Chinese Medicine

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Originally posted by Sara

Over the last few months, I have been seeing an accupuncturist for digestive problems. I have been plagued with digestive problems and KP since my early teens. Along with the treatments, I have made a lot of changes to my diet and added supplemets. My digestive symptoms have been drastically reduced, and to my surprise and delight, my KP is barely visible on the back of my arms! I didn't even go to the accupuncturist for KP. My accupuncturist has explained to me that digestion and skin appearance go hand in hand. Over the years, I have found western doctors and western approaches to treating KP extremely frustrating--I have had virtually no results. And I have spent lots of money on creams and lotions that simply do not work.
My experience over the past few months has me convinced that our diet can have a big impact on KP. There are definitely things that we are missing in our western diets, as well as things that we should cut back on. I really believe that Chinese Medicine can help KP sufferers. I hope that western doctors will start exploring this disease from a nutritional standpoint. Again, the creams and lotions will not work if the disease is coming from the inside. I encourage anyone suffering from KP to consult with an herbalist or accupuncturist. I am not a doctor, so please consult a professional for individual advice. I just wanted to share my experience. It takes time and patience! Don't expect ovenight results.

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Originally posted by poor eater

Hi Sara. What specific changes did you make to your diet? I'm very interested in this approach, but I'm not sure where to begin. Thanks!

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Originally posted by Christine

I have read that KP has to do with a lack of Vitamin A in teenagers and young adults.. Anyone else stumble across this or know about it???

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Originally posted by MichaelL

Thanks for your post, Sara. A friend of mine went to a Chinese doctor for Rosacea, and her Rosacea has improved considerably. I too have digestive problems (in addition to KP) and I've been thinking about seeing a Chinese doctor. How bad was your KP? Did the Chinese doctor specifically treat the KP? I wonder if there is a way of treating KP in Chinese medicine.

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Originally posted by Sara

To the 3 who replied to Chinese Medince. I just posted my reply re: Chinese Medicine and food. Then I scrolled through and read some of the postings regarding being on sugar/wheat/dairy free diets and having no luck. In addition to eliminating these things from my diet, I have added a lot of good thins to my diet AND I am taking vitamin supplements, as well as Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) supplements. Some of these include Omega-3, Flaxseed Oil, and Evening Primrose Oil. In addition, I am taking a vegetarian high dosage Calcium supplement with lots of maganesium 2xs per day, as well as a high level multi-vitamin. Again, I do not recommend that you go out and randomly start trying these supplements on your own. I think that you should talk to a professional about dosages. I think that it is a 2 way street with diet--there are things that you have to take out, but then must add good things--things that we are missing for whatever reason.

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Originally posted by Sara

I saw that there were 3 replies to my Chinese Medience posting--I don't visit this site regularly, but was curious to see if anyone had some feedback. As far as my own diet, I have elimiated dairy and wheat products,excepting plain yogurt. I eat a lot of my own homemade soups made with fresh vegetables, or chicken soup made with skinless chicken breast, fish soups, made with fresh fish, and miso soup, made with tofu, watercress, and red miso.
*Orange vegetables, such as butternut squash, sweet potatoes (baked plain), acorn squash, as well as red beets are good vegetables for us--they have lots of vitamin A. Also green leafy veggies--kale, swiss chard, spinach, etc.*

I have also replaced coffee with green or white teas. I do not drink soda, but it is a good idea to elimiate soda and replace it with plain club soda. If you can't handle the lack of flavor, add some lime or lemon, or a splash of fruit juice. Finally, and this may be the hardest part--SLOWLY begin to elimate sugar, especially refined sugars, from your diet: i.e., desserts, chocolates, ice cream, muffins, pastries, etc. Refined sugar is not good for the skin. "Everyone should try to eat fresh food, freshly prepared, with a minimum of chemicals, preservatives, or additives. Grains should be cooked throgughly to allow fr easy and complete digestion. Vegetables on the other hand, should not be overcooked so as to conserve valuable vitamins and enzymes. Sugar, salt, oil, and fat consumption should generally be kept low. Most people should try to eat large amounts of roughage and fiber (enough that your system will allow--don't overdo it). Dietary changes for chronic disease (like KP) should be implemented slowly over a period of time but made a continuous part of onle's lifestyle. In addition, to a healthy diet, it is vitally important to get adequate exercise and rest. These are he three free therapies which are the basis of good health."

Again, I recommend that anyone reading this see a licensed Chinese herbalist or accupuncturist. The rewards are that the KP slowly fades and you start to feel so good because you're eating well. I am so happy with the results that my accupuncturist has helped me achieve. And the thing is, because you are making lifestyle changes to your diet, your improvements are not just the accupuncture, the improvements also come from your own actions and changes. Again, good luck and take it slowly. Don't expect immediate results.