TCM's Role in Relieving Eczema Symptoms

According to Western medicine, there is no known cause for eczema and treatment methods include avoiding trigger factors, keeping the skin moisturised and using topical steroids or taking oral antihistamines.

However, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has an entirely different view of what contributes to eczema and believes that a holistic approach is capable of managing the symptoms well.

Keep reading to find out how TCM can help with eczema.

How TCM Views Eczema

TCM believes that eczema is caused by a combination of wind, dampness, and heat accompanied by deficiencies in the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney. Excessive wind in the Liver is linked to stress and hormonal changes, causing flare-ups to occur. Dampness in the Spleen can be caused by an unhealthy diet such as consuming too much cooling or cold food and beverages, resulting in painful blisters in eczema patients. Internal heat also causes eczema symptoms to worsen while deficiencies in the Kidney exacerbate itching, dryness, and inflammation.

However, as every individual’s body constitution is unique, it is always important to see a registered TCM physician in Singapore who will be able to understand your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Learn more: What to Expect at Your First TCM Clinic Visit

How TCM Modalities Help in Relieving Eczema Symptoms

Herbal medications

Herbal medications play a pivotal role in managing and relieving eczema symptoms as they address the root of the problem from the inside to offer longer-lasting external results. A combination of herbs may be prescribed to address any disharmony and deficiencies in the body to alleviate inflammation and reduce flare-ups.

Acupuncture

Inserting fine needles into specific acupoints during acupuncture helps to stimulate Qi flow to correct any imbalances in the body. This, in turn, reduces itching, decreases inflammation and strengthens the immune system to prevent frequent flare-ups. Other than enhancing overall well-being internally, acupuncture can also improve skin health and restore your skin barrier, which could be beneficial for eczema.

TCM’s Tips for Managing Eczema Symptoms or Preventing Flare-Ups

Just like how Western medicine has its own set of advice for managing eczema and flare-ups, TCM also has tips that will work hand-in-hand with treatments for faster and optimum results.

Here are some things to do and avoid, according to TCM.

Avoid certain food

Some food can add heat to your body, causing eczema to worsen and resulting in more flare-ups as well. It is wise to avoid dairy, sugar, alcohol, processed food, and warming spices like turmeric and ginger.

Speak to a registered TCM physician to find out more about the list of foods you need to cut down on or avoid based on your body constitution.

Manage stress levels

It is also essential to manage your stress levels to avoid internal triggers like poor liver function which contributes to eczema flare-ups. Learn to take time off from your busy schedule to do something you enjoy to de-stress.

Keep your skin moisturised

A gentle moisturiser should be your best friend and reapplied throughout the day to reduce flare-ups and skin flaking.

Let TCM Help You Live a Fulfilling Life

Eczema may be common and incurable but there is no need to let it take control of your life. TCM for eczema is an all-natural approach that can work in tandem with Western medicine so there is no need for you to entirely forgo a certain treatment.

If Western medications and approaches do not seem to be helping, consider turning to TCM to fix your ‘internal’ state. Although eczema is not a condition one can easily heal from and takes time and effort, active and effective management will help relieve itching, manage symptoms and prevent frequent and painful flare-ups.

Here at Thomson Chinese Medicine, our team of physicians is dedicated to helping eczema sufferers by customising a treatment plan that comprises acupuncture and herbal medication, further supported by positive dietary and lifestyle routines.

Get in touch to find out more!