Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in the Treatment of Acne
Acne is one of the most common conditions seen in dermatology. With typical onset at puberty, the condition tends to lessen over time and occasionally disappears before the age of 20. For some, it may persist for decades. Although less common, it can also start for the first time in the 20s or 30s, especially in women. Acne affects the areas rich in sebaceous glands, most commonly the face, chest, back, upper arms and occasionally the abdomen.
Practitioners of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine see acne as a condition of trapped heat. The etiology of the heat may be due to rapid growth and hormonal fluctuations at puberty, emotional factors, stress, genetic constitution, menstruation or nutritional imbalances. In addition to the cause of the heat, correctly identifying where the heat resides in the body is also imperative. Heat can smolder in different organs or energetically at different depths in the body, yielding different symptoms.
One of the strongest diagnostic criteria in effectively treating acne and other dermatological disorders from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective is careful observation of the lesion. Successful treatment strategies are based on locating the source(s) of the heat and secondary pathogens. Location, severity and color of the predominant lesions as well as rate of pustule formation/resolution are key in determining treatment strategy.
An example can be seen in adolescent acne. Pustules are typically more prominent on the chin, nose and forehead. Pustules also tend to crop up abruptly and recede in the same manner. The etiology of this type of acne often is generated by the Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis of Lung heat. Skin with an oily sheen and more pronounced pustules indicates dampness as a contributing factor.
Herbal medicine is the best tool within the Traditional Chinese Medicine paradigm for dermatological issues. The use of both internal herbal preparations along with external application of herbal ointments often brings substantial relief to people suffering with acne.
Sharon Sherman is a Licensed Practitioner of Oriental Medicine (L.OM.), specializing in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology and Oriental Medicine. Sharon is the founder of Empirical Point, LLC. a private practice with offices in the Mt. Airy and Center City neighborhoods of Philadelphia. Sharon graduated with honors and holds a Masters of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from the Tri-State College of Acupuncture in New York, NY. Sharon is Board certified as a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. To view information on Sharon’s practice or to read more about Chinese medicine please see Philadelphia Acupuncture website. and Philadelphia Acupuncture Blog.
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