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Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medical practice involving the insertion of needles into specific energy pathways, or meridians, can be an effective treatment for acne. Acupuncturists often see acne, which commonly manifests as inflammatory and often painful sores called pimples, as a sign of ‘damp heat’. This results from a combination of eating too many oily and spicy foods as well as indulging in far too many dairy products such as cheese and milk. Stress can also lead one to break out with acne.
Acne outbreaks are considered to show that that body is not balanced. Treatment is long-term (between 3 and 6 sessions will be initially needed, more if there are other, underlying conditions) and will address the organ systems in which the disharmony occurs. A qualified and licensed acupuncturist will target points addressing where the head has accumulated to help clear up the condition and prevent its return. He or she will also work on points that will work to cool the blood and reduce the heat in the spleen area, which regulates the flow of blood in the body.
Sometimes, the acupuncturist can treat the lesions directly. They can do this in two ways. First, they can place small needles around the lesion. This is called “surrounding the dragon.” Another approach is akin to lancing the pimple/cyst. A small needle is inserted into the lesion until pus or blood appears.
In addition to the needles, most acupuncturists will provides you with herbal remedies. The herbs that are chosen will try to relieve stagnation, or the accumulation of heat, and help to purge toxins from the body. Herbal remedies are customized for the patient and can change during the course of treatment. However, some commonly used ingredients include:
- Lily (bai he)
- Mung bean
- Licorice (gan cao)
- Gardenia (zhi zi)
- Peony tree bark (mu dan pi)
- Honeysuckle flower (jin yin hua)
Most Chinese herbal remedies have little to no side effects. However, if you are allergic to certain roots, weeds and/or flowers, it is important to let your acupuncturist know so that he/she will avoid placing these elements in your herbal prescription. Follow the directions for preparing the herbs if they are raw or powdered (powdered are easier to prepare) and contact your provider if you have any questions or problems.
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