Psoriasisaccording to TCM

What is Psoriasis?

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.

How Does TCM View Psoriasis?

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.

Root Causes of Psoriasis in TCM

In TCM, psoriasis is commonly associated with patterns like Blood Deficiency with External Wind and Damp-Cold. Blood Deficiency with External Wind can manifest as skin conditions like psoriasis, characterized by red skin eruptions and itchy skin. This pattern indicates an imbalance where vital energy and blood are not sufficiently nourishing the skin.

Damp-Cold, another pattern linked to psoriasis, involves symptoms like cold extremities and abdominal pain, reflecting an excess of cold and dampness affecting the body. Identifying these patterns is essential for TCM practitioners to provide effective treatment for psoriasis.

Explore below more details about what might cause Psoriasis according to TCM.

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Psoriasis

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with External Wind	Psoriasis, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin... see more	Dang Gui Yin Zi

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Psoriasis

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with External Wind	Psoriasis, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin... see more	Dang Gui Yin Zi

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Psoriasis

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Cold	Psoriasis, Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more	Wei Ling Tang

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Psoriasis

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Cold	Psoriasis, Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more	Wei Ling Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Psoriasis

To address psoriasis, TCM relies on specific formulas and herbs tailored to the individual's pattern of disharmony. For Blood Deficiency with External Wind, a formula like Dang Gui Yin Zi, which includes Japanese catnip, is often used. This formula aims to nourish the blood and disperse wind, addressing the root cause of skin irritation.

For the Damp-Cold pattern, Wei Ling Tang, containing herbs like Water plantain, is recommended to expel dampness and alleviate symptoms. These formulas and herbs are chosen based on a thorough TCM diagnosis, reflecting a holistic approach to treatment.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address psoriasis, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Dang Gui Yin Zi

Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause psoriasis, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind

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Top Formula for Wind:
Dang Gui Yin Zi

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause psoriasis, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind

Learn more

Top Formula for Cold:
Wei Ling Tang

Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause psoriasis, such as Damp-Cold

Learn more

Top Formula for Dampness:
Wei Ling Tang

Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause psoriasis, such as Damp-Cold

Learn more

Acupoints for Psoriasis

Acupuncture is an integral part of TCM treatment for psoriasis. Acupoints such as Quchi LI-11, located at the lateral end of the cubital crease, are significant for their actions in clearing heat, cooling blood, resolving dampness, and removing obstructions from the channel.

Targeting these acupoints helps in addressing the underlying imbalances contributing to psoriasis, complementing herbal treatments. This holistic approach underlines TCM's commitment to treating both the symptoms and the root causes of conditions like psoriasis.

See more details below about Quchi LI-11, an acupoint used to address psoriasis.

Quchi LI-11

When the elbow is flexed, Quchi LI-11 is in the depression at the lateral end of the cubital crease, midway between Chize LU-5 and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.