Psoriasis is a chornic skin condition, which in its typical form, results in patches of inflamed, scaled skin. Infections, stress, certain high blood pressure medications, skin abrasions, and climate changes that dry the skin may trigger outbreaks or flareups. Psoriasis may be caused by immunologic, metabolic or endocrine factors. Treatment for psoriasis is most effective in initial stages and should begin as soon as outbreaks occur. Psoriasis cannot be cured, but acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy can successfully treat the condition. Because of its chronic nature and complications, acupuncture is often more effective than conventional therapies.
Allopathic treatment of psoriasis often consists of various topical and systemic components, utilized in a combination therapy. Acupuncture for psoriasis and related stress-based conditions, can provide a non-drug treatment that has no significant side effects. Acupuncture is an effective therapeutic modality for psoriasis, particularly when allopathic medical management is unsuccessful. Your acupuncture physician will perform a full diagnosis including health history to determine how your psoriasis developed and to determine what treatment strategy will resolve it.
Your first visit will address possible factors in condition development including: dietary irregularities, stress, overall skin health, gastrointestinal function, and exposure to skin irritants. A series of initial sessions will work to tailor the therapy plan that will most effectively treat it. Weekly acupuncture treatments for 4-6 weeks may be necessary in this initial treatment phase before determining a long term therapy plan. Many individuals, over time, will experience improvement in their condition symptoms and complete remission may occur.
Acupuncture often helps with psoriasis due to the relaxation effect of the therapy, which reduces symptoms of stress-related psoriasis. By selection of certain acupoints during therapy, your acupuncture physician can treat system imbalances and nervous conditions that may lead to psoriasis outbreaks. Overall length of acupuncture therapy in a comprehensive treatment plan for psoriasis is determined by the severity of the condition and compliance with dietary and Chinese herbal medicine recommendations. For more information about acupuncture for the treatment of psoriasis contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.
