Healing Eczema with Acupuncture & Herbs

Healing Eczema and Inflammatory Skin Conditions with Acupuncture

Eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions can be persistent and challenging to treat. While topical creams and medications can provide temporary relief, they often fail to address the root cause of the problem. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), eczema is viewed as a reflection of internal imbalances, and acupuncture and herbal medicine is a powerful tool that can help restore harmony and alleviate symptoms.

Understanding Eczema Patterns in TCM

In TCM, eczema is often linked to specific patterns of disharmony in the body. Two common patterns are Spleen Qi deficiency with dampness and Blood and Yin deficiency with heat. These patterns manifest differently in terms of symptoms and require targeted treatments.

1. Spleen Qi Deficiency with Dampness The Spleen plays a central role in digestion and fluid metabolism. When the Spleen is weak, it can lead to an accumulation of dampness in the body, which can manifest as eczema.

   Common symptoms include:

   • Oozing, weeping, or fluid-filled skin lesions

   • Swelling or puffiness around the affected areas

   • Fatigue and poor digestion

   • A heavy sensation in the limbs

   In this case, acupuncture focuses on strengthening the Spleen, transforming dampness, and regulating the flow of Qi.

2. Blood and Yin Deficiency with Heat Blood and Yin are crucial for nourishing the skin and maintaining moisture. When they are deficient, the skin becomes dry, red, and prone to itching. Heat from this deficiency rises to the surface, causing inflammation.

   Common symptoms include:

   • Dry, scaly, or flaky skin

   • Intense itching, particularly at night

   • Red, inflamed patches of eczema

   • Irritability and restlessness

   Acupuncture for this pattern works to nourish Blood and Yin, clear internal heat, and calm the inflammation.

The Role of the Lungs, Spleen, and Liver in Skin Health

According to TCM, the skin is closely related to the Lungs, Spleen, and Liver.

• Lungs: The Lungs govern the skin and are responsible for dispersing and regulating fluids in the body. A weakened Lung system can lead to dryness or an inability to expel external pathogens, making the skin more vulnerable to eczema. Lungs vent heat, and when Lung function is impaired, heat becomes trapped in the skin.

• Spleen: As mentioned, the Spleen governs digestion and fluid metabolism. Poor Spleen function can lead to dampness or an accumulation of toxins that manifest as skin conditions like eczema.

• Liver: The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and Blood. When Liver Qi is stagnant or Liver Heat is excessive, it can cause flare-ups of skin inflammation, redness, and itching.

By using acupuncture to balance the energy (Qi) of the Lungs, Spleen, and Liver, we can target the root causes of eczema and bring about long-term relief.

Acupuncture for Eczema: How It Works

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to regulate Qi flow, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the immune system. For eczema and inflammatory skin conditions, acupuncture can:

• Clear heat and toxins from the body to reduce redness and itching.

• Transform dampness to resolve oozing or fluid-filled lesions.

• Nourish Blood and Yin, promoting healthy, hydrated skin.

• Calm the mind and nervous system, which can help reduce stress-related flare-ups.

Regular acupuncture sessions and herbal medicine, along with lifestyle and dietary modifications can significantly reduce eczema symptoms and prevent future outbreaks. An example of an acupuncture treatment plan is 1 session a week for the first 4 to 6 weeks, then followed by a maintenance plan of 2 treatments a month or 1 treatment a month. Herbal formulas work overtime to adjust the body’s internal landscape, nourishing blood and yin, clearing heat and resolving dampness. Together, acupuncture and herbs have a synergistic effect that help resolve the root cause of eczema.

5 Dietary and Nutrition Recommendations for Eczema

In TCM, diet plays an essential role in managing eczema. While each patient is evaluated for their constitution, some common adjustments can help eliminate itchy, red skin. Here are five dietary recommendations for those suffering from eczema and inflammatory skin conditions:

1. Avoid Dampness-Producing Foods
   Foods like dairy, greasy or fried foods, and excessive sweets can create dampness in the body, which exacerbates eczema. Instead, focus on light, easily digestible foods.

2. Incorporate Cooling Foods
   Since eczema often involves heat, especially with Blood and Yin deficiency, cooling foods like cucumber, watermelon, pears and mung beans can help to clear internal heat.

3. Eat Foods That Nourish Blood and Yin
   To combat dryness and nourish the skin, include foods like black sesame seeds, goji berries, and dark leafy greens. These help to replenish Blood and Yin, soothing dry, itchy skin.

4. Boost Spleen Qi with Warming, Easily Digestible Foods
   Strengthen your digestion and prevent dampness by eating warm, cooked foods like soups, stews, and congee. Foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, and ginger support Spleen Qi.

5. Hydrate with Herbal Teas
   Keep the skin hydrated by drinking herbal teas such as chrysanthemum, dandelion, or mint, which help clear heat and support the skin's health.

Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to treating eczema and inflammatory skin conditions by addressing the internal imbalances that cause flare-ups. Whether the pattern involves Spleen Qi deficiency with dampness or Blood and Yin deficiency with heat, acupuncture can help restore harmony and alleviate the symptoms. By combining acupuncture with the right dietary practices, you can nurture your body from the inside out, creating healthier skin and fewer flare-ups.

If you or someone you know suffers from eczema, consider acupuncture as a natural, effective way to treat the root cause of the condition and bring balance back to the skin and the body.