Acne and Cosmetic Acupuncture. Can it help?
Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. While it is often seen as a problem confined to the face, acne can also appear on other areas of the body. Whether you’re struggling with acne on your forehead, chin, back, or chest, its important to understand the root causes and explore treatment options. In this post, we’ll dive into the root causes of acne from both a Western and Chinese medicine perspective. We will discuss how acne can manifest on different areas of the body. We’ll finish off by exploring how cosmetic acupuncture can be an effective treatment to restore balance and achieve clearer skin. So, how can cosmetic acupuncture assist with acne? Keep reading to find out!
The Root Cause of Acne: A Western Perspective
From a Western medicine perspective, acne is primarily caused by clogged hair follicles or pores. These blockages occur when oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria accumulate inside the pores, leading to inflammation. The most common causes of acne include:
- Excess oil production: When the sebaceous glands in the skin produce more oil than necessary, it can clog the pores and lead to breakouts.
- Hormones: Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), often increase oil production in the skin, leading to acne.
- Bacteria: The presence of bacteria in the clogged pores can contribute to inflammation, resulting in pimples, blackheads, or cysts.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to developing acne due to their genetic makeup.
- Stress: Stress can trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases oil production and inflammation in the skin.
We have just explored the common explanations for acne in Western medicine. Now, let’s see how Chinese medicine offers a more holistic view, focusing on the internal balance of the body.
The Root Cause of Acne: A Chinese medicine Perspective
In Chinese medicine, acne is seen as a manifestation of an internal imbalance. This imbalance often relates to the body’s Qi, blood, and organs. Acne usually indicates an excess or stagnation of energy in the body. Each type of acne has a different root cause, depending on where it appears on the body and other symptoms.
Common Chinese medicine causes of acne include:
- Heat and Dampness: One of the most common causes of acne, especially in areas like the forehead and face, is an accumulation of Heat and Dampness. This may be caused by an overconsumption of greasy, spicy, or fried foods, alcohol, or other foods that create heat in the body. Dampness can also arise from digestive issues or stagnation of fluids.
- Liver Qi Stagnation: Acne that appears around the jawline or chin, particularly in women, is often attributed to hormonal imbalances. In TCM, the Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi. When Liver Qi becomes stagnant (often due to stress or emotional imbalance), it can lead to an overproduction of heat. If heat is in excess, it may cause acne flare-ups.
- Spleen Qi Deficiency: When the Spleen is weak or deficient, it has trouble transforming food into energy. This weakness can result in a weakened digestive system which can cause Dampness. This Dampness may rise to the skin and manifest as acne, especially on the chest, back, or shoulders.
- Blood Deficiency and Toxin Accumulation: In some cases, acne can appear when the body’s blood is deficient, and toxins accumulate in the body. This is particularly true for deep, cystic acne that appears under the skin.
Acne on Areas Other Than the Face
While the face is the most common place for acne to appear, it can also manifest on other parts of the body. Common areas acne is found can includ: the back, chest, shoulders, and the arms or legs. The location of acne can provide insight into its root cause, especially from a Chinese medicine standpoint:
- Back and Chest Acne: In Chinese medicine, acne on the back and chest is often associated with Dampness and heat. Particularly, when these areas are oily or prone to sweating. It can also be linked to digestive issues or poor circulation in the body.
- Shoulders and Upper Arms: Acne in this area is often tied to emotional stress or stagnation of Liver Qi. This stagnation affects the smooth flow of energy through the upper body.
- Arms and Legs: Acne that appears on the limbs may be linked to Blood deficiency or poor circulation. This type of acne might also indicate that the body is struggling to eliminate toxins properly.
How Cosmetic Acupuncture Can Treat Acne
Cosmetic acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment that addresses the skin’s appearance while targeting the internal imbalances that may be causing acne. We select specific acupuncture points on the body and face to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. The goal here is to promote collagen production, improve circulation, and bring balance to the organs involved in acne production.
How Cosmetic Acupuncture Works:
- Stimulates Circulation. The insertion of acupuncture needles creates microtrauma. This micro-trauma promotes blood flow to the skin. This increased flow of blood encourages the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the area and promotes collagen production. This improves the skin’s ability to heal and reduces inflammation.
- Regulates Hormones. By balancing the endocrine system, cosmetic acupuncture can help regulate hormones, which is particularly beneficial for those experiencing acne due to hormonal fluctuations (e.g., during menstruation).
- Improves Liver and Spleen Function. Cosmetic acupuncture works to relieve Liver Qi stagnation and strengthen Spleen function, both of which are important in treating acne that arises due to stress, poor digestion, or toxin buildup.
- Reduces Heat and Dampness. Acupuncture can help clear excess heat and dampness from the body, addressing the root causes of acne that arise from poor diet or digestive imbalances.
- Promotes Skin Health. In addition to clearing acne, cosmetic acupuncture can improve the overall health of the skin, reducing scarring, improving texture, and promoting a youthful glow.
What is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture, also known as facial acupuncture, is a technique derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine that focuses on rejuvenating the skin, improving its texture, and addressing underlying health concerns. While it is most commonly used for facial treatments, cosmetic acupuncture can also target areas of the body where acne appears. By focusing on specific points that correspond to the body’s organs, this treatment aims to restore balance and promote natural healing.
During a cosmetic acupuncture session, the practitioner will carefully select acupuncture points based on your individual concerns and constitutional health. Needles are inserted into the skin, stimulating circulation, promoting collagen production, and enhancing overall skin health. Cosmetic acupuncture can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are struggling with acne because it targets both the skin’s appearance and the internal imbalances that contribute to breakouts.
Conclusion
Whether acne appears on the face, back, or chest, the key to clear skin lies in addressing both external factors and internal imbalances. Cosmetic acupuncture offers a holistic solution that not only improves the appearance of the skin but also works to restore internal harmony, balance hormones, and clear toxins from the body.
If you’re struggling with acne and are looking for a natural, effective treatment, cosmetic acupuncture may be the answer. Consult with a TCM practitioner who specializes in cosmetic acupuncture to see how this holistic approach can help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
If you want to learn more or book in an appointment, call the clinic for a chat or book in online.
Hope to see you in the clinic soon to support you on your skin health journey.
– Adriana
