Psoriasis
Psoriasis and Chinese Medicine
Western medicine has yet to clearly identify the cause of psoriasis, but evidence is growing that psoriasis is likely caused by systemic factors including immune system imbalances and stress factors; this new view is quickly replacing the view of psoriasis as a simple genetically-based skin disorder where cells reproduce unchecked. In Chinese medicine all disorders have root organ-level imbalances; the immune system is just one of the systems and strategies recognized by Chinese medicine. One key belief in Chinese medicine is that skin disorders that are suppressed with medication go deeper in to the body causing more menacing health problems; possibly psoriatic arthritis in this case. For best outcomes using self-care, combine associated Aroma Acu-Sticks® to acu-points, topical remedies, and good lifestyle practices.
Acupressure Points for Psoriasis
Learn Everything You Need to Know About Using Acupressure Linked Here!
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 11
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 10
- Apply the Fire Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Heart 7
Causes and Symptoms of Patterns of Imbalance with Psoriasis
Psoriasis Due to Stress
Many people are unaware that they have a genetic disposition to psoriasis until they experience an especially stressful crisis that triggers psoriasis. Then they remember that their mother or an aunt had psoriasis. This often happens later in life, such as 50's or 60's, when the immune system begins a natural decline if not re-enforced with tonic and adaptogenic herbs. Consider our daily Qigong meditation.
Psoriasis due to Blood Stagnation
This is the most common type of psoriasis seen clinically. Erythrodermic psoriasis is indicated with widespread reddening and easy scaling of the skin. Activity leading to overheating of the body often triggers this type of psoriasis with a worsening condition of ‘Blood Thick’ and Blood Stagnation in Chinese medicine. It is not simply a matter of increasing circulation in this case; rather the body's natural systems of elimination must be re-enforced to help eliminate metabolic waste in the blood causing it to move more sluggishly.
Liver Qi Stagnation and Psoriasis
The Liver energetic organ system is implicated in cases of psoriasis in 3 basic ways:
- The Liver controls the movement of Qi throughout the body. Where Qi goes Blood goes and it can be the basis of Blood Stagnation.
- The Liver heats up when it becomes congested and can create Heat, or inflammation, in the body.
- Liver Heat can create Internal Wind and itchy-type skin conditions.
- The Liver is central in our stress response in Chinese medicine.
Psoriasis due to Wind Heat
Plaque psoriasis presents with lesions that are red at the base and covered by silvery scales that are very itchy with this type of Wind-Heat psoriasis. Internal Heat can begin to affect the Blood Level as it worsens and becomes more chronic, Internal-Wind develops due to chronic Liver Qi Stagnation.
Psoriasis Due to Damp-Heat
Inverse psoriasis presents with elements of Spleen Qi Deficiency and Internal Dampness with smooth, red patches that generally develop in folds of the skin around the genitals, under the breasts, or in armpits as well as other areas that become damp with sweat. Another Damp-Heat type of psoriasis is Pustular psoriasis where blisters of pus appear on the skin; this is often triggered by medications, infections, stress, or exposure to chemicals.
Metal Element Lung Deficiency Leading to Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis lesions are small, drop-shaped lesions that appear on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis is most often triggered by upper respiratory infections due to weak Lung Qi according to Chinese medicine.
Skin Problems and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Skin inflammation and disorders can be caused by hundreds of different conditions, so diagnosing skin condition requires an examination of skin sells under a microscope in contemporary western medicine. For the Chinese medical practitioner, diagnosing skin ailments depends on the presenting symptoms and signs of imbalance in the body. Because Traditional Chinese medical techniques (TCM) and herbal medicines can address the root of the imbalance causing skin problems, Chinese medicine is very effective at alleviating them.
Skin and Metal Element
The causes of all skin issues according to Chinese medicine is an energetic imbalance in the Metal Element, as the Metal Element governs over the Lungs, Large Intestines, sinuses and skin. It is not uncommon to see adults, who had asthma as a child which was not addressed properly or suppressed, and who now have chronic psoriasis or eczema; according to Chinese medical theory, the two are directly related. Likewise, the ‘Law of Natural Healing’ requires that in resolving skin disorders, the original imbalance (asthma in this case that was suppressed with steroids) will likely resurface and have to be addressed; what may be seen as regressing is actually progressing in Chinese medicine, as the goal is to address the root imbalances of any disorder and bring balance for true wellness.
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This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.