Eczema:
Eczema is an allergic condition marked by pleomorphic skin lesions accompanied by severe itching. Eczema can be caused by internal and external factors, it is classified as acute and chronic types. Acute eczema primarily affects craniofacial region and flexion aspect of the extremities. The condition usually last for 2 to 3 weeks, but may reoccur after recovery. Chronic eczema affects mainly hands, retro auricular region, genital area and legs. Skin lesions may exhibit pigmentation with scales and scratch marks. Chronic eczema may occur primarily or may develop from acute eczema.
According to Chinese medicine, eczema is caused either by exogenous damp, heat and pathogens leading to stagnation of qi and blood in the skin, or by deficiency of blood leading to insufficient nourishment of the skin.
According to Ayurvedic Medicine terminology, eczema is like “Vicharchika”. The symptoms are excessive itching (“kandu”), boil, pustule (“pidika”), and discoloration/hyperpigmentation (“ayava”). At a later advanced stage, it can cause linings/ lichenification/criss-cross marking (raji), pain (“ruja”) and excessive dryness (“saruksa”). The “Vicharchika” is considered to be one of “Kushdra kushtas” which is skin disorder.
According to Charaka , an ancient Ayurvedic scholar, skin disorders can be caused by combination of various factors. Some of the factors are improper food combination, improper timing of having meals, excessively & constantly consuming food which are heavy rich, sour and hot in nature. He also articulated that exposure to excess heat or sudden exposure to cold water contributes to “Kusthas”. Improper food produces the toxin (“ama”) in the body which in turn causes imbalance in doshas.
“Susruta”, another ancient Ayurvedic scholar, also states that when Kapha and Pitta become aggravated by these activities, Vata also gets aggravated as a result. Vata then pushes Pitta and Kapha doshas, affecting the skin all over the body. If it is not treated, aggravated dosha gets through into deeper dhatu and these vitiated dosha manifests as a skin disease.
How Acupuncture & Ayurvedic Medicine can help in eczema:
Acupuncture can help with eczema by controlling the symptoms of itchiness and inflammation. It works by affecting the nervous system and the pathway of itching. Once itching is reduced, it leads to reduce scratching thus resulting in less inflammation and redness of the skin.
Acupuncture can also reduce your chances of skin damage and infection. A famous acupuncture point (located on the leg), known as “Bai Chong Wa” is used to calm the itching. This also assists with discoloration, redness or darkness, thickening or thinning of your skin. Acupuncture helps in promoting blood circulation and boosting repair and healing.
Acupuncture can also decrease emotional stress and improve your sleep. It can help detoxify your body and regulate cortisol levels, acting as a preventative measure against flare-up.
Ayurvedic Medicine can be used in conjunction with acupuncture treatment. Ayurvedic Medicine helps to keep symptoms under control. Ayurvedic diet is also an important consideration in treating eczema. Unsuitable foods or drinks need to be avoided while having Ayurvedic diet according to your constitutions which balance the vata, pitta and kapha and reduce Ama ( toxin) and improves digestive fire. Nutrition is a very important component to bring the homeostasis of your body and mind.
Most eczema patients can feel a difference after 10 to 12 acupuncture treatments. However, the frequency and duration of your treatments will vary widely depending on your condition and history.
Psoriasis:
While medical communities do not know what exactly causes psoriasis, we do know that the immune system and genetics play major roles in its development. Usually, something triggers psoriasis to flare. Skin cells grow at an abnormally fast rate in people with psoriasis which causes the build-up of psoriasis lesions.
Psoriasis is not contagious. Psoriasis lesions are not infectious.
It is not something you can “catch” or that others can catch from you.
In Acupuncture and Ayurveda, it is get treated the same way as eczema.
