process, commit to your health, and experience the profound, lasting benefits Chinese medicine can offer. Let us help you take the first step today!
Take the First Step Toward Wellness
Whether you're struggling with a chronic condition or seeking a natural approach to health, choosing the right practitioner is key. At Soul Acupuncture & Herbal, we’re committed to helping you reclaim your health through personalized, compassionate care rooted in the wisdom of Chinese medicine.
Ready to experience the difference? Book your consultation today!
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