Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Psoriasis: An Ancient Remedy For Modern Skin Conditions

While we know there is no cure for psoriasis, there are a variety of treatments available to help manage its symptoms. One such treatment is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of health conditions, including skin disorders like psoriasis. In this article, we'll explore how TCM can help manage psoriasis and some of the most commonly used TCM therapies.

 Key Takeaways

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment is a system of healthcare that originated in China over 2,000 years ago and is based on the concept of Qi.

• TCM therapies for psoriasis focus on addressing underlying imbalances, such as heat, dampness, and blood stagnation.

• Acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, massage, and dietary therapy are all commonly used TCM therapies for psoriasis.

• Studies have shown that TCM therapies, including acupuncture, cupping, massage, and dietary therapy, may be effective in managing psoriasis symptoms.

• TCM therapies for psoriasis should only be used under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner.

Table of Contents

• What is Traditional Chinese Medicine
• TCM For Psoriasis
• FAQ’s
• Conclusion

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

In simple terms, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of healthcare that originated in China over 2,000 years ago. It is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced "chee"), which is the life force or vital energy that flows through the body.

According to TCM, disease is believed to happen when the flow of Qi is disturbed. TCM therapies aim to promote healing by re-establishing the body's Qi balance.

Instead of only treating a person's symptoms of a particular condition, the emphasis is on treating the complete person.

TCM practitioners hold the view that the body is a complex system of interconnected pieces, with each portion having some sort of relationship to the others.

By addressing the underlying imbalances in the body, TCM treatments aim to promote overall health and wellbeing.

Before trying TCM yourself reach out to others or join a support group to see what their impressions of the process were.

TCM therapies are developed after a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, medical background, and general health.

TCM practitioners identify the underlying imbalances in the body using a variety of diagnostic procedures, including tongue and pulse diagnostics.

Acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, massage, and food treatment are just a few of the many modalities that make up TCM.

Each therapy is intended to address certain health issues and reestablish the body's Qi balance.

TCM Therapy	Acupuncture Points	Functions
Acupuncture	LI11 (Quchi), SP10 (Xuehai) LV3 (Taichong) ST36 (Zusanli) GB34 (Yanglingquan) CV12 (Zhongwan) BL17 (Geshu)	Clears heat, reduces inflammation, promotes circulation, strengthens tendons and bones, regulates digestion, strengthens the spleen, and promotes liver function
Herbal Medicine	Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus Root Bark), Ku Shen (Sophora Flavescens), Tu Fu Ling (Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae), Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii Lappae), Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae)	Clears heat, cools blood, promotes circulation, reduces inflammation, and relieves itching
Cupping	Back, shoulders, and upper arms	Promotes circulation, clears heat, and reduces inflammation
Massage	Taiyang (extra point on the temple) Hegu (LI4) Fengchi (GB20) Baihui (GV20) Feishu (BL13)	Relieves stress, promotes circulation, and reduces inflammation
Dietary Therapy	Bitter melon, goji berries, dandelion greens, fish, turmeric, green tea	Clears heat, detoxifies, and reduces inflammation

TCM treatments are generally considered safe and may be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as topical creams, phototherapy and a holistic approach to treating psoriasis.

Always remember to talk with your healthcare physician before beginning any TCM therapies you are interested in trying.

By addressing your body’s underlying imbalances, TCM may help to lessen the signs and symptoms of psoriasis and promote general health and wellbeing.

TCM for Psoriasis

In TCM, psoriasis is believed to be caused by a variety of factors, including heat, dampness, and blood stagnation. Treatment focuses on addressing these underlying imbalances to help manage the symptoms of psoriasis.

 Some of the most commonly used TCM therapies for psoriasis include:

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a TCM therapy that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, and is a commonly used therapy to treat psoriasis.

In TCM theory, psoriasis is related to a stagnation of blood and Qi in the body, and acupuncture is thought to help move the blood and Qi, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

 

Here is a table describing some of the acupuncture points commonly used for psoriasis in TCM:

Acupuncture Point	Location	Functions
LI11 (Quchi)	On the elbow crease, at the outer end of the elbow crease	Clears heat, reduces inflammation, and promotes circulation
SP10 (Xuehai)	On the inner thigh, about 2 inches above the knee crease	Clears heat, cools blood, and reduces itching
LV3 (Taichong)	On the foot, in the depression between the big toe and second toe	Clears liver heat, promotes liver function, and promotes circulation
ST36 (Zusanli)	On the leg, about 4 finger widths below the kneecap	Strengthens the body, boosts immunity, and promotes circulation
GB34 (Yanglingquan)	On the leg, below the kneecap and slightly to the outside of the leg	Reduces inflammation, strengthens tendons and bones, and promotes circulation
CV12 (Zhongwan)	On the midline of the abdomen, about 4 finger widths above the belly button	Regulates digestion, strengthens the spleen, and promotes circulation
BL17 (Geshu)	On the back, about 1.5 inches to the side of the spine, at the level of the lower border of the shoulder blade	Strengthens the blood, clears heat, and promotes circulation

In the case of psoriasis, acupuncture may be used to reduce inflammation and relieve itching.

Your acupuncturist will delicately insert hair-thin, sterilized needles into the skin near your trouble regions. One to two inches deep is usually the depth of needle insertion.

After that, you can relax for at least 20 minutes with the needles still in your body. The treatment is meant to call the chi (energy) to the treated region and boost your immune system.

Your acupuncturist will then carefully remove the needles after the allotted time has passed, safely dispose of them (single-use needles), and that’s it you can leave straight away.

Just a heads up, acupuncture is a long-term solution, it’s not a one-and-done process. It's common to need to go to multiple sessions before your symptoms start to get better.

But, participants who received acupuncture have stated having a significant improvement in their psoriasis symptoms, including a reduction in redness, scaling, and itching.

2. Chinese Herbal Treatment for Psoriasis

Herbal medicine has a long history dating back to ancient China. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been using herbs to treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis, for over 2,000 years.

TCM believes that psoriasis is caused by an imbalance of the body's internal organs and energy, and that herbs can help restore balance and heal the skin.

Chinese herbs for psoriasis are usually taken in the form of a tea, decoction, or powder. They can also be applied topically in the form of creams, ointments, or poultices.

The herbs are often combined into formulas that are tailored to the individual's specific symptoms and constitution.

There are a variety of herbs that are commonly used to treat psoriasis in TCM, including:

HERB NAME	WHAT IT DOES?
Rehmannia	Believed to nourish the blood and improve circulation, which may help reduce blood stagnation in psoriasis.
Sophora	Has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and may help reduce itching and inflammation in psoriasis.
Skullcap	Calms the mind and reduces stress, clears heat and toxins from the blood
Coptis	Clears heat and toxins from the blood, reduces inflammation
Red Peony	Nourishes blood and yin energy, reduces inflammation
Indigo Naturalis	This herb has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.
Liquorice Root	Reduces inflammation and clears heat and toxins from the body,
Tribulus	Clears heat and toxins from the skin, reduces inflammation
Chinese Rhubarb	Along with treating digestive disorders it clears heat and toxins from the body, and reduces inflammation
Forsythia	Believed to have antiviral and antibacterial properties,clears heat and toxins from the body, reduces inflammation

 

Despite the fact that it can be helpful in doing so, the use of herbal medicine for the treatment of psoriasis should only be carried out under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner.

3. Cupping

Suction cups are used in TCM therapy known as cupping to encourage recovery. It is thought that by applying the cups to certain body parts, circulation and inflammation will be improved.

Cupping may be used to help manage psoriasis symptoms by improving blood flow to the affected areas.

A small study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that cupping may be effective in reducing the symptoms of psoriasis.

Those who received cupping showed significant improvements in their psoriasis symptoms, including a reduction in redness, scaling, and itching.

4. Massage

 Another TCM treatment that may help with psoriasis management is massage. TCM massage techniques aim to increase circulation and decrease inflammation, which can help treat psoriasis-related itching and redness.

There are several TCM massage techniques that may be beneficial for psoriasis, including acupressure and tuina.

Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, while tuina is a type of Chinese massage that involves kneading, rubbing, and pressing the muscles and joints.

Another small study that was published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests that tuina massage may be effective in reducing the symptoms of psoriasis.

Psoriasis symptoms including redness and scaling were reduced in individuals who had tuina massages.

5. Dietary Therapy

Diet is viewed as a crucial component of health and healing in TCM. In TCM, food is used as medicine to aid healing and reestablish bodily equilibrium.

An anti-inflammatory diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein and low in inflammatory items like red meat, dairy, and processed foods may be recommended by a TCM practitioner for those with psoriasis.

Research has shown that food treatment may be useful in treating psoriasis. It was published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The redness, scaling, and itching associated with psoriasis were significantly reduced in those who adhered to a TCM diet.

FAQ’s

Q: What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how does it approach psoriasis treatment? 

A: TCM is a system of healthcare that originated in China over 2,000 years ago and is based on the concept of Qi. TCM therapies for psoriasis focus on addressing underlying imbalances, such as heat, dampness, and blood stagnation.

Q: What TCM therapies are commonly used for psoriasis? 

A: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, massage, and dietary therapy are all commonly used TCM therapies for psoriasis.

Q: How does acupuncture help with psoriasis? 

A: Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi. Acupuncture may help reduce inflammation and relieve itching and redness associated with psoriasis.

Q: How does herbal medicine work for psoriasis? 

A: TCM herbal medicine uses a combination of herbs to help balance the body and reduce inflammation. Specific herbs may be chosen based on the individual's symptoms and underlying imbalances.

Q: What is cupping therapy and how does it help with psoriasis? 

A: Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin and creating a vacuum to stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation. Cupping may be used to help relieve psoriasis symptoms, such as itching and redness.

Q: What are some TCM dietary recommendations for psoriasis?

A: TCM dietary therapy involves using food as medicine to promote healing and restore balance in the body. A TCM practitioner may recommend a diet that is low in inflammatory foods, such as red meat, dairy, and processed foods, and high in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Q: How does tuina massage help with psoriasis? 

A: Tuina is a type of Chinese massage that involves kneading, rubbing, and pressing the muscles and joints. A small study found that tuina massage may be effective in reducing psoriasis symptoms, including a reduction in scaling and redness.

Q: Is TCM safe for people with psoriasis? 

A: TCM can be a safe and effective treatment for psoriasis when used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. It's important to discuss any TCM treatments with a healthcare provider before trying them.

Q: How long does it take to see results with TCM treatments for psoriasis? 

A: The length of time it takes to see results with TCM treatments for psoriasis can vary depending on the individual and the type of therapy used. It's important to work with a qualified TCM practitioner to develop a treatment plan and monitor progress.

Q: Can TCM be used in conjunction with other psoriasis treatments? 

A: TCM can be used in conjunction with other psoriasis treatments, such as topical creams and phototherapy. It's important to discuss any TCM treatments with a healthcare provider before trying them.

Conclusion

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a range of therapies that can be effective in managing psoriasis symptoms. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, massage, and dietary therapy are all commonly used TCM therapies for psoriasis. While TCM can be a valuable tool in managing psoriasis, it's important to remember that the quantity of research is rather small. If you're interested in trying TCM for psoriasis, it’s best you talk to your healthcare provider about finding a qualified practitioner in your area.