Understanding Psoriasis

Psoriasis is more common than many people realize. Around 7.5 million Americans live with this chronic skin condition. It causes itchy, scaly patches that often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk. While it is not contagious, psoriasis can seriously affect day-to-day life.

People with psoriasis often deal with more than just uncomfortable skin. The condition can be painful, disrupt sleep, make it hard to concentrate, and can be emotionally distressing. Because there is no known cure, treatment usually focuses on managing flare-ups and improving quality of life.

That is where acupuncture may offer support by working with the body to calm inflammation, reduce symptoms, and restore balance.

How Acupuncture May Help Psoriasis

Acupuncture is a gentle, time-tested practice that involves placing very thin needles at specific points on the body. At Metro Acupuncture, we use acupuncture to support the body’s natural healing processes, especially in people with chronic conditions like psoriasis.

Acupuncture may help:

  • Reduce inflammation
  • Soothe itching
  • Support immune system balance
  • Improve circulation to help with skin repair
  • Lower stress levels, which are a common trigger for flare-ups

In fact, one study found that acupuncture may help increase blood flow and improve immune regulation, both of which are important in calming psoriasis symptoms.¹ Another review found that acupuncture may help reduce the thickness, scaling, and itchiness of plaques, with fewer side effects than some traditional treatments.²

Acupuncture is also well known for its ability to ease anxiety and calm the nervous system, which can be especially helpful for people whose psoriasis worsens during times of stress. Many of our patients say they feel more relaxed and grounded after treatment, which often leads to fewer flare-ups and better sleep.

What to Expect at Metro Acupuncture

At Metro Acupuncture, our licensed acupuncturists have experience treating chronic skin conditions like psoriasis. We create personalized treatment plans for each patient, using both local and whole-body points to target the root and branch of the condition.

We often use a combination of:

  • Local points near affected areas to improve circulation and reduce inflammation
  • Systemic points to regulate the immune system and calm the nervous system

Treatments are gentle, relaxing, and tailored to your unique needs. Many patients describe feeling calmer, more balanced, and even noticing improvements in their skin after a series of sessions.

A Safe, Natural Complement to Your Care

While acupuncture is not a cure for psoriasis, it can be a safe, supportive therapy that may help reduce symptoms, improve comfort, and lower the risk of flare-ups, especially when used alongside your current medical treatments.

If you are looking for a natural way to feel better in your skin, we invite you to explore how acupuncture can help.

Contact Metro Acupuncture to learn more or schedule an appointment.

References

  1. Jing, M., Shi, L., Zhang, Y., Zhu, M., Yuan, F., Zhu, B., Chen, M., & Ge, X. (2021). Efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for psoriasis: an overview of systematic reviews. Annals Of Palliative Medicine, 10(10), 10804-10820. doi:10.21037/apm-21-2523
  2. Du, J., Tao, J., Xu, M., Wang, R., Lin, L., Huang, X., Li, Q., & Lu, X. (2021). The effects of acupuncture for patients with psoriasis: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Medicine, 100(21), e26042. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000026042