Manage Psoriasis Naturally

with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to multiply too quickly, leading to the formation of thick, scaly patches on the skin. These patches can appear anywhere on the body and are often accompanied by redness, irritation, and itching. Psoriasis can be a physically and emotionally challenging condition, but acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a natural, holistic approach to managing symptoms, reducing flare-ups, and improving your overall quality of life. At Acupremier Acupuncture, we provide customized treatments to help restore balance to your body and manage psoriasis in a way that supports long-term health and healing.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing rapid cell turnover. This results in thick, red patches of skin that may be covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis can occur on various parts of the body, including the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Common types of psoriasis include:

  • Plaque Psoriasis: The most common form, characterized by raised, red patches with silvery scales.

  • Guttate Psoriasis: Small, drop-shaped spots on the skin, often triggered by infections like strep throat.

  • Inverse Psoriasis: Red patches that appear in skin folds, such as under the arms or in the groin area.

  • Pustular Psoriasis: Characterized by white pustules (blisters of noninfectious pus) surrounded by red skin.

  • Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A rare and severe form that causes widespread redness, shedding of the skin, and severe pain.

While psoriasis is typically managed with medications, acupuncture and TCM provide a gentle, drug-free alternative that targets the root causes of the condition, promoting healing and balancing the body's internal systems.

The TCM Perspective on Psoriasis

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, psoriasis is often seen as a manifestation of internal imbalances, particularly related to Heat, Blood, and Qi stagnation.

Several factors may contribute to psoriasis, including:

  • Heat: TCM views psoriasis as a result of excess heat in the body, leading to inflammation, redness, and scaling of the skin.

  • Blood Deficiency: In some cases, a lack of nourishing blood may prevent the skin from healing and promote dryness or flakiness.

  • Qi Stagnation: Blockages in the flow of energy (Qi) can lead to poor circulation and poor skin health, triggering flare-ups.

  • Dampness: Dampness in the body can combine with heat, causing thickened skin, scaling, and itching.

  • Liver Imbalance: Stress, frustration, and emotional tension can lead to liver Qi stagnation, which in TCM is linked to skin issues, including psoriasis.

TCM treatments aim to restore balance by clearing heat, nourishing the Blood, promoting Qi circulation, and addressing any internal imbalances that may trigger or worsen psoriasis.

Common Psoriasis Symptoms Treated with Acupuncture and TCM

  • Red, inflamed patches of skin with silvery scales.

  • Dry, cracked, and bleeding skin.

  • Itching, burning, or soreness in affected areas.

  • Thickened or pitted nails (in some cases).

  • Joint pain or swelling (psoriatic arthritis).

  • Emotional symptoms such as stress, anxiety, and frustration due to the impact of psoriasis on self-esteem.

Our Comprehensive Treatment Approach

Acupuncture

  • Targets specific acupuncture points to clear internal heat, promote blood circulation, and reduce inflammation.

  • Balances the flow of Qi to restore harmony within the body and alleviate symptoms of psoriasis.

  • Reduces itching and irritation, while promoting healing of the skin.

  • Supports immune function to prevent future flare-ups.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Guidance:

  • Diet recommendations to reduce internal heat and dampness, including foods that support skin health.

  • Lifestyle tips for managing stress and promoting emotional well-being, since stress is a known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups.

  • Suggestions for avoiding foods or environmental factors that may exacerbate psoriasis, such as gluten, dairy, or chemicals.

  • Recommendations for a gentle skincare routine to complement your acupuncture and herbal treatments.

Herbal Medicine

  • Custom herbal formulas that cool heat, detoxify the body, and promote skin healing.

  • Herbs that nourish the Blood, enhance hydration, and improve the skin’s appearance and texture.

  • Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating herbs to regulate the body’s response and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

  • Detoxifying herbs to eliminate excess heat and dampness from the body, improving overall skin health.

Moxibustion Therapy:

  • A warming therapy that helps restore balance to the body’s internal systems, particularly the Liver and Qi.

  • Promotes circulation and healing in the skin, reducing redness, dryness, and itching.

  • Strengthens the immune system to prevent flare-ups and support long-term skin health.

Cupping Therapy

  • Relieves pain and discomfort associated with psoriasis, especially when joint pain or psoriatic arthritis is present.

  • Increases blood circulation to affected areas, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

  • Clears heat and dampness, helping to reduce the thickness and scaling of the skin.

Benefits of Acupuncture and TCM for Psoriasis

  • Reduces inflammation and redness, helping to soothe irritated skin.

  • Promotes faster healing of skin lesions, reducing the severity of flare-ups.

  • Nourishes the Blood and Yin to prevent dryness and flakiness.

  • Balances the immune system to reduce the frequency and intensity of flare-ups.

  • Supports emotional health and stress management, which can prevent stress-related flare-ups.

  • Provides a drug-free, natural solution with minimal side effects.

What to Expect During Your Psoriasis Treatment at Acupremier Acupuncture

 During your initial consultation, we will:

  • Discuss your medical history, psoriasis symptoms, triggers, and lifestyle factors.

  • Use TCM diagnostic techniques, such as pulse and tongue diagnosis, to determine the root causes of your psoriasis.

  • Develop a personalized treatment plan, including acupuncture, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications to help manage your condition.

  • Regular sessions will help reduce flare-ups, improve skin condition, and support long-term healing.

“You deserve to live pain-free and fully engaged in the activities you love.”

Schedule your consultation today with Acupremier Acupuncture. Together, we’ll design a plan to ease your pain, restore your mobility, and enhance your quality of life.