More than Skin Deep: Holistic Home Remedies for Psoriasis

(Psoriasis Action Month)
More than Skin Deep:
Holistic Home Remedies for Psoriasis

August is Psoriasis Action Month, promoted to help educate the public about the most common auto-immune disease in the country. In psoriasis, the rapid growth of skin cells leads to raised red scaly patches, the signature symptom of this chronic inflammatory skin disease. Even though it is not contagious, it is extremely widespread. While it’s gained much more attention in the past 10 years, the condition has been around a long time.

“Dry lichen (traditional name for psoriasis) is itchy with dry skin and a discernible border. When scratched white scales are formed.”

-Zhu Bing Yuan Hou Lun (Treatise Regarding the Origin and Symptoms of All Diseases 610 CE

Traditionally, Chinese medicine would associate it with certain patterns in the body such as ‘hot blood’, ‘fire toxins’, ‘wind’, and ‘damp heat’. The main meridian system involved is the lung/large intestine network. In Chinese Medicine, the lungs govern the skin, and the large intestine is the paired organ to the lungs (Interestingly, numerous studies have linked intestinal health to skin homeostasis). While there are many ways to support the body’s natural healing process at home, the most effective Chinese Medicine for psoriasis is a customized herbal formula tailored to your specific pattern.


Some lifestyle keys to help manage flare-ups are to, firstly, avoid triggers such as stress, anxiety, and alcohol. Often simply soaking in a warm (not hot) Epsom or mineral salt bath can calm angry, itchy skin. Regular saunas have provided relief for many, as well as sunshine in moderation.


Usually those suffering from psoriasis will become familiar with specific foods that can aggravate the skin such as spicy foods, caffeine, dairy, gluten, and other potentially allergenic foods like peanuts, corn, soy or citrus. It is recommended to keep a food diary to get to know your individual sensitivities. Some cooling foods that can help reduce heat in skin include mung beans, dandelion greens, broccoli, bok choi, cucumber, watermelon, pineapple, pears, celery, and white radish. Probiotics can also be taken to support gut health as well.


A powerful herb credited with skin soothing and healing ability is Indigo Naturalis, known as Qing Dai in Chinese herbology. Topical applications are very effective in minimizing symptoms, shown to provide a 75% clearing of psoriasis when using only Indigo Naturalis topically, regardless of severity. It is considered very safe with no adverse effects.


There are a couple very important acupressure points to work with as well. SP 10 (sea of blood), is found when the knee is bent, about 2 fingerwidths above the top of the inside corner of the kneecap. This is one of the best points to ‘cool blood’ and can help clear the heat that leads to itching and inflammation of the skin. 

Another point to massage is GB 20 (wind pool) known to subdue ‘wind patterns’ of the body often associated with skin conditions that come and go and flare up in various parts of the body. Locate it by feeling for the bone behind the ear then following the groove back to where the neck muscles attach to the skull. Use deep, firm pressure towards your skull for 10 seconds at a time (great for headaches too!).


When psoriasis action month ends, many will continue to deal with this frustrating skin condition throughout the year. Yet, there are ways to alleviate the suffering. These home remedies offer some keys to relief but personalized pattern treatment with acupuncture and herbs can deliver even more. With a growing awareness of the nature and prevalence of this disorder can come awareness of more holistic treatment options and hope for true healing.


For personalized treatment of psoriasis and other skin conditions, reach out for an appointment as soon as possible so we can get you on the track to healing!