Vitiligo is a skin condition marked by the appearance,
on otherwise normal skin, of non-pigmented white patches. These
patches may vary in size and are often symmetrically distributed
over the body. They are usually bordered by hyperpigmented areas.
Hair in the affected areas is usually white, but not always.
In vitiligo, the epidermal melanocytes are completely lost in un-pigmented
area. It is also called leukoderma. vitiligo and can be a few or
many white spots. They may be tiny or cover the entire body. They
usually occur on both sides of the body in about the same place.
There is no pain or itching related to these spots, they appear
because the cells that normally produce the skin pigment, melanin,
is not present. These white spots are more prevalent on the areas
that are more exposed to the sun.
Vitiligo can occur in men and women, young and old. It is generally
more prevalent in young people. It is not a disease and poses no
health threat, but if it is located in face or head area, it will
influence the appearance often causing the victim to be self-conscious.
The cause of Vitiligo is not known, but it often runs in families
and may be related to an autoimmune problem. A thyroid gland malfunction
may be involved as well. Vitiligo can also occur after physical trauma
to the skin. Vitiligo may relate to the patient’s mood because
their mood can affect the harmony between the hypothalamus, pituitary
gland, adrenal gland, and melanin through the sympathetic nerve
and parasympathetic nerve. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches
that the main cause of vitiligo is the stagnation of Chi and blood,
the deficiency of the liver the kidney, and unbalance of the spleen.
There is a better success rate treating this disorder with the acupuncture
and Chinese herbs combined. Acupuncture can active the function of
the abnormal cell, and unblock the meridians and move the Chi and
blood circulation, and balance the spleen. Chinese herbs nourish
the liver and the kidneys.This addresses the root of the problem. |
Adding some special food in their diets, such as, black sesame,
blue berry, black bean, walnut, black rice/brown rice, dark bread,
red grape, and red cabbage is also helpful. Dark color foods,
including vegetables, fruits, and nuts/seeds are good for the
kidney, adrenal gland, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. They
may help correct the abnormal cells. Eat different colored food,
vegetables, fruits and nuts/seeds for a good nutritional balance.
Eat foods that are in season.
Exercise can assist the healing process. Tai Chi Qi Gong is a special
exercise with thousands of years of history. If it is practiced
in the morning (day time), it will strengthen the Yang energy of
the body, and wake up or build energy and save you a cup of coffee.
If practiced in the evening, it will nourish the Yin energy helping
release stress and allowing more restful sleep. I think it is necessary
to check the patient’s Yin and Yang level before prescribing
exercise. Patients may be have low Yin or low Yang, or both. So
I will make an exercise plan for individual patient.
Vitiligo is a disorder of the endocrine system. It should be treated
externally as well as internally. If you have vitiligo, cooperate
with your doctor and get regular treatment. Change your lift style
immediately. Vitiligo is a warning sign that shows there is unbalance
in your body’s health. You must be patient and confident
when you receive treatment for vitiligo. There is old saying in
China “Difficulty (health problem) is a like a bed spring.
If you are strong, it will be weak; if you are weak, it will be
strong.” Your courage will change your life.
Contact Li Hua L.Ac. TCMD at Atlanta Acupuncture Center or 404-250-9903
or e-mail lihua@aac2000.com or surf her web site at www.aac2000.com |
