Accupressure for Psoriasis

Overview
Acupressure is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice that has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of illnesses. Some people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis have utilized acupressure to relieve pain and other symptoms of the disease. Acupressure is usually provided by a TCM practitioner. Acupressure makes use of the same pressure points targeted in acupuncture.

No drug or treatment can cure psoriasis. If you choose to try acupressure, it is important to maintain the drug regimen established by your doctor. Drug treatments have been proven effective in rigorous, scientific trials.

What does it involve??
When looking for an acupressure provider, make sure they are licensed. You can contact the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) to find a licensed TCM practitioner near you. You may ask whether the practitioner is experienced in treating psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a practitioner.

During an acupressure treatment, you will lie still on a table. A TCM practitioner will press firmly into your skin with their fingers, elbows, feet, or special tools. Different regions of the body are targeted during acupressure depending on the condition being treated. Acupressure is usually painless.

In TCM, acupressure is believed to work by balancing and correcting the flow of energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”), throughout the body. Some Western researchers have proposed that acupressure works by stimulating nerves and increasing blood flow.

Intended Outcomes
The goal of acupressure as a treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is to reduce skin symptoms and joint pain and stiffness, helping you feel your best.

Results
An article published in 2014 reviewed existing scientific literature on the use of acupressure to treat chronic pain. Researchers concluded that acupressure was an effective treatment for chronic pain.

There have not been any clinical studies to investigate the benefits of acupressure specifically for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. However, some people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis have reported that acupressure improves their symptoms.

Constraints
Acupressure is not effective for everyone with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

If acupressure is effective for you, it may require six to eight sessions before you see significant improvement.

You may require regular acupressure treatments to maintain your results.

Some insurers will cover acupressure, but others may not. Out-of-pocket costs for acupressure may be expensive.

Depending on where you live, it may be difficult to find or travel to an acupressure provider.