Learn about acupuncture and herbs for acne, psoriasis, and other skin concerns.
I treat many skin disorders at my clinic. This usually requires the use of herbal medicines. I prepare custom ointments, soaks, salves, pastes, plasters, hair washes, and compresses from the finest quality herbs in order to achieve the best results possible. The following represents a few common ailments that I see from day to day.
Acne
The treatment of acne with Chinese Medicine is highly effective. A special topical herbal paste is applied to the skin which vanquishes acne including deep, purple, painful, cystic acne. An herbal tea (also available in capsule form) is also needed to clear the toxins from the blood. This combination in conjunction with acupuncture provides effective relieve from many forms of stubborn acne. Naturally, the patient must reduce the intake of fried, hot-spicy, and greasy-fatty foods and eliminate the intake of refined white sugar products. This means that soda and potato chips are out! However, a beautiful and clear complexion with no scarring is in! Call me and find out why this is a safe, gentle, and effective method for the elimination of acne.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common skin disease affecting approximately 5% of the population. It is characterized by well-defined, pink or dull red lesions upon which characteristic silvery scales are layered. Psoriasis is fast growing skin. Normally, skin grows for 28 days as part of a full life cycle- from growth to flaking. However, in psoriasis, the skin life cycle is only 3 days and causes a build-up on the surface of the skin. It can be affected by climate, emotions, seasons, injuries, infections, and hormonal changes.
How does Chinese Medicine view Psoriasis?
In Western medicine the etiology is unknown and the condition is considered incurable. Doctors tend to prescribe topical ointments, UV light therapy, and sometimes internal medications to manage the lesions. In Chinese medicine, the etiology is known and the condition can be eliminated using herbal medicines to balance the body’s system such that normal skin growth occurs.
Is diet related to Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is often hereditary but in all cases ir is related to diet and the proper balance of nutrients in the internal organs. Chinese herbal medicines can eliminate psoriasis but only if the patient discontinues drinking alcohol and eliminates deep fried foods from the diet.
Treatment for Psoriasis
I prepare custom made herbal teas or tea powders for drinking and custom made ointments, washes, and compresses for topical use. Psoriasis often affects the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet, legs, face, neck, back, and shoulders. However, psoriasis can also affect mucous membranes and sensitive skin such as the lower lip, gums, vagina, and penis. In some cases, psoriasis can cover the entire body. There are several types of psoriasis including psoriasis vulgaris, psoriatic erythroderma, pustular psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. Vulgaris is the most common form and erythroderma usually occurs as a response to medications. Pustular psoriasis can be dangerous or even lethal and psoriatic arthritis involves joint pain.
Tinea Fungus
Athlete’s Foot, Jock Itch, Finger & Toenail Fungus
Herbal Soaks and Ointments Eliminate Tinea
Tinea fungal infections are highly contagious and can affect virtually all areas of the skin. Tinea Pedis is dermatophytosis of the feet of which there are three kinds: vesicular type, erosive type, and squame-hyperkeratosis type. This is often referred to as athlete's foot. Tinea Capitis is ‘ringworm’ of the scalp, eyebrow’s, and eyelashes. Ringworm is the nickname for the tinea fungus. Tinea Barbae affects the beard and is very uncommon. Tinea Corporis usually affects the face and the upper part of the extremities and trunk. It is characterized by pea-sized circular, dry, scaly patches. Tinea Cruris typically occurs on the inner part of the thigh and the anus & genital region. This is associated with what is termed jock itch. Tinea Manus usually occurs on the palms of the hands. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the fingers or toenails. Tinea Versicolor is very common and is characterized by fawn-colored patches that are usually on the upper trunk extending into the arms. Many people see white spots in the skin that are more noticeable when they get a tan in the summer.
Herbs are available for all forms of tinea infections and are highly effective. Recently, the FDA has restricted two herbs necessary to treat the toenails and fingernails. Therefore, this treatment takes longer and may be less effective until these herbs are cleared for importation again. For other forms of tinea, all of the herbs are FDA approved and I stock them in my clinic to help my patients.
