Oldenlandia: Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne Care with Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs

03/23/2016

A case of young, female patient with Alopecia Areata.
Patches of hair loss, gradually getting worse for past 5 years.
The patient has been wearing a wig to cover up the appearance.
Just as the patient was considering Rogaine for women as a last-ditch effort, one of her acquaintances suggested that she come and see me.

The treatment is ongoing, but the results are much better and quicker than what I had anticipated. Her young age is probably helping with the quicker response from the therapy. The before and after pictures were taken after 1 month of herbal decoction therapy and 1 session of Automatic MTS.

I'll share more information on the Automatic Micro-needle Therapy System in the near future. It is a procedure that I use to treat acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, hair loss, etc.

03/23/2016

A case of young, female patient with acute psoriasis.
Early in my career, I found out that chronic cases were easier to treat than acute psoriasis.
Lately, I been having some breakthroughs with acute, guttate form of psoriasis.
The addition of Pugongying and Baijiangcao in to the herbal formula has been helpful in clearing out the heat. These two herbs are the herbs that I would normally use for treating acne pustules.
This patient's lesions clear after only 7 weeks of herbal decoction therapy.

03/23/2016

This was an interesting experience. If were any other issue such as insomnia, cough or diarrhea, I need to meet the patient face to face to come up with a proper diagnosis. Skin issues are a bit unique in that the skin morphology tells the practitioner 90% or more of the information that would be needed for a proper diagnosis.

My fellow acupuncturist from NJ asked for some assistance in treating this female patient who's been dealing with psoriasis for more than 10 years. I looked at the information gathered by my colleague of the patient's current state of health. Then came up with an herbal formula for the patient to treat the condition. We went through 4 batches of different herbal combinations, each batch going for 3 weeks at a time.

These are the before & after pictures after 12 weeks of herbal decoction therapy.

11/28/2015

This is a case of MALE, Atopic Dermatitis. A tough nut to crack. I normally tell my patients 12 weeks of therapy is what's needed in average to hit remission. This patient took on and off treatment for close to a year. Although it takes up only a small percentage of patients, some cases are not the usual, clear-cut cases. If I don't get the diagnosis right in the first or the second batch, most patients would stop therapy with me altogether. But some, like this individual, trusts and stick it out to the end. I suppose it's because many of my patients, when they come to me, are at the end of their roads. They have gone through and pretty much exhausted all other options out there. I am and what I could do for them through acupuncture and herbal medicine are their last hopes. B&A pictures.

11/28/2015

4. CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Lotion by Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC.

I am going to discuss the key differences with #3. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.

Took out: Ceteareth 20, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben. GOOD JOB CeraVe Baby!!!

Instead added: Cetostearyl Alcohol, Emulsifying Wax, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lauric Acid, Zinc Citrate, Polygylceryl-3 Diisotearate, Arginine PCA, Sodium PCA.
Clearly less toxic than the Regular Cream!! See below for more information.

Cetostearyl alcohol, a.k.a. cetearyl alcohol or cetylstearyl alcohol. It imparts an emollient feel to the skin and can be used in water-in-oil emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions, and anhydrous formulations. :)

Emulsifying Wax's ingredients are: Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, PEG-150 Stearate (PEG-150 Distearate unless vacuum stripped, are contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which has been identified as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), and Steareth-20 (Steareth-20 is also known as polyoxyethylene 20 stearyl ether. It's created by reacting innocuous stearic acid with carcinogenic ethylene oxide, traces of which and its carcinogenic by-product 1,4-dioxane can remain in the product). :(

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, is a potent cell-communicating ingredient that offers multiple benefits for aging skin. Assuming skin is being protected from sun exposure, niacinamide can improve skin’s elasticity, dramatically enhance its barrier function, help erase discolorations, and revive skin’s healthy tone and texture. :)

Allantoin is a natural soothing, anti-irritant, and skin protectant that increases the water content of the extracellular matrix which provides structural support to cells and is an important part of connective tissue. It can be found in botanical extracts of the comfrey plant as well as in urine from cows and other mammals. Allantoin also increases the smoothness of the skin; promotes cell replication; and promotes the healing of wounds, burns, and scars. :)

Tocopheryl Acetate is basically a form of vitamin E created in the laboratory. Manufacturers take natural vitamin E and add acetic acid to it. Acetic acid is the main component of vinegar. The word “acid” means just what you’d think—it’s corrosive, and attacks the skin. Why would manufacturers mix perfectly good vitamin E with this irritating ingredient. Two words: cheaper, and longer lasting. :(

Lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid found mainly in coconut oil, is one of these prized substances. Pure coconut oil contains about 50 percent lauric acid. When lauric acid is present in the body, it is converted into monolaurin, a monoglyceride compound which exhibits antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal and antifungal properties. :)

Zinc citrate is a form of zinc, an essential mineral, which is easily absorbed by the body. :)

Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate is hydroxy compounds used in cosmetics and skin care products as emollients and surfactants, and are found primarily in lip glosses and lipsticks, although they are also seen in foundations, sunscreens, bronzers, moisturizers and anti-aging serums. Little information exists regarding this specific compound, but considered to be safe for now. :)

Arginine PCA is an Amino Acid derived from nuts and seeds. It has healing properties, relaxes blood vessels and capillaries, and boosts skin immunity. :)

Sodium PCA is a completely natural ingredient that is derived from plants, fruits and coconut oil. A fermentation process of sugars and starches is used, in order to create PCA. Sodium PCA binds moisture to our skins cells. Helping to reduce loss of moisture, through ev***ration. :)

Thank you for reading!!

11/27/2015

3. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream by Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC.

In a nutshell: Helpful product for many psoriasis and eczema patients, but beware of Ceteareth 20, Behentrimonium Methylsulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.
For more information as to why, please read the below content in more detail.

Ingredients: (note: active ingredient is not specified on the lable)
Water (Purified), Glycerin, Ceteareth 20, Capric/Caprylic Stearic Triglyceride, Behentrimonium Methylsulfate & Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 11, Ceramide 1, Hyaluronic Acid, Cholesterol, Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Potassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Phytosphingosine, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum.

Glycerin, a fat-based emollient, draws moisture from the air and imparts it into the skin. Emollients are non-cosmetic moisturizers which come in the form of creams, ointments, lotions and gels. Emollients help skin to feel more comfortable and less itchy. They keep the skin moist and flexible, helping to prevent cracks. :)

Ceteareth 20 is a pe*******on enhancer, but potentially carcinogenic when applied to irritated and/or damaged skin. :(

Capric/caprylic stearic trigylceride is a chemical compound synthesized from coconut oil and glycerin, it’s considered an excellent emollient and skin-repairing ingredient. :)

Behentrimonium Methylsulfate & Cetearyl Alcohol functions as the primary emulsifier in lotions and conditioners. It gives a soft powdery after-feel to lotions and creams. Products which contain Behetrimorium methosulfate must not be used for people with open wounds, cuts or broken skin. There is not much data available on behentrimonium methosulfate itself, however, it is a quaternary ammonium compound. Some people are highly allergic to these chemicals (aka "quats") and can induce anaphalaxsis in certain individuals. Some quaternary ammonium compounds are known to be endocrine disruptors. This ingredients has not been studied for reproductive or hormonal interference. :(

Cetyl alcohol was discovered in 1817 by the French chemist Michel Chevreul when he heated s***maceti, a waxy substance obtained from s***m whale oil, with caustic potash (potassium hydroxide). Flakes of cetyl alcohol were left behind on cooling.[3] Modern production is based around the reduction of palmitic acid, which is obtained from palm oil. It is an emollient, emulsifier or thickening agent in the manufacture of skin creams and lotions. :)

Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 11, Ceramide 1 are perhaps the key ingredients in this cream. This is where it gets its name from too.
Ceramide is the main component of the stratum corneum of the epidermis layer of human skin. Together with cholesterol and saturated fatty acids, ceramide creates a water-impermeable, protective organ to prevent excessive water loss due to ev***ration as well as a barrier against the entry of microorganisms. With aging there is a decline in ceramide and cholesterol in the stratum corneum of humans. :)

Hyaluronanic acid is also a major component of skin, where it is involved in tissue repair. Hyaluronic acid is derived from hyalos (Greek for vitreous) and uronic acid because it was first isolated from the vitreous humour and possesses a high uronic acid content. :)

Cholesterol, a thickening agent and moisturizer, draws moisture to the skin and keeps it there. Works together with ceramides to prevent excessive water loss due to ev***ration. :)

Petrolatum is listed as an ingredient and is also known as petroleum jelly or soft paraffin. A byproduct of gasoline refinement, petrolatum forms a protective barrier on the skin to keep moisture sealed inside. :)

Dimethicone and is one of several types of silicone oil. It is used as an emollient to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations. :)

Potassium Phosphate is an inorganic (not composed of plant or animal matter) salt used as a buffering agent and pH adjuster in cosmetics. :)

Dipotassium phosphate, also known as phosphoric acid, it's a thickener and stabilizing agent. :)

Sodium lauroyl lactylate is as an emulsifier. In skin care products, the salt keeps the water-soluble and oily-soluble ingredients well mixed, so that they do not separate. some manufacturers include sodium lauroyl lactylate in skin care formulations because the salt has the ability to deeply pe*****te the skin and can draw active ingredients further into the skin tissue as a result. :)

Disodium EDTA primarily works as a preservative, chelator and stabilizer. Essentially, this ingredient deactivates the metal ions through bonding with them, which inturn prevents cosmetic products from deteriorating, maintains its clarity and prevents it from smelling rancid. :)

Phenoxyethanol is chemical preservative. Phenoxyethanol is an alternative to standard, potentially harmful formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. The Food and Drug Administration has warned that the chemical is toxic to infants via ingestion, and "can depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea." Since it is often present in lotions applied to the hands and are easily ingested, caution should be exercised. :(

Methylparaben, Propylparaben. Parabens is a class of preservatives that have been widely used in products to prevent bacteria growth since the 1950s. In the 1990s, parabens were deemed xenoestrogens―agents that mimic estrogen in the body. “Estrogen disruption” has been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues. :(

Phytosphingosine is long-chain, complex fatty alcohol that functions as a water-binding agent and also has preservative qualities. Its name is derived from the term sphingoid, coined in 1884 by chemist J. L. W. Thudichum because the way the molecules of this substance lined up reminded him of the riddle of the Sphinx. Research shows it is effective in regulating damaged or diseased epithelial cells. :)

The Carbomers help to distribute or suspend an insoluble solid in a liquid. They are also used to keep emulsions from separating into their oil and liquid components. :)

Xanthum Gum is used in oil-in-water emulsions to help stabilize the oil droplets against coalescence. It has some skin hydrating properties. :)

Thank you for reading!!

11/24/2015

2. Vanicream

It is free of dyes, lanolin, fragrance, masking fragrance, parabens and formaldehyde.

In a nutshell: This may be a good choice for those who have allergies to certain dyes, fragrance, lanolin. But probably not a good choice for issue like Eczema and Psoriasis. Propylene Glycol and Ceteareth-20 are toxic when applied to irriated, damaged skin. CAUTION!!!

Ingredients: Purified Water, White Petrolatum, Sorbitol Solution, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Simethicone, Glyceryl Monostearate, Polyethylene Glycol Monostearate, Sorbic Acid, BHT

Sorbitol often is used in modern cosmetics as a humectant and thickener. A humectant attracts and retains the moisture in the air nearby via absorption, drawing the water v***r into and/or beneath the organism/object's surface.

Cetearyl Alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols consisting predominantly of cetyl and stearyl alcohols found in plants, like Coconut and Palm oils. Cetearyl Alcohol also contains emollient properties which leave skin soft and smooth.

Propylene Glycol is a type of solvent in ointments. Nephrotoxic if applied to damaged skin!! Vanicream may be free of many BAD ingredients, but it does contain this particular one. BEWARE!!

Ceteareth-20 is a pe*******on enhancer which alters the skin structure, allowing substances to pe*****te deeper into the skin. Made from Cetearyl Alcohol (a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohol and ethylene oxide), this chemical ingredient is commonly found in a number of skin care products, moisturizers, hair conditioners, suntan and indoor tanning products and hair dyes, colors and tints. Ceteareth-20 is considered a moderate to severe health hazard by cosmetics researchers and is restricted for use in cosmetics. It is highly unsafe to use on irritation or damaged skin. Studies have shown that this chemical ingredient is potentially contaminated with Ethylene Oxide and I,4-dioxane – two known cancer causing substances. Another No No!! BEWARE!!

Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent created by combining Dimethicone and Silica. It is often seen as an ingredient in anti-gas OTC medications such as Mylanta and Maalox, because of its ability to decreases the surface tension of gas bubbles and lessen gas pain, according to Wikipedia. Similarly, it is used in cosmetic and personal care product formulas to prevent formulas from generating foam when they are shaken.

Glyceryl Monostearate is a common emulsifying agent.

Sorbic acid is a natural organic compound used as a food preservative. It is a colorless solid that is slightly soluble in water and sublimes readily. It was first isolated from the unripe berries of the rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia), hence its name.

Polyethylene Glycol Monostearate is an emulsifying agent.

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is used as preservatives in many foods, cosmetic products and drugs. In cosmetics, these ingredients are found mainly in shampoos, deodorants, body lotions and make-up, usually at a concentration of 0.1% or less.

Thank you for reading!

11/24/2015

There are some ingredients to watch out for when it comes to choosing a moisturizer. Not because these are good for you, but because they are toxic!!

Read labels carefully. Beware of the basics -paraben, fragrance, PEG’s (Polyethylene glycol), and propylene glycol.

1. Parabens is a class of preservatives that have been widely used in products to prevent bacteria growth since the 1950s. Their efficacy as preservatives, in combination with their low cost, the long history of their use, and the inefficacy of some natural alternatives like grapefruit seed extract (GSE), probably explains why parabens are so commonplace.

In fact, typically, more than one form of the ingredient is used in a product. The most common are butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben.

So What’s the Problem?
In the 1990s, parabens were deemed xenoestrogens―agents that mimic estrogen in the body. “Estrogen disruption” has been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues. And in 2004 British cancer researcher Philippa Darbre, Ph.D., found parabens present in malignant breast tumors. As a result, experts in many countries are recommending limits on paraben levels in cosmetic products. What’s more, watchdog organizations worry that if parabens can be stored in the body, over time they could have a cumulative effect and pose a health risk.

2. PEGs is manufactured by Dow Chemical under the tradename Carbowax for industrial use, and Carbowax Sentry for food and pharmaceutical use.

It is used as solvents, in ointments. PEGs contain potential toxic impurities, such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Ethylene Glycol and its ethers are nephrotoxic if applied to damaged skin. (Nephrotoxic means that it is toxic to your kidneys)

Thank you for reading!!

11/22/2015

Hello everyone!!
I want to do a series on moisturizers for dry sensitive skin.

1. Aquaphor by Eucerin.

Many of my patients say that Eucerin lotion stings after applying, but Aquaphor is loved by many. I rarely hear anything negative about this ointment.

Active ingredient: Petrolatum (petroleum jelly) 41%
Inactive ingredients: Mineral oil, Ceresin, Lanolin alcohol, Panthenol, Glycerin, Bisabolol.

Petrolatum is just a fancy way of saying petroleum jelly.

Mineral oil sounds sexy, but...
Mineral oil is a liquid by-product of refining crude oil to make gasoline and other petroleum products. This type of mineral oil is a transparent, colorless oil. Mineral oil is a substance of relatively low value, and it is produced in very large quantities.

Ceresin is a wax derived from ozokerite (naturally occurring mineral wax, a.k.a. Earth Wax) by a purifying process. It is used as an alternative to beeswax in ointments as an emulsifying agent. Probably cheaper than beeswax.

Lanolin alcohol comes from sheep wool. The only group of people who would react negatively to Aquaphor would be the ones who are allergic to sheep wool. CAUTION!!!

Panthenol is an effective skin penetrator. It improves hydration, reduces itching and inflammation of the skin, and accelerates epidermal wounds' rate of healing.

Glycerin draws moisture up through skin layers and slows or prevents excessive drying and ev***ration.

Bisabolol is a colorless viscous oil that is the primary constituent of the essential oil from German Chamomile. Bisabolol has also been used for hundreds of years in cosmetics because of its perceived skin healing properties. Bisabolol is known to have anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

As you can see, this formulation is not about adding moisture to the skin. Aquaphor is a protective barrier for preventing moisture loss through ev***ration. Inflamed skin puts out lots of heat. Coupled with compromised skin mantle barrier, skin loses water much faster than normal skin. One must moisturize first, then apply Aquaphor to lock the moisture in. Please don't just rely on Aquaphor for chapped, dry skin.

One last thing I want to add about Aquaphor.
What is the difference between regular Aquaphor and Baby Aquaphor?

From the company website:
Q: What's the difference between Aquaphor Healing Ointment and Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment? Why do the packages look different if the product is the same?
A: There's no difference between these two products. We made Aqupahor Healing Ointment available in a "baby" package to better help moms locate it in the store.
Simply, no difference what so ever. So don't be fooled.

Thank you for your time!!
Do not hesitate to message me if you have any questions.

11/02/2015

Hello, everyone.

My name's Daniel, and I'm the guy who's responsible for these posts. By now some of you might be wondering, what's with the name "Oldenlandia"?

It not only is a cool sounding herb, but I also use it a lot to treat ACNE and PSORIASIS.
The Korean name is 백화사설초.
The Chinese name is 白花蛇舌草。

Below is a link to more information about this particular herb.

Thank you for reading!!

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/oldenlandia.php

11/02/2015

http://www.livestrong.com/article/340189-h**p-seed-oil-for-skin/

H**p oil comes from the Cannabis sativa plant but is also more often referred to as cannabis or ma*****na. Possibly better known more for its narcotic properties than its therapeutic uses and benefits, the oil itself is rich in essential fatty acids. According to Ecomall.com, h**p oil can prevent mo…

11/02/2015

This is a case of Female, Plaque psoriasis patient that I treated some time ago. Before and after pictures show the plaque lesions disappearing and new, health skin coming up. The treatment course for this patient was 12 weeks.

The discoloration of the healed areas are due to the fact that the patient got some tanning at the beach before all the lesions cleared. Moderate amount of sun exposure and salt water tend to help psoriatic lesions to shed scales and to soften in texture. I also recommend Organic H**p Seed Oil as a type of moisturizing agent for my patients suffering from psoriasis.

The herbal formulas that I create are made from a combination of 16 different herbs each time. These herbs are chosen with extreme care to match the complex array of symptoms that the patients exhibit. No two psoriasis is alike, just as no two human beings are alike. This type of personalized medicine, I believe, is the hallmark of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Thank you for reading!!
Please guide anyone that you know with this condition to my page. I welcome any questions.