Complementary treatments
Complementary treatments are used alongside conventional medicine and you should discuss the type of treatment you wish to follow with your doctor so that there is every assurance that the treatment you have chosen is safe and appropriate for your symptoms.
With complementary treatments it is the person who is being treated rather than the condition ie psoriasis and the types of treatments used vary from one patient to another. Some of the treatments available include:
Chinese medicine
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Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) which originated from China seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qui: which if doesn’t flow smoothly can generate heat. Chinese medicines which are herb based can treat psoriasis by removing toxins from the body, reducing levels of stress hormones, promoting emotional wellbeing and reducing inflammation. |
All Chinese medicines should be used with caution and guidance should be taken from your doctor or a qualified/reputable Chinese medicine practitioner before starting this sort of treatment.
Acupuncture
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Acupuncture takes a holistic approach and targets the underlying problems and therefore focuses on areas of the body which may not appear affected. Acupuncture can help relieve stress and anxiety which is one of the major triggers of psoriasis and acupuncture is recognised as one of the best ways to deal with these triggers. |
Ultra-fine needles are inserted into the skin and the acupuncturist will look to restore balance which will allow the body to heal itself. It is thought that the needles stimulate nerves that release pain-killing chemicals (endorphins). Endorphins give pain-relief and may help cause anti-inflammatory mechanisms to ease redness and irritation. As acupuncture needles help with relaxation thus relieving stress and anxiety which in turn may help prevent psoriasis flare ups.
Acupuncture treatment can last from a couple of minutes to an hour. Treatments may also include other forms of acupuncture, such as electro-acupuncture, or laser acupuncture. Laser acupuncture uses lasers, instead of needles.
Acupuncture is known to bring about some excellent results with psoriasis where conventional treatments have failed.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a system of medicine which involves treating the individual with highly diluted substances, with the aim of triggering the body's natural system of healing.
Homeopathy can be used alongside conventional medicines because homeopathic medicines (remedies) are non-toxic and have no side effects.
Homeopathic remedies can be very effective in controlling the symptoms of psoriasis and reducing the frequency of the outbreaks and are available in two forms:
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Most of these remedies can be purchased over the counter at your health food store, however it is important to read the labels and seek advice from a professional practitioner before embarking on a homeopathic remedy regime.
Naturopathy
Naturopathic treatment identifies and treats causes of health imbalance and seeks to understand all the factors that may be affecting a person’s wellbeing. It considers the components of health in order to help a person restore that balance described as good health. Naturopathic medicine offers safe, cost-effective solutions to treat psoriasis.
The relationship between disease and nutrition is well known. Psoriasis can be improved through changes in diet however others respond well to proper supplementation of specific nutrients.
Naturopathic therapies can include:
- Clinical nutrition
- Diet
- Lifestyle
- Botanical medicine
- Vitamin, mineral and enzyme therapy
Ayurvedic medicine
Psoriasis can be considered an imbalance of vata and kapha doshas. If you keep healthy and stress and anxious free then all the three doshas will remain in balance. The doshas affect the skin and blood tissues and the water element of affected areas on the skin.
Ayurvedic medicine is a regime which involves detoxification, diet, exercise, use of herbs and techniques which help improve mental and emotional wellbeing. The aim of Ayurveda medicine is to prevent disease by working with your body.
Some tips which may be of help:
- Avoid eating opposite foods as certain foods or food combination's lead to toxemia and digestive disorders ie do not mix meat protein with milk protein
- Do not control natural urges such as vomiting, empting your bladder
- Do not take a cold water bath/shower after exercise
- Do not consume foods which cause indigestion
- Do not eat too many salty, sour or acidic foods
- Avoid sleeping in the afternoon
- Apply herbal scrubs instead of soaps
- Apply herbal balm infused with vata and kapha herbs
- Apply moisturising gels/creams to maintain the skin’s moisture levels
Massage
As massage is widely known to reduce stress, a common trigger in psoriasis outbreaks, it can be an excellent therapy. It can be particularly helpful for reducing pain and therefore beneficial for psoriatic arthritis sufferers.
When making an appointment ensure the therapist is aware of your psoriasis as this will help him/her to choose the best oils and lotions for your skin.
Massage is fine for people with psoriasis except for those suffering with acute psoriasis. Massage would not be suitable directly on lesions or patches of red skin as this may lead to infections.
Always speak with your doctor before deciding to use any complementary treatments as not all treatments will suit everyone. You should only use reputable practitioners.
Information written by the talkhealth medical panel
Last Reviewed: 18 February 2011
Next Review Date: 18 February 2013
