Acupuncture for Eczema and Psoriasis - research and information

From www.acupuncture.org.uk

There are few published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of the effects of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic eczema and psoriasis. Two small RCTs found that acupuncture reduced itch in patients with atopic eczema (Pfab 2011; Pfab 2010). On the other hand, a small RCT of acupuncture for psoriasis concluded that classical acupuncture is not superior to sham acupuncture (Jerner 1997). Sham interventions are not inactive placebos, but effectively different versions of acupuncture, so their value in evaluating treatment efficacy is highly questionable.

In general, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body's homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being. Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress (Hui 2010)

Acupuncture may help to relieve symptoms in people with atopic eczema and psoriasis by reducing inflammation, by promoting release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors (Zijlstra 2003; Kavoussi 2007);regulating mediators of the allergic reaction to extrinsic allergens, for example Ig-E (Rao 2006), serum cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-, Ig-E) (Okumura 2002), and basophils (Pfab 2011);enhancing natural killer cell activities and modulating the number and ratio of immune cell types (Kawakita 2008);increasing local microcirculation (Komori 2009), which aids dispersal of swelling;

Prepare for the cold & flu season

By paying attention to your body and recognizing the first signs of a cold or flu, you may be able to prevent it from developing. Common first signs include: scratchy throat, sneezing, achiness in your body or head, feeling unusually tired, sensitivity to wind or drafts, or even just not wanting to go outside without an extra layer of clothing.

In addition to getting acupuncture as soon as possible, there are a number of things you can do to help boost your immune system so you can fight the illness more quickly and effectively. 

Chinese medicine classifies colds and flus into two primary categories, depending on whether the primary signs are more of heat or of cold.
Heat signs include fever/feeling hot, thirst, sweating, headache, painful sore throat, yellow/green nasal discharge and an aversion to heat.
Cold signs include feeling chilled, sneezing, a stiff neck, lack of sweating, clear/white nasal discharge and an aversion to cold.

Home remedies

For heat signs, help your body cool while it fights the pathogen.
Add ½ cup of chrysanthemum flowers and ½ cup of mint leaves to 4 cups of water and boil for 20 minutes to make a tea. To stay hydrated, thsi mix of juices is especially effective: 1 head of cabbage, 2 cucumbers, 2 oranges and 1 cup of dandelion greens.
For cold signs, help your body clear the pathogen by using warming foods that help you sweat.
Have a steaming bowl of miso soup with extra scallions. You can also make a tea with: 1 chopped scallion, 3 slices of fresh ginger, 1 chopped garlic clove, some basil and a pinch of powdered cinnamon. Add to 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.

The best way to fight colds and flus is still to avoid getting them in the first place. Wash your hands often and avoid touching common items in public places such as door handles. Also, keep yourself warm, dry and well nourished so your body can use its energies to protect you.

Fend Off Colds and Flus this Autumn

Gone is the Summer sunshine and warmth and as the weather gets colder, wetter and windier (especially of late), people are more likely to develop signs of colds (cough, sore throat, runny nose) or flu. The best way to treat a disease is to prevent it.  So, do something to boost your immune system now before you start showing any symptom. Chinese herbs such as Huang Qi (Astralagus) are used to strengthen Qi and to boost the immune system.

Acupuncture can help rebalance energy, regulate the Qi and stimulate the immune system. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that acupuncture and herbal medicine in particular reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the length of time one is ill. When you get sick with a cold or the flu, do not wait. Start acupuncture treatments in the early stages. It may help eliminate pathogenic influences.
Regular exercise of sufficient intensity (to warm you up, but not to make you sweat- not overdoing it) has been shown to reduce the incidence of the flu. Exercise such as Qi-gong, Tai-Chi, and Yoga can help reduce emotional and physical stress. It also strengthens the immune system and prevents disease from arising.

Keep a good diet. Make sure to eat a full balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Foods containing beta-carotene are thought to help boost your immune system and keep your mucous membranes and upper respiratory system healthy and harder to infect. Carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, garlic and tomatoes are high in beta-carotene. Eating lots of them during the flu season may help you avoid illness, or recover sooner.

Drink water to prevent dehydration. Ample liquids can help your body flush the invaders and the debris from their battle with your immune system. Chicken soup is recommended because it adds extra water and expels mucous to help you get rid of the illness. Try to drink an 8-ounce glass of water every hour. This is very important to help your body recover from the flu.
Extra rest will help you save energy for battling the illness. This is particularly important if you became sick when you were already tired or run down. Get more sleep and take a nap in the afternoon; it will help you recover faster.