In Chinese medicine, everyone’s case of psoriasis is unique. Chinese herbal treatment focuses on the underlying “patterns of disharmony” associated with each individual’s psoriasis.

How can you tell what patterns I have?

First, Antonia closely examines your skin and takes photos of the lesions. (Photos are also taken in each follow up visit in order to keep track of how things are changing). In Chinese medicine, lesions with a purplish hue indicate a different pattern than lesions that are fire-engine red. Lesions with a flaky white scale indicate a different pattern than those with a thick, yellow or brown scale. Lesions on the elbows and knees indicate a different pattern than lesions in the armpits and groin.

Antonia also determines what inner imbalances led to the lesions expressing in the first place. What other symptoms do you have? What kind of work do you do? What is your emotional state and how do you respond to stress? She asks detailed questions, feels the pulse and looks at the tongue.

Chinese Herbal Formulas for Psoriasis

Once she identifies the patterns of disharmony, Antonia puts together a custom herbal formula. There are multiple ingredients in each person’s herbal formula to address each of these patterns.

In Western medicine, the type of treatment is determined by the severity of each case. In Chinese medicine, treatment is determined by the individual patterns unique to each person.

Another benefit of herbal treatment is that ingredients change over time. This helps prevent the psoriasis from developing resistance to treatment.

Antonia also recommends the best topical treatment (which may come in the form of an herb wash, cream, or ointment) as well as beneficial foods and foods to avoid.