How does acupuncture view eczema?
From the viewpoint of
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), eczema is caused by a deficiency of
Wei-Qi (also known as Defensive-Qi), which acts to protect your body
from external pathogens and has a close relationship to your skin.
According to the Theory of Five Elements, one of the three main theories
that make up TCM, it is your Lung (capitalized here to differentiate
from your lungs in scientific terms) system that governs your skin and
therefore is responsible for its health. Your Kidney system also plays a
role in maintaining the health of your skin, as your Kidneys are
responsible for nourishing and moistening your skin.
Eczema
usually starts when you are young, and is often seen in combination with
the development of asthma. The two basic types of eczema seen are one
characterized by Wind-Heat (which is usually more due to a Lung
deficiency) and Damp-Heat (which is more related to your Kidneys). Note
that each type of eczema involves 'Heat'. This is why you will see
redness and inflammation on your skin. In cases of Wind-Heat, lesions
will be dry and will move from place to place on your body (the moving
pattern an indication of Wind in your body). In cases of Damp-Heat you
will see lesions that ooze fluid (an indication of Dampness in your
body), which are often confined to specific areas of your body such as
your forearms and lower legs.
How does acupuncture treat eczema?
Treating
an acute case of eczema, especially one of the Wind-Heat variety, is
often accomplished fairly easily, as the pathogen has not had much time
to settle into the body. In our society, however, most cases treated by
TCM are seen in the chronic stages, after other more conventional
methods have been used with little or no effect. Chronic cases of eczema
can still be treated with acupuncture and TCM, however, although it may
take more treatments than if treated in the acute stages.
The
basic treatment protocol for treating eczema is to nourish your Lungs
and/or Kidneys, while also nourishing your Blood where there is Wind
and/or a pronounced deficiency of Blood. Dampness will also need to be
resolved where applicable.
What can you do?
In terms of
self-care with eczema, it is a good idea to avoid dairy, fried foods,
spicy foods, alcohol, shellfish, and also spinach and mushrooms.
Protecting your skin from exposure to cold and wind is also advisable.
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