Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment, resulting in white patches on the skin. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), vitiligo is considered a difficult condition to treat, requiring a deep understanding of the body’s internal imbalances. TCM views vitiligo as stemming from disruptions in the flow of qi (vital energy) and blood, and it categorizes the condition into two primary types: blood stagnation type and qi and blood deficiency type.

Understanding the Two Types of Vitiligo in TCM

1. Blood Stagnation Type – This form of vitiligo occurs when blood circulation is obstructed, preventing nourishment from reaching the skin. Symptoms may include dark borders around the white patches, a history of trauma to the affected areas, and a tendency toward poor circulation. This type is generally considered somewhat easier to treat than the qi and blood deficiency type.
2. Qi and Blood Deficiency Type – This type results from an overall weakness in the body’s energy and blood supply, leading to a lack of nourishment for the skin. Individuals with this type may also experience fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, and poor digestion. Treatment for this type requires strengthening the body’s qi and promoting blood production to restore balance.

TCM Treatment Approaches

Internal Treatment

In TCM, internal treatment for vitiligo focuses on correcting the underlying imbalance through herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary therapy.

• For Blood Stagnation Type: Herbs that invigorate blood circulation and remove stagnation are commonly used, such as Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and Hong Hua (Carthamus tinctorius). These help to restore normal blood flow and bring pigment back to the affected skin.
• For Qi and Blood Deficiency Type: Herbs that tonify qi and nourish blood, such as Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis), Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), and Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora), are recommended. These herbs help rebuild the body’s internal strength and improve skin regeneration.
• Acupuncture: Treatment may involve acupuncture points that enhance qi and blood circulation, such as SP6 (Sanyinjiao), ST36 (Zusanli), and LI4 (Hegu). Acupuncture helps restore balance by promoting the flow of energy to the affected areas.
• Dietary Therapy: Consuming blood-nourishing foods such as black sesame seeds, walnuts, and dark leafy greens can support the body’s natural healing process. Avoiding cold or raw foods, which can impair digestion and blood circulation, is also recommended.

External Treatment: Bu Gu Zhi Tincture

Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea corylifolia) is a well-known herb in TCM for its skin-healing properties. It is commonly used in tincture form for external application on vitiligo patches. Bu Gu Zhi contains psoralens, compounds that stimulate melanin production when exposed to sunlight.

How to Use Bu Gu Zhi Tincture:

• Apply a small amount of tincture directly to the affected area.
• Sun exposure after application can enhance its effects, but caution is needed to avoid sunburn.
• A patch test is recommended before widespread use to check for any skin sensitivity.

Conclusion

While vitiligo is considered difficult to treat in both conventional and traditional medicine, TCM offers a holistic approach by addressing the root imbalances of qi and blood. Individualized treatment, incorporating both internal herbal remedies and external applications like Bu Gu Zhi tincture, can help improve skin pigmentation over time. Consulting a qualified TCM practitioner is essential to develop a personalized treatment plan based on one’s specific condition.