When you are looking for help on skin disorders, conventional Western treatments like taking steroid medications and undergoing physical therapy may help, they may not always provide the relief you need. This is when Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) comes in. By taking a holistic approach to healing, TCM not only alleviates symptoms but also addresses any underlying imbalances in the body that may be contributing to the condition.
TCM for the treatment of dermatologic disorders has a long history: records of “scabies (eczema)” and “psoriasis” can be found in oracle bone inscriptions. Zhang Zhongjing, a renowned physician of the Eastern Han Dynasty, systematically introduced the use of Baihe Tang (Lily Decoction) for the treatment of vitiligo in his book “Synopsis of Prescriptions from the Golden Chamber.”
TCM has been used to manage the symptoms of a variety of skin disorders, it can resolve stubborn skin conditions that Western medicine struggles to treat. The most common type of skin diseases treated by TCM are eczema, psoriasis, seborrhoiec dermatitis and urticaria.
In this article, we will explore the reasons to consider TCM for skin disease treatment and how it can help you on the journey to recovery.
TCM’s overall concept and syndrome differentiation treatment
The treatment of skin disorders with TCM follows the principle of the combination of disease-syndrome differentiation. TCM believes that skin disorders is caused by the dysfunction of the internal organs of the body “Viscera inside the body manifest themselves externally” , which means the outward manifestations of skin diseases caused by imbalance of Yin and Yang and deficiency of Qi and blood include such symptoms as itchy skin, scratches, pigment changes, plaques, rashes, etc.
Normally TCM, by following holistic view, adopts the methods of external disease treated by internal therapy for the treatment of skin diseases, to achieve the balance of yin and yang. The diversified treatments include external powder and application ointment, combined with oral Chinese medicine or acupuncture conditioning. Through combination of internal and external treatment allow the body to achieve a state of balance, such as persistent skin diseases. Thus, the root cause of most skin diseases (including sores, etc.) lies in internal organ, which refers to the dysfunction of viscera.
Starting from the whole view, TCM focuses on patient’s systemic symptoms, pays attention to syndrome differentiation and treatment, and emphasizes the method of treating in stages according to the different urgency of specimens. Although some diseases can be alleviated by topical treatment, clinically, some skin diseases can only be alleviated or stabilized for a long time only by fundamentally recuperating from the inside, which is basis of syndrome differentiation in TCM.
Through the analysis of these factors or more other factors, it can be identified that the patient is of wind-cold type, wind-heat type, damp-heat type or water-drinking skin accumulation, or spleen-deficiency damp-excessive type, etc. Prescribing medicines based on syndromes, TCM’s classification and treatment, and individualized medicines targeting physical constitution and etiology and disease, have obvious natural advantages. This is true for eczema or psoriasis, hives, acne, etc.
Abundant external treatment methods in TCM
External treatment methods are considered a treasure in TCM dermatology and are another manifestation of TCM pattern differentiation. They include medication therapy (ointments, oils, wraps, poultices), surgical methods (incision, cauterization, scraping, needling, ligation), as well as acupuncture, massage, cupping, bloodletting, fumigation, heat application, soaking (compress therapy), facial masks, cryotherapy, and laser therapy.
There is a wide variety of topical formulations in TCM, including solutions, powders, washes, liniments, ointments (soft and hard), fumigants, aerosols, and medicated plasters. These formulations offer direct and convenient administration, and they demonstrate significant and precise therapeutic effects, showcasing the endless charm of TCM external treatment methods.
The most commonly used external treatment methods are acupuncture therapy and topical application of herbal medicine. Taking eczema as an example, here are some TCM external treatment methods:
- External application of herbal medicines
- Herbal wash
- Acupuncture
- Moxibustion
- Fire needling therapy
- Bloodletting therapy(Hijama).
These external treatment methods, including others not mentioned, can be applied based on the individual’s condition and specific pattern differentiation. They offer targeted and effective therapeutic approaches to various skin conditions, such as eczema, highlighting the versatility and efficacy of TCM external treatments.
Learn more: Is Acupuncture Effective for Eczema?
TCM regulates immune function
Modern pharmacological research has demonstrated that many herbal medicines have immunomodulatory effects, which can enhance the body’s immune function. Inflammation in the throat is commonly present in many individuals, but the reason why some people develop skin diseases while others do not mainly lies in immune dysfunction. If the immune function can be restored, the recurrence of skin diseases can be prevented.
TCM treatment is safety
The treatment of chronic skin diseases often requires a relatively long duration, typically taking 1 to 3 months to achieve a cure. Therefore, it is crucial for doctors to choose medications with minimal toxic side effects for the treatment of skin diseases. TCM primarily utilizes plant roots, stems, and leaves, and through thousands of years of clinical validation, toxic herbs have been gradually eliminated from use in TCM practice.
TCM can effectively control inflammation and inhibit the recurrence of skin diseases
Chinese herbal medicines containing effective anti-inflammatory components, such as those with heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, are less likely to induce drug resistance in streptococcal bacteria. They can effectively suppress inflammation and prevent toxins from re-entering the bloodstream. By avoiding the development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, they help inhibit the recurrence of skin diseases. These factors contribute to the high efficacy of TCM in the treatment of skin diseases.
Chronic skin disease especially emphasis on “nourishing”
TCM has a long history of health preservation. The Huangdi Neijing, an ancient Chinese medical text, contains numerous methods for health preservation. When it comes to managing various chronic skin diseases, one can choose dietary adjustments and physical exercise as part of health preservation practices.
For dietary health preservation related to chronic skin diseases, it is advisable to focus on a light and refreshing vegetarian diet. Regular consumption of foods with cooling and heat-clearing properties is recommended, such as adzuki beans, mung beans, seaweed, water celery, carrots, tomatoes, crucian carp, grass carp, and duck meat. It is advised to avoid rich and greasy foods, excessively sweet and oily foods, as well as foods that produce dampness and exacerbate damp conditions. These include animal fats, fish with a strong fishy smell, sour and spicy foods, and foods that are warm and heat-inducing, such as raw onions, garlic, ginger, peppers, shrimp, crab, dog meat, and goose meat.
Physical exercise, known as “dongxing yangsheng” in Chinese, involves actively engaging in sports and improving overall physical fitness. It is recommended to follow the natural rhythm of yang (active, outward energy) during the day and yin (rest, inward energy) during the night. Suitable exercise activities include walking, jogging, and practicing tai chi.
TCM for Skin Disorders in Dubai
Seeking out alternative treatments can offer hope and relief, and TCM happens to be an option. At Shanghai Medical Clinic, our registered TCM physicisan in Dubai who will be able to understand your conditions and recommend personalised and natural treatment plan.
