TCM for Vitiligo

TCM Treatment for Vitiligo

Dr Li Rui in Singapore Shares Experience in Using Integrated Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture to Treat Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common skin depigmentation disorder where clear white patches of varying sizes appear on the skin. It is a chronic condition caused by the reduction or disappearance of melanocytes (pigment cells). It can occur anywhere on the body, commonly on the face, neck, limbs, fingers, and back; in some cases, even hair may turn white. While vitiligo is not contagious, it can significantly impact a patient's psychological well-being, social life, and overall quality of life. With the development of TCM, more patients are choosing Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat vitiligo through herbal regulation, acupuncture, and lifestyle management.

In Singapore, there has been a gradual upward trend in vitiligo cases. Clinical experience shows that vitiligo accounts for about 1% to 2% of skin outpatient cases, particularly among adolescents and individuals facing high work pressure.

Causes of Vitiligo

Western medicine attributes vitiligo to genetics, immune abnormalities, mental stress, trauma, and excessive UV exposure. However, TCM takes a holistic view, believing the root cause lies in the disharmony of Qi and Blood, Liver and Kidney deficiency, Spleen and Stomach weakness, and the invasion of pathogenic "Wind." These factors lead to a lack of nourishment for the skin, resulting in localized pigment loss.

Through over 30 years of clinical experience in Singapore, Dr Li Rui has found that many vitiligo patients suffered from chronic insomnia, high stress, poor diet, or physical weakness before the onset. These factors disrupt the flow of Qi and Blood, triggering or worsening the white patches.

TCM Methods for Treating Vitiligo

TCM treatment for vitiligo emphasizes syndrome differentiation and both internal and external regulation. Through a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and diet therapy, patients are helped to restore Qi and Blood balance and promote melanin production.

1. Herbal Medicine for Vitiligo

The principle is to strengthen the body's resistance, activate blood circulation, and harmonize the internal organs. Dr Li Rui flexibly uses prescriptions that nourish the Liver and Kidneys and improve blood stasis, using herbs like Psoralea corylifolia (Bu Gu Zhi), Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (Nu Zhen Zi), and Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) to help activate melanocytes.

2. Acupuncture Treatment for Vitiligo

Acupuncture has achieved excellent results in Dr Li Rui’s clinical practice. By stimulating specific acupoints, it regulates the flow of Qi and Blood, improves local microcirculation, and promotes the recovery of melanocyte function. Commonly used points include Quchi (LI11), Zusanli (ST36), and Xuehai (SP10). Some patients begin to see pigment spots appearing in the white patches after several weeks of treatment.

3. External TCM Therapy and Diet

In addition to oral herbs and acupuncture, TCM also employs herbal baths and ointments to improve local Qi and Blood. Dietary advice includes consuming foods rich in Vitamin B, minerals, and high-quality protein while avoiding acidic, spicy, or stimulating seafood. Eating black sesame seeds is also recommended to support melanin function.

Lifestyle Precautions for Vitiligo Patients

To achieve the best results from treatment, lifestyle management is crucial. Dr Li Rui suggests:

Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sun protection.

Maintain a positive mood and reduce mental stress.

Eat a balanced diet; avoid spicy food, alcohol, and seafood.

Maintain a regular routine, avoid staying up late, and strengthen your physique.

Avoid physical trauma or scratching to prevent the patches from spreading.

Through holistic regulation, acupuncture, and lifestyle management, TCM helps stabilize vitiligo, restore Qi and Blood, and boost immunity. Dr Li Rui's extensive experience in Singapore shows that acupuncture serves as an effective supplementary method to promote pigment recovery.

How Effective is TCM for Vitiligo?

Based on Dr Li Rui’s clinical experience, most patients who adhere to treatment for three months see their white patches stabilize. Some begin to see pigment recovery, and with continued treatment, these pigment spots eventually blend with normal skin. For patients with a shorter disease duration, the size of the patches can shrink significantly in a short time.

Vitiligo is a chronic condition, and TCM focuses on long-term regulation. Dr Li Rui emphasizes that combining acupuncture with herbal medicine can effectively manage the stable phase and reduce the risk of the patches spreading or recurring. Patients who combine TCM with Western medicine often see faster results and fewer side effects compared to those using Western medicine alone.

Dr Li Rui

MOH-registered TCM physician with a Master’s degree from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and over 30 years of clinical experience

Dr Li Rui is a registered TCM Physician and Acupuncturist with the Ministry of Health (Singapore), possessing over 30 years of clinical experience. She holds both a Master’s degree in TCM (China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences) and a Bachelor’s degree in Western Medicine (Shandong Medical University), integrating both philosophies to treat various conditions.

Dr Li Rui has extensive experience in treating vitiligo. She was previously interviewed by the press regarding TCM treatments for the condition, featuring a case where a young girl named Chen Min was cured of vitiligo within six months of treatment before starting primary school.

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Dr Li Rui Shanghai Chinese Medical Centre Singapore

If you or a family member is facing vitiligo, feel free to contact Dr Li Rui at our Singapore clinic to learn more about personalized TCM treatment plans. Let TCM help you regain health and confidence.

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Shanghai Chinese Medicine Centre

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#01-243
Singapore 760925

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