What is Psoriasis?
When normal healthy skin regenerates, it can take up to a month to mature. Some people, however, have skin that regenerates in 5 to 7 days, and this expediency produces excessive skin cells that cause the skin to thicken and develop redness and silvery scales. This excessive skin growth is known as psoriasis, and it affects more than 6 million Americans. It is thought to be the result of a combination of diet, lifestyle, and a person’s heredity background. It is most likely to appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and groin. Common symptoms associated with this affliction include flaking, itching, ulcerating lesions that cause pain, and an increased possibility of developing arthritis.
How can I treat Psoriasis?
Traditional Chinese medicine considers psoriasis, as a condition of the skin, to be related to heat, toxins, and pathogenic wind in the lung network. Treatment focuses on dispersing the wind or clearing the heat and toxins through acupuncture and herbal therapy. Additionally, psoriasis may be treated with a chemical-free diet free of wholesome foods. Foods to be eaten include broccoli, carrots, olives, raspberries, pineapple, cherries, mung beans, lentils, split peas, and at least 80 ounces of water per day. Other remedies include soaking in a sulfur bath or hot spring and boiling 1 cup each of pearl barley and mung beans with 8 cups of water and drinking three cups each day. It is also helpful to practice stress reduction exercises such as tai chi or qi gong.
What should I avoid in my lifestyle for Psoriasis?
In keeping the skin clear, it is important to avoid processed foods, spicy and hot foods, fried and greasy foods, white flour and sugar, meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs, shellfish, citrus products, wheat, corn, tomatoes, eggplants, peanuts, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, excessive sunlight, stress, obesity, environmental toxins, skin infections, and certain medications.
Additionally, you might try the herbal supplement “Exquisite Skin” Traditions of Tao. Of course, discuss with your physician before beginning any new health regime.
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