Are you one of the 31 million Americans struggling with eczema? Acupuncture might be the solution you’re looking for with a way to avoid cortisone and other ineffective treatments that aren’t working. The efficacy of acupuncture on muscular disorders and mental health issues is well-researched. But does this research on acupuncture carry over to auto-immune issues like eczema?

Does Acupuncture Work For Eczema?

While acupuncture is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about treating skin conditions such as eczema, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that acupuncture can indeed play a significant role in helping those affected by eczema.

Acupuncture is beneficial in relieving the itching and irritation caused by eczema. It also reduces the intensity and frequency of flare-ups. However, acupuncture won’t cure eczema because it doesn’t cure the underlying source of the problem.

Does Acupuncture Work for Eczema?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that can cause itching, inflammation, and discomfort. Many individuals who battle this condition often find themselves on a never-ending quest for effective treatments. Acupuncture, which involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, has emerged as a potential avenue for relief.

Acupuncture therapy can provide relief for people affected by eczema. The success of the treatment depends on the severity of the attack. Research shows that acupuncture is beneficial for treating seasonal, dietary, or environmental eczema flare-ups.

However, modern Western medicine cannot determine the physiological mechanics behind the therapy and its efficacy for treating eczema. Studies show acupuncture therapy lowered the intensity of itching symptoms in eczema sufferers compared to no treatment or placebo.

The study results show acupuncture reduced patients’ stress levels, but little evidence proves it has any lasting effect.

These studies fail to show that the vast majority of auto-immune conditions, including eczema, are, in fact, stress-related conditions. Stress raises cortisol levels in the blood, leading to an inflammatory response that affects the immune system, leading to eczema attacks.

Acupuncture For Eczema – How Does It Work?

Modern medicine can’t explain how acupuncture works on our physiology. However, patients report acupuncture impacts their eczema, reducing the duration and intensity of flare-ups while reducing itching symptoms.

Research on acupuncture treatment for eczema is still evolving, but early findings are promising. Studies have indicated that acupuncture may help improve the symptoms of eczema by addressing underlying factors such as the level of stress in a persons life. Stress is known to exacerbate skin conditions, and acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress levels in those who undergo treatment.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the practice of acupuncture is believed to promote the flow of vital energy, or “Qi,” within the body. Acupuncture may aid in the re-balancing of Qi and improving overall health. This balance is thought to be crucial in addressing chronic health conditions, including eczema.

So, How Does It Work?

One notable aspect of acupuncture is its holistic approach to health. Practitioners often assess the entire person rather than focusing solely on the affected area. This perspective is vital when dealing with skin conditions like eczema, as they are frequently related to internal imbalances. Acupuncture may not only target the skin’s symptoms but also work on enhancing the body’s internal systems.

Individuals with auto-immune disorders like eczema experience flare-ups due to these energy blockages. Acupuncture resolves these blockages and allows the body’s energy to flow freely, resulting in the reduction of stress and the resolution of eczema symptoms.

How Many Acupuncture Sessions Do You Need To Experience Relief From Eczema?

According to patients’ experiences, it can take anywhere from eight to 12 acupuncture sessions to experience relief from eczema. These sessions are weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the severity of their condition. After reaching the eight to 12 session mark, patients can back off to a maintenance treatment every other week.

While acupuncture may not serve as a standalone treatment for eczema, it can be a valuable complementary therapy for those seeking relief. As with any alternative treatment, it’s essential for people with eczema to consult with their healthcare provider and find a qualified acupuncture practitioner.

Side Effects & Risks of Acupuncture

There are no known side effects to acupuncture therapy. Booking an appointment with a credible, experienced practitioner with the correct training is the key to initiating the treatment properly for successful outcomes.

Some patients may experience minor side effects during the treatment, such as light bruising and bleeding at the needle site. They may also feel drowsy and faint or dizzy after the treatment. This reaction indicates that the treatment was effective, and the body is re-calibrating its energy through the meridians.

The question of whether acupuncture works for eczema is still being explored, but the existing evidence suggests that it can indeed provide relief and improve the symptoms associated with this chronic skin condition. As part of a holistic approach to managing eczema, it may help reduce stress, re-balance the body’s systems, and contribute to overall health and well-being.

Southlake Natural Family Wellness

Our mission is to support the health and well-being of our patients.

We offer individualized, comprehensive holistic care including acupuncture, herbal recommendations, customized nutritional counseling, allergy elimination (NAET), whole food supplements, lifestyle suggestions, moxibustion, and cupping. As well as helping couples get pregnant and STAY pregnant by supporting all the paths to conception.

About Farrah Hamraie

Farrah Hamraie, L.Ac, MOM, Dipl.OM (NCCAOM), is licensed and board-certified in Acupuncture and Herbal medicine in the State of Texas with a Masters of Oriental Medicine from the Dallas College of Oriental Medicine.

She is also a Diplomat of NCCAOM (the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), a Board Certified Acupuncturist, a Chinese Herbalist, and a member of the American Association of Oriental Medicine.