Acupuncture for Eczema
An Acupuncturist's Idea of Eczema
Acupuncturists trained in the theories of Chinese Medicine see eczema as an internal condition of heat (inflammation) and dryness. Dryness can be caused by a lack of cooling fluids (yin or blood deficiency).
Acupuncture is directed to clearing heat and generating fluids. This is done by the selection of points as well as the techniques used in manipulating those points. Acupuncturist use a gentle method called Bu to strengthen energy at a point, or a more stimulating technique called Shi to reduce heat energy at a point. Fluids can be increased by selecting acupuncture points that "Tonify the Yin or Blood."
Types of Eczema
Acute Eczema
Patterns and Symptoms
lesions tends to appear abruptly
can affect any place on the body
red skin rash and severe itching
tends to scab, suppurate, blister and ooze serum
border of affected area is indistinct
Treatment Plan: clear heat, eliminate damp, dispel wind
Chronic Eczema
Patterns and Symptoms
develops gradually from acute or by itself
can affect any part of the body
dry, rough, thick, scaly skin
severe itching
pigment sedimentation with distinct border
Treatment Plan: dispel wind, nourish blood, stop itch, tonify qi
Acupuncture for Eczema - Points
Acupuncture point LI4 • He Gu • Large Intestine 4 Union Valley. Yuan Source Point on the Large Intestine Channel. Command Point of the Face and Mouth.
Location: On the dorsum of the hand, approximately at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone, in the belly of the first interosseus dorsalis muscle.
Contraindication: Do Not Needle If Pregnancy is known or suspected.
Acupuncture point SP 6 (or 9) resolve damp
Acupuncture points SP 10, LI 11 and UB 40: remove toxicity and heat in blood; also major points for calming itching
Acupuncture points DU 14, GB 20 and UB 12: local points for lesions on head and face
Acupuncture points UB 17, SP 6: to nourish and regulate blood
Acupuncture points SP 10, LI 11, UB 40: to stop itch, clear heat and toxicity in blood
Acupuncture points ST 36 and CV 12: to tonify middle jiao
CHINESE TOPICAL MEDICINE FOR ECZEMA USED TOGETHER WITH ACUPUNCTURE
