Skin allergies
Children and adults can develop different types of skin conditions. Skin disorders can occur for many reasons. One of the causes is allergies.
An allergic reaction happens when the immune system has an unusual reaction to a harmless substance. The job of immune system cells is to find foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria, and get rid of them. Normally, this response protects us from dangerous diseases. People with skin allergies have over-sensitive immune systems. They can develop allergic skin rashes and other conditions due to proteins found in food, pollen, latex, drugs or other things. The substances that cause allergic reactions are allergens.
- Eczema
- Contact dermatitis (irritant and allergic)
- Hives (urticaria)
- Swelling (angioedema)
What are common signs of skin allergies?
- Rash
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
- Raised bumps
- Scaling (flaking of skin)
- Cracked skin
What causes skin allergies?
Skin allergies can be triggered by a wide variety of allergens, which can affect individuals differently. These allergens include substances such as latex, pet dander, and poison ivy, which are common environmental triggers. In addition, extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can provoke allergic reactions in some people. Seasonal factors like pollen, as well as sunlight, are also known to cause skin sensitivities. Other triggers include water exposure, certain foods, and insect stings or bites, all of which can lead to allergic skin responses. Furthermore, some individuals may experience skin allergies as a result of taking specific medications, which can cause reactions ranging from mild irritation to more severe symptoms.
Acupuncture for skin allergies
Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine, sterile needles into specific points that lie along meridians of energy in the body (there are some 350 of these points in this tradition). It is believed that stimulation of these nodes unblocks energy, or qi, within the body.
Acupuncture is one of the more widely accepted alternative therapies in the West; it has its origins in China and is believed to have begun between 2,000 and 3,000 years ago.
How does acupuncture work?
The below explains how acupuncture can effectively treat both skin diseases and allergies by addressing key underlying factors:
- Toxins: Poor diet can lead to toxin accumulation, which may affect digestion and result in skin problems as the body tries to expel toxins through the skin. Acupuncture helps improve digestion and enhances the body’s ability to detoxify, leading to healthier skin.
- Immunity: A weakened immune system due to stress, exhaustion, or antibiotics can trigger allergies. Acupuncture not only alleviates symptoms quickly but also regulates the immune system, helping to prevent future allergic reactions.
- Hormones: Hormonal imbalances caused by stress or exhaustion can lead to skin conditions like acne or eczema. Acupuncture helps restore hormonal balance, particularly in the adrenal glands, and addresses skin issues related to hormonal fluctuations.
- Emotions: Emotions can impact the nervous system and, in turn, cause skin problems or allergies. Acupuncture works to relax the nervous system, reducing the frequency and severity of allergic reactions or skin conditions.
Overall, acupuncture promotes balance in the body, helping to alleviate skin diseases and allergies by improving detoxification, immunity, hormonal balance, and emotional well-being.
What skin conditions is acupuncture used to treat?
Acupuncture has been used to treat an extensive list of skin conditions, including:
- The symptom
- Itch
- Atopic dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Urticaria
- Acne
- Postherpetic neuralgia
What are the benefits and drawbacks of acupuncture in the treatment of skin diseases?
The benefits of acupuncture as a dermatology treatment include:
- May provide non-pharmacological relief for pain or itch
- Less invasive than surgery or other common treatments
- Holistic treatment approach, which is often used in combination with Chinese herbs and dietary and other lifestyle changes or cupping and moxibustion
- Increasingly available/accessible treatment.
The drawbacks of acupuncture as a treatment include:
- Lack of good quality evidence for efficacy
- Vasovagal symptoms (dizziness, etc.)
- Insertion site infection (this is considered rare, as needles are sterile and the use of disposable needles has become the norm)
- Contraindications for patients with bleeding disorders.
Cutaneous adverse effects of acupuncture
Acupuncture has been reported to rarely cause cutaneous disease, such as:
- Itching
- Bleeding and bruising
- Bacterial infection
- Atypical mycobacterial infection
- Fungal infection
- Viral infection
- Hypersensitivity reaction
- Lipoatrophy
- Hypertrophic scar
What you may expect visiting acupuncture clinic with skin problems?
- Complete Diagnosis: The diagnosis follows Chinese medicine principles and includes three parts:
- Questions: You’ll be asked about your symptoms, emotions, and dietary habits, which are important for skin issues. A medical history review is also crucial, especially if you’re undergoing tests or on medications.
- Medical Examination: Your pulse will be checked to determine imbalances and blockages in your body, a traditional diagnostic method.
- Palpation: Your body will be examined for any painful or tense areas, with particular attention to the respiratory, digestive, hormonal, and nervous systems.
- Acupuncture Treatment: After the diagnosis, acupuncture treatment begins. Very thin needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points, targeting affected areas. The treatment is almost painless and helps relax and reduce pain in these areas.
- Post-Treatment: After removing the needles, you will receive advice on the treatment plan for your next visits. The number of sessions depends on your condition, but you should feel noticeable improvement after each session.
Common acupuncture points to treat skin allergies
- Large intestine 4 (LI4): LI4 may strengthen immunity, relieve pain, and treat allergies. It may also reduce anxiety and alleviate red, inflamed, and irritated skin.
- Large intestine 11 (LI11): LI11 may clear heat, reduce inflammation, and alleviate dry, itchy, scaly skin. It may also boost immunity.
- Liver 3 (LV3): LV3 may boost immunity and improve circulation. It may calm the nervous system, which may help to reduce insomnia, balance emotions, and alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Spleen 6 (SP6): SP6 may alleviate red, inflamed, and irritated skin. It may reduce insomnia and improve emotional conditions, including anxiety.
- Spleen 10 (SP10): SP10 may reduce pain and alleviate red, itchy, inflamed skin.
- Stomach 36 (ST36): ST36 may reduce pain, alleviate depression, and improve overall well-being.
Summary
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that may balance the energy flow in the body to promote healing, improve health, and boost overall well-being.
The technique may offer many benefits that help treat eczema and related conditions, such as stress, depression, and food allergies. It may also help to lower inflammation, improve sleep, and boost immunity.
Acupuncture treatments provided by an experienced, licensed acupuncturist are safe for most people. Individuals should talk to a doctor before adding acupuncture to their treatment plan.
If you suffer from skin allergies, visit Fuji Wellness Clinic or other Traditional Japanese Medicine clinics in Tokyo for consultation.
