Chinese Medicine has treated skin disorders for over 2,000 years — addressing the root cause, not just the itch.
Book a ConsultationIn Chinese Medicine (TCM), the skin is considered a mirror of the body's internal environment. When internal organs — particularly the Lung, Spleen, Liver and Large Intestine — are out of balance, that disharmony frequently manifests on the surface of the skin. Rather than simply suppressing inflammation with topical treatments, TCM seeks to resolve the underlying pattern that is generating the skin condition in the first place.
Chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis are rarely considered simple surface problems. They reflect an accumulation of pathogenic factors — typically Damp, Heat and Wind — that must be addressed through a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and lifestyle guidance. Dr Christine Shen carefully assesses each patient's individual pattern before crafting a personalised treatment plan.
Chinese Medicine treatment for skin conditions is a systematic, evidence-informed process. It typically involves a detailed intake covering your full medical history, diet, stress levels, sleep quality, digestion and hormonal health. All of these factors directly influence the health of your skin from a TCM perspective.
While every patient is unique, most inflammatory skin conditions in TCM are categorised under one or more of the following patterns:
Characterised by weeping, oozing, crusty or infected skin lesions. Often associated with digestive weakness (Spleen Qi deficiency) and a diet high in processed foods, alcohol and sugar. Commonly seen in subacute and chronic eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis and infected psoriasis plaques. The Damp-Heat pattern frequently involves the Spleen and Stomach organs in TCM.
Presents as intensely red, hot, inflamed lesions that worsen with heat and emotional stress. Often linked to the Liver organ system in TCM, particularly when exacerbated by anger, frustration or hormonal fluctuations. Blood Heat is a common pattern in acute flares of psoriasis, rosacea and hive-like reactions. Cooling the Blood is the central treatment principle.
Identified by rapidly moving, changing or migrating symptoms — rashes that appear suddenly, shift location or are intensely itchy. Urticaria (hives) and allergic dermatitis often involve a Wind component. Wind can combine with Cold, Heat or Damp, producing mixed presentations that require careful differentiation during diagnosis.
A more chronic pattern often found in long-standing eczema and psoriasis. The skin becomes dry, flaky, thickened and itchy — especially at night. This pattern is common in elderly patients, postmenopausal women and those who have been on long-term immunosuppressant therapy. Nourishing the Blood and moistening Dryness are the key treatment principles.
Dr Christine Shen has extensive clinical experience managing a broad range of inflammatory and chronic skin conditions. Treatment is always tailored to the individual's TCM pattern, constitution and lifestyle factors.
Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions seen in our clinic, affecting both children and adults. It typically presents as dry, itchy, inflamed skin that can crack and weep. From a TCM perspective, eczema often involves a combination of Spleen Qi deficiency (leading to Damp accumulation) with either Blood Heat or Blood Deficiency. Acupuncture treatments aim to calm inflammation, reduce itch intensity and support the immune system, while personalised herbal formulas address the underlying pattern driving the flares.
Published research in journals including the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine has found acupuncture may help reduce itch intensity and improve quality of life for eczema patients, though more large-scale trials are ongoing.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterised by thick, scaly plaques most commonly found on the elbows, knees and scalp. In TCM, psoriasis most frequently involves Blood Heat and Blood Stasis patterns, often compounded by emotional stress and Liver Qi stagnation. Treatment focuses on cooling and moving the Blood, reducing inflammation and clearing Heat toxins. Chinese herbal formulas for psoriasis have a long empirical history in East Asian medicine and are carefully selected to be safe alongside conventional treatments.
Contact dermatitis — whether from irritants or allergens — and seborrhoeic dermatitis (flaky, oily skin around the scalp and face) both respond to TCM's Damp-Heat clearing approach. Acupuncture can help modulate immune reactivity, while dietary modifications reduce the internal Damp environment that sustains these conditions.
Urticaria, characterised by sudden-onset wheals and intense itching, is typically a Wind-Heat or Wind-Cold pattern in TCM. Rosacea — persistent facial redness, flushing and papules — is usually attributed to Lung and Stomach Heat rising to the face. Both conditions benefit from a combination of acupuncture to regulate the immune and vascular response and herbal medicine to clear the underlying pathogenic Heat.
Acupuncture for skin conditions is more than local needling. Key systemic acupuncture points are selected to regulate the immune response, reduce circulating histamine and inflammatory markers, calm the nervous system and address the specific TCM organ patterns identified in your diagnosis. Points along the Lung, Large Intestine, Spleen, Liver and Triple Heater meridians are frequently used. Sessions are typically 60 minutes, combining needling with optional infrared heat or moxibustion to support Blood circulation in stubborn chronic conditions.
For most chronic skin conditions, Chinese herbal medicine is the cornerstone of treatment. Dr Christine Shen prescribes individualised herbal formulas based on your specific TCM pattern, body constitution and any conventional medications you may be taking. Herbal formulas for skin conditions typically combine herbs to clear Heat and Toxins (such as Huang Lian, Bai Xian Pi, Tu Fu Ling), resolve Dampness, cool the Blood and nourish Yin and Blood in deficiency patterns. Formulas are adjusted as your skin responds and your pattern shifts. All herbs prescribed at Rainbow Medicine are sourced from TGA-compliant suppliers.
Food is medicine in Chinese Medicine. Dietary modifications play an important supporting role in managing skin conditions.
Dietary advice is always given in the context of your overall TCM pattern — what is cooling for one person may not be appropriate for another. Dr Christine Shen will provide specific guidance during your consultation.
Skin conditions have typically developed over months or years, and realistic expectations are important. Most patients begin to notice a reduction in itch intensity and inflammation within 4–6 weeks of consistent treatment (weekly acupuncture and daily herbal medicine). Significant clearing of lesions and reduced frequency of flares typically occurs over a 3–6 month period. Severe or long-standing conditions may require ongoing maintenance treatment. Dr Christine Shen will reassess your progress at each visit and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
For more information about related conditions and how gut health influences the skin, visit our Gut & Digestive Health page. To explore the full range of services offered at Rainbow Medicine, please visit our Services page.
Book an initial consultation with Dr Christine Shen and receive a comprehensive TCM skin assessment and personalised treatment plan.
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