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Skin Wellness

Acne

Medical Disclaimer: The information and advice published or made available through this website is NOT intended to replace the services of a physician or a health care professional acting under a physician’s supervision, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship which has been established by an in-person evaluation of a patient.

From a Western medical perspective, pimples are caused by plugged or clogged hair follicles. Dead skin cells, make up and oils on the skin mix together to create plugs in the follicles. From an acupuncture theory perspective, Heat, dampness and toxins build up in the skin to cause pimples, blackheads and acne cysts. In Chinese medicine, these causes of acne and pimples can be the result of improper diet, emotions, hormonal changes and other lifestyle factors.

Regardless of what paradigm you use to understand the causes and symptoms of acne, the effects of acne should not be understated. While acne and pimples may occur on the chest, back and shoulders, acne most commonly occurs on the face. That’s an awfully public place to have pimples. Having acne lesions can cause serious emotional stress as a result. Unfortunately, acne usually affects those most susceptible to these stresses – teenagers. Adolescence is a time of developing identity and intense social pressures.

The effects of acne can go beyond physical acne scars and scar someone emotionally too. This is well documented by researchers. Additionally, people who are beyond adolescence, sometimes into their fifties, can also have acne. Adult acne can be just as troubling because most people think you shouldn’t have adult acne at that point in your life. The truth is 85% of teenagers and up to 40% of adults have acne.

Those are big numbers of teenagers and adults affected by acne and pimples. The numbers are even more astounding when you consider that $2.2 billion are spent on Western medical treatment each year in the United States.

All evidence suggests that these numbers have been increasing over the last decade.

Treatments

Acne also reacts well on TCM Treatments, and in many cases we can expect faster results. Acupuncture is a great way to balance hormonal imbalance which could be the cause for acne, this is quite common among young people. Try TCM and Acupuncture and say good bye to acne.

Prevention

Avoid sugary and/or greasy food. Also consume lots of green vegetables and fruits.