Psoriasis isn’t just about those annoying flare-ups; it’s a whole experience that can really throw you off. But understanding how to manage it can be a game-changer! There are proven methods to treat psoriasis that can make a world of difference. From TCM secrets to the latest functional medicine insights, we’re diving into a treasure trove of approaches that can help you take charge. Ready to bid adieu to those pesky symptoms? Stick around for the inside scoop on tackling psoriasis head-on!

Psoriasis in the Lens of TCM

In Chinese medicine, psoriasis is called “bai bi,” named for its distinctive white scales. But it’s more than just surface symptoms; it zooms out of the body as a unified system. It’s like the body, mind, and soul are in this together, not just patches on your skin. 

Psoriasis is often linked to imbalances in Qi, your body’s life force energy. When Qi gets stuck or goes wild, it messes with the balance of Yin and Yang. It’s like the cosmic forces inside you are having a bit of a showdown.

TCM practitioners aim to restore harmony by addressing the root causes. They focus on clearing blockages and toning down the chaos within. It’s not just about slapping on creams; it’s about seeking the ‘why’ behind the psoriasis party for a long-lasting solution.

7 TCM Patterns of Disharmony for Psoriasis 

Psoriasis isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s a whole collection of unique patterns. Each pattern tells a different story about your skin. These patterns act like clues guiding TCM practitioners to bring back harmony to your skin’s tale. Here are 7 of them: 

1.  Damp-Heat Pattern

Imagine your skin feeling all sticky, hot, and inflamed. This pattern brings red, swollen patches that itch like crazy. TCM thinks it’s due to an overload of both dampness and heat disturbing your body.

Other Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Vaginal discharge
• Heavy sensation in the chest
• Loss of appetite
  

2.  Blood Heat Pattern

This type is like having a hot temper inside your body. It’s fiery and intense, causing red, inflamed patches that itch like there’s no tomorrow. This is seen as excess heat in the blood, making your skin throw a fiery tantrum.

Other Symptoms: 

• Yellow, scanty, and hot urine
• Aversion to heat
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Dry stools

3.  Blood Dryness Pattern

Your skin’s as dry as a desert here. This type dries your skin out big time, making it flake and crack. TCM sees it as your body’s moisture levels taking a nosedive.

Other Symptoms: 

• Paleness
• Dizziness
• Poor memory
• Foggy thinking

4.  Blood Stasis Pattern

Think of this like your skin playing freeze tag with your blood. It brings dark, stubborn patches that won’t budge. TCM believes it’s all about your blood getting stuck, making your skin rebel.

Other Symptoms:

• Thick, hard scales
• Leathery skin
• Lesion overlap

5.  Wind-Dampness Pattern

This pattern’s like a storm cloud hovering over your skin. It brings red, swollen patches that feel heavy and damp. TCM practitioners see it as your body caught in a storm, making your skin feel all soggy and irritated.

Other Symptoms:

• Joint pain or soreness
• Aversion to cold

6.  Spleen Deficiency Pattern

Here, it’s like your body’s running on low battery. Your skin feels thin, fragile, and just not up to par. TCM thinks it’s due to weaknesses in your spleen energy.

Other Symptoms: 

• Digestive issues
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Water retention

7.  Liver and Kidney Deficiency Pattern

Your skin’s feeling drained, itchy, and fragile. This pattern indicates weaknesses or deficiencies in the Liver and Kidney systems, which play crucial roles in maintaining overall health and balance. 

Other Symptoms: 

• Dizziness
• Joint pain
• Lower back and knee discomfort
• Hair and nail issues

7 Natural Methods to Treat Psoriasis

Looking to tackle psoriasis naturally? Dive into a holistic approach merging TCM wisdom with Functional Medicine insights. Discover 7 effective, natural methods to soothe psoriasis and support your skin’s health from the inside out.

1.  Herbal remedies

TCM employs herbal formulas tailored to individual patterns of psoriasis. These blends aim to restore balance in your body’s energies, reducing inflammation and soothing skin symptoms. Their effectiveness relies on accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.

For instance, the “Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang” formula, containing astragalus root and cinnamon twigs, addresses psoriasis with blood stasis. Similarly, the “Long Dan Xie Gan Tang” formula, incorporating Gentiana root and skullcap root, targets psoriasis linked to liver imbalances. 

2.  Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. For psoriasis, targeting acupuncture points related to immune regulation and stress reduction can offer relief. The stimulation of these points aims to improve energy flow (Qi) and blood circulation, easing inflammation and encouraging skin healing.

3.  Dietary Tweaks

TCM advises dietary adjustments based on individual imbalances. For instance, avoiding spicy foods while emphasizing cooling foods like cucumber and bitter melon can benefit those with “heat” patterns in psoriasis. Additionally, incorporating turmeric, flaxseed, and spices like ginger and garlic can help reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis.

4.  Meditation

Meditation is like a stress buster for psoriasis—stress triggers inflammation, making your skin go haywire. Techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing chill out the mind, dialing down stress levels. Less stress means happier skin!

Plus, meditation’s not just about Zen; it’s a mood lifter too. Meditation helps craft a more positive vibe, making it easier to handle the ups and downs. Emotional resilience from meditation can be your secret weapon against stress and maybe fewer psoriasis surprises along the way.

5.  Nutritional Therapy

Functional Medicine suggests nutrient-dense diets, like the Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, veggies, and healthy fats like olive oil. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, support skin health. This food power-up isn’t just about soothing skin; it might ease those pesky psoriasis symptoms.

Moreover, nutritional therapy emphasizes cutting back on potential triggers. Foods like processed items, excessive sugars, and saturated fats amp up inflammation. By skipping these triggers, you can potentially reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups. 

6.  Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle tweaks are like power-ups in your battle against psoriasis. Kick stress out with yoga or exercise—less stress means fewer flare-ups.  Getting your beauty sleep is a secret weapon too. Quality sleep sets the stage for happy skin and might help manage psoriasis symptoms. 

Oh, and hydration? Big yes! Drinking enough water keeps your skin hydrated, which can ease those pesky patches. Also, ditch smoking and ease up on booze. They foster inflammation, giving psoriasis a reason to act up. 

7.  Supplements

Supplements can be like sidekicks in the psoriasis fight, offering extra support. Things like omega-3s or vitamin D may help regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation. Probiotics could aid gut health, potentially impacting skin conditions like psoriasis.

But here’s the scoop: don’t fly solo with supplements! It’s crucial to chat with a pro before diving in. They can recommend the right ones and steer you clear of potential pitfalls.

The Bottom Line

When you’re dealing with psoriasis, these tricks—like herbal remedies, acupuncture, diet tweaks, and zen moments—sound like a dream team. In addition, toss in lifestyle shifts and supplements! That’s a skin-loving party right there. But here’s the deal: team up with a pro. Getting advice from a qualified practitioner ensures you’re rocking the right combo and skipping the mishaps. You’re not just easing psoriasis; you’re taking your whole well-being on a refreshing journey.