Natural Psoriasis Treatment: The Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach

When psoriasis appears on your skin, it's doing more than creating those characteristic silvery scales and reddened patches—it's telling a story about what's happening beneath the surface. While conventional medicine has made significant strides in managing psoriasis symptoms, many patients still struggle with flares, side effects from medications, and the emotional toll of a visible chronic condition.

This is where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different perspective—viewing psoriasis not as an isolated skin disorder but as a manifestation of internal imbalances that need addressing.

For thousands of years, TCM practitioners have approached skin conditions like psoriasis with a holistic framework that considers the entire person—body, mind, and spirit interconnected. This ancient wisdom recognizes that your skin reflects your internal health and seeks to restore harmony rather than merely suppress symptoms.

If you've been living with the discomfort and frustration of psoriasis, understanding TCM's approach might open new pathways toward healing. Let's explore how this time-tested medical system views psoriasis and the natural treatment strategies it offers for long-term relief.

Understanding Psoriasis Through the TCM Lens

Western medicine describes psoriasis as a chronic autoimmune condition where skin cells multiply too quickly—up to ten times faster than normal—resulting in raised, inflamed patches covered with white or silvery scales. It affects approximately 2-3% of the world's population according to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations, with varying degrees of severity.

In TCM, however, psoriasis is understood through a different conceptual framework. Rather than focusing solely on accelerated cell turnover and inflammation, TCM views psoriasis as the result of several possible patterns of disharmony:

Blood Heat

The most common pattern underlying psoriasis in TCM is what practitioners call "Blood Heat." This pattern manifests as:

• Bright red lesions that may be hot to the touch

• Significant itching or burning sensations

• Possible worsening with stress, alcohol, or spicy foods

• Concurrent symptoms like thirst, irritability, or constipation

This pattern develops when heat accumulates in the Blood system, disturbing its normal flow and causing it to "erupt" through the skin.

Blood Stasis

Chronic psoriasis often involves a pattern called "Blood Stasis," characterized by:

• Darker, purplish lesions that remain fixed in location

• Thicker plaques with more pronounced scaling

• Pain rather than itching as a predominant sensation

• Possible small visible blood vessels in the affected areas

In this pattern, the circulation of Blood (a vital substance in TCM theory) becomes obstructed, preventing proper nourishment of the skin and allowing pathological material to accumulate.

Wind-Dryness

Some psoriasis presentations include a "Wind-Dryness" component, with:

• Extreme dryness and cracking of lesions

• Widespread, scattered smaller patches

• Intense itching that moves from place to place

• Worsening during windy weather or seasonal changes

In TCM theory, pathogenic Wind disturbs the skin's surface while dryness depletes its moisture.

Underlying Deficiencies

Beneath these more visible patterns often lie deeper deficiencies, particularly:

• Blood deficiency (insufficient nourishment reaching the skin)

• Liver and Kidney deficiency (affecting the body's ability to filter toxins)

• Digestive weakness (compromising nutrient absorption and waste elimination)

These underlying deficiencies create the conditions where more acute patterns like Heat or Wind can develop and persist.

TCM Diagnostic Approach to Psoriasis

When you consult a TCM practitioner about psoriasis, you'll experience a diagnostic process quite different from a conventional dermatology appointment. Rather than focusing solely on the skin lesions, the practitioner will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your overall health:

Detailed Observation

The practitioner carefully examines:

• Your psoriasis lesions (color, thickness, location, distribution)

• Your tongue coating and body (revealing internal conditions)

• Your complexion, demeanor, and vitality signs

Comprehensive Questioning

You'll be asked about:

• Your medical history and the progression of your condition

• Factors that trigger flares or provide relief

• Digestion, appetite, bowel movements, and urination patterns

• Sleep quality, energy levels, and emotional state

• For women, menstrual history and any correlation with skin changes

Pulse Diagnosis

Through feeling the pulse at three positions on each wrist, the practitioner assesses qualities such as strength, depth, rate, and rhythm to gather information about internal organ systems and their states of balance.

This thorough assessment allows TCM practitioners to identify your unique pattern combination rather than treating "psoriasis" as a single condition. The treatment plan that follows is specifically tailored to your presentation, which explains why two people with similar-looking psoriasis might receive entirely different treatments in TCM.

Natural TCM Treatments for Psoriasis

Based on your unique pattern diagnosis, a TCM practitioner will develop a treatment strategy that may incorporate several therapeutic approaches:

Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine forms the cornerstone of TCM treatment for psoriasis, with formulations customized to address your specific pattern:

For Blood Heat Patterns: Herbs that cool Blood and clear Heat are essential:

• Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa)

• Chi Shao (Paeonia lactiflora)

• Mu Dan Pi (Paeonia suffruticosa)

• Zi Cao (Lithospermum erythrorhizon)

For Blood Stasis Patterns: Herbs that invigorate Blood circulation and break up stagnation:

• Tao Ren (Prunus persica)

• Hong Hua (Carthamus tinctorius)

• Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

• San Leng (Sparganium stoloniferum)

For Wind-Dryness Patterns: Herbs that dispel Wind while moistening dryness:

• Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia divaricata)

• Jing Jie (Schizonepeta tenuifolia)

• Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus dasycarpus)

• Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus)

For Underlying Deficiencies: Herbs that strengthen the foundational organ systems:

• Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) for Blood nourishment

• Gou Qi Zi (Lycium barbarum) for Liver and Kidney support

• Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) for digestive strength

These herbs may be prepared as internal decoctions (teas), granules, capsules, or external washes and creams based on your specific needs and the severity of your condition.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatment for psoriasis focuses on several therapeutic goals:

• Clearing pathogenic factors (Heat, Wind, Dryness)

• Regulating immune function

• Improving Blood circulation to the skin

• Addressing underlying deficiencies

• Reducing stress that may trigger flares

Common acupuncture points used include:

• LI11 (Quchi) and SP10 (Xuehai) to clear Heat from the Blood

• BL17 (Geshu) and SP6 (Sanyinjiao) to nourish Blood and improve circulation

• LV3 (Taichong) and LV8 (Ququan) to regulate Liver function

• ST36 (Zusanli) and SP3 (Taibai) to strengthen digestive function

• Points selected based on your specific TCM diagnosis

Many patients report reduced itching, improved sleep, and decreased inflammation after acupuncture sessions, with visible skin improvements developing over a course of treatment.

Dietary Therapy

In TCM, diet plays a crucial role in treating psoriasis, as certain foods can either exacerbate or relieve your specific pattern:

Foods to Incorporate:

• For Blood Heat patterns: cooling foods like cucumber, watermelon, celery, mung beans

• For Blood Stasis: circulation-promoting foods like turmeric, ginger, vinegar, olive oil

• For dryness: moistening foods like pears, honey, black sesame seeds, seaweed

• Generally beneficial: omega-3 rich fish, leafy greens, berries, nuts and seeds

Foods to Reduce or Avoid:

• Heat-producing foods: alcohol, coffee, spicy foods, fried foods

• Stagnation-promoting foods: excessive dairy, fatty meats, processed foods

• Common inflammatory triggers: nightshades (tomatoes, eggplant, peppers), gluten, dairy

• Refined sugar and highly processed carbohydrates

Many patients find that dietary adjustments alone can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of flares, particularly when the diet is tailored to their specific TCM pattern.

External Treatments

While internal balance is the foundation of TCM psoriasis treatment, topical applications also play an important role:

• Herbal washes using plants like Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens) and Di Fu Zi (Kochia scoparia)

• Medicated oils containing herbs like She Chuang Zi (Cnidium monnieri) and Huang Bai (Phellodendron)

• Herbal pastes that combine cooling, anti-inflammatory herbs

• Specialized soaking preparations for affected areas

These external treatments are always used in conjunction with internal approaches, as TCM views lasting improvement as dependent on addressing the root internal imbalances.

The Gut-Skin Connection: A TCM Perspective

Long before modern research confirmed the gut-skin axis, TCM recognized the profound connection between digestive health and skin conditions like psoriasis. In TCM understanding:

• The Spleen and Stomach (digestive organs in TCM theory) transform food into nutrients that nourish the skin

• Digestive weakness can lead to the accumulation of Dampness and Heat that may manifest through the skin

• Proper waste elimination prevents toxins from seeking alternative pathways out of the body (like the skin)

This ancient wisdom now finds validation in contemporary research showing altered gut microbiota in psoriasis patients and improvements following probiotics or dietary interventions targeting gut health.

For those with psoriasis and concurrent digestive symptoms like bloating, irregular bowels, or food sensitivities, addressing gut health often becomes a cornerstone of successful treatment. Herbs like Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), and Chen Pi (Citrus peel) support digestive function while herbs like Huang Lian (Coptis) address gut inflammation that may contribute to skin manifestations.

The Mind-Skin Connection in Psoriasis Treatment

Traditional Chinese Medicine has always recognized the intimate relationship between emotional well-being and physical health. For psoriasis patients, this connection is particularly relevant, as many report stress as a primary trigger for flares.

In TCM theory, specific emotions have affinities with different organ systems:

• Stress and frustration impact the Liver, which governs the smooth flow of Qi

• Worry and overthinking affect the Spleen, influencing digestion and the body's ability to transform nutrients

• Grief and sadness influence the Lungs, which control the skin's defensive Qi

By addressing these emotional components, TCM offers a truly holistic approach to psoriasis that many patients find missing in conventional care. Acupuncture points that calm the mind, herbs that soothe the spirit, and mind-body practices like tai chi or qigong often become valuable components of treatment.

Many patients report that these approaches not only improve their skin but enhance their overall quality of life—reducing stress, improving sleep, and providing tools for managing the emotional challenges of living with a chronic condition.

Case Examples: TCM Treatment for Different Psoriasis Patterns

To illustrate how TCM individualizes treatment, consider these typical presentations:

Predominant Blood Heat

You might experience bright red, inflamed patches that feel hot and intensely itchy. Your tongue appears red with a yellow coating, and you tend to feel thirsty and irritable.

A TCM approach would focus on cooling Blood and clearing Heat with herbs like Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia) and Mu Dan Pi (Peony bark), combined with acupuncture points that release heat from the body. Dietary recommendations would emphasize cooling foods while strictly avoiding alcohol, spicy foods, and other heating substances.

Predominant Blood Stasis

Your psoriasis plaques appear thicker, with a purplish hue, possibly with visible small blood vessels. The lesions tend to remain fixed in location, and you experience pain rather than itching.

Treatment would center on herbs that invigorate Blood circulation like Hong Hua (Safflower) and Dan Shen (Salvia), with acupuncture focused on points that break up stagnation. Movement therapy and circulation-promoting foods would be emphasized.

Wind-Dryness with Underlying Deficiency

If your psoriasis appears as widely distributed small patches with intense itching that moves from place to place, accompanied by overall fatigue and dryness, this pattern may be present.

The treatment approach would combine Wind-dispelling herbs like Fang Feng (Siler) with Blood-nourishing herbs like Dang Gui (Angelica), supported by moistening foods and lifestyle practices that build vital energy.

This pattern differentiation allows for precise treatment targeting your specific imbalances rather than a generic approach to "psoriasis" as a single condition.

Integrating TCM with Conventional Treatment

While TCM offers comprehensive natural approaches to psoriasis, an integrated approach often yields the best results. Rather than viewing conventional and traditional medicine as opposing systems, consider how they might complement each other:

• TCM can address root imbalances while conventional treatments manage acute symptoms

• Herbal formulas may reduce the required dosage of conventional medications (with proper medical supervision)

• Acupuncture can help manage side effects from conventional treatments

• Dietary and lifestyle approaches from TCM support overall health beyond symptom management

If you're currently using conventional treatments, never discontinue them abruptly. Instead, work with both a dermatologist and qualified TCM practitioner to develop an integrated approach that safely incorporates natural therapies alongside conventional care.

For severe or rapidly worsening psoriasis, always seek conventional medical assessment first to rule out complications or other conditions requiring immediate intervention.

Lifestyle Considerations for Psoriasis Management

Beyond herbs and acupuncture, TCM emphasizes lifestyle adjustments to support healing:

Stress Management

Since stress commonly triggers psoriasis flares, stress reduction techniques are essential:

• Meditation and mindfulness practices

• Gentle exercise like tai chi, qigong, or yoga

• Adequate rest and sleep hygiene

• Setting appropriate boundaries in work and relationships

Environmental Factors

TCM considers your environment an extension of your body's ecosystem:

• Humidity levels (too dry environments can worsen some types of psoriasis)

• Exposure to irritants and chemicals

• Climate considerations (some patients do better in warm, humid environments)

• Natural fabrics for clothing that contacts affected skin

Seasonal Adjustments

In TCM philosophy, treatment shifts with the seasons:

• Winter often requires more warming, nourishing approaches

• Summer may need greater focus on clearing Heat

• Spring and autumn transitions may need special attention to Wind patterns

These lifestyle components are considered integral to treatment, not optional additions.

Finding Qualified TCM Support for Psoriasis

If you're interested in exploring TCM for psoriasis, finding qualified practitioners is essential.

Look for:

• Licensed acupuncturists with specialized dermatology training

• Practitioners experienced in treating chronic skin conditions

• Those willing to work collaboratively with your conventional healthcare providers

• Practitioners who take time to explain their diagnostic findings and treatment strategy

Quality herbs matter tremendously. Seek practitioners who:

• Use GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified herbs

• Test for quality and contaminants

• Customize formulations rather than only using standardized products

Remember that TCM approaches skin health as a journey rather than a quick fix. While some patients experience rapid improvement, others require several months of consistent treatment to address deeper imbalances.

Conclusion: A Natural Path Forward

Living with psoriasis involves more than managing visible skin symptoms—it means navigating complex physical, emotional, and social challenges that impact your quality of life. Through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine, you gain access to a natural treatment approach that honors the complexity of your condition and seeks to restore balance at multiple levels.

By addressing the root patterns underlying your specific presentation—whether Blood Heat, Blood Stasis, Wind-Dryness, or underlying deficiencies—TCM offers natural approaches that work with your body's innate healing capacities rather than merely suppressing symptoms.

For those struggling with conventional treatments alone, adding TCM perspectives and therapies may provide missing pieces in your healing journey. This complementary approach views your skin in the context of your whole being—body, mind, and spirit interconnected—offering pathways toward not just clearer skin but improved overall wellbeing.

If you're interested in exploring other skin conditions through the TCM lens, our articles on natural eczema treatment, natural acne treatment, and natural rosacea treatment offer valuable insights into how these principles apply to different dermatological concerns.

For comprehensive care for all skin conditions, visit our dermatology center, where we integrate traditional wisdom with modern understanding to support your skin health naturally.

Remember that each person's journey with psoriasis is unique. The wisdom of TCM lies in recognizing and honoring these individual differences—providing personalized treatment that addresses not just your symptoms but the deeper imbalances they reflect, offering a natural path toward lasting relief and renewed wellbeing.