TCM Approaches to Common Skin Conditions

By Makari Wellness, updated August 20, 2026

Here's an article that examines how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches common Western dermatological conditions, emphasizing TCM's diagnostic patterns and treatment strategies. Accompanying YouTube video.

TCM treatments for common Western dermatological diseases

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to skin conditions, emphasizing root-cause balance rather than only addressing symptoms. Where Western dermatology focuses on pathologies such as inflammation, bacteria and immune dysfunction, TCM addresses underlying imbalances in the body's energy or Qi, blood flow and organ function. By considering each person's specific presentation, TCM seeks to restore internal harmony, which shows up as healthier skin. Here, we'll look at how TCM patterns match common dermatological diagnoses, with treatment examples.

1. Eczema (atopic dermatitis)

Western perspective: Eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition with itchy, dry and often red patches, commonly linked to immune dysfunction, genetics and environmental triggers.

TCM approach: TCM interprets eczema as a result of Wind, Dampness and Heat in the body, which disrupt the natural harmony of the skin. The specific pattern varies, with common diagnoses like Wind-Heat, Damp-Heat, and Blood Deficiency with Wind Dryness.

• Wind-Heat eczema: itchy, red and inflamed patches that flare suddenly. Treatment example: acupuncture points like LI11 (Quchi) and SP10 (Xuehai) are used to clear Heat and dispel Wind, while herbs such as Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root) and Jing Jie (Schizonepeta) are included in formulas to ease itching and inflammation.
• Damp-Heat eczema: seen where the skin appears wet, weepy or oozy. Treatment example: acupuncture focuses on clearing Damp and Heat with points like SP9 (Yinlingquan) and ST36 (Zusanli), and one formula traditionally associated with this picture is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Decoction to Drain the Liver), classically used to clear Damp-Heat, addressing both the internal Heat and Damp that in TCM terms drive excess sebum or discharge.
• Blood Deficiency with Wind Dryness: chronic dry, cracked and itchy skin. Treatment example: herbs that nourish Blood, like Dang Gui (Angelica) combined with Bai Shao (White Peony), moisturize from within and soothe dryness. Treatment may also include acupuncture points like BL17 (Geshu) to tonify Blood.

2. Psoriasis

Western perspective: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition where skin cells replicate too quickly, forming thick, scaly patches. It often includes inflammation and systemic symptoms.

TCM approach: TCM patterns for psoriasis commonly include Blood Heat, Blood Stasis and Dryness.

• Blood Heat: bright red, itchy and inflamed plaques. Treatment example: cooling herbs such as Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root) and Mu Dan Pi (Tree Peony Bark) clear Blood Heat. Acupuncture points like SP10 (Xuehai) and LI11 (Quchi) are used to cool the Blood in TCM terms, easing itching and redness.
• Blood Stasis: thick, dark red plaques and a long-standing condition. Treatment example: invigorating Blood to move Stasis involves herbs like Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) and Hong Hua (Safflower), combined in formulas such as Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Out Stasis in the Mansion of Blood Decoction). Acupuncture on points like BL17 (Geshu) and SP6 (Sanyinjiao) is used to improve blood circulation and help soften plaques.
• Dryness due to Blood Deficiency: fine scales and dry, cracked skin. Treatment example: herbs like Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia) and Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon) to nourish Yin and moisturize the skin. Points like ST36 (Zusanli) are often used to strengthen the body and support moisture retention.

3. Acne

Western perspective: Acne is often caused by bacterial overgrowth, blocked pores or hormonal changes, leading to pimples, cysts and oily skin.

TCM approach: In TCM, acne is linked to Heat in the Lungs and Stomach, Damp-Heat, and Blood Stasis.

• Lung and Stomach Heat: linked to breakouts on the forehead and around the mouth. Treatment example: herbs like Huang Lian (Coptis) and Zhi Zi (Gardenia) clear Heat from the Lungs and Stomach, while acupuncture points like LI4 (Hegu) and ST44 (Neiting) are used to clear Heat and calm inflammation.
• Damp-Heat: red, inflamed and possibly pus-filled pimples. Treatment example: acupuncture on points like SP9 (Yinlingquan) and LI11 (Quchi) is used to reduce Damp and Heat, while herbs like Huang Qin (Scutellaria) and Bai Hua She She Cao (Oldenlandia) are included to clear Damp-Heat, with the aim of easing excess oil and inflammation.
• Blood Stasis: nodular or cystic acne that may scar. Treatment example: herbs like Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) and Dang Gui (Angelica) promote circulation and may help reduce nodules. Points like SP10 (Xuehai) and BL17 (Geshu) are used to move Stasis, with the aim of limiting scarring.

4. Rosacea

Western perspective: Rosacea is characterized by facial redness, swelling and visible blood vessels, often linked to genetic, immune or environmental factors.

TCM approach: TCM interprets rosacea as a result of Heat in the Blood, Liver Qi Stagnation, and Yin Deficiency with Heat.

• Heat in the Blood: red, flushed skin and visible blood vessels. Treatment example: herbs like Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia) and Mu Dan Pi (Tree Peony Bark) to cool Blood Heat. Acupuncture points like LI11 (Quchi) and SP10 (Xuehai) to clear Heat and ease redness.
• Liver Qi Stagnation: often affects the central face and is worsened by stress. Treatment example: herbs like Chai Hu (Bupleurum) and Bai Shao (White Peony) to relieve Liver Qi Stagnation. Acupuncture points like LR3 (Taichong) calm the Liver, which may ease redness triggered by emotional stress.
• Yin Deficiency with Heat: chronic dryness and a flushed look. Treatment example: Yin-nourishing herbs such as Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon) and Bai He (Lily Bulb) soothe dryness and calm inflammation. Points like KI3 (Taixi) and SP6 (Sanyinjiao) nourish Yin and balance Heat.

Conclusion

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers individualized care for many dermatological conditions seen in Western medicine. By diagnosing through TCM patterns, practitioners address the root imbalances, with the aim of supporting skin health and overall well-being. TCM's approach recognizes that healthy skin reflects the body's internal balance, and shows how centuries-old practices can complement and support modern dermatological care.

This is general wellness information, not medical advice. Continue care with your dermatologist.

Formulas here illustrate how pattern diagnosis shapes treatment. They are not recommendations; a practitioner selects and adjusts formulas for the individual.

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