Understanding Acne: A Holistic Perspective
Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, presenting as lesions on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back. While often considered a cosmetic concern, acne is a complex disorder caused by hormonal activity and the interaction of various substances with the skin’s oil glands and hair follicles.
At its core, acne develops when a plug forms in the follicle, blocking sebum (an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands) from being released onto the skin’s surface through a pore. This blockage creates an environment where bacteria, normally present on the skin, proliferate within the follicle. This bacterial growth triggers an immune response, drawing white blood cells to the area and causing inflammation. When the follicle wall eventually ruptures, it spills its contents into the surrounding skin, leading to visible lesions or pimples.
Chinese Medicine Approach to Acne
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on acne, emphasizing an individualized approach to treatment. Rather than focusing solely on the outward symptoms, TCM aims to identify and address the underlying patterns of imbalance within the body that contribute to acne development.
Common TCM diagnostic patterns for acne include:
- Heat in the Blood: Excessive heat circulating in the blood can manifest as red, inflamed lesions.
- Liver Fire: Emotional stress or dietary habits that disrupt the liver’s energy flow can lead to acne.
- Spleen and Stomach Damp-Heat: Poor digestion and an overproduction of dampness and heat in the body can contribute to breakouts.
Treatment strategies in TCM often combine modalities such as acupuncture, cupping therapy, herbal medicine, and lifestyle adjustments to restore balance and promote skin health. By addressing the root cause of the condition, TCM provides a holistic pathway to clearer, healthier skin.
Current Research
Lu & Xue 2018 (SA & MA of 10 RCTs ), the chance of achieving ≥30% & ≥50% change in lesion count in the acupuncture group was no different to the pharmacotherapy group; acupuncture and auricular acupressure were not statistically different to guideline recommended pharmacological treatments but were with fewer side effects and may be a treatment option (1).
Mansu SS, Liang H, Parker S, Coyle ME, Wang K, Zhang AL, Guo X, Lu C, Xue CC. Acupuncture for acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2018 Jan 1;2018