Modern TCM Tips to Manage Eczema Symptoms

Link copied! 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. Traditional TCM treatments – Acupuncture: Delicate needles, when strategically placed, stimulate the body’s Qi flow, promoting healing and balance. Acupuncture sessions, tailored to you 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. 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 harmonies that resides within us. 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 becomed 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. 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. Reducing high sugar intake From a TCM perspective, foods rich in sugars have a 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 the 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. 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. 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

Eczema & Topical Steroid Withdrawal – How Does TCM Help?

Link copied! Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions. In Singapore, the prevalence of eczema is one of the highest in the world with 1 in 10 adults known to have eczema [1]. As for eczema among children, research done locally found a higher rate of 2 in 10 children [2]. The impact of eczema on an individual is not only limited to one’s physical health, such as skin discomfort and pain but can also affect one’s mental and emotional health. Daily battles with the condition can be traumatic and many eczema patients struggle with self-esteem issues. Over at Oriental Remedies Group (ORG), we have helped many eczema and Topical Steroid Withdrawal patients manage their condition. We strive to help patients manage their eczema better and improve their quality of life to #BeTheBestYouCanBe. In this article, we help you understand the causes of eczema and share some treatment options that can help alleviate symptoms and reduce flare-ups. What is Eczema? Eczema refers to a group of conditions that causes inflammation and irritation of the skin. There are several different kinds of eczema, the most common one is known as Atopic Dermatitis. In mild cases of eczema, the skin will be dry and sensitive. In more severe cases, the skin will itch intensely and flaking occurs. Oozing, crusting, bleeding and infections can also occur [3]. Eczema is known to occur due to an overactive immune system. This results in abnormal responses to internal and external triggers. Internal triggers include poor liver function, high-stress levels and adrenal glands imbalances. External triggers include environmental factors (dust, weather, exposure to water, use of cosmetics etc.) and diet (high inflammatory foods, allergy-causing foods It is important for eczema sufferers to identify and avoid allergens as they can cause or worsen eczema flare-ups. Some common examples of allergens include dairy products, nuts, wheat, shellfish, foods high in chemical additives and alcohol. It is also important to note that causes of eczema flare-ups are different for each individual, and similarly so for the intensity of the flare-ups. More recently, the importance of gut health and the relationship between poor gut health and skin issues is increasingly gaining public attention. Our gut contains trillions of strains of bacteria and microbes, called the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome helps maintain balance in our body systems. However, when there is dysregulation in the gut microbiome such as in the case of a leaky gut, skin issues will arise. Research has shown a link between leaky gut and Atopic Dermatitis [4][5]. “There seem to be three major reasons why patients seek alternative medicine for atopic dermatitis: First, we simply don’t yet have a cure for this disease. Second, we can’t yet clearly explain why this disease occurs. While doctors try hard to describe factors that play a role in atopic dermatitis, such as cytokines and inflammatory cells, we still can’t pinpoint the root of the disease. Third, the outcomes of conventional atopic dermatitis treatments are not always consistent, and sometimes they are perceived as being unsafe.” — Peter Lio, M.D What is Topical Steroid Withdrawal, Topical Steroid Addiction and Red Skin Syndrome? Topical corticosteroids is one of the most widely and inexpensive drugs used in dermatology to manage eczema. They work by reducing inflammation in the body and are like the corticosteroids made biologically by the adrenal glands. Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) is a term used to refer to symptoms that arise in the days and weeks after an individual stops topical steroid usage. The symptoms include but are not limited to more pronounced burning, stinging or painful skin, a “red sleeve” pattern on the arms and legs that may be accompanied by swelling, and new areas of eczema that have never appeared before. It has been suggested that topical steroid withdrawal is associated with the use of medium to high potency topical and/or oral steroids, but there have been exceptions to this as well. Given that topical steroid withdrawal is still a relatively new area, much more research is still underway. [6] For individuals undergoing topical steroid withdrawal, it can be unbearably exhausting on many levels – physical, emotional, social and financial. Instances such as having to be homebound and in isolation be it for months or years are very real struggles. It is not an easy journey. With social support and the right treatments to rebuild the body’s system, individuals undergoing topical steroid withdrawal can definitely be better supported in their journey of recovery. Besides Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), Topical Steroid Addiction (TSA) and Red Skin Syndrome (RSS) are also two other syndromes that patients experience. While these terms are sometimes used exchangeably, there are differences between them. TSA refers to the origin of TSW, by which the body develops tolerance to topical corticosteroids, and as such, requires a higher dosage of the drug in order for one’s eczema condition to achieve the same effect that is initially achieved by a lower dosage. For TSA, periods of withdrawal from topical corticosteroids will cause a rebound of eczema symptoms. Other symptoms of TSA include redness in areas where the drug is not being applied as well as intense itching, burning and stinging [7] [8]. RSS on the other hand is a symptom of TSW and specifically refers to capillaries on the skin widening up after being artificially constricted by topical steroids. It can be accompanied by body redness or flushing, as well as painful burning and stinging sensations The root cause of eczema in Traditional Chinese Medicine According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) view, eczema is commonly caused by deficiencies in the organs of Liver, Spleen and Kidney combined with pathogenic factors of wind (风邪), heat (暑邪) and dampness (湿邪). 1) Pathogenic Factor – Wind (风邪) In TCM, it is explained that illnesses that stem from pathogenic factors will reflect similar characteristics. We can all agree that wind has the characteristics of being formless and fast-moving. In eczema, this is similarly reflected in the sporadic occurrences of flare-ups