Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, and inflamed. It's particularly prevalent in countries like Australia, where it affects approximately one in every three people at some stage of their lives. Understanding eczema and exploring various treatments, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, can be crucial for those living with this uncomfortable condition.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is primarily a chronic condition that appears in flare-ups. Although it commonly starts in childhood, it can affect individuals at any age. The skin condition is characterised by dry, itchy skin which can become cracked, sore, and red. There are several types of eczema, each with distinct characteristics and triggers. The most common type is atopic dermatitis, often linked to an overactive immune response to environmental triggers.
Types, Symptoms and Triggers
Here are the types of eczema summarised in concise bullet points:
Atopic Dermatitis: Most common form, often hereditary, involves dry, itchy skin that can thicken or become scaly. Triggered by environmental factors or allergens.
Contact Dermatitis: Caused by direct skin contact with irritants (like soaps, acids) or allergens (like nickel, plants). Symptoms are localised to the contact area.
Dyshidrotic Eczema: Affects hands and feet with small, intensely itchy blisters. Often related to stress or exposure to metals.
Nummular Eczema: Features round, coin-shaped, itchy, scaly spots. Can occur after skin injury and is more prevalent in cold, dry weather.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: Occurs in oily areas like the scalp and face, causing red, scaly patches. Linked to a yeast in oily skin zones.
Stasis Dermatitis: Associated with poor circulation in the lower legs, leading to swelling, itching, and skin discolouration.
Neurodermatitis: Causes thick, scaly patches from localised itching and scratching, often creating a vicious cycle of irritation.
The main symptom of eczema is itchy skin. Other symptoms include dryness, redness, scaling, and oozing. Sometimes, the skin can become thickened from prolonged scratching. Common triggers for eczema flare-ups include environmental factors like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and climatic conditions such as dry air or extreme temperatures. Emotional stress and certain foods can also exacerbate the condition.
Eczema in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
In TCM, eczema is often viewed as a disorder of one’s natural immunity and response to pathogen. It is linked to imbalances in the body’s internal organ systems, particularly the lungs, spleen, and liver. The health of the skin is directly connected to the lungs, which control the skin’s pores and influence hydration. The spleen works to supply nourishment to the skin, and when it is weak, the skin becomes dry, pale and sallow. Meanwhile, an effected liver with some toxicity and infection can manifest as inflamed skin.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
Acupuncture, a key component of TCM, involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body to balance the body's energy, improve circulation, and boost the immune system. For eczema, acupuncture aims to address the root cause of the condition according to TCM principles, such as strengthening the spleen, nourishing the lungs, and clearing toxins from the liver.
How Acupuncture Works for Eczema
In the context of eczema, acupuncture treatment is tailored to address individual symptoms and underlying imbalances that contribute to the condition:
Balancing the Body's Energy: Acupuncture seeks to correct imbalances in the flow of blood. For eczema sufferers, this often involves enhancing the blood flow of the spleen and lungs and regulating the liver to address systemic issues that manifest in skin inflammation.
Improving Circulation: Enhanced blood flow can help nourish the skin, promote healing, and reduce inflammation. This is particularly beneficial in alleviating the redness and swelling associated with eczema.
Boosting the Immune System: Acupuncture can modulate the immune system, which is often overactive in eczema patients. By regulating immune response, acupuncture can help decrease the severity of flare-ups.
Reducing Stress: Stress is a well-known trigger for eczema flare-ups. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress by promoting the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Specific Points for Eczema: There are well known acupuncture points that are frequently used in treating skin conditions like eczema, due to their roles in clearing heat, detoxifying blood, and enhancing lung quality.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Eczema
Complementing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine offers a personalised approach using a variety of herbs formulated to target the specific type and triggers of eczema:
Cooling Blood Heat: Specific herbs can cool the blood, reducing the heat that often manifests as red, inflamed skin in eczema patients.
Detoxifying the Liver: According to TCM, a congested liver can lead to heat and toxicity spilling over to the skin. Herbs are used to cleanse the liver, helping to alleviate dermatological symptoms.
Moisturising the Skin: Herbs that provide moisture to the skin, and can be beneficial in treating dry, itchy conditions characteristic of eczema.
Natural Approach from Home
Beyond acupuncture and herbal medicine, managing eczema naturally involves a holistic approach. This includes dietary adjustments, stress management, and skin care routines. Foods that boost skin health, like omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics, can be beneficial, while it might help to avoid dairy and refined sugars. Regular practices like meditation or yoga can help manage stress, a common trigger for eczema.
Integrating Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
For those with eczema, integrating acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine can provide a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and the root causes of the condition. While acupuncture works primarily through physical stimulation of specific body points, herbal medicine adjusts the body’s internal landscape chemically, which can enhance the healing effects. This holistic approach often results in a more potent and sustained resolution of symptoms, better management of flare-ups, and an improved overall quality of life.
For optimal results, call our Clinic at 4620 9798 as our practitioners are Doctors in both Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. This ensures a safe, tailored therapeutic experience that can truly harness the potential of TCM to manage and potentially alleviate eczema.
To learn what we can do for you, Contact our team today👇
AcuLife
(02) 4620 9798
5 Stewart St, Harrington Park
Bookings: www.aculife.com.au