There are a variety of alternative approaches to manage your condition outside of conventional Western medicine. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you decide to use all or part of these to complement your traditional treatment of psoriasis.

Alternative treatments

As you begin to research your treatment options, you may come across some alternative approaches to managing your condition. A few of these approaches are listed below.

However, while many of these alternative therapies and practices have been around for hundreds and even thousands of years, they are typically not evaluated by the FDA. Be sure you talk to your dermatologist if you are contemplating incorporating alternative medicine into your treatment regimen.

Beyond Western medicine

There are a variety of alternative approaches often used in managing psoriasis outside of conventional Western medicine. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you decide to use all or part of these to complement your traditional treatment.

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that treats illness or provides pain relief by the insertion of needles at specific areas of the body. It is based on the belief that there is an uneven flow of energy ("chi") within the body that may be restored by acupuncture.
Ayurvedic medicine is a holistic approach to health care that is based on principles of Ayurveda, a medicinal practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. It is designed to maintain or improve health by bringing balance to the body, mind, and spirit through the use of dietary modification, massage, yoga, and other measures. One of the goals is to restore harmony between the person and the environment.
Chinese medicine combines the use of acupuncture, herbs, massage, nutrition, and exercise. Treatments are customized to each patient.
Homeopathic medicine is an alternative medicine that is based on the assumption that one can stimulate the body's defense mechanisms by administering substances—which in large quantities would cause symptoms similar to the disease—in heavily diluted formulations.
Other non-conventional approaches include practices that focus on relaxation and stress reduction, such as massage, meditation, and yoga, visualization and guided imagery, and tai chi. Changes in diet are also believed to be beneficial. A variety of natural topical treatments have also been used for psoriasis.

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