Acne, a chronic inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, is common in areas like the face, neck, chest, and back, especially among adolescents due to increased sebaceous gland activity. There have been many reports of successful acne treatment using acupuncture.
Treatment Principles:
Superficial Stimulation in Reflex Zones: The majority of successful acne treatments, such as bloodletting and cupping, align with this principle. This involves a dispersing method focusing on superficial stimulation in somatic reflex areas.
Stimulation of Endocrine-Related Points: At the same time, points related to endocrine function are stimulated to adjust hormonal balance. Ear acupuncture and Governor Vessel (Du Mai) points, which are part of the central reflex zone and have significant neuro-endocrine regulatory effects, are often used. Many ear points have distributions of the vagus nerve, providing notable autonomic nervous system regulation when stimulated.
Expelling Pathogenic Factors or 'Toxins': Maintaining balance by expelling pathogenic factors or 'toxins' is crucial in acne treatment. Various methods can be used for this expulsion, including skin-based methods like bloodletting and cupping. Additionally, regulating menstruation and bowel movements can also help 'expel toxins,' which is particularly important for patients with menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, or constipation. Besides local bloodletting and other methods, acupuncture points like Sanyinjiao, Xuehai, Diji, and Zusanli can be needled. Clinical effectiveness can be enhanced by combining these with certain Chinese herbal medicines.
This integrative approach to treating acne with acupuncture not only addresses the local symptoms but also aims to correct underlying imbalances, particularly those related to hormonal and digestive functions.