Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Treated by Acupuncture

Before (click any photo to enlarge)
After (click any photo to enlarge)

A 23 year old university student visited Dr. Tanaka at The Pacific Wellness Institute seeking acupuncture treatment for his chronic skin condition, atopic dermatitis.  He had been suffering from atopic dermatitis for most of his life, since age 3. He tried a variety of treatments including UV treatment, dietary modifications and other natural treatments in the past, all of which provided no noticeable changes in his symptoms. 

His condition had been fluctuating with periodic flare-ups. When he visited us for the first time it was during one of the worst flare-ups (see the before picture, taken at the first visit on February 2006).  He had been using corticosteroid creams and ointments on a regular basis (even between the flare-up periods) to control his symptoms. He like many other sufferers developed dependency to cortisone over the many years. 

He received acupuncture one to two times a week.  His skin further worsened initially then several weeks later the skin appearance started to show drastic improvements and his itchiness also significantly decreased (see the after picture which was taken after 3 months at his 11th treatment on May 2006). He has continued to receive acupuncture on a maintenance basis every few weeks.  As of May 2007, he has not experienced any flare-ups and his skin remains virtually normal in appearance.  According to the patient, this is by far the longest remission of any skin flare-up and also the longest he has been free from any use of cortisone medication. 

Acupuncture combined with HRV based breathing exercise was used to balance his autonomic nervous system and help normalizing his white blood cell distributions and immune function. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (managing stress, quality sleep and balanced diet) is an important factor for continuous long term success of the program.

Learn comprehensive treatment program for skin problems offered at The Pacific Wellness Institute