Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Treatments for Skin Conditions

Dermatology is an important area of specialisation within Chinese medicine

Chinese medicine is able to effectively treat many chronic skin diseases that are often poorly managed with western medicine.

Many books have been written and much observation and research has gone into the diagnosis and treatment of these often chronic debilitating skin conditions with Chinese herbal medicine.

The following conditions are most frequently seen in clinic:

Eczema

Eczema is the name for a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause dry skin, itchiness, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections.

Many people with eczema use the phrase “flare” to describe a phase of eczema that can last many days or even several weeks when they are experiencing one or more exacerbated eczema symptoms or side effects from prolonged itchiness.

Sometimes eczema is confused with other skin conditions like psoriasis.

Chinese medicine can be effective for relieving symptoms of eczema especially in reducing skin lesion severity, itching, and frequency of flares according to multiple recent studies and systematic reviews.

Acupuncture can also be effective for managing eczema symptoms, particularly in reducing itch (pruritus), lesion size, and potentially the frequency of flare-ups.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition causing red, flaky, and scaly patches on the skin. It occurs when skin cells are replaced too quickly, leading to a buildup of immature cells on the skin’s surface. There are 2 main types:

Plaque psoriasis: The most common type, characterized by red, raised, and scaly patches.

Guttate psoriasis: Small, drop-like spots that may appear suddenly.

Chinese herbal medicine is effective in treating psoriasis, especially for mild to moderate cases. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews indicate that Chinese herbal medicine can improve skin symptoms and overall quality of life for people with psoriasis, with a favourable safety profile when used appropriately.

Acne

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a holistic approach to treating acne by addressing internal imbalances and supporting overall skin health rather than solely treating surface symptoms. For example:

Reduces inflammation, calming redness and swelling in the skin.
Helps regulate hormone levels, which is particularly useful in managing hormonal acne.
Improves circulation and detoxification, aiding the body in eliminating toxins that may aggravate acne.
Lowers stress, reducing the risk of stress-related breakouts.

Several systematic reviews and clinical studies indicate that acupuncture can be as effective as conventional therapies, like antibiotics and retinoids, in improving acne symptoms by 30-50%, with fewer side effects such as mild itching or temporary redness.

Chinese herbal medicine, used alongside or without acupuncture, targets underlying causes such as hormonal imbalances, heat, dampness, and toxicity in Chinese medicine terms. Herbs may be prescribed as teas, capsules, or topical preparations.

A typical acne plan will be personalized and may include:

Acupuncture administered weekly.
Herbal medicine including face washes and topical creams tailored to the individual’s symptoms and Chinese medicine diagnosis.
Dietary guidance and lifestyle recommendations to support the healing process.

A minimum course of about 4 weeks is necessary to begin seeing results, with noticeable skin improvement often within 1–2 weeks and clearer skin within 6 weeks. Treatment frequency and duration are personalized depending on acne severity.

In the initial consultation for all skin conditions patients are carefully diagnosed by asking a variety of questions relating to the condition as well as their general health. The skin is then thoroughly examined and a diagnosis according to the patient’s own imbalance can be made and a treatment plan formulated.

Treatments are usually focused on herbal medicine and topical creams. Lifestyle and dietary advice is also given, this is often so important in order to address the underlying causative or triggering factors. If stress is a large contributing factor, a course of acupuncture may also be prescribed.

A summary of the latest research studies supporting the use of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine for skin conditions is available here on the research page.

Let’s work together towards better health

If you’re interested in exploring how Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can support your health, get in touch to book a consultation at our London or Bath clinics. I’ll take time to understand your individual needs and help you move towards lasting wellbeing.

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07985 918237

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