Skin & Hair

Shingles often arises in immune-deficient patients, the elderly, and people taking immunosuppressant drugs. Having shingles is a horrific experience. If a patient suffers a severe case, they will likely never have shingles again and do not need to be vaccinated against it. Since the COVID19 vaccines and boosters, viral outbreaks have become much worse. The problem is that the innate immune system can no longer control the situation, so we are seeing a steady increase in the number of cases of shingles, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. In the coming years, we can expect to continue to see our clinics fill with more and more patients struggling with a wide range of issues related to their compromised immune systems.

Discover how TCM dermatology offers effective solutions for treating teenage acne, addressing both the physical and emotional challenges it brings. This case study provides insights for teens and parents, as well as practical guidance for TCM practitioners.

This article is Part 2 in the discussion of topical steroid withdrawal, eczema, and atopic dermatitis. David Heron shows the progression of an 18-year-old man who presented with skin rashes, cracking and peeling skin, hyperpigmentation and more. Photos and discussion follow the patient's improvements, adjustments made to herbal formulas, and includes a check-in with the patient 1 year after stopping treatment.

Eczema is a broad term used to describe numerous related but different conditions involving redness, inflammation, itching of the skin, possibly scaling and occasionally the presence of vesicles. Each type of eczema has different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Dermatitis is another term that is used interchangeably with eczema for conditions involving skin inflammation and redness. Despite similarities in meaning, certain diseases are only used with either eczema or dermatitis in their title. This article provides the background of the disease and will be followed by Part 2 discussing case studies and herbal treatments.

This easy chart shows 10 skin formulas and how to use them including pin yin name, alternate name, functions, indications, typical tongue and pulse, and the ingredients so you can select the best formulas for your patients with ease!

Throughout all cultures, abundant hair has been seen as a sign of radiant health, as well as fertility and virility. This is also true in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as the quantity and quality of hair is understood to reflect the state of the Zang Fu organs and physical condition. Read on to learn the connection between hair health, the 5 internal organs, and other factors contributing to hair condition.

Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan 七寶美髯丹, also known as Seven Treasures for Hair, tonifies both Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang, replenishes Jing, tonifies Blood, strengthens tendons and bones, and benefits vitality. Read more in this deep dive article all about this popular formula for beautiful hair!

In this video clip from the Mayway course "Pediatrics and Shonishin," Raven Lang, L.Ac., O.M.D. discusses TCM treatments for hives in children.

One percent of the world suffers from a skin disease that has been recognized and treated by Chinese medicine (CM) for roughly 1000 Years. These patients lose their sleep and ability to concentrate on daily activities due to persistent, intense itching. Lichen planus, known in Chinese medicine as Zi Dian Feng (紫癫风), which means 'purple patch wind,’ has been recognized, categorized, and treated by Chinese medicine since the Song Dynasty. This case study highlights the use of herbal medicine to treat Lichen planus, documenting the progression of improvement over several months.

Blooming flowers, green leafy trees, warmer weather, feelings of renewal and growth, and possibly...... dry, itchy, lackluster skin. The effects of cold and windy winter months followed by drier springtime weather can make our skin more vulnerable to peeling, itching and dryness. These 2 recipes will help battle dryness with delicious herb-infused food!

Congee is a nourishing and comforting porridge, regarded to be particularly beneficial for its recuperative properties, often enhanced with herbs for specific functions that are added to the porridge while cooking. Rice is considered a Qi and Yang tonic. This particular recipe nourishes the skin by tonifying the Blood, preserving Yin fluids and helping to heal skin that has been damaged from UV exposure.

Have you ever wanted to make your own therapeutic ointments from Chinese herbs? Skye Sturgeon leads you through easy and straightforward, step by step instructions that teach you how to make Zi Yun Gao, a famous, over 350-year-old Chinese herb formula that’s applicable for a variety of skin conditions.

Chinese herbal medicine can be very helpful to control one of the most common skin conditions in the world, known in traditional Chinese medicine as Fen Ci (粉刺) or “white thorns”, which can have a variety of etiologies. In this article, Juliette presents a case of adult acne, as diagnosed by her dermatologist, in an American 24-year-old cis female of Chinese heritage.

Is Margarite Acne Pills right for my patient? In this article, you will learn about the formula's treatment principles, in-depth information on the herbs used, and formula pairings to help you best prescribe for your patient's Fen Ci issues.

Acupuncturist Michelle Gellis discusses how to modify your facial acupuncture protocol during the pandemic to safely continue your treatments, including modification of masks and your office environment. Thank you to FSOMA for allowing us to use a portion of this webinar recording.