Traditional Chinese Medicine for Eczema

natural-eczema-treatmentPersistent atopic dermatitis — more commonly known as eczema — is a condition that makes your skin itchy and appear red or brownish gray in color. Eczema patches may have small raised bumps on the skin that leak and weep fluid when scratched. A variety of causes and conditions can induce flareups of eczema.

Alternative therapies for treatment

There is no known cure for the condition, so some patients seek traditional Chinese medicine for eczema, especially those who want to avoid the side affects of or have found little relief from more common Western medicine therapies. Research indicates that traditional Chinese medicine can safely and effectively treat the allergic condition and improve a patient's quality of life.

Some natural methods of treatment include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Hypnosis
  • Chinese herbs
  • Natural therapies
  • Diet
  • Probiotics
  • Vitamins

Research on eczema patients

One study of 14 patients with eczema evaluated the effects of treatment that included acupuncture, topical creams and Erka Shizheng herbal tea. Participants were treated at the Ming Qi Natural Health Center in Manhattan and researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York analyzed and presented study findings at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. After several months of treatment, the quality of life of the patients improved and the severity of the eczema had declined in the majority of patients.

Treatment with acupuncture resulted in a reduced dependence on the use of antihistamines, antibiotics and steroids after three months of treatment. Findings indicated acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine are safe and effective for individuals with eczema, especially those with a severe case and considerable life quality impairment.

Acupuncture for eczema

While conventional medications for eczema treatment can reduce inflammation and flare-ups, they may cause unwanted side effects including high blood pressure, nausea, headaches, tingling and numbness. On the other hand, acupuncture can bring about relief from skin dryness and itching naturally, and without side effects. Acupuncture reduces allergic responses which can cause eczema and alleviates skin irritation and general discomfort. The treatment decreases stress and improves a patient's sense of well being, which can help with outbreaks.

Other natural treatments

Herbal medicine treatment include creams applied externally and medicinals taken internally. They can work to cool the body and soothe the tissues locally in order to treat acute flare-ups as well as provide long-term improvements in the condition. Some natural substances that may help include sunflower seed oil and cocounut oil.

For information about the Acupuncture and Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs you can email our admissions department.
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