Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches common dermatological skin conditions
Here’s an article that examines how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches common Western dermatological conditions, emphasizing TCM’s unique diagnostic patterns and treatment strategies.
Accompanying Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/VDGvRSG7dGc?si=Khi81znyXITz_039
**Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatments for Common Western Dermatological Diseases**
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a unique, holistic approach to treating skin conditions, emphasizing root cause balance rather than merely addressing symptoms. Where Western dermatology focuses on pathologies such as inflammation, bacteria, and immune dysfunction, TCM treats these by addressing 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 manifests as healthier skin. Here, we’ll look at how TCM patterns match common dermatological diagnoses and explore some case 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 disrupts 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**: Patients present with 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 relieve itching and inflammation.
– **Damp-Heat Eczema**: Seen in cases 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 herbal formulas like Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Decoction to Drain the Liver) clear Damp-Heat, addressing both internal Heat and Damp conditions that cause excess sebum or discharge.
– **Blood Deficiency with Wind Dryness**: Presents as 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. This treatment may also incorporate 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 patterns.
– **Blood Heat**: For individuals with 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) also help cool and detoxify the blood, relieving itching and redness.
– **Blood Stasis**: Identified by thick, dark red plaques and a chronic condition. **Treatment Example**: Invigorating Blood to eliminate 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) helps improve blood circulation and soften plaques.
– **Dryness due to Blood Deficiency**: When psoriasis presents with 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 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 imbalance, 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) reduce inflammation and clear Heat.
– **Damp-Heat**: A pattern where patients have red, inflamed, and possibly pus-filled pimples. **Treatment Example**: Acupuncture on points like SP9 (Yinlingquan) and LI11 (Quchi) helps reduce Damp and Heat, while herbs like Huang Qin (Scutellaria) and Bai Hua She She Cao (Oldenlandia) are incorporated to clear Damp-Heat, reducing excess oil production and inflammation.
– **Blood Stasis**: Leads to nodular or cystic acne that may scar. **Treatment Example**: Herbs like Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) and Dang Gui (Angelica) promote circulation and reduce nodules. Points like SP10 (Xuehai) and BL17 (Geshu) help dissolve Stasis and prevent scarring.
### 4. **Rosacea**
*Western Perspective*: 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**: Rosacea with 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 reduce 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, reducing redness triggered by emotional stress.
– **Yin Deficiency with Heat**: Seen in rosacea with 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 reduce inflammation. Points like KI3 (Taixi) and SP6 (Sanyinjiao) nourish Yin and balance Heat.
### Conclusion
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers effective, individualized treatments for various dermatological conditions seen in Western medicine. By diagnosing through TCM patterns, practitioners can address the root imbalances, leading to improvements in skin health and overall well-being. TCM’s approach recognizes that healthy skin reflects the body’s internal balance, showing how centuries-old practices can complement and support modern dermatological care.
