Acupuncture and Eczema

 

When treating eczema, the general treatment in the West is to use topical corticosteriod creams, to treat the symptoms. Acupuncture differs in its approach, by looking at the root cause of the eczema.  By treating this, eczema can be successfully treated and its recurrence avoided.

 

There are different types of eczema, and these types can also be acute or chronic, so each type needs to be treated accordingly.  An acupuncturist will take a full medical history of the person, which will also include asking about their diet and lifestyle, as these factors are often involved with the occurrence and /or patterns of eczema.

 

In Chinese medicine, the skin is seen as the third lung. Eczema has also been referred to there as ‘skin asthma’.  The skin ‘breathes’, it excretes chemicals from the body. Eczema is often present at some stage with asthma, or another respiratory disorder.  Through pulse taking and further diagnosis, an acupuncturist will determine whether the energy or ‘qi’ in the lung meridians is deficient, and will treat this accordingly.  Symptoms of asthma usually respond remarkably well with acupuncture treatment, so there are benefits all round.

 

Any skin complaint, whether it is eczema, acne, rashes or boils can be seen as signs of ‘heat’ within the body, in terms of Chinese medicine.  An acupuncturist will look at the root cause of this, in order to establish why the heat is present.  There is often an imbalance in the stomach and/or spleen meridians when eczema symptoms are present.  Acupuncture points can be used to correct this, and appropriate foods can be discussed.  Avoidance of certain foods which cause heat, such as caffeine, alcohol, fried foods and some dairy products can also be advised.

 

Eczema sufferers often find that under periods of stress their problem gets worse.  As acupuncture has a very relaxing effect upon the body as a whole, it again gets to the root of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms.

 

Eczema is quite common in small children. It can often be triggered when bottle feeding is introduced, or after the first vaccinations.  This is often due to an allergic reaction within the body.  Many of these children eventually develop asthma also.  Children can be treated with acupuncture without needles.  Acupuncture points can be tapped using small special instruments.  Parents can then be instructed on how to continue treatments at home. 

 

 

If you would like to know more about how the Earlsdon Practice can help you contact us here at the Earlsdon Practice by completing the form on our contact page