TCM Dermatology Specialist
Katya Galay, DTCM, is a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and an expert in managing inflammatory skin conditions in Latham, New York. Schedule your in-person or telehealth consultation today.
Katya Galay, DTCM, LAc
Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine
TCM Dermatology Diplomat since 2019
Member of International TCM Dermatology Association
NCCAOM Board Certified in Oriental Medicine
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that affects 8 million people in the US. It is characterized by red or purple scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy and painful. The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type of psoriasis, but can include dry, cracked skin, inflammation, and thickening of the skin. In some cases, psoriasis can also lead to a condition called psoriatic arthritis, which affects the joints.
Conventional treatments for psoriasis
The most common treatments include topical medications, which are applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and slow down the growth of skin cells. Another option is phototherapy, which involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light to help reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of lesions. For more severe cases, oral medications or biologic drugs may be prescribed to help suppress the immune system and reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.
How does TCM help psoriasis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used to treat dermatological disorders for more than two thousand years. TCM offers a holistic approach to treating psoriasis by addressing the root cause of the condition, rather than just the symptoms. The TCM doctor needs to understand how the disease is manifesting in each individual patient – their disease pattern. To achieve that, one needs to look beyond skin to see what systemic health factors are contributing to the illness. The goal is to create a complete shift in the body’s ecosystem so that the disease either goes into remission or becomes much less acute.
What is TCM treatment of psoriasis like?
The treatment of psoriasis in TCM is a dynamic process requiring regular observation and modification. The treatment starts with a consultation with our TCM doctor who is trained in TCM dermatology. The doctor formulates a diagnosis and writes a formula customized to the patient’s pattern and stage of the disease. The formula consists of 12-20 medicinal plants and is prepared at a specialty pharmacy. External herbal therapy such as ointments, creams or salves, is also utilized in the initial stages of treatment. The length of treatment can vary from 4 to 12 months depending on how chronic the diseases is.
What forms of psoriasis can you treat with TCM dermatology?
At Life Cycles Integrative Health in Latham, New York, we offer treatment options for all forms of psoriasis, including complex disease cases that do not respond well to conventional treatment. We see patients who suffer from plaque psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, guttate form of psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Why choose TCM dermatology psoriasis treatment?
TCM dermatology has a strong methodology for treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. The herbal formulas are very well tolerated, and do not have many side-effects. Patients usually see improvement in the first 4 weeks of treatment. With TCM dermatology we can frequently achieve a lasting remission in psoriasis, even in cases when conventional therapies have not been helpful.