Acne

Acne TCM | Acne acupuncture

Acne, commonly known as “pimples,” usually begins to appear during adolescence and often improves by adulthood, but adult acne cases are also common. Acne is commonly found on the face, upper chest, and back, with the main characteristics being blackheads, papules, and pustules on the skin, often accompanied by inflammation, redness, and pain.

Causes of Acne

Excessive sebum secretion: Overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands leads to clogged pores, allowing bacteria to thrive and triggering an inflammatory response, resulting in acne.
Accumulation of keratin: Excessive thickening of the stratum corneum can also lead to pore blockage, triggering acne.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as an increase in androgens during puberty, can stimulate sebum production and contribute to the development of acne.

Symptoms and Classification of Acne

Clinically, acne can be classified into three types based on severity

Mild acne: Blackheads, whiteheads, and comedones, which are the accumulation of dead skin and oil in the pores.
Moderate acne: Numerous inflammatory papules and pustules.
Severe acne: A mix of inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules, and cystic lesions, which can leave scars upon healing.

TCM Classification of Acne

Damp-heat type: Acne lesions are primarily papules or pustules, accompanied by redness, swelling, pain, and increased secretion, often with an oily feeling.
Blood stasis type: Acne lesions are mainly nodules or cystic lesions, with a purple-dark color, significant tenderness, and difficulty in resolution, often leaving behind acne scars.
Qi stagnation type: Acne lesions are primarily comedones and papules, which tend to worsen around the menstrual cycle.

Three-step TCM treatment pf acne

Herbal medicine: Practitioners will prescribe Chinese herbal formulas based on the patient’s acne type and overall condition, aiming to clear heat and toxins, tonify the spleen, and promote blood circulation, thereby regulating hormonal balance, reducing sebum production, improving blood flow, and facilitating skin repair.

Topical herbal treatment: Practitioners also provide topical herbal ointments, lotions, or washes to the affected areas, to reduce inflammation, swelling, kill bacteria, and prevent further comedone formation.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help regulate hormonal levels and improve blood circulation, relieving symptoms and promoting skin healing. Specific acupuncture points can be targeted to soothe inflammation, redness, and pain.

Innovative “MANA Light” therapy

Combining traditional TCM treatment and modern technology, our clinic has introduced a phototherapy device used alongside acupuncture for acne.

Based on the patient’s condition, we can select red, yellow or blue light therapy to achieve the best results.

Research shows blue light has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and soothing anti-itch effects, effectively reducing skin redness, swelling and itchiness.

Red light can promote blood circulation and cellular metabolism, stimulate pigment production, and enhance the cells’ light absorption, aiding wound healing and improving skin elasticity.

Yellow light has a calming and soothing effect, improving redness and broken capillaries, making it especially suitable for sensitive skin conditions.

With “MANA Light”, we can provide customized treatment plans to address different symptoms and needs, helping patients alleviate the discomfort of acne.

This therapy combines traditional TCM and modern technology, leveraging the strengths of both to promote skin recovery and restore health.

MANA Core Values

Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine, Multidimensional Therapy
Reshaping Structural Integrity to Achieve Inner and Outer Balance
Guiding Body Perception to Think & Foster a Healthy Lifestyle
Conducted by Registered TCM Practitioners and Physiotherapists for Examination and Treatment

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