Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disease, commonly known as psoriasis vulgaris, characterized by the appearance of papules and plaques of varying sizes, with a surface covered by silvery-white scales, clear boundaries, and a predilection for the scalp, extensor surfaces of the limbs, and the back. It is more common in men than in women. It tends to recur or worsen in spring and winter, while it often eases in summer and autumn.
Etiology: The disease may be caused by external invasion of wind, dampness, and heat, or by emotional depression, melancholy, or tension and fatigue, leading to a flare-up of heart fire, which results in the failure of qi and blood to circulate properly, thus stagnating in the skin.
Pathogenesis: The harmony of nutrients and blood is disrupted, the meridians are not properly dredged, and qi and blood become stagnant.
Localization: The disease is on the skin and muscles, and is related to the heart and liver.
Liver Stagnation Transforming into Fire: The skin lesions are red; there is irritability and easy anger, insomnia with frequent dreams, dizziness and palpitations, bitter taste in the mouth and dry throat; the tongue edges and tip are red, and the pulse is taut and rapid.
Rheumatism Accumulating in the Skin: The skin lesions present as pale brown patches that are rough and thickened; intense itching occurs intermittently, especially at night; the tongue coating is thin and white or white and greasy, and the pulse is moist and slow.
Blood Deficiency with Wind Dryness: The skin lesions are grayish-white, with a dry and rough texture resembling dead wood, and are thick and coarse like cowhide; there are palpitations, insomnia, and forgetfulness, and in women, menstrual irregularities; the tongue is pale, and the pulse is deep and thin.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course.
(If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)