TCM Treatment Options for Psoriasis
Are you noticing thick, red patches of skin or dry and cracked skin that itch or bleed? If so, you may be suffering from a chronic skin condition known as psoriasis, which can cause discomfort and lower your quality of life. Fortunately, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers treatments that can alleviate symptoms and improve your comfort. We’ll explore these options and share how they provide relief.
What is Psoriasis?
From a TCM perspective, psoriasis is believed to result from various imbalances in the body, including:
- Disruptions in energy flow (Qi), and Blood
- The presence of excess heat in the Blood, known as “blood heat”
- Blood stagnation
- Accumulated dampness and toxins in the body
- Liver Qi stagnation due to negative emotions such as stress and anger
- Spleen and Kidney deficiency
- Wind and dryness
These can cause symptoms such as redness, inflammation, itching, and fluid retention and contribute to the formation of skin lesions.
Learn More: The Role of Qi and Blood in Maintaining Skin Health
TCM Treatment Options
1. Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications
Psoriasis treatment goes beyond therapeutic methods. In TCM, what you eat and how you live can influence your skin condition and address or worsen your symptoms. Here are some steps you can take to prevent symptoms:
- Watch your intake of dampness-producing foods, such as greasy or fried items, dairy products, and sweets.
- Limit your consumption of spicy dishes, which have a warming and stimulating effect on the body and may exacerbate heat and inflammation.
- Try to avoid consuming too much alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
- Incorporate more water-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet. For example, cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens. They have cooling and moisturising effects that can counteract internal heat and dryness.
- Eat foods with balancing properties, such as whole grains, legumes, and a variety of vegetables.
- Drink lots of water daily to regulate your internal moisture levels.
- Relieve stress through activities like meditation, Qigong or Tai Chi.
- Exercise regularly to reduce stagnation and improve overall well-being.
- Get ample sleep to support your body’s natural healing processes and promote balance.
2. Topical Herbal Ointments
Formulated with TCM herbs that contain properties good for the skin and internal balance, many of these herbal remedies can be applied directly to the affected area to address psoriasis symptoms and provide relief. Some of them may have anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce redness and swelling, while others may be chosen for the cooling and moisturising benefits. These are natural options that you can turn to if you’re in search of quick solutions.
3. Herbal Medication
Psoriasis patients can also find relief through herbal medications. Tangs Clinical developed Tangs Psoria, a botanical compound formulated to stimulate the Yang component of the human body and promote circulation to facilitate detoxification. It can be taken over the course of approximately 120 days to regulate the immune system and treat the condition. Find out more about the medication here.
Apart from herbal oral and topical medications, patients may also find relief from psoriasis with acupuncture and cupping therapy. However, this depends on individual body constitutions and your skin condition. Do consult a physician before committing to any treatment plan.
Tangs Clinical TCM’s skin specialists are experienced in developing herbal medications for skin conditions and providing TCM care to help patients manage their skin health. Book your appointment with us here.
