Homeopathic medicine takes a different approach to psoriasis treatment. Homeopathic health practitioners contend that psoriasis is not a skin condition itself, but that the skin lesions are a result of chemical imbalances in the body. Modern medicine confirmed this belief to some extent when it discovered that psoriasis patches are caused when the body’s own immune system attacks its skin cells.
Homeopathic medicine is different from both conventional and herbal medicine. Unlike other treatments, this alternative medical system does not address the psoriasis symptoms themselves. Homeopathic practitioners believe that the recognizable symptoms of disease are simply indicators of an underlying problem in the body’s internal chemistry and metabolism.
To treat disease, homeopathic medicine focuses on activating the body’s natural defenses to eliminate the cause of the disease. This system treats disease on the principle that “like cures like” by assigning low-dose treatments that would create the disease symptoms in an unaffected person. The concept is similar to allergy treatment in conventional medicine, in which the allergy sufferer is given small doses of an allergen to “teach” the body to react properly when the allergen is encountered in the environment.
Homeopathic treatment is not performed at home. Usually, you receive homeopathic medicines from a licensed medical doctor, chiropractor, or acupuncturist who is also certified as a homeopathic practitioner. Doses of homeopathic medicines are very small and diluted to reduce or prevent any possible side effects.
Because homeopathy addresses each individual’s specific imbalances that are causing the psoriasis lesions to form, every person’s homeopathic treatment program is uniquely tailored to his or her needs. However, certain compounds are frequently used when treating patients suffering from psoriasis.
Kali sulphuricum, also known as potassium sulfate, is often prescribed for psoriasis. It is believed to assist the body in better delivering oxygen to cells which, in psoriasis cases, helps skin cells to grow and shed naturally. Kali sulphuricum also helps to relieve stress, which is known to trigger psoriasis outbreaks.
Calcarea carbonica, or carbonate of lime, is another psoriasis treatment in homeopathic medicine. This compound improves the body’s ability to deliver nutrients to cells, allowing the cells to grow normally. Mezereum is used to treat many patients with whitish lesions, pustules, and red, itching skin – all symptoms of psoriasis. For patients who have had psoriasis for a long period of time, graphite is also used as a treatment.
Good nutrition and healthy habits are often encouraged by homeopathic practitioners as a way to improve the body’s overall function and increase the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies. Conventional medical research supports the belief that certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies can increase frequency and severity of psoriasis outbreaks.
Changing your lifestyle to address deficiencies and imbalances can be helpful while you are undergoing homeopathic treatment. For many people, courses and books that provide a structured system are helpful in identifying lifestyle changes that can be effective in treating psoriasis.
Homeopathic treatment of psoriasis centers on the proper administration of compounds which correct problems with your body’s metabolism. Contact a doctor certified in homeopathic medicine to learn more.