Can Acupuncture Effectively Treat Psoriasis?

 Affecting approximately 125 million people - or about 2-3% of the global population - psoriasis is one of the most common autoimmune diseases in the world. It's characterized by the chronic formation of skin lesions, red patches, papules and plaque. These formations may appear in localized areas of the body or throughout the entire body, depending on an individual's condition.

Psoriasis is known to trigger intense bouts of itching. The sensation can be so intense that it causes the individual to scratch infection-prone sores into his or her skin. Regardless of how bad it itches, you should never scratch your psoriasis, as it will only make the condition worse.

As with most autoimmune diseases and disorders, psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system. The immune system is responsible for fending off potentially harmful viral and bacterial infections. It does this by producing key inflammatory hormones. Normally, it produces the right amount of these hormones, but there are times when it produces too much; resulting in conditions such as psoriasis.

The good news is that acupuncture may offer relief of psoriasis and its related symptoms. Acupuncture can have very positive effects on the immune system. When we are sick or dealing with chronic illness, our bodies are not able to function properly. This can be due to the body's natural energy being restricted or blocked. Acupuncture works by treating the whole body and releasing any abnormalities through acupuncture points. By doing so, the body is able to function as it should and the immune system is strengthened because of this.

With psoriasis, the Spleen 10 xue hai acupuncture point is a popular choice because it targets the immune system.

One study found acupuncture to be effective at treating psoriasis, particularly when western medicine has been exhausted. "Our experience indicates that acupuncture is induced an effective therapeutic modality for psoriasis, particularly when the western medical management is unsuccessful. We speculated about the possible involvement of the cutaneous reticuloendothelial system in the clearance of the skin lesions," wrote the study's researchers.

Give me a call today to learn how you can get back on track to better health!

Sources: NCBI

Article: Acupuncture treatment for psoriasis

  5 Alternative Treatments 

and 

Home Remedies for Psoriasis

For people with psoriasis, suffering from painful symptoms like inflamed, flaking and red skin is not pleasant. The chronic skin condition is due to an overactive immune system that can be triggered by a number of internal and external factors. Many Western treatments include steroid creams and oral medications that come with a slew of unwanted side effects. 

Below are alternative treatments that are safe and natural and can help reduce symptoms of psoriasis, leading you back to better health. 

1. Herbal Remedies

● Aloe Vera: The gel from this cactus plant can be used generously on your skin to reduce redness and scaling caused by psoriasis. Aloe vera can be found in almost any grocery or health store. 

 

● Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is thought to have antiseptic properties. It can sooth irritated skin or scalp and can be applied daily. 

 

● Turmeric: Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Because of this, turmeric has been found to reduce psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis flares. Turmeric can be found in pill form as well as powder form to be added to food. 

 

● Dead Sea Salts: Soaking in a bath with Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts can remove scaly skin and reduce itching. It is recommended that you use warm water and stay in the tub for 15 minutes. 

 

2. Mindfulness/Meditation 

Mindfulness and meditation practices have been found to be effective in people suffering with chronic pain like psoriasis. 

Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention on the moment and ridding yourself of all external thoughts you may be having. This can lead to a state of relaxation and calmness, bringing balance to your body and mind.  

Mindfulness, which is practiced in meditation, includes becoming completely aware of your body, externally and internally. This can be a seated meditation that is focused on awareness of mind, body and senses. 

3. Exercise 

Not only is exercise important to maintain overall health and wellness, it is especially beneficial for people with psoriasis.

Because people with psoriasis have an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, regular exercise can prove very helpful.  

Many find it hard to exercise because of the chronic pain associated with psoriasis. Exercise programs in the water prove to be an effective alternative that is easier on the body and still allows you to build endurance and strength. 

Other simple ways to fit more exercise into your day include short walks, taking the stairs and stretching. 

4. Massage 

Seeing a licensed massage therapist can help reduce symptoms and pain. Massage promotes the function of muscle and connective tissue and can increase relaxation and circulation in the body. 

5. Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been proven to be effective in minimizing chronic pain in patients. Acupuncture takes a holistic approach with the body and symptoms you may be experiencing. By returning the body to its natural flow, acupuncture can help reduce the intensity of symptoms of psoriasis. 

Home Remedies for Treating Psoriasis

● Soak a towel in cold milk and apply to affected area to relieve itching.

● Add ½ cup ground oatmeal into a warm bath.

● Rub the affected area with the inner side of a banana peel.

● Apply aloe vera gel to affected area.

● Cut several fresh willow branches into 3-inch stems and place in a pot with plenty of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until water becomes black. Wash affected areas with the water three times daily.

● Slice 15 water chestnuts and soak in 3 oz. of rice vinegar crush and store in a sealed jar. Apply the paste to affected area and cover with gauze. Change daily. 

 

Sources: National Psoriasis Foundation

Recipe Corner  

 

Parsley often gets overlooked as a simple dinner condiment - something to add to a dish to make it more visually appealing - but this herb is actually an amazing medicinal plant. Not only is it high in important nutrients like Vitamin C, folate and Vitamin A, it also helps to support healthy digestion so you can get the most out of the foods you eat! Here are three of the many ways parsley can support your health.

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cups chopped parsley
• 2 cups chopped fennel bulb
• 6 chopped green onions
• 1 cup of sliced cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 / 4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1 / 2 cup of freshly squeezed lemons (about three lemons)
• zest from lemons, minced
• 1 / 2 cup olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• paprika to taste

1. The first step in our tabbouleh recipe is to cook the quinoa.
2. Rinse the dried quinoa well, then add it to a medium sauce pan along with 2 cups of water (or vegetable broth).
3. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is light and fluffy.
4. Set aside to cool.
5. Meanwhile gather the veggies, tomatoes and mint and get those chopped and sliced.
6. Measure out the olive oil, lemon juice and zest.
7. Once the quinoa has cooled put it in a large bowl along with all the prepared veggies, tomatoes and mint. Pour in the lemon juice, olive oil and lemon zest. Stir well.
8. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well. Spring with paprika and it's ready to serve. We like this tabbouleh as a side dish to rosemary chicken.

The information contained within the  newsletter is only used to educate and inform. This newsletter is  not a substitute for the advice of a licensed and registered health  care provider. Seek prompt attention for emergencies. Consult  a health care provider for specific health concerns, and before  starting a diet, cleanse or exercise routine.