Flaking Skinaccording to TCM

What is Flaking Skin?

Flaking skin is a common dermatological condition where the skin peels or flakes off, often resulting in dry patches. It can occur due to various reasons, including environmental factors like low humidity and cold weather, skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, and even as a reaction to certain skincare products.

Flaking skin can range from mild, occasional dryness to severe, chronic conditions that may require medical attention. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for effective management and treatment of this symptom.

How does TCM view Flaking Skin?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a distinctive perspective on flaking skin, contrasting with the more symptom-focused approach of Western medicine. In TCM, skin health is closely linked to the balance of internal systems and energies.

Flaking skin is often seen as an external manifestation of internal imbalances, particularly involving Blood and Qi (vital energy). TCM practitioners focus on identifying and correcting these imbalances through holistic treatment approaches, emphasizing the importance of treating the root cause rather than just the symptom.

Root Causes of Flaking Skin in TCM

In TCM, flaking skin is often associated with patterns of internal disharmony. A common cause is Blood Deficiency, which implies that the body does not have enough nourishment or moisture to maintain healthy skin, leading to dryness and flaking.

This condition can be exacerbated by the presence of External Wind, which further disturbs the skin's balance. Another contributing factor can be imbalances in the Liver system, which in TCM is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body. Understanding these patterns is crucial in TCM to provide effective treatment for flaking skin.

Explore below more details about what might cause Flaking skin according to TCM.

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Flaking Skin

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with External Wind	Flaking skin, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights... see more	Dang Gui Yin Zi

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Flaking Skin

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with External Wind	Flaking skin, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights... see more	Dang Gui Yin Zi

TCM Herbal Formulas for Flaking Skin

TCM uses various formulas and herbs to address the underlying causes of flaking skin. For conditions related to Blood Deficiency and External Wind, formulas like Dang Gui Yin Zi are often prescribed.

This formula includes herbs such as Japanese catnip (Jing Jie), which is categorized as a Warm/Acrid herb that releases the Exterior. These herbs work together to nourish the Blood, disperse Wind, and restore the skin's balance. By targeting the specific pattern of disharmony, TCM aims to not only alleviate the symptoms of flaking skin but also promote overall skin health and wellness.

See more details below about Dang Gui Yin Zi, a herbal formula used to address flaking skin.

Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Dang Gui Yin Zi

Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause flaking skin, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind

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Top Formula for Wind:
Dang Gui Yin Zi

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause flaking skin, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind

Learn more

TCM Herbs for Flaking Skin

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address flaking skin, organized by herb category.