Acne, also known as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and "zits," is a condition that commonly affects people starting around puberty and may cause emotional distress by affecting one's self esteem and making someone feel socially uncomfortable.
Acne generally appears on the face, neck, back, and shoulders.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can treat many skin disorders, including acne, and help get rid of the lesions as well as strengthen the body to avoid future outbreaks.
Acne may present as: • Whiteheads or blackheads • Papules • Nodules • Cysts Western medicine explains the cause of acne as: • An overproduction of sebum - the fluid that helps keep the skin and hair moist and lubricated • Irregular shedding of dead skin cells • An accumulation of bacteria in the skin cells When there is an overproduction of sebum and dead cells, they can back up along the hair follicle, causing acne.
It is believed that hormones, heredity, medications, and bacteria may be the causes of increased sebum in the body.
Western medical treatment of acne may include: • Over the counter medications, which may be a cream or lotion that is applied directly to the skin • Prescription medications, which may include antibiotics (either in pill or as a topical ointment), Retin-A, Accutane, or others Chinese medicine explains acne with several different possible causes: • Heat Toxins • Blood Stasis • Dampness • Liver Depressive Heat • Yin Vacuity Fire Acne may occur with one of these patterns or a combination of any of the above, with varying degrees of each component.
The color, frequency, location (if they occur along a specific meridian, or channel), how oily your skin is, and if there is the presence of pus.
Other aspects of the acne will also be considered, such as if the acne comes with the menstrual cycle or during periods of stress.
To treat acne with Chinese medicine, a combination of acupuncture, herbal formulas, and lifestyle changes may be used.
Acupuncture will include points to address a person's overall body type, the location of the acne, and the root cause of the acne.
An herbal formula may also be prescribed to continue treatment while the patient is at home.
Treatments may consist of analyzing aspects of your diet and lifestyle, such as sugar intake or sleep, to see where improvement may be needed to help prevent the acne.
There are many foods that Chinese medicine considers to cause specific patterns of acne.
Suggestions may be made to help improve your acne by making sure you are eating foods that do not increase acne breakouts.
Chinese medicine and acupuncture seek to treat the branch symptoms, in this case the pimples, as well as the root excess or deficient internal pattern to help you avoid future outbreaks.