Dermatology
If you or someone you love struggles with a chronic skin condition, whether its acne, eczema or even general sensitivity, you probably know first hand how frustrating and confusing it can be to navigate and treat. These conditions are usually of an inflammatory nature, multi-factorial and will often times involve the immune system. Conventional dermatology does not usually address the root cause of skin issues and relies mainly on suppressing symptoms. Often times pharmaceutical medications and treatments that work in this capacity exacerbate the skin conditions, create systemic imbalances which can ultimately worsen symptoms and increase susceptibility. For example, long term anti-biotic use has been shown to cause acne and folliculitis yet it is often the first line of treatment for these conditions. Corticosteroids, used to reduce inflammation are known to cause flare-up dermatitis when discontinued. Further more, aesthetic treatments used to rejuvenate the appearance like Botox and filler, come with secondary side effects like muscle atrophy, skin thinning and micro-adhesion formation, which all accelerate aging. Many modern dermatology treatments are not holistic and do not achieve long term results when cases are more complex and chronic because they are not supportive of skin health and wellness.
Many of the treatments we have access to create viscous cycles of clearing and flaring, suppression and regression, especially when they are harsh and do not address the root cause. Skin issues are all consuming and often take us journeys to places we may never have otherwise traveled. Trying every type of lotion, potion, healing modalities, light therapy gadget, supplement and diet known to help skin, in hopes to resolve the issue. This is usually after trying many different things from the dermatologist. I know first hand the emotional rollercoaster that is chronically inflamed skin. I have struggled with adult acne, cystic, hormonal acne, perioral dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, pityriasis lichenoides and folliculitis.
Western dermatology is incredibly generalized and diagnoses all patients with categorically similar skin issues a like. Eastern medicine shines light on the nuance and individuality of a particular imbalance or disease manifestation. Ultimately this attention to detail and differential pattern diagnoses makes treatment more targeted and effective. Two people can struggle with acne, even the same type of acne, but for entirely different reasons. The root cause of psoriasis can vary person to person and the pattern of disharmony causing one person to break out in hives may be different to the next. When we are able understand someone patterns of disharmony through an Eastern medical lens leasing to their skin condition, we can more effectively address their symptoms and resolve them from the inside out.
In Eastern Medicine inflammation in the form of dampness and heat can congest in tissue and worsen overtime if left untreated. This is why it can sometimes feel like despite trying absolutely every kind of topical product, probiotic and elimination diet, the skin is still inflamed or maybe even worse. Chinese herbs enable us to directly target the area of inflammation and clear it with specific herbs that enter certain channels. It is a far more elegant and synergistic approach to treating skin issues that pharmaceuticals which often times suppress symptoms and have undesirable side effects. When treatment prioritizes skin health by clearing inflammation rather than suppressing it, strengthening the microbiome rather than destroying it and boosting the barrier rather of stripping it the skin finally has a chance to heal and rebalance.
Chronic skin conditions are multi-factorial in nature and require a dynamic and comprehensive approach. Using TCM to identify individual patterns of disharmony allows us to develop more individualized and comprehensive treatment plans that better support skin goals and lifestyle. Herbal medicine provides potent treatment that addresses the root cause while systemically strengthening and supporting well-being holistically. While each journey is different and skin takes time to heal, treatment is compounding and gradual improvements lead to sustained clarity and healing. If you are curious about how East Asian Dermatology can support your skin reach out to schedule a complimentary discovery call!
