TCM Treatment for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by well-defined plaques with thick, silvery scaling. In psoriasis, skin cells known as keratinocytes proliferate at an accelerated rate, leading to the buildup of inflamed, scaly lesions on the skin. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), psoriasis is referred to as Bai Bi (“white crust”) for this reason.

Common signs and presentations of psoriasis may include:

  • Red, inflamed plaques with silvery scales

  • Dry, cracked, or itchy skin lesions

  • Flare-ups commonly affecting the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back

  • Nail involvement affecting the fingers or toes

  • Pinpoint bleeding when scales are removed (Auspitz’s sign)

  • Joint pain or stiffness associated with psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis is believed to involve immune, genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors. Common triggers that may worsen symptoms include:

  • Stress and emotional strain

  • Infection or illness

  • Skin trauma or irritation

  • Climate and environmental changes

  • Certain medications, including lithium and antimalarials

Psoriasis can occur at any age, though onset most commonly appears between ages 15–30. At Andy Boehm, LAc, treatment focuses on helping to reduce inflammation, calm flare-ups, and support skin health through acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

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Common TCM patterns associated with psoriasis include:

  • Blood Heat → redness, inflammation, rapid flare-ups, and itching

  • Blood Dryness → dry, thickened, or scaling skin lesions

  • Blood Stasis → chronic, stubborn plaques and darker discoloration

  • Wind → itching, spreading lesions, and fluctuating symptoms

  • Damp-Heat → inflamed, irritated, or weeping presentations

TCM also considers psoriasis to be influenced by:

  • Emotional stress and prolonged internal heat

  • Digestive imbalance involving the spleen and stomach

  • Dietary factors such as spicy foods, alcohol, shellfish, and greasy foods

  • Liver and kidney deficiency patterns contributing to chronic or recurring flare-ups

Our Approach to Psoriasis Treatment

Based on your psoriasis presentation, sessions may include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, and lifestyle guidance to help reduce inflammation, scaling, chronic itching, flare-ups, and immune dysregulation while supporting skin and joint health.

Traditional Chinese herbal formula prepared for psoriasis support, featuring a blend of dried medicinal herbs commonly used in TCM to help reduce inflammation, calm redness and scaling, and support healthy skin function.

Types of Psoriasis We Treat

  • Plaque Psoriasis — Red, scaly plaques commonly affecting the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.

  • Guttate Psoriasis — Small drop-like lesions often triggered by infection.

  • Flexural Psoriasis — Inflamed psoriasis affecting skin folds and sensitive areas.

  • Pustular Psoriasis — Inflamed skin with pustules and irritation.

  • Erythrodermic Psoriasis — A severe inflammatory form of psoriasis involving widespread redness and skin shedding.

  • Psoriatic Arthritis — Psoriasis associated with joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Close-up of plaque psoriasis on the elbow showing thick red inflamed skin with dry silvery scaling and cracking.

Psoriasis image via Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does psoriasis treatment take?

The timeline for psoriasis treatment depends on the severity, chronicity, and overall presentation of the condition. Many patients notice improvement within 6–8 weeks with consistent treatment 1–2 times per week, though relief from itching, inflammation, and flare-ups may occur sooner.

Do I need to use acupuncture and Chinese herbs together?

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are often most effective when used together. Acupuncture helps regulate inflammation, stress, and immune function, while herbal medicine provides continued support between sessions to help reduce scaling, irritation, and recurrent flare-ups.

Can I use acupuncture and Chinese herbs alongside my current psoriasis treatment?

Yes. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can often be used alongside conventional dermatological care. Your practitioner will review your medications and supplements to ensure herbs are prescribed safely and appropriately.

Can acupuncture help psoriatic arthritis?

Acupuncture may help support patients experiencing psoriatic arthritis by helping reduce joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, and stress associated with chronic flare-ups.

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Xu, Y., & Sumei, Y. (2004). Dermatology in traditional chinese medicine. Donica Pub.