Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by white patches . These skin
patches are missing the skin pigment melanin; in most cases, the condition is
triggered by sunburn. Normally, excessive sun exposure first causes skin
reddening, followed by peeling of the outer skin layers, and formation of darker
skin in the exposed area ("tanned" skin). However, in some cases, a reaction
occurs in which the melanin production is blocked and the skin loses its color.
The patches of white are usually at the site of the burn, but it is also
possible for additional patches to begin appearing elsewhere.
Vitiligo treatment in TCM revolves around clearing toxins and improving proper flow of Qi and Blood to the skin. Blockage and stagnation, whether of blood, energy, body fluids or emotions, are considered the root of many health problems. When these vital substances don’t flow properly, toxins cannot get eliminated, and can easily build in the body. The Koebner phenomenon is itself a very clear illustration of this principle, as the trauma produces an instant bruising/blockage, and if the person is predisposed to vitiligo, it may then trigger its onset.
In Chinese medicine, we treat the whole person, not just one particular health problem. We see the body as a whole and everything affecting it including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental and familiar influences. While vitiligo has been noted to appear without symptom, when we delve deeper, it is rarely experienced by itself. Therefore, we look for the pattern in the body that this related too. Each pattern is dealt with differently, which is why it is very important to know about all other symptoms present. Here are the underlying patterns which one may see in this problem.
Spleen and Stomach deficiency. The stomach and spleen in Chinese medicine help to digest food and extract usable nutrients to supply them to the body. Many formulas exist to deal with a variety of issues related to spleen and stomach deficiency.
Qi and blood deficiency and/or stasis. Qi is typically known as energy and herbs and foods exist that help the body to produce energy better and increase the quality of the blood, which in turn nourishes the skin.
Blood heat and bodily heat. Too much internal heat will dry out body fluids, which in turn won’t nourish the skin. Herbs can help to cool the body down.
Liver (wind) and Kidney deficiency. Since this is known as a “wind” problem in Chinese medicine, by nurturing the blood, wind can die down internally.
Vitiligo treatment in TCM revolves around clearing toxins and improving proper flow of Qi and Blood to the skin. Blockage and stagnation, whether of blood, energy, body fluids or emotions, are considered the root of many health problems. When these vital substances don’t flow properly, toxins cannot get eliminated, and can easily build in the body. The Koebner phenomenon is itself a very clear illustration of this principle, as the trauma produces an instant bruising/blockage, and if the person is predisposed to vitiligo, it may then trigger its onset.
In Chinese medicine, we treat the whole person, not just one particular health problem. We see the body as a whole and everything affecting it including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental and familiar influences. While vitiligo has been noted to appear without symptom, when we delve deeper, it is rarely experienced by itself. Therefore, we look for the pattern in the body that this related too. Each pattern is dealt with differently, which is why it is very important to know about all other symptoms present. Here are the underlying patterns which one may see in this problem.
Spleen and Stomach deficiency. The stomach and spleen in Chinese medicine help to digest food and extract usable nutrients to supply them to the body. Many formulas exist to deal with a variety of issues related to spleen and stomach deficiency.
Qi and blood deficiency and/or stasis. Qi is typically known as energy and herbs and foods exist that help the body to produce energy better and increase the quality of the blood, which in turn nourishes the skin.
Blood heat and bodily heat. Too much internal heat will dry out body fluids, which in turn won’t nourish the skin. Herbs can help to cool the body down.
Liver (wind) and Kidney deficiency. Since this is known as a “wind” problem in Chinese medicine, by nurturing the blood, wind can die down internally.
