Understanding Psoriasis: A Chinese and Western Medicine Perspective

A Natural Approach to Skin, Immunity, and Inflammation

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes the body to produce skin cells too quickly, leading to thick, scaly, itchy, or inflamed patches. It most commonly affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but can appear anywhere on the body.While Western medicine focuses on controlling symptoms with topical steroids, immune-suppressing drugs, or biologics, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic, root-based approach that helps regulate the immune system and restore internal balance.

🔹 What Are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?

Red, inflamed patches of skin covered with silver or white scales

Itching, burning, or soreness

Dry, cracked skin that may bleed

Thickened or pitted nails (in nail psoriasis)Joint pain (in psoriatic arthritis)Symptoms often worsen with stress, illness, cold weather, or diet

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system attacks healthy skin cells, causing inflammation and rapid turnover of skin.

🔹 Chinese Medicine View of Psoriasis

In TCM, psoriasis is generally categorized under “Bai Bi” (white patches) or “Feng Xuan Chuang” (wind-related skin eruptions). It is understood as an imbalance involving:

Blood Heat → Red, hot, inflamed skin with rapid onset

Blood Dryness → Flaky, dry, and chronic lesions with itching

Blood Stasis → Darker or purple-toned patches, often stubborn and painful

Wind and Damp Invasion → Itchy, oozing lesions, often worsened by diet or humidity

Spleen Qi Deficiency → Weak digestion leading to dampness and toxin buildup

Rather than treating only the skin, TCM focuses on clearing heat, nourishing blood, and strengthening the body’s internal systems—especially the Liver, Spleen, and Kidneys.

🌿 TCM Treatment for Psoriasis

✅ Acupuncture

Acupuncture can help:

Regulate the immune system

Reduce inflammation and itching

Calm emotional stress (which can trigger flares)Support liver detoxification and digestion

Regular sessions help control symptoms and reduce the frequency of flares.

✅ Herbal Medicine

Customized herbal formulas target the root imbalances based on your TCM diagnosis. Herbs may be used to:

Clear heat and cool the blood

Dispel wind and dampness

Nourish Yin and moisturize dryness

Improve circulation to resolve blood stasis

Commonly used herbs may include Sheng Di Huang, Mu Dan Pi, Bai Xian Pi, Zi Cao, and others, depending on the case.

✅ Diet and Lifestyle Guidance

TCM sees psoriasis as closely related to diet and digestion. We recommend:

Avoiding spicy, fried, and greasy foods

Reducing alcohol and sugar intake

Favoring cooked, warm, anti-inflammatory meals

Managing stress, getting regular rest, and gentle exercise

✅ ZiQia Self-Consistent Medicine System

At our clinic, we also use Dr. Pan Xiaochuan’s ZiQia Medicine System, which combines pulse diagnosis with constitutional assessment to tailor treatment with precision. It supports deep immune regulation and whole-body healing, helping patients reduce flare-ups and dependency on medications.

💬 A Hopeful Path for Chronic Skin Conditions

Psoriasis may be long-term, but it doesn't have to control your life. Chinese medicine provides a safe, drug-free, and personalized approach to manage the condition, reduce symptoms, and improve your overall well-being.If you are looking for a natural alternative or a complementary therapy alongside conventional care, we are here to help you restore balance—from the inside out.