Skin Disease Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine has a long and successful history in dermatology. Admittedly, in my twenty years of clinical work, skin conditions have presented some of most challenging and difficult cases due to its chronic and persistent nature. After all these years, my main takeaway: This is an inside job. Because Chinese medicine’s focus and strength lies in identifying the root cause of the problem, and addressing the issue on a systemic organ level; it is particularly effective in rooting out skin diseases. Even though skin problems show up on the surface of the body, the symptoms are merely indicative of an internal imbalance on a deeper level. The two most common conditions I see clinically are Acne and Eczema.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acne is most closely associated with heat in the Lungs and Stomach. This is often caused by excessive consumption of spicy, oily, and flavorful foods which causes an accumulation of food stagnation resulting in damp-heat in the body. When heat toxins accumulate internally, Acne ( both facial and on the back ) becomes the physical manifestation externally. For treatment, specific Acupuncture points and Chinese herbal remedies are used to clear heat and dispel toxins. For example, Chuan xin lian/Andrograghis and Sang bai pi/Mulberry bark are excellent Chinese herbs for this particular function. In addition, certain dietary restrictions and lifestyle modifications are recommended to help cool the blood in order to restore balance. This includes avoiding the consumption of “ heaty “ foods like chocolate, caffeine from coffee, alcohol, fried foods, dairy products, and processed foods such as potato chips. Alcohol and coffee caffeine both stimulate the endocrine system and spike testosterone which is the hormone that most inflames Acne. I also recommend a higher consumption of whole grains such as legumes ( lentils is a great choice ), fruits ( any kind of melon and apple ), vegetables ( dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and chard ). One important note about foods to avoid for any skin condition: No shellfish!! In Chinese medicine, shellfish ( includes shrimp, crab, lobster, oyster, scallops, mussels, and crayfish ) is considered as bottom feeders and hence they are toxic. Interestingly, this corresponds with what Western nutritional and medical science tells us that shellfish contain high levels of histamine and eosinophils which can trigger an allergic reaction in people with hypersensitivity.

Skin disease treatment – Eczema herbal formulation

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is another skin disease which can benefit greatly from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Eczema results from an over-active immune system causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Clinically, it is more accurate to categorize eczema as an allergic disease due to the presentation of a constellation of symptoms including asthma, food allergies, and environmental allergies. Because Chinese medicine fundamentally treats the whole body, it is able to modulate the imbalance of the reactive immune system by calming the nervous system with the help of Acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy. To this end, use of anti histamines and steroids often miss the mark due to its focus on treating the external rather than internal. Traditional Chinese Medicine practice does not focus only on the disease or individual organs. Rather, it is designed to establish and maintain the balance of Yin and Yang, the homeostasis of organ systems in the body, and interactions with the environment.

Typically, Acne and Eczema patients are referred to me when all other conventional treatment options have been exhausted. But if you are earnest in seeking a long-term solution and are serious about getting to the root of the problem rather than simply applying a Band-Aid, call today to set up your initial consult paving the way to your healing journey.

Client Reviews with Skin Disease Treatment

Sara Brucks

Skin Disease & Migraine Treatment

I decided to take a chance and scheduled an appointment with Chris for some skin issues and I instantly liked Chris and his approach to mind, body, spirit. He takes a holistic approach and really digs deep to try to find the root cause to your issues.

Chris has used acupuncture, cupping and herbs and I have to be honest the herbs are very bitter, but I feel like they are working! I've also been dealing with migraine headaches and Chris has been a miracle worker. I had a migraine on a Friday night before my birthday on Saturday. It was intense and I was naseaus and felt terrible and woke up Saturday (my birthday) with a lingering headache. I went on a hike but it hit me bad again around 2pm so I tried to sleep it off. I sent Chris a text at 5:30pm asking if there was anything he would suggest as I was going to have to cancel my birthday plans and he responded immediately and asked if I could come in for a session (on a Saturday evening!). I did and he made my migraine go away and I was able to still go out and celebrate my birthday. He really cares and I couldn't believe he was able to make my 24 hour migraine completely dissipate.

I highly recommend Chris and I am so happy I found him.

Leslie Morgan

Skin Disease Treatment

I have been treating my mild to sever psoriasis on my hands since 2017. My dermatologist could offer steroid creams and shots (very expensive) but a friend who had great luck with Chinese medicine steered me in that direction. I have always believed in the mind/body connection that Chinese medicine embraces and embodies.

I had had acupuncture and herbal remedies before but Chris was able to do them together which seemed more effective. Also, his needles and herbs much stronger than with other practitioners. He also was able to pick up on the emotional stress, asked questions and used his needles accordingly. Chinese herbs are intense and a commitment but have been so worth it for me. For novices, you cook them yourself (a good meditative practice)and the recipe gets adjusted as you go based on results. I also had to adjust my diet.

Four weeks later my hands are obviously looking better but I am also feeling better than I have felt in at least a year. My "conditions" come from years and years of stress so won't clear up overnight, but I can feel the motion in that direction. Chris makes himself easily available through text and e-mail for questions and his office is lovely.