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 soothe 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 from 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, but it is also 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:

 

●        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:

https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis

 

 

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!

Natural Facelifts with Acupuncture

Natural Facelifts with Acupuncture

More and more Americans are turning away from Botox and invasive cosmetic procedures and finding that facial acupuncture is giving them the natural facelift they are looking for.

Facial acupuncture, which has seen a large increase in popularity in the past ten years, works by improving blood flow at the site of the needle placement and stimulating cell growth.

According to an article in the Daily Mail, inserting acupuncture needles “encourages the production of healing collagen, the protein which the body uses to keep the skin youthful and elastic.”

Patients have reported glowing skin after receiving a 30-minute acupuncture treatment as well as smoother and brighter skin the next day. Color to the face also sees improvement from the increase in blood flow.

Cosmetic acupuncture can reduce and soften fine lines in the face as well as reducing bags under the eyes.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine work by addressing the body as a whole. Facial acupuncture will not only change the way your skin looks, but will improve overall wellbeing. Reports of better sleep and less stress have also been seen from facial acupuncture.

Because TCM believes that every part of the body is linked to internal organs, it is believed that sagging skin can be a result of a weakness in the spleen, and dark circles under the eye are linked to a liver or stomach weakness.

When acupuncture addresses these organs through specific points on the body, it returns the body to its normal function and as a result helps the problem areas.

Facial/cosmetic acupuncture is non-invasive and has no side effects. It is painless and not only helps rejuvenate the face, but reduces feelings of anxiety and stress. Acupuncture helps improve the body’s natural energy flow, called qi, returning the body back to balance.

Contact an acupuncturist to learn more about how facial acupuncture can not only improve and rejuvenate skin, but destress and relax the body and mind.

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

New York Sports Acupuncture

(888) 375-5444

www.newyorksportsacupuncture.com

5 Alternative Treatments and Home Remedies 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:

●     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.

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

New York Sports Acupuncture

(888) 375-5444

www.newyorksportsacupuncture.com

Sources:

https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis

Can Acupuncture Effectively Treat Psoriasis?

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!

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

New York Sports Acupuncture

(888) 375-5444

www.newyorksportsacupuncture.com

Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1357925