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What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture for Psoriasis?

Solomon Branch
Solomon Branch

Psoriasis is an affliction of the skin that is the result of inflammation, although the exact underlying cause is unknown as of 2011. Acupuncture has been used in China for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions, including skin conditions such as psoriasis, by inserting small, thin needles into the body to elicit a specific reaction. Turning to acupuncture for psoriasis can help relieve stress, reduce inflammation and strengthen the organs that are associated with the skin, according to traditional Chinese medicine theory.

Stress is considered a major contributing factor to psoriasis, and stressful situations can often trigger flare-ups that make the psoriasis worse. When using acupuncture for psoriasis, emphasis will be on inserting needles into points on the head and limbs to help calm the nerves, reducing stress levels. Several key points on the ear are often used because they help stimulate the vagus nerve, which has a profound influence on the nervous system.

Some people find that the local Chinatown is a good place to look for an acupuncturist.
Some people find that the local Chinatown is a good place to look for an acupuncturist.

Another benefit to using acupuncture for psoriasis is the traditional Chinese medicine principle of cooling the blood. In terms of Chinese medicine theory, blood heat is a cause of skin eruptions like psoriasis, and is comparable to the modern definition for inflammation. Using acupuncture points that cool the blood helps to reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis by promoting blood flow and helping to eliminate heat. This is particularly relevant if your psoriasis is made worse by exposure to the sun or when eating spicy foods.

Acupuncture is sometimes helpful.
Acupuncture is sometimes helpful.

One of the key principles in acupuncture is tonification, which is the process of building up or strengthening a specific organ. In the case of using acupuncture for psoriasis, this would entail using points on the body that are associated with the lung, which is the main organ associated with the skin. A qualified acupuncturist will know what acupuncture points will both strengthen the lung and help your skin function more efficiently. Additional points might also be used to strengthen other associated organs, including the kidney and spleen.

Some swear by the ancient practice of cupping for psoriasis.
Some swear by the ancient practice of cupping for psoriasis.

Consult your doctor before using acupuncture for psoriasis to ensure it will not interfere with any medications or other treatments you are receiving. A qualified and licensed practitioner should administer acupuncture treatments, so you receive the maximum benefit and ensure the treatment is a safe one. Acupuncturists might also recommend other forms of treatment, including moxibustion, cupping and herbal remedies. Consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, particularly if you are taking prescription medications.

Discussion Comments

ysmina

I think acupuncture is more beneficial for psoriasis when it's combined with beneficial Chinese herbs and a stress-free life. It's important to go to an experienced and qualified practitioner. Not all acupuncturists are great.

donasmrs

@fBoyle-- Actually, with time, you can reduce the number of acupuncture sessions. In the beginning, it takes frequent sessions for the psoriasis to start going away. Acupuncture helps by strengthening the immune system and naturally, that takes some time.

But once your psoriasis has responded to the acupuncture and your flare-ups are gone, you can reduce sessions for maintenance. So at first, you may be going twice a week, but after a while, you can cut that down to once a month, then once every three months and so forth. So it's not going to be expensive always.

fBoyle

I went to acupuncture sessions for a month for my psoriasis. It was working, my symptoms had lessened during that time. But I had to stop going because the sessions were too expensive. And when I quit it, my psoriasis went back to how it was before acupuncture.

I don't think it's feasible to use acupuncture as a psoriasis treatment because I don't think anyone can go to an acupuncturist all their life.

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    • Some people find that the local Chinatown is a good place to look for an acupuncturist.
      By: Guillaume Baviere
      Some people find that the local Chinatown is a good place to look for an acupuncturist.
    • Acupuncture is sometimes helpful.
      By: Cora Reed
      Acupuncture is sometimes helpful.
    • Some swear by the ancient practice of cupping for psoriasis.
      By: Sorin Georgescu
      Some swear by the ancient practice of cupping for psoriasis.
    • Acupuncture is a therapeutic treatment that involves stimulating certain points on the body with needles.
      By: Alfred Wekelo
      Acupuncture is a therapeutic treatment that involves stimulating certain points on the body with needles.
    • Chinese healers have long used acupuncture to treat  to alleviate pain.
      By: idmanjoe
      Chinese healers have long used acupuncture to treat to alleviate pain.