Can Acupuncture Treat Skin Conditions?*
The skin is the body’s largest organ, serving both to protect us from the environment around us and to provide clues to what we can’t see underneath. In other words, the health of our skin can often be a reflection of our overall health and thus, skin disorders, whether chronic or acute, may be symptomatic of an underlying imbalance in the body. This holistic approach underpins the success of acupuncture in treating many difficult skin conditions. By identifying and focusing on the root cause of the problem, acupuncture can treat the visible symptom: an uncomfortable, itchy, unpleasant skin problem.
Acupuncture works by addressing systemic imbalances and weakness deep within the body. When treating skin conditions, acupuncture stimulates specific points along the body in order to simultaneously activate both the immune system and the endocrine systems. This simple action increases blood flow to key systems throughout the body and regulates proper hormonal balances. Put more simply, acupuncture stimulates and strengthens the body’s own natural defenses, enabling it to more effectively heal itself!
As with any medical approach, the first step is to identify the root of the problem. The acupuncturist will conduct a thorough evaluation, looking at and feeling your skin and tongue while asking many wide-ranging questions about your skin condition, your overall health, and your diet, exercise, and lifestyle routines. Once a course of treatment has been developed—every treatment is uniquely developed to address the specific needs of each individual patient—the acupuncturist will place sterile, high-grade needles at key points around the body to activate specific acupuncture points. In some cases, heat may be directly or, more commonly, indirectly applied to the acupuncture points for increased stimulation (moxibustion therapy).
What Skin Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture has been used successful to treat a wide variety of different skin conditions*, both acute and chronic, including:
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Psoriasis
- Perioral Dermatitis
- Herpes (zoster [shingles] and simplex)
- Eczema (including pomphlyx)
- Lichen Planus
- Viral Warts
- Chronic Hives
- and more
Whether acute or chronic, we understand that many patients have been suffering from the discomfort and embarrassment of problematic skin for a long time and want instant relief. It’s important to note that acupuncture is not magic! Addressing the underlying imbalances at the root of many of these difficult skin problems can take time, persistence, and patience. Moreover, acupuncture may be only one part of a comprehensive, holistic treatment approach.
The goal of acupuncture is to enable the body to heal itself by ensuring inner strength and wellness. Improving stress management, improving sleep problems, and addressing digestive issues can help promote overall wellness, thus contributing to a successful resolution of a difficult skin condition. Changes in diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits may play a vital role in your treatment plan, as may Chinese herbal medicine and also, in some cases, modern medicine like prescription medications and/or topical ointments.
For more information about how acupuncture and other treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Clintonville (614) 725-2488 | Main St, Westerville (614) 426-4406 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.
*Disclaimer: Results may vary and cannot be guaranteed. Before starting treatment, including acupuncture, for any skin condition, patients should see a dermatologist and/or a primary care physician.