Eczema, in western medicinal perspective, is a skin condition in which patches of skin become rough and inflamed, with blisters that cause itching and bleeding, sometimes resulting from a reaction to irritation but more typically having no obvious external cause.

In Chinese medicine, eczema is called “damp rash” as there are body fluid (dampness) discharges in the later stage of the disease. Besides dampness, heat and wind are the other pathological factors which are manifested as redness, burning sensation, irritation (heat signs) and itchiness moving around the body (wind signs).

These pathological factors, especially dampness and heat, can come from a few external sources, including allergens in the air, cold air, sunlight, food and stress. Foods, such as seafood, alcohol, hot and greasy food need to be avoided.

Though there is no cure for eczema in western medicine, acupuncture is proven quite effective. Depending on the severity and duration of the condition, it is usually recommended to come twice a week for five times as one course of treatment. Improvement can be usually seen in 1 to 2 treatments. The longer the treatment, the better result. There is a 90% total effective rate with a 50% symptom free rate. Treatment modalities may include body acupuncture, ear acupuncture, bleeding and cupping therapy. Each modality can be used as a stand-alone method. In Duncan Wellness Center, we combine them to receive optimal result.

Book your appointment before March 15, 2017 to receive 20% off your Eczema Acupuncture appointment!

Jet Li’s November Feature

Frozen shoulder is experienced with pain, feeling of coldness on the shoulder and limited shoulder movement. It often happens to people of 50+ years old. Females are more prone to the disease than males. From the western medical point of view, the disease can be attributed to soft tissue deterioration, inflammation, overuse of shoulder and trauma. In Chinese medicine, frozen shoulder, besides the physical damage, can also be caused by wind and cold temperature which obstruct the circulation of Chi and Blood in the shoulder area. At the beginning of the disease, pain is often the dominant symptom. The pain is worse at sleep and becomes better with movements in the day. In the later stage, pain will become less but movement will be limited due to tissue adhesion. The limited movement may further lead to atrophy of the muscle if left untreated. Few people may recover on their own.

Acupuncture is proven very effective for frozen shoulder. In Duncan Wellness Center, we will not only use acupuncture, but also cupping, scraping, ear seeding, and Tui Na, which are also treatment modalities belonging to the scope of Chinese Medicine Practice. The combined and individualized treatments make the result more powerful and prominent. The responses to treatment vary among individuals. Depending on the severity and stage of the disease, 1 to 3 treatments may be needed to see improvement. Patients are recommended to come 1 to 2 times a week with 5 times as one course of treatment. Frozen shoulder can be fully recovered. There is a 60% total recovering rate and a 95% total effective rate. The earlier the treatment, the better the result. Please let us help you.

Come in before December 15 for 20% off your appointment!