Psoriasis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different psoriasis patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to thick, red, scaly patches on the skin. These patches can be itchy and sometimes painful.
Psoriasis varies in severity and can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp, elbows, knees, and back. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unclear, it's believed to be related to an immune system problem combined with genetic factors. Psoriasis is not contagious and its severity can fluctuate over time.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches psoriasis differently from Western medicine. In TCM, this skin condition is seen as a manifestation of internal disharmony within the body's system.
It's often attributed to imbalances in the body’s vital substances like Qi (life energy), Blood, and Body Fluids. TCM also considers the influences of external pathological factors like Wind, Dampness, and Heat. Treatment in TCM focuses on restoring balance and harmony in the body, rather than solely targeting the skin symptoms.
TCM Patterns for Psoriasis
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause psoriasis
Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Diagnostic signs
Fine (Xi), Floating (Fu), Wiry (Xian)
The tongue body is typically pale and may appear slightly thin or small, reflecting the underlying Blood Deficiency. The coating is thin and white, which is consistent with an external pathogenic factor (Wind) that has not yet generated Heat. The tongue may appear slightly dry, especially at the edges, due to Blood's failure to moisten. If the condition is longstanding, slight peeling may begin to develop in patches, but a fully geographic tongue would suggest progression toward Yin Deficiency.
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Fine (Xi), Floating (Fu), Wiry (Xian)
The tongue body is typically pale and may appear slightly thin or small, reflecting the underlying Blood Deficiency. The coating is thin and white, which is consistent with an external pathogenic factor (Wind) that has not yet generated Heat. The tongue may appear slightly dry, especially at the edges, due to Blood's failure to moisten. If the condition is longstanding, slight peeling may begin to develop in patches, but a fully geographic tongue would suggest progression toward Yin Deficiency.
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Damp-Cold
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Slippery (Hua), Slow (Chi), Soggy (Ru)
The tongue is characteristically pale and swollen, often with scalloped edges from pressing against the teeth (teeth marks). The coating is white, thick, and greasy or sticky, reflecting the accumulation of Dampness and Cold. The tongue body is excessively moist or even wet-looking, which indicates fluid accumulation. In some cases the tongue may appear slightly dusky or dark-pale rather than bright pale, reflecting the Cold constricting circulation. The coating tends to be thickest in the centre of the tongue, corresponding to the Spleen and Stomach area.
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Damp-Cold
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Slippery (Hua), Slow (Chi), Soggy (Ru)
The tongue is characteristically pale and swollen, often with scalloped edges from pressing against the teeth (teeth marks). The coating is white, thick, and greasy or sticky, reflecting the accumulation of Dampness and Cold. The tongue body is excessively moist or even wet-looking, which indicates fluid accumulation. In some cases the tongue may appear slightly dusky or dark-pale rather than bright pale, reflecting the Cold constricting circulation. The coating tends to be thickest in the centre of the tongue, corresponding to the Spleen and Stomach area.
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Psoriasis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address psoriasis