Living with eczema can be a relentless struggle. Luckily, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach that aims to address not just the symptoms, but the root causes as well.
In this guide, we will delve into modern TCM tips that can help you manage eczema symptoms effectively.
If you are seeking natural alternatives to conventional eczema treatments, read on to discover the wisdom of TCM, its time-tested remedies, and how visiting a TCM clinic in Singapore might benefit you.
Understanding Eczema from a TCM Perspective
At the core of TCM lies the concept of balance and harmony. Unlike conventional Western medicine which often targets specific symptoms, TCM addresses the body as a complex interconnected system. It recognises that external factors, internal imbalances, and emotional well-being play pivotal roles in health.
Learn more: Eczema & Topical Steroid Withdrawal – How Does TCM Help?
Therefore, eczema is not merely a skin issue from TCM’s perspective. It is a reflection of Qi deficiency (weakened immune system/external defences due to genetic predisposition) or Qi stagnation (emotional stress), leading to disharmonies manifesting as skin irritations. This emphasises the importance of identifying the root cause of eczema rather than merely suppressing its outward symptoms.
Beyond Qi imbalance, a compromised digestive system can also lead to the accumulation of heat and dampness in the body, contributing to eczema flare-ups.
Eczema Treatments in the Realm of TCM
In modern TCM clinics, eczema treatment utilises both traditional and tech-enhanced therapies that work hand in hand to achieve optimal and longer-lasting results.
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Traditional TCM treatments
– Acupuncture: Delicate needles, when strategically placed, stimulate the body’s Qi flow, promoting healing and balance. Acupuncture sessions, tailored to your specific condition, can aid in reducing inflammation and soothing eczema-prone skin.
– Herbal and dietary remedies: TCM practitioners prescribe herbs known for their healing properties and these natural ingredients work to restore harmony within the body. Herbal concoctions can target internal imbalances contributing to eczema flare-ups. Some benefits of herbal and dietary remedies include regulating the immune system, promoting skin recovery and scar healing, and reducing itch and dryness.
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Tech-enhanced therapies
– Electro-Lymphatic Therapy (ELT): ELT is a non-invasive treatment that aims to improve lymphatic drainage, which reduces inflammation in return. By enhancing skin health from within, ELT can complement traditional TCM treatments.
– Cell Pro Therapy (CPT): This innovative therapy involves exposure to negative ions, which are believed to have a positive impact on cell repair and metabolism. It may help alleviate stress, a known trigger for eczema flare-ups.
Learn more: A TCM Experience Like No Other: 6 Tech-Enhanced Assessments & Therapies
TCM Tips for Eczema Relief
In the quest for relief from eczema, TCM proves to be a comprehensive option that paves a path toward soothing not just the skin, but the very essence of harmony that resides within us.
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Preventing external wind or dampness
In TCM, susceptibility to eczema can be linked to weakened external defences. When this defence is weakened, the skin barrier becomes vulnerable, allowing these external wind pathogens to breach our body’s natural protective barriers. The result? An aggravated state of eczema, with signature dryness and itching taking centre stage. Hence, avoid exposing your body to cold air or direct wind and shield yourself from external wind pathogens to maintain healthy skin.
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Improving gut health
In TCM, the gut is linked to the Spleen and Stomach meridians — channels through which Qi flows. When these meridians are obstructed or weakened due to poor dietary choices, emotional stress, or external factors, heat dampness occurs. This condition is believed to be at the core of eczema development, hampers the body’s ability to circulate Qi and nourish the skin. Thus, incorporate gut-friendly foods like probiotics and fibre-rich options into your diet to promote digestive health.
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Reducing high sugar intake
From a TCM perspective, foods rich in sugars have the potential to ignite a chain reaction within the body, leading to heightened inflammation and more intense eczema flare-ups. Beyond the immediate inflammatory response, TCM unveils another layer of insight into the effects of sweet foods on eczema-prone individuals — the consumption of sweet foods causes dampness and phlegm to accumulate in the body. This is understood to be a result of a compromised digestive system and Spleen function. The presence of dampness and phlegm within the body can exacerbate skin inflammation, creating an environment that is conducive to flare-ups, making it challenging for eczema flare-ups to subside.
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Avoiding fried and spicy foods
Fried and spicy foods are often associated with intense flavours and textures that can contribute to the accumulation of internal heat. This heat, according to TCM principles, can manifest as inflammation, causing discomfort for individuals grappling with eczema. Moreover, the impact of fried foods extends beyond heat alone. TCM believes that consuming oily foods places an additional burden on the digestive system, leading to an accumulation of dampness within the body. It is advisable to embrace a clean and nourishing diet comprising warm and cooked foods that are rich in nutrients and easy on the digestive system.
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Managing stress and getting enough rest
Eczema flare-ups often find their roots intertwined with the modern challenges of our fast-paced lives. For those who endure late nights or constant high-stress situations, the skin barrier gets disrupted, leading to eczema symptoms worsening. From a TCM perspective, restful sleep when the clock strikes 11pm is a crucial facet of harmonious well-being. During these early hours of the night, our body undergoes a process of detoxification and cell repair, facilitated by the gallbladder, liver, lungs, and large intestines. Sleeping before 9pm holds even greater significance — this time window is when the regulation of endocrine and lymphatic systems occur, which play pivotal roles in hormone regulation and immune support.
Unlocking Harmony for Eczema Relief With TCM
Whether you are seeking relief from itching, inflammation, or discomfort, these modern TCM tips for managing eczema symptoms provide a roadmap to a more comfortable and balanced life.
As each individual’s journey is unique, it is recommended to consult a qualified practitioner at Oriential Remedies Group, a TCM clinic in Singapore, who will create a tailored approach that aligns with your needs.
Note: All words in Italics refer to the TCM organ-system and not the anatomical organ referenced in Western medicine.
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