acne can be helped with chinese medicineAcne is one of the most common conditions seen in dermatology. Typical onset is at puberty, but for some, acne persists for decades. Acne affects areas rich in sebaceous glands: face, chest, back, upper arms and occasionally the abdomen. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine offer effective strategies for healing this vexing condition.
Practitioners of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine see acne as a condition of trapped heat. The heat may be due to rapid growth and hormonal fluctuations at puberty, emotional factors, stress, genetic constitution, menstruation or nutritional imbalances. Correctly identifying where the heat resides in the body is imperative. Skin with an oily sheen and more pronounced pustules indicates dampness as a contributing factor.
One of the strongest diagnostic criteria in treating acne with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is careful observation of the lesion. Location, severity and color of the predominant lesions as well as rate of pustule formation/resolution are key in diagnosis and treatment.
Along with acupuncture, herbal medicine is the best tool within the Traditional Chinese Medicine paradigm for dermatological issues. Both internal and topical herbal preparations can bring substantial relief to people suffering from acne.
