Acupuncture is one very effective treatment for acne according to those who believe and practice TCM (traditional Chinese medicine). They cite acupuncture’s potency in restoring the balance in a human body as reason. They believe that this treatment is an effective way of curing acne and other skin diseases that are caused by a specific imbalance.
Acupuncturists believe that the body consists of pressure points (acupoints) and meridians (energy channels). The yin and yang (hot and cold) aspects of the body become imbalanced when illness occurs. To help restore balance, acupuncturists insert needles into certain acupoints that are associated with the specific imbalance. The flow of energy is restored leading to balance which then removes the disease once the needles are inserted in their proper areas.
According to TCM, acne breakouts or zits are external signs of excess heat residing in the lungs. This implies that the lungs, the organs, that control your skin, should be cleansed and cooled down in order to get rid of acne breakouts. Inserting thin needles through specific acupoints along the meridians of the body is one way to cool down your lungs.
More than one acupuncture treatment session is normally needed In order for the treatment to be effective against acne. Your acupuncturist may also practice a healing technique known as “cupping,” in which glass cups are used to suction areas of your skin, along with your acupuncture treatment. According to TCM experts, this technique is a very good way of eliminating toxins and cooling down your lungs both of which can lead to an imbalance.
Acupuncture is a needle-probing technique. Its adherents as well as practitioners see acne as part of a bigger picture. This is entirely different from the theories underlying Western medicinal methods. Acupuncture not only targets the breakouts and zits, it also addresses the root cause of the imbalance or disease responsible for the acne.
One study has shown electro-acupuncture’s capacity to resolve the hormonal imbalance responsible for acne. If Western medicine was able to develop drugs that can directly rectify the hormonal imbalance responsible for the production of excess oil, TCM through electro-acupuncture can also help cure the imbalance. This type of acupuncture uses mild electric currents from an outside source that are transmitted to the needles while they are stuck into the patient’s body.
Acupuncture’s success as a treatment for breakouts has been proven time and time again in several other studies. However, the scientific community cites the need for more controlled studies in order to establish scientific proof of its effectiveness.
Acupuncturists may still advice the patient to first talk to a dermatologist since this professional can recommend the best treatment for your specific type of condition. And for severe acne sufferers, it’s probably a good idea to stick to scientifically-proven drugs and to try acupuncture, as well.
Goldfarb Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center
1339 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052
973-325-8884
acupuncturewestorange.com