Understanding Acne and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acne is a complex skin condition that can be caused by hormonal imbalances, stress, and other factors.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views acne as a sign of underlying imbalances in the body’s energy, or Qi.
TCM practitioners believe that acne can be treated by restoring balance to the body’s energy and promoting healthy skin.
Many young adults come to our clinic to be treated after having negative reactions to acne medications, which may cause elevations in certain liver enzymes that can be an indicator of liver inflammation or damage.
Young adults who are sexually active must be on two forms of birth control before starting isotretinoin due the risk of birth defects.
Some features of Acne:
Open and closed pustules and cysts
Tendency to be worse in males
Mild soreness, pain and itching
The lesions occur mainly on the face, neck, upper chest upper back and shoulders
Comedones are common (small, flesh-colored, white, or dark bumps that give skin a rough texture). They are found at the opening of skin pores. A solid core can often be seen in the middle of the small bump
Open comedones are known as blackheads
Closed comedones are called whiteheads
Over time papules may become inflamed
Severe cases may present deeply inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts
Preteens often present with comedones as the first lesions
Younger teens may have inflammatory lesions in the middle of the face, extending outward as the patient ages
Women in their thirties and forties often present with papular lesions around the chin and mouth
What is Facial Acupuncture? Is this the right session type for me?
Facial acupuncture, also known as cosmetic acupuncture or facial rejuvenation acupuncture, is a form of acupuncture that targets the face and underlying muscles.
It involves the insertion of tiny needles into specific acupuncture points on the face to stimulate blood flow and collagen production.
While Facial acupuncture or Facial rejuvenation acupuncture can address acne, it is not necessary to book a facial rejuvenation session to treat your acne. Regular acupuncture and Chinese herbs are just as effective at treating acne.
How Acupuncture Works for Acne
In TCM we believe that not all acne is the same, nor should it's treatment be the same way.
When addressing your acne, your practitioner will evaluate what type of acne you have.
Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes and promoting healthy skin.
It can help to reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and increase collagen production.
Acupuncture can also help to balance the body’s energy and reduce stress, which can contribute to acne.
Be prepared to make positive changes to your diet and lifestyle which will help your acne improve more quickly
Here are a few patterns that we often see in our New York City Clinic:
Stomach Fire:
Papular whiteheads and blackheads
Most common around the mouth, chest and upper back
The face is prone to oiliness
Dryness with burning pain in the nose
Possible epistaxis
Dry mouth and throat
Thirst with a desire for cold drinks
Swift digestion with rapid hungering
Acid regurgitation
Bad breath
Clamoring Stomach
Constipation with dry stools
Short voiding of dark urine
Damp Toxicity with Underlying blood stagnation:
Deep, inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts on an erythematous base
The face, chest and back are generally involved
Oily skin
The residual scarring is generally pitted
Headache
A sensation of Heat throughout the body
Tongue Purple with a yellow or white coating
Pulse is Slow or Deep and choppy
Blood Dryness:
The eruption is dry
Pallor
Broken skin
Dry skin
Occasional bleeding and pain
Worse in cold weather
Better during the summer
Dampness causing blood deficiency:
Heaviness of head
Lower abdominal pain
Edema
Pale face
Frequent urination
Irregular menstruation
Anemia
Painful menstruation
Lack of energy
Vertigo
Insomnia
Palpitations
Lung Heat
Blackheads, whiteheads that are slightly itchy
Acne on forehead and near the nose
Dry mouth and throat
Thirst
Restlessness
Constipation/dry stool
Dark colored, scanty urine
As TCM practitioners we see all of your symptoms as interrelated and treat them holistically
When we consider all of the factors of your constitution and presentation we can then begin to treat your body as a whole.
As your acne improves you will also notice other positive changes: your anxiety will diminish or you will begin sleeping better.
An Acupuncture Case Study
An Asian patient in her mid 30's arrived at our clinic with cystic acne that covered her entire face. This acne had been an issue since her early teens.
She had a very high pressure job working in a tech start up and liked to stay up late working into the night.
Her diet was mostly cooked vegetables, however she had generally loose stool.
Her face was quite red and her pulse was rapid. Her tongue scalloped and red on the tip showing internal dampness and heat.
Her acne pustules were quite deep and inflamed. I diagnosed her with damp toxic heat with liver qi stagnation.
I began treating her weekly using among other points: Liver 2 and Stomach 44, Stomach 40 to reduce phlegm and heat. In addition I used very small needles which i gently place near several of the larger pustules on her face.
I prescribed an acne tincture manufactured by Blue Poppy and an herbal supplement called Shi Wei Bai Du San which she took for one month, then I changed her formula to Jia Wei Xiao Yao San.
After a week, the patient returned having noticed huge improvements to her acne. I continued treating her weekly for a period of 9 weeks. By this time her acne was mostly resolved, however she had a lot of scarring on her face.
The patient continued to come in every two weeks and then every month. The scars resolved to the point that they were unnoticeable.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Acne
Improves skin health and reduces acne symptoms
Increases collagen production and reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation
Can be used as a natural alternative to traditional acne treatments
Can be used in conjunction with other skincare methods
Safety and Potential Side Effects
Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a qualified practitioner.
Potential side effects include bruising, swelling, and temporary pain at the needle site.
Certain individuals, such as those with blood clotting disorders or taking blood thinners, should ask their doctor before having acupuncture.
Finding a Qualified Practitioner
Treating a skin condition with Chinese medicine is not a one time thing. You will need to start by coming in for weekly sessions.
Look for a practitioner who is conveniently located to you and affordable. Most importantly, one that will take the time to discuss your treatment strategy with you.
Find a clinic where you feel comfortable.
Look for a practitioner who is experienced in treating dermatological conditions.
Check for reviews and testimonials from previous clients.
All licensed practitioners are trained in clean needle technique and are required to use sterile needles and follows proper sanitation procedures.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is a natural and effective treatment for acne and other skin conditions.
Acupuncturists see each patient differently and each type of acne as unique.
Treatment will likely require a series of acupuncture sessions and possibly herbal medicine
You should be willing to change your diet and lifestyle to get positive results.
Acupuncture has very few negative side effects compared to acne medications.