Acupuncture and herbal medicine for eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, itching, dryness, and irritation. It can affect people of all ages and often comes in cycles of flare-ups and remissions. While conventional treatments such as steroid creams, antihistamines, and immunosuppressants can help manage symptoms, they don’t always provide long-term relief and may have unwanted side effects. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a holistic and natural approach to treating eczema by addressing the underlying imbalances that contribute to the condition.

Eczema is a complex skin condition which can be triggered by the external environment as with contact dermatitis or it can appear without any apparent external cause. It can involve both chronic and acute lesions to the skin. The lesions invariably involve dryness and itching of the skin which can be quite intense. Some lesions may begin as vesicles which burst and weep a clear fluid. The condition can be improved or exacerbated by certain weather conditions, and heating stimulants like caffeine and alcohol can worsen the condition. Drug treatment tends to involve local or systemic anti-inflammatories which aid in acute flare-ups but do not prevent recurrence of lesions. The body often becomes less and less responsive to drug treatment of this kind.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be very effective in treating eczema. Chinese medicine views eczema as heat drying the body’s normal cooling and soothing mechanisms. Acupuncture and herbal medicines (creams applied externally and herbal medicinals taken internally) work to cool the body and soothe the tissues locally in order to treat acute flare-ups as well as provide long-term improvement in the condition.

How Can Acupuncture Help with Eczema?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), eczema is often linked to imbalances in the body, particularly excessive heat, dampness, and deficiencies in qi (energy) and blood. Acupuncture helps regulate these imbalances and restore harmony, leading to healthier skin and fewer flare-ups.

• Reduces Inflammation and Itching – Acupuncture helps calm the immune system, reducing inflammation and alleviating itching, one of the most distressing symptoms of eczema. Studies suggest acupuncture can lower inflammatory markers in the body and relieve pruritus (itching) associated with skin conditions (Pfab et al., 2012).
• Balances the Immune System – Eczema is often associated with an overactive immune response. Acupuncture helps regulate immune function, decreasing the hypersensitivity that leads to flare-ups. Research has shown acupuncture can modulate immune responses, improving symptoms of allergic and autoimmune conditions (Wang et al., 2020).
• Improves Skin Hydration and Healing – By improving blood circulation, acupuncture enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin, promoting faster healing and reducing dryness and cracking.
• Reduces Stress, a Major Trigger – Stress is a well-known trigger for eczema flare-ups. Acupuncture has been proven to lower cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone), helping to prevent stress-related skin reactions and improve emotional well-being (Spaeth et al., 2013).
• Supports Gut Health for Stronger Skin – Many eczema sufferers have underlying digestive imbalances that contribute to inflammation. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine work together to support gut health, helping to heal eczema from the inside out.

Why Choose Chinese Medicine for Eczema?

Unlike steroid creams and medications that only mask symptoms, Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach to eczema by addressing the root cause of inflammation. Many people turn to acupuncture and herbal medicine because:

• They experience recurring flare-ups despite using conventional treatments.
• They prefer a natural, drug-free approach with fewer side effects.
• They have eczema triggered by stress, diet, allergies, or hormonal imbalances.
• They want a long-term solution rather than relying on medications.

Chinese medicine can also be used alongside conventional treatments to enhance effectiveness and reduce reliance on medications.

At The London Acupuncture Clinic, we specialise in treating skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, and rosacea. Our expert practitioners, Inga Heese, Robin Burby, Katie Scampton and James Mutkin have extensive postgraduate training in dermatology. They combine acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to create personalised treatment plans that address the root cause of your acne for long-term skin health.