According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, when a chronic condition has settled in the skin, it is an indication that the person’s general health has been compromised for quite some time. As such it takes longer to balance the body from the “inside out”, however, treating the whole body, rather than just the skin, is the key to improving the problem and not just covering it up.
Skin disease reflects a deeper underlying imbalance as well as problems at the surface of the body which is often why people who have eczema also tend to have asthma and allergies.
These are the common skin conditions that we treat in the clinic:
- Eczema and Dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
- Itching, Rash and Hives (Urticaria)
- Viral and Fungal Infections
The root causes of skin conditions are often complex and involve a combination of internal imbalances and external environmental factors. Acne is often seen as a reaction to hormones, bacteria, and oils in the skin and eczema as a chronic allergic reaction. This is indicative of internal imbalances such as a weak immune system, digestive disorders and poor diet, unbalanced lifestyle, stress and genetic constitutional issues. External environmental factors are often weather-related and tend to exacerbate internal imbalances.
Chinese Medicine sees the skin as a living dynamic organ that is moistened, cooled and nourished by the blood.
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Dryness, scaling and itching may be due to a lack of nourishment by the blood or problems with circulation and is often worse in dry, autumn or winter weather.
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Heat is often characterised by redness, burning or heat sensation that is often worse for alcohol, anger or stress, hot and spicy food, and hot weather.
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Damp is characterised by oozing or weeping conditions and feelings of heaviness within your body and is often worsened by eating rich, oily or dairy foods.
Once dampness and heat are cleared from your system, and your blood better able to perform the task of nourishment then your skin should also clear.
Chinese Medicine treatments offer holistic natural solutions, using acupuncture and herbs, addressing both the root cause and the symptoms of conditions. They work on strengthening your immune system in order to decrease your sensitivity to environmental stimuli; addressing internal imbalances that are contributing to your condition; releasing toxins from your body to eliminate the itchy, red rash; and nourishing your yin and blood, which then helps nourish and repair your damaged skin. In treating the underlying imbalance your skin symptoms should resolve and no further complications should arise. Your skin condition may initially worsen as your body detoxes but long-term results are favourable.
The amount of time it takes for skin conditions to resolve varies depending on the duration and severity of your condition. Some conditions will clear rapidly, but others may take longer. Often, one treatment cycle is once or twice a week for 12 weeks. Treating skin conditions with Chinese Medicine is well worth the time and patience it requires. A healthy balanced body is significantly less likely to have a recurrence of the skin condition.
TCM is safe and effective for children with eczema too
If you are nervous about TCM eczema treatments for children, we understand! We have a lineup of non-invasive, gentle treatments that are suitable for children.
HERBAL MEDICINE FOR CHILDREN
This is a chemical-free approach that can help our younger patients receive their treatments more holistically, and can be particularly relieving for patients who might be suffering from over-reliance on steroids and topical steroid withdrawal
ACUPUNCTURE FOR CHILDREN
Acupuncture is also available for our younger patients who are open to it. Of course, acupuncture can seem scary to children, and parents will always have the option to choose the treatment that their child is most comfortable with. Our practitioners will be there to advise and provide you with the treatment options available.
