So Long Psoriasis: How Acupuncture Can Promote Painless, Pristine Skin
Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition, can impact both your physical and emotional well-being. The flare-ups, redness, and scaling of the skin are not just a cosmetic concern but a source of constant discomfort and frustration. Despite conventional treatments, many people with psoriasis still struggle to find lasting relief.
At Herb + Ōhm, Chicago, we understand the challenges of living with psoriasis and the desire for a natural, effective approach to managing flare-ups. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine offer a holistic solution that addresses the underlying causes of psoriasis, reduces inflammation, and promotes healthier skin. In this blog, we’ll explore how these ancient healing practices can support your skin health and bring relief from psoriasis symptoms.
Understanding Psoriasis: The Causes, Symptoms, and Impact
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly speeds up the production of skin cells. This leads to an accumulation of cells on the skin's surface, forming thick, scaly patches. These patches can appear anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Common symptoms of psoriasis include:
Red, inflamed patches of skin covered with silver or white scales.
Itching, burning, or soreness in the affected areas.
Cracked or dry skin that may bleed.
Thickened or ridged nails.
Swollen or stiff joints (in some cases).
Psoriasis can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms can come and go. The emotional toll of living with psoriasis can also be significant, leading to low self-esteem or feelings of embarrassment due to the visible nature of the condition.
Potential Causes of Psoriasis
The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the most common triggers and contributing factors include:
Genetics: A family history of psoriasis increases the likelihood of developing the condition. Certain genetic mutations can make the immune system more likely to produce skin cells at an accelerated rate.
Immune System Dysfunction: Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system attacks healthy skin cells, leading to inflammation and rapid skin cell turnover.
Environmental Triggers: Stress, infections, weather conditions (especially cold and dry weather), and skin injuries can trigger or worsen flare-ups.
Dietary Factors: Some people find that certain foods, such as alcohol, gluten, or dairy, can exacerbate their psoriasis symptoms.
Understanding the underlying causes of your psoriasis can help create a more targeted approach to managing and healing the condition.
Lifestyle Changes to Help Manage Psoriasis
While there’s no cure for psoriasis, adopting a healthy lifestyle and making adjustments to your daily routine can help manage flare-ups and reduce symptoms. Here are some helpful strategies:
Moisturize Regularly: Keep your skin hydrated to reduce dryness and scaling. Use fragrance-free moisturizers and natural oils like coconut oil to lock in moisture.
Gentle Skin Care: Avoid harsh soaps or scrubbing that can irritate the skin. Opt for mild, fragrance-free products and lukewarm water for showers or baths.
Stress Management: Stress is a common trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. Practices such as meditation, yoga, or mindfulness can help reduce stress and promote skin health.
Balanced Diet: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, can support overall skin health and reduce flare-ups.
Avoid Triggers: Pay attention to environmental or lifestyle factors that may trigger flare-ups, such as alcohol, smoking, or extreme temperatures.
Although these steps can provide some relief, they may not address the root cause of psoriasis. This is where acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can offer additional support.
The Benefits of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Psoriasis
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of conditions, including psoriasis. These therapies focus on addressing the underlying imbalances in the body and promoting the body’s natural healing abilities. Here’s how they can support psoriasis recovery:
Reducing Inflammation
Acupuncture helps to regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, which is key to alleviating psoriasis symptoms. By stimulating specific points in the body, acupuncture can help calm the overactive immune response that causes skin cell overproduction.
Balancing the Immune System
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, and acupuncture can help rebalance the immune system. This helps prevent the immune system from attacking healthy skin cells, reducing flare-ups and skin irritation.
Promoting Detoxification
Chinese Medicine uses herbs and acupuncture to promote the body's natural detoxification processes. This can help eliminate toxins that contribute to inflammation and flare-ups, leading to clearer, healthier skin.
Stress Relief
Stress is a common trigger for psoriasis flare-ups, and acupuncture has been shown to help reduce stress by calming the nervous system. This not only helps manage flare-ups but can also improve overall emotional well-being.
Improving Skin Health
Acupuncture stimulates circulation and encourages the flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body. This improved circulation helps nourish the skin and promotes healing, allowing the body to repair itself from within.
Herb + Ōhm’s Approach: A Fusion of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Techniques
At Herb + Ōhm, Chicago’s premier acupuncture clinic, we combine the ancient practices of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with modern therapies to offer effective, personalized treatment for psoriasis. Our holistic approach focuses on treating the root causes of psoriasis and addressing the immune system dysfunction, inflammation, and other factors that contribute to flare-ups.
Dr. Amy Wolf, DACM, L.Ac, says:
“It’s how we combine acupuncture with all of our other healing therapies that gets us the great results that we do. We give people their lives back.”
Whether you are dealing with an acute flare-up or chronic psoriasis, we provide individualized care that not only reduces symptoms but also restores balance and promotes long-term skin health. Through a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and lifestyle adjustments, our approach helps you feel better and live more comfortably.
Start Your Journey to Clearer Skin with Herb + Ōhm
Psoriasis doesn’t have to control your life. At Herb + Ōhm, we offer natural, effective treatments that can help manage flare-ups and support long-term skin health. With acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, you can reduce inflammation, restore balance to your immune system, and heal your skin from the inside out.
Ready to take the first step toward clearer, healthier skin? Schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Amy today, and let’s create a tailored treatment plan to support your skin health.
Stay well,
The Herb + Ōhm Team