Eczema & Psoriasis
Acupuncture for Eczema & Psoriasis in North Vancouver
Itchy, inflamed or scaly skin that keeps flaring can affect sleep, comfort and confidence. AcuLife Wellness offers acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as complementary support for eczema, psoriasis and other chronic skin conditions, alongside care from your physician or dermatologist.
Overview
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) causes dry, itchy, inflamed patches, often in skin folds such as the elbows, knees and neck, and tends to flare and settle. Psoriasis is an immune-related condition that causes raised, scaly plaques, often on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, and some people also develop joint pain (psoriatic arthritis). Both are long-term conditions that stress, weather, infections and irritants can trigger.
Moisturizing, avoiding triggers and medical treatment such as creams, light therapy or other medications are the foundation of care. At AcuLife Wellness, we start by learning about your skin history, triggers and the treatment you're using before recommending an approach. We also see people with other skin concerns, such as pigmentation (melasma) and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Common Symptoms & Experiences
- Dry, itchy or inflamed patches of skin
- Raised, red or scaly plaques
- Itching that disturbs sleep
- Flares linked with stress, weather or irritants
- Cracked, sore or thickened skin
How Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine May Be Used
Acupuncture for eczema and psoriasis usually uses points on the arms, legs and back chosen for your pattern, with needles placed away from inflamed, cracked or broken skin. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chronic skin conditions are often understood in terms of heat in the blood, wind, dampness or dryness, and are assessed together with digestion, sleep and stress. Chinese herbal medicine often plays a central role in TCM skin care; Hong will review your medications before recommending herbs.
Some small studies suggest acupuncture may reduce itch in eczema for some people, and herbal medicine has been studied for both conditions, but the evidence is limited. Acupuncture is complementary care alongside your skincare routine and the treatment your physician or dermatologist recommends.
AcuLife's Approach
Hong Ji, R.TCM.P., is a registered TCM practitioner in both Canada and China with 35 years of clinical experience. She often combines acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine and takes a whole-body view, so your plan considers your sleep, digestion and stress as well as your skin.
Learn more about Hong JiWhat to Expect
Your first visit includes a conversation about when your skin condition started, how flares behave, your triggers and the treatment you've tried, followed by an individualized assessment and treatment. Photos of your skin over time can help you track changes. How often you come in is discussed and adjusted as care progresses.
Itchy welts that come and go are covered on our hives page.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your physician or dermatologist for a rash that spreads quickly, blisters or comes with fever; signs of infection such as oozing, crusting, pain, warmth or red streaks; painful clusters of blisters on eczema, which can be a serious herpes infection; or swollen, painful joints with psoriasis. Seek urgent care for widespread red, peeling skin or if you feel very unwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for Eczema or Psoriasis Support in North Vancouver?
Book an appointment with AcuLife Wellness.