Acupuncture for psoriasis
A practical experience shows how psoriasis can gradually improve with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Through a long-term, careful approach and the phasing out of hormonal ointments, the skin recovered step by step and the improvement remained stable.
Skin complaints can be persistent, but with patience and dedication, the results are often very positive. About a year ago, a 42-year-old man with increasingly severe psoriasis came to the practice. The complaints had already started on the scalp in his youth and had recently spread to the elbows.
The result in the picture below shows what a year of treatment has done. We worked with a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs and a hormone ointment through the doctor. The patient came monthly for an acupuncture treatment, each time adapting the herbal formula to progress. After the first month, it became visible that the spots became less red and that the thickening of the skin began to decrease. The treatment was aimed at strengthening his energy level so that the body could better remove waste products and the skin could recover.
Step by step more in balance
Initially, it was decided to focus on the elbows, because these areas were the most visible and that was also where the most worsening occurred. After a few months, the recovery in these areas went so well that there was room to also include psoriasis on the scalp in the treatment.
This required a careful and step-by-step approach. By regularly updating the treatment plan, improvements could also be gradually achieved here.
Psoriasis: patience is a virtue
In psoriasis, skin renewal is often slow. The thickened skin layer is only gradually replaced by healthy skin cells. In these types of longer processes, it is therefore important to pay attention to small changes.
By regularly evaluating and communicating well, the treatment process remained transparent. The patient himself also explained how the skin felt and reacted. This was combined with objective observations and photos, helping to keep the treatment focused and effective.
On average, the spots were between 0.5 and 1 centimeter in size. Over a period of about ten months, changes are sometimes difficult to see immediately. In order to properly monitor progress, attention was paid to:
- the creation of new places
- changes in color
- degree of redness
- the speed at which existing spots recovered to healthy skin
In almost every evaluation, there was a small but clear improvement in one or more of these points.
Combination with medication
Like many people, he also used a hormone ointment, but he needed to use it less and less.
The herbs had a supportive effect from within, while the ointment was temporarily applied locally. By carefully coordinating this approach, the recovery process could take place in a safe and controlled manner.
Acupuncture and Psoriasis: Practical Experience
After taking the photos, the improvement continued. The coming period is all about continuing treatment until the skin remains completely calm. The herbs are then further phased out and acupuncture remains as support. At a later stage, acupuncture treatments will also be reduced step by step.
Read more about how you can help with others skin complaints.
