Skin Problems
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Skin Problems
Chinese Medicine has a rich history of effectively treating skin problems that spans thousands of years. This ancient practice has been well-documented for its success in addressing various dermatological conditions. My personal journey in treating skin problems began when I was exposed to my father’s medical practice. Witnessing his successful use of Chinese herbal medicine to cure challenging chronic skin conditions such as Eczema, Psoriasis, and Vitiligo sparked my interest in this field.
Many of the cases I encountered had previously been treated with Western medicine but had experienced limited success. However, during my tenure at QingDao City TCM Hospital, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Zhao YanZang, a highly respected TCM Doctor renowned for his expertise in treating skin problems. This invaluable experience allowed me to acquire a wealth of knowledge and expertise in effectively addressing a wide range of skin conditions.
Through the integration of traditional Chinese medicine principles and treatment modalities, we can provide comprehensive and holistic care for individuals suffering from various skin ailments. Chinese Medicine offers a unique approach that focuses on rebalancing the body’s internal systems and harmonizing its energies to promote healthy skin.
Case Studies
Extensive Psoriasis
I had the opportunity to treat a 52-year-old woman who had been struggling with psoriasis for over a decade. The condition had caused patches to develop on her scalp, neck, chest, arms, and legs. She had previously relied on steroid cream, which unfortunately exacerbated her symptoms rather than providing relief. In response, I devised a comprehensive treatment plan consisting of acupuncture, herbal tablets, and herbal washing.
After a few weeks of treatment, noticeable improvements were observed. The patches began to shrink in size, and the intense itching subsided. As the treatment progressed, two months later, her neck, chest, arms, and legs were completely cleared of psoriasis. Although some patches persisted on her scalp, they were significantly improved compared to their previous state.
The patient expressed her immense satisfaction as she experienced the freedom to wear skirts and short-sleeved tops for the first time in ten years. Delighted with the outcome, she chose to discontinue the treatment, as she had achieved significant relief from her psoriasis symptoms.
This case demonstrates the effectiveness of the combined approach of acupuncture, herbal tablets, and herbal washing in successfully managing psoriasis. By addressing both the external manifestations and internal imbalances, we were able to provide meaningful relief and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Which Skin Conditions have we Treated?
Neurodermatitis
Also known as Simplex Chronicus, this condition often affects areas such as the back of the neck, the inside of elbows, or the back of the knees. The skin in these areas becomes thick, waxy, and itchy. In my practice, I employ a combination of acupuncture and herbal washing to effectively treat this problem, and the results have been highly favorable.
Acupuncture is utilized to rebalance the body’s energy flow and address any underlying imbalances contributing to the skin condition. The insertion of fine needles into specific points stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms and promotes overall well-being. Additionally, herbal washing, which involves the application of herbal solutions to the affected areas, plays a significant role in soothing the skin, reducing inflammation, and restoring its health.
Through the integration of acupuncture and herbal washing, I have achieved remarkable outcomes in treating Simplex Chronicus. Patients have experienced significant improvements, with the thickened, waxy skin becoming softer and the associated itching greatly reduced. This combination of therapies offers a comprehensive and effective approach to addressing this condition and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals affected by it.
Warts & Verruca
Salicylic acid and freeze treatments are commonly used to clear most warts and verrucas. However, in some cases, these treatments may prove ineffective. Chinese Medicine offers a highly effective alternative for wart treatment. I acquired my knowledge of wart treatment from my father, who successfully cured numerous cases using his unique method.
For single or separate warts, I utilize a specialized lotion that is directly applied to the affected area. Within 1-2 weeks, you will observe the wart shrinking, turning black, and detaching from the surrounding healthy skin. Eventually, it will be completely expelled from the body. Upon removal, you may notice that the wart has a root-like structure, resembling a thorn embedded in the skin. Due to its depth, such warts are challenging to eradicate using freeze treatments.
In instances where a group of warts is present, I typically employ herbal washing as the treatment method. This approach may require several months to completely clear the warts. The herbal washing technique works systematically to address the underlying causes and gradually eliminate the wart cluster.
Through the integration of Chinese Medicine, I offer a reliable and effective solution for treating warts. My approach aims to not only remove the visible warts but also address any root causes contributing to their persistence. With patience and consistent treatment, Chinese Medicine can successfully clear warts that may have been unresponsive to other conventional methods.
Acne
In my approach to treating acne, I employ a specialized herbal lotion that has been utilized in my previous hospital for over 20 years. This lotion is specifically designed to be applied to the skin, effectively combating infection, reducing inflammation, and promoting the healing of damaged skin. In conjunction with the topical application, I also incorporate herbal tea or herbal tablets to address the internal factors contributing to acne.
I have encountered numerous cases of acne that have shown limited response to other treatment methods, yet have significantly improved or cleared up entirely with the use of my specialized treatment approach. This highlights the effectiveness of the herbal lotion and internal herbal remedies in addressing the root causes of acne and restoring skin health.
By combining both external and internal treatments, I strive to provide comprehensive care for individuals struggling with acne. The topical application targets the external symptoms, while the herbal teas or tablets work to address internal imbalances that may contribute to acne development. This integrated approach has yielded successful outcomes in many acne cases that have proven resistant to other treatment modalities.
Psoriasis
During my time working at the Dermatology Department in China, Psoriasis emerged as one of the most prevalent concerns among patients seeking treatment. In China, the abundance of herbal medicine options has led to a widespread acceptance of long-term treatment involving the consumption of bitter-tasting herbal teas and the application of acupuncture. As a result, the success rate in curing Psoriasis in China tends to be higher compared to the UK.
In my experience, I have noticed that only a few individuals in the UK can tolerate the bitter taste of herbal teas for an extended period, hindering their adherence to the treatment. To address this challenge, I have primarily employed a combination of acupuncture and herbal tablets in my practice. This approach has yielded positive outcomes, leading to the successful treatment of numerous severe Psoriasis cases.
By integrating the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture and herbal remedies in tablet form, I have been able to provide effective relief to individuals suffering from Psoriasis. This holistic approach not only targets the symptoms but also addresses the underlying imbalances within the body that contribute to the development of Psoriasis.
Eczema
Eczema is a prevalent skin condition that affects approximately one in five children and one in twelve adults in the UK. While eczema in children often clears up by the age of 11, some individuals may continue to experience symptoms intermittently throughout their lives.
Steroid creams are commonly used to manage eczema, but they come with various side effects. Unfortunately, prolonged use of steroid creams can lead to the development of chronic eczema, sometimes accompanied by steroid dermatitis.
In my clinic, I have frequently encountered eczema cases that have been complicated by steroid dermatitis. However, Chinese Medicine offers a promising alternative to steroid creams. It yields positive results without the undesirable side effects. For babies and children with eczema, I employ specialized techniques such as Chinese baby massage and herbal washing. Many patients experience noticeable improvements after just one or two treatments. It is worth noting that younger patients tend to exhibit better treatment outcomes.
In the case of adult eczema, I utilize acupuncture and prescribe herbal medicines for oral consumption or topical application. This comprehensive approach can effectively address the symptoms and underlying causes of eczema in adults.
By incorporating Chinese Medicine into the treatment plan for eczema, individuals can benefit from a natural and holistic approach that promotes healing without the potential side effects associated with long-term steroid cream usage.