Dealing with Acne using Acupuncture

Acne is the most common skin disease in the United States, afflicting 40-50 million Americans each year. Characterized by surface pimples, deeper lumps (nodules or cysts), and clogged pores (whiteheads and blackheads), it generally occurs on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and sometimes upper arms. Although acne usually begins in puberty, this condition is not restricted to any single age group; adults can develop acne well into their 50’s. In fact, 85 percent of all people will suffer from this condition at some point in their lives. Although the physical effects of acne are not life threatening, the emotional and psychological effects can be devastating.

According to the Society for Investigative Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology Association, acne is caused by three major factors:

1. Growth of bacteria, particularly, acnes, with the hair follicles 2. The overproduction of oil by enlarged oil glands in the skin 3. Blockage of the hair follicle that releases oil

Classical acupuncture focuses primarily on the person and secondarily on treating the symptoms of the illness; the symptoms are a manifestation of a deeper constitutional imbalance. TCM considers the internal physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, as well as the external environmental factors when treating skin problems. Acupuncture remains a significant part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is effectively used to treat acne conditions. From a TCM perspective, acne is most often associated with heat and dampness affecting the Organs and Channels of the Lungs, Spleen, and Stomach.

A 2010 double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for moderate acne vulgaris in 36 patients. After 12 treatments, there was a significant reduction in inflammatory lesion count and an improvement in overall quality of life.

These results are congruent with a 2009 review that evaluated the therapeutic benefits and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion for the treatment of acne. Seventeen papers, evaluating 1,613 patients, were reviewed. Meta-analysis comparing treatment of acne by acupuncture plus moxibustion with routine western medicine as a control found acupuncture to be more effective.

From my clinical experience, the following nutritional and herbal therapies have been beneficial for expediting the healing process of acne when combined with regular acupuncture treatments.

Herbal Formulas: Margarite Acne Pills [Mayway or other reputable sources]

Calm My Skin [topical, tonic, or tea- Urban Healing- www.hamptonsacupuncture.com]

Topical Applications: Grind one aspirin in water to form a paste. Apply directly to affected area. Leave overnight. Do not use if allergic to salicylic acid.

Foods to Avoid: Fried, greasy, or spicy foods in addition to dairy, alcohol, sugar.

Topical Care: Look for products that include ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, tea tree oil, witch hazel, Vitamin A, C, and E. [Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser]

Apply a moisturizer also designed to address problem skin. Use chemical-free products containing ingredients such as Vitamin A, B5, C, and E. [Environ B-active range]

Exfoliate skin twice a week with a mild exfoliant to help remove dead surface cells and debris. [Tru Energy Deeply Purifying Facial Scrub]

Shellie Goldstein M.S., L.AC.

A licensed acupuncturist and educator with a Masters Degree in Biology and Nutrition, Ms. Goldstein was one of the first acupuncturists to work in hospitals and healthcare facilities in New York State, and was the Executive Director of Integrative Care for the Kingston Regional Health Care System.

Throughout her extensive career, Ms. Goldstein has been an innovator in the fields of acupuncture and skin care therapy. She has combined her broad training in Western Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Nutrition, and Esthetics to develop the trademarked Acupuncture Facelift or the AcuFacial Facelift® Cosmetic Acupuncture techniques. These pioneering acupuncture treatments reduce fine lines and wrinkles, eliminate double chins, lift sagging facial muscles, and rejuvenate dull, lifeless, or aging skin. Her unique therapies are considered an alternative or adjunct to BOTOX® injections, dermal fillers, and invasive cosmetic surgery. In contrast to traditional Western approaches, these methods also improve overall vitality and health.

Shellie is widely considered one of the leading experts on cosmetic facial acupuncture and her innovative healing techniques have drawn the attention of media outlets worldwide who rave about the incredible results. Dubbed the “acupuncturist to the stars” because of her devoted celebrity clientele in Manhattan and the Hamptons, Shellie published “Your Best Face Now: Look Younger in 20 Days With The Do-It-Yourself Acupressure Facelift” in 2012 to help men and women achieve the radiant results of her famous facials at home.

References: Efficacy of ah shi point acupuncture on acne vulgaris. Son BK, Yun Y., Choi IH. Acupuncture Med 2010 Sept;28 (3). Doi:110.1136/aim.2010.003004

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/261841233_Acupoint_Stimulation_for_Acne_A_Systematic_Review_of_Randomized_Controlled_Trials

The Burden of Skin Disease 2005, Copyright 2005. The Society of Integrative Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

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