How the Combination Works

Practitioners often use both therapies simultaneously to provide a multi-layered treatment:

Acupuncture: Focuses on “cooling” the blood, clearing internal heat, and calming the nervous system. This helps reduce the sensation of itching (pruritus) and inflammation almost immediately for some patients.

Dry Herbs: These are often prescribed as raw, dried ingredients that you boil into a “tea” (decoction) to drink or apply topically as a wash. These herbs are tailored to your specific “pattern,” such as “Damp-Heat” or “Blood Dryness”.
Specific Benefits for Eczema and Psoriasis

Itch Relief: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and natural anti-inflammatories, which can significantly lower the urge to scratch.

Detoxification: Many traditional herbs used for these conditions are known for “clearing heat” and “cooling the blood,” which helps reduce the redness and heat associated with flare-ups.

Immune Regulation: Both therapies aim to balance an overactive immune response, which is a core driver of both psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Stress Management: Because stress is a major trigger for both conditions, the relaxing effect of acupuncture helps prevent stress-induced cycles of inflammation.

What to Expect in Treatment

1. Consultation: Our practitioner will examine your skin, tongue, and pulse to determine your internal “patter”

2. Herbal Preparation: If we prescribe dry herbs, you will typically need to boil them at home. The resulting tea or concoction can be quite bitter.

3. Frequency: Improvement is often gradual. While itching may decrease quickly, a typical course for chronic skin conditions may last several months in order to achieve lasting results.