Acne can occur for a variety of reasons in all skin types and in individuals of all ages. Whether resulting from poor diet, stress, skin irritation, medication side effects, environmental pollutants or age, there is usually an underlying cause that has to be identified and treated. Acupuncture attempts to identify the root cause of the acne and treat both the cause and the symptoms in a highly individualized treatment plan.
Western medicine often treats all acne the same--as a skin disorder resulting in clogged and inflamed hair follicles that can range from a pimple here and there to large and painful cysts. Rarely does the treatment look beneath the surface at what may be causing the acne, other than a clogged hair follicle. Acupuncture, on the other hand, takes into consideration a range of factors when diagnosing and treating acne, including environmental, emotional and physical influences that may be at the root of the problem. In addition, Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the skin is closely connected to the deeper organs of the body and is highly influenced by how well or poorly those organs are functioning. Accordingly, acne is treated not only as a skin disorder but as a possible disorder of the deeper organs. Depending on the type of acne the individual has, as well as any other symptoms he or she may be exhibiting, an acupuncturist can determine if there is an imbalance in the lungs, stomach, or spleen and can provide a method of treatment that is highly targeted toward the individual.
An acupuncturist begins by assessing the individual to find out where there may be imbalance, or "disharmony," in the body. This is done by observing a number of factors, including the patient's body temperature, pulse, the shape and appearance of the pimples, and several other factors that provide clues to the underlying cause of the acne. Based on the findings, the acupuncturist chooses treatment points on the skin where he or she will insert the needles. These points when punctured with the tiny acupuncture needles will bring different results, for example, one might cool the blood or stomach, or resolve excess dampness, helping to relieve the root cause and symptoms of the acne.
Acne treatment with acupuncture can take just a few treatments or last over many sessions, depending on the cause and severity of the disorder. In many cases, the acupuncturist will recommend that in addition to acupuncture, you undergo certain lifestyle changes, such as lowering your stress levels and changing your diet to avoid certain foods. Depending on your practitioner, he or she may also suggest the addition of Chinese herbs to your diet. While acupuncture offers proven results for treating acne, it is a holistic treatment and one that is most effective when supplemented with other treatments and/or lifestyle changes.
Added on 07/02/2010
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