Can TCM Cure Psoriasis? This is a common question people ask if they're suffering from severe skin conditions.
Let’s start with an honest and important answer: No, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) cannot claim to cure psoriasis.
As qualified health professionals, we must be careful with the language we use, especially when it comes to chronic conditions. We aren’t permitted — and shouldn’t — use the word “cure” when referring to eczema, psoriasis, or any long-term health issue.
What we can say, however, is that TCM may help to relieve symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and support your skin’s healing process through natural means such as Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and dietary guidance. How well this works often depends on the skill and experience of your registered practitioner, as well as how your body responds to treatment.
How Does TCM View Skin Conditions Like Psoriasis?
In TCM, the skin is considered a reflection of your internal balance. When something is out of sync—whether it’s stress, diet, digestion, immunity, or even unprocessed emotions—it can show up on the skin.
Here’s how TCM often interprets common skin symptoms:
Redness or burning = Excess Heat in the body
Flaky or dry patches = Dryness or Deficiency of Yin (moisture and nourishment)
Oozing or weeping = Dampness or Damp-Heat (often linked to gut imbalance)
Itching = Often associated with Wind or internal tension
Thickened or cracked skin = Blood or Yin Deficiency
TCM doesn't treat the skin in isolation. Instead, it looks at the whole picture—digestive function, stress, sleep and even your emotional state.
What Does the Research Say about TCM and Psoriasis?
It's reassuring to know that modern science is also investigating Chinese Medicine's effects on skin conditions.
Psoriasis
- A German study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that herbal mixtures used in TCM helped reduce the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores, especially when tailored to individual symptoms. These formulas often included herbs such as Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia), Ku Shen (Sophora), and Zi Cao (Lithospermum), known for clearing heat and cooling the blood.
- In the United States, research at Mount Sinai explored the use of Chinese herbal topical creams and oral preparations in psoriasis management, with some patients reporting reductions in itch and redness and better overall tolerance compared to corticosteroids.
Eczema & Atopic Dermatitis
- A 2016 systematic review of clinical trials published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment (UK) found that Chinese herbal medicine showed significant improvements in eczema symptoms such as itching, dryness, and redness—especially in children.
- In Australia, a clinical trial at RMIT University evaluated a traditional formula called RCM-106 for eczema. Early results showed promising effects on reducing inflammation and itch. The study is part of a broader movement to evaluate the use of TCM formulas with Western research standards.
What Does TCM Treatment Look Like?
A TCM treatment plan is always individualised. It might include:
Chinese herbal formulas, either as teas, capsules, or topical applications
Acupuncture, to support immune regulation and reduce inflammation
Dietary guidance, aimed at reducing heat, dampness, or dryness
Lifestyle support, especially around stress, sleep, and gut health
The Practitioner Makes a Difference
Just like any field of medicine, your practitioner’s training and experience matter. An AHPRA registered Chinese Medicine practitioner will ask in-depth questions, look closely at your skin, and consider your overall health before prescribing anything.
There is no “one size fits all” formula in TCM — and that’s a good thing. Your formula will likely change as your symptoms shift, ensuring it remains appropriate for your body.
So, can TCM cure psoriasis? No — and we won’t claim it can. But if you’re looking for a natural approach that supports your skin from the inside out and addresses the root causes of your flare-ups, Chinese Medicine offers an individualised way to symptom relief.
📍Based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches? We offer professional, registered Chinese Medicine care using herbs and acupuncture to support your skin health. Book your consultation today — and let’s take the next step together toward calmer, healthier skin.
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