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Nov 17

Skin disorders according to Traditional Chinese Medicine

Skin disorders can be a frustrating experience. They are usually not life threatening but can be stubborn and difficult to remove. People find skin disorders difficult to treat because they are looking from a narrow and mechanical perspective. Many conditions would be categorized as inflammation, a chemical process involved with immunity. Under a microscope, inflammations are associated with dilated blood vessels and blood cell migration. Usually people rub cortisone cream to suppress the inflammation. But without treating the underlying problem, people notice skin problems soon return.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees all diseases holistically. Skin disorders are no exception. According to TCM, most skin disorders are the result of the body unable to eliminate toxins completely. Theoretically, a healthy person can eliminate toxins from diet or the environment. However, many people have minor irregularities that prevent the complete elimination of toxins. As a result, toxins pushed towards skin without being removed.

Typically, the symptoms of your skin disorder will tell a lot about your overall condition.

1) Redness: Usually redness and rash is a sign of Heat according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The patient commonly shares other symptoms such as constipation, dry mouth and/or irritability.

2) Oozing: Usually oozing is a sign of Dampness according to TCM. The patient commonly shares other symptoms such as lethargy, fatigue and digestive illnesses.

3) Itching: Usually itching is a sign of Wind according to TCM. The patient commonly shares other symptoms such as dryness and low energy.

Depending on the individuals, a holistic approach would try to correct the body’s irregularities while promote toxin elimination. A combination treatment of herbs and acupuncture can usually correct the overall condition as well as treat the skin disorder satisfactorily.

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  1. March 2, 2019
    Diagnosed with Grovers disease in December 2018. 3 months later still new outbreaks on torso every 10 to 14 days. Will not do what dermatologists reccomended Juicing using cilantro has not made a difference. What can I dol? Reply
  2. April 12, 2021
    What about cuts, lacerations, splitting weak skin in the elderly, sores that open and cause bleeding. What does tcm say about closing wounds and producing alternatives to sutures and temporary bandages? Reply
    • April 17, 2021
      it's complicated. you have to find someone near you to examine you in person. Reply

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