Causes Of Psoriasis

Skin cells have a life cycle. Your body produces new cells in your lowest skin level and these skin cells gradually move up through the layers of your skin until they reach the outermost level. Then they die and flake off. This whole process normally takes around 21 to 28 days.

Psoriasis is a skin disorder driven by the immune system, especially involving a type of white blood cell called a T cell. Normally, T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. In the case of psoriasis, T cells are put into action by mistake and become so active that they trigger other immune responses, which lead to inflammation and to rapid turnover of skin cells.

As a result, cells build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, causing red, flaky, crusty patches covered with silvery scales. These patches are then shed easily. It can occur on any part of your body although it’s most commonly found on the elbows, knees, lower back and the scalp. It can also cause itching and burning.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Many modern researchers have confirmed the benefits of acupuncture in the following areas:

  • Regulates the menstrual cycle (and its hormones) to produce a larger number of follicles
  • Invigorates sperm- enhancing a man’s sperm count and motility.
  • Balances the endocrine system
  • Improves blood flow in the pelvic cavity
  • Increases blood flow to the uterus and increase the thickness of the uterine lining 
  • Increases the chances of pregnancy for women undergoing IVF
  • Improves the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs
  • Relaxes the patient and reduces stress 
  • Prevents the uterus from contracting (and therefore provides a better environment for the embryo to implant)
  • Decreases risk of miscarriage
  • Decreases risk of ectopic pregnancy 
  • Improves live birth rate

How Does Acupuncture Help?

Acupuncture uses ultra-fine needles inserted into the skin to help unblock the flow of what is known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as “life-energy”; or “chi”. When there is an imbalance in life-energy, problems develop and an acupuncturist looks to restore balance, which in turn allows the body to heal by itself. Scientific explanations to the results of acupuncture suggest that the needles stimulate deep sensory nerves that release natural pain-killing chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins give pain-relief and may also trigger anti-inflammatory mechanisms that ease the redness and irritation of psoriasis.

Acupuncture needles also aid relaxation, which is an important part of relieving stress and anxiety. As both these factors are known to trigger psoriasis, acupuncture prevents them occurring which in turn can help stop the psoriasis flaring up.

Acupuncture takes a holistic approach (meaning the whole body) to target the underlying problems of skin conditions so expect the treatment to focus on areas of the body that may not be naturally associated with the area affected. Acupuncture also utilizes electro-acupuncture (needles stimulated by electricity), drinking herbs, washing herbs and cupping (relieving tension and improving circulation with glass cups on the skin).

Other Treatments

Herbs

There are two kinds of herbs for psoriasis: drinking herbs and washing herbs. They are always combined together to treat psoriasis effectively. Herbs are used to treat psoriasis because they are believed to help stimulate bile production in the liver and regulate the immune system, as well as to detoxify the body, keep the blood clean and protect the liver. It also helps to ward off depression and anxiety, which are the main triggers of psoriasis.

Cupping

Cupping affects the body’s tissue up to four inches deep. This causes tissue to release toxins, clears blockages, activates the lymphatic system and helps to clear the veins and arteries. Cupping is thought to be the best form of deep tissue massage available and is safe and reliable for most people.

How long will the treatment take?

The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary depending on the severity of the condition and how long you have had it. Typical treatments for psoriasis last 30 minutes, with the patient being treated twice a week. Ten to twenty treatments per course are standard. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while more severe or chronic ailments often require multiple treatments.

Research & Evidence

A recent study from the British Medical Journal found that among women, who received acupuncture and IVF, the pregnancy rates were 65% higher and the rates of live births were nearly twice as high than among women who received IVF with sham acupuncture or no acupuncture.

Studies show that acupuncture reduces stress and increases blood flow to the reproductive organs, all of which improve the success rate of IVF. Importantly, acupuncture helps prevent cramping in the womb after IVF treatment, which not only helps prevent the embryo’s expulsion after IVF but is also important in helping to prevent ectopic pregnancy and assist in the embryo’s implantation.

Also, a 2005 study conducted by Shanghai University in China found that acupuncture also helped treat male infertility. Of the men who participated, those who had acupuncture had an increased percentage of sperm in their semen; their sperm structure and morphology was also healthier than their counterparts who did not undergo acupuncture infertility treatment.

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