Psoriasis is characterised by red patches and dry flaky skin. It can be quite localised or very widespread. In Chinese medicine, psoriasis is caused by excessive heat in the Blood. This heat causes the red patches, and the nature of heat is to dry up or consume the body fluids, leading to dryness.

This heat can develop from many different sources. For example, alcohol is hot energetically and excessive consumption of alcohol can cause heat to accumulate in the Blood leading to psoriasis. Certain foods are warming or hot in their nature and excessive consumption of these also can lead to psoriasis.

Stress is often associated with psoriasis. Unmanaged stress causes the energy (qi) of our bodies to get 'stuck'. When the qi cannot flow smoothly then it generates heat. This is similar to a car stuck in a traffic jam on the motorway; the car is ticking over but not moving and gradually the car gets hotter and hotter.

There is also what is known as a 'empty heat'. This is a little different and requires a note of explanation. The basic philosophy of Chinese medicine consists of 'Yin and Yang ' and these have many meanings depending on the context, indeed everything in the universe can be described in terms of Yin and Yang. Yang is Heat (Fire) and Yin is Cool (Water). When there is no enough Yin then there is a relative excess of Yang. This is termed 'Empty Heat'. This can also contribute to 'heat in the Blood ' leading to psoriasis.

These are not the only sources of heat. For example, babies develop heat in the blood from the mother during pregnancy. This is termed 'foetal heat'.

To treat this condition it is important to identity where the heat is coming from.

There are many acupuncture points that are used to clear heat. If the qi is stuck then acupuncture is very effective at moving Qi and so dispersing heat. Psoriasis that is localised requires a different approach to psoriasis that is more systemic. All psoriasis will require a course of acupuncture treatment and the number of treatments will depend on the severity of the psoriasis and the underlying causes.

Many pharmaceutical creams may improve the symptoms but they often drive the heat deeper into the body and in doing so, they make the condition more chronic.