When it's YOUR face, Acne can be a frustrating or even embarrassing skin condition to have. You can't hide it, it's just there plain as day. So do natural options such as Acupuncture help Acne? Using Cosmetic Acupuncture techniques we can alleviate some of the symptoms.
Acne Vulgaris is a chronic skin condition where the hair follicles can become blocked with dead skin cells and excess oil. This creates the common red, raised lesions, sometimes with a white or yellow head, sometimes not. This is active Acne - red, raw, sore and purulent.
Once the blockage has been cleared or the skin has recovered and is no longer has raised lesions, pitting or scarring may occur afterwards.
Does Acupuncture help Acne?
Yes, it can help with relieving symptoms. There are a couple of strategies Acupuncture uses to assist recovery.
- Treating constitutionally
- Cosmetic Acupuncture - Active Acne
- Cosmetic Acupuncture - Scarring
Let's look at each individually:
Treating Constitutionally
Traditional Chinese Medicine is always looking at treating cause and symptom simultaneously. To treat the underlying cause, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal strategies would aim to clear the heat (associated redness & pain), resolve the damp (associated purulency & toxicity of the lesions). Including Liver support is wise, as Acne is often hormonally related. Liver support would help the body clear excess oestrogen more efficiently and balance and regulate the hormones. Each constitutional treatment is custom designed for where the client is currently and may change as symptoms change or resolve.
Cosmetic Acupuncture - Active Acne
When it's active, the lesions are red, swollen, sore and raised. This would indicate more heat in the body.
They may be purulent with heads and this indicates dampness and toxicity.
They may have different colourations and this is where the expertise of your Practitioner comes into determining which pattern is relevant and your TCM diagnosis.
To look at the Acne lesions, they are the eptiome of congestion, even by medical definition! (Blockage of hair follicles)
Congestion or stagnation is a big concept and treatment strategy in TCM and there are many acupuncture points and herbs we can use to clear the way and release the stagnation and congestion. The intention is to relieve the pain, reduce swelling, and resolve toxicity. (Reaffirming why addressing the Liver is important)
Specific Cosmetic Acupuncture techniques to needle around active Acne may assist symptom relief. Areas such as the jawline, cheek, forehead and shoulders can be targeted specifically and with care.
Cosmetic Acupuncture - Acne Scarring
Once the worst is over and the pain and swelling has been reduced, Cosmetic Acupuncture different techniques are applied to deal with the scarring left behind. The basic premise of Cosmetic acupuncture is to stimulate better blood flow and microcirculation to the face to promote healing and recovery. Again, the jaw, cheeks, forehead and shoulders can be targeted. This can be a great adjunct to any other skin regime or medical treatment you're having for your Acne, as there is no interference with other methods.
To make an initial skin assessment for Cosmetic Acupuncture, you can book online here.
If Acupuncture ISN'T for you or your teen, I also have a support program on Sydney's Northern Beaches called 'The Teen Acne Project'.
Most acne medicated tablets take many weeks and sometimes 3-6 months to start working.
I offer this guided program for teens to manage their acne in 4-6 weeks that's natural and Chinese Herbal Medicine based, including lifestyle support. I have SEVERAL WAYS to make it EASY for your or your teen to take Chinese Herbs WITHOUT TASTE. Would you be interested?
The first step is to complete the Skin questionnaire and you can access it here.
Or email me at the clinic with the subject line "Skin"
