Traditional Chinese Medicine for Skin Disorders: Root Causes and Natural Solutions

Psoriasis. Eczema. Acne. Many people with these conditions consider them normal and write them off as something they just have to live with. Biting the bullet for that $300+ psoriasis medication every month, while continuing to live with the pain and shame that come with chronic skin conditions. However, skin disorders are very treatable and there are many things that can be done to minimize symptoms.

Hydration

First, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Dry skin may be caused by dehydration. Additionally, when the skin is dry it makes it easier for outside pollutants to get in and cause a negative response.

Hot or Cold: Skin Conditions

Another thing to consider is the temperature of the water for your shower or bath. Excessively hot showers damage the skin cells, drying them out and causing irritation. It’s recommended to shower with warm water and then finish with a rinse of the coldest water you can stand. The warm water will activate the soap, while the cold water will seal in the pores of your skin and follicles of hair. This helps to keep the moisture barrier intact.

Alternatively, extreme cold can also be damaging to the skin. During the cold months, focus on keeping your skin moisturized. Choose a richer, thicker moisturizer to achieve a deeper hydration and lock in moisture. Also, make sure to wear clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible to provide a barrier to the cold and wind.

Diet for Skin Conditions

Many skin conditions are a direct reflection of inflammation. Eat plenty of whole foods with a focus on healthy fats, greens, and citrus fruit. Healthy fat options include walnuts, almonds, or extra virgin olive oil. Including fats in your diet helps to promote healthy and hydrated skin. Broccoli and spinach are full of antioxidants, which protect the skin from damage caused by free-radicals, UV rays, and pollution. Citrus fruits such as grapefruit and oranges contain antioxidants as well as ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is a powerful antiseptic that helps kill acne causing bacteria on the skin. It also helps fight acne by reducing your skin’s sebum oil production.

Fabrics

Did you know that you can be allergic to fabric? Polyester is a common fabric allergy that can cause scaly, red, and itchy skin. In severe cases, fabric allergies can lead to burning eyes and even chest tightness. Formaldehyde resins are a common cause of allergic reactions. This synthetic polymer- a form of plastic, is used to make wrinkle-resistant clothing and is added to some cotton blends. Additionally, para-phenylenediamine is a dying agent found in clothing. This agent comes with a long list of potential symptoms: “Acute exposure to high levels of p-phenylenediamine may cause severe dermatitis, eye irritation and tearing, asthma, gastritis, renal failure, vertigo, tremors, convulsions, and coma in humans” (epa.gov). While that sounds daunting, there is an easy solution. When possible, wear clothing made from organic textiles. Some of the best textiles for sensitive skin are linen, cotton and wool. Avoid or limit as much as possible the use of polyester clothing.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, skin disorders are caused by too much heat in the body as well as excess dampness. Additionally, the wind element is associated with dry and itchy skin. TCM also says that a blood deficiency leads to dry, scaly skin. With that being said there are a few different ways in which treatment can be approached.

1. Herbal Medicine: Herbal remedies are prescribed to clear excess heat, eliminate dampness, or nourish the blood.

2. Acupuncture: Used to balance Qi (energy) and improve circulation.

3. Cupping: Applied to enhance blood flow and reduce inflammation.

4. Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding hot water, spicy food, and alcohol.

The quickest path to optimal skin health includes improved skin-related lifestyle habits while getting treatments to aid your body in its ability to heal itself. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to wellness that focuses on healing the root cause of the problem and aiding your body in getting back to homeostasis. Ready to get started? Visit our services page to book an appointment.