Acupuncture for Skin Diseases

Skin diseases can be triggered by various factors such as stress, hormonal fluctuations, or allergies. Acupuncture can help address the causes of skin diseases and thus relieve the symptoms. By stimulating acupuncture points, inflammation can be reduced, itching can be alleviated, and the immune system can be strengthened.

Find out here about the possible applications of alternative medicine in skin diseases and disorders.

Overview of Skin Diseases and Treatments with Acupuncture, Conventional Medicine, and Alternative Medicine

How Can Acupuncture Be Helpful for Skin Diseases?

Acupuncture can be helpful for skin diseases because it influences the body’s energy flow and restores balance. For many skin conditions such as urticaria, rosacea, or psoriasis, the immune system plays a key role. Acupuncture can strengthen the immune system and reduce the inflammatory reactions characteristic of these diseases. Additionally, acupuncture can improve blood and lymph flow, which can help nutrients and oxygen reach affected skin cells more quickly. Targeted stimulation of certain acupuncture points can also relieve pain and itching often associated with skin diseases.

Which Skin Diseases Can Be Treated with Acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be used for various skin conditions, such as acne, neurodermatitis, urticaria, or rosacea. The effectiveness of acupuncture for certain skin diseases is supported by studies. Quotes from studies are provided at the end of the article.

Acupuncture for Acne

Acne is an inflammatory skin disease caused by clogged sebaceous glands and bacterial growth. Typical symptoms include pimples, pustules, and blackheads on the skin. Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.

Acupuncture for Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by intense itching, dry skin, and redness. Acupuncture can help relieve itching and regulate the immune system.

Acupuncture for Urticaria

Urticaria, also known as hives, is a condition that causes skin rashes and itching. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be due to an overreaction of the immune system. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that can be used for urticaria. Thin needles are placed at specific points on the body to bring the Qi (vital energy) back into balance. Acupuncture can help relieve urticaria symptoms by reducing itching and soothing the skin.

Acupuncture for Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by redness and inflammation of the face. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Acupuncture can help relieve rosacea symptoms by reducing inflammation and improving skin blood flow.

Which Acupuncture Points Are Used for Skin Diseases?

There are various acupuncture points that can be used for skin diseases, depending on the type and location of the condition. Some frequently used points are, for example, the Liver Meridian Point (for inflammation and itching), the Kidney Meridian Point (for dry skin and scaling), the Spleen Meridian Point (for allergic skin reactions like urticaria), and the Large Intestine Meridian Point (for acne and eczema). It is important to note that the selection of points should always be tailored to the patient by an experienced acupuncturist for the best results.

How Does an Acupuncture Treatment for a Skin Disease Work?

An acupuncture treatment typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Before the treatment, a detailed discussion takes place to determine the causes of the skin disease and select appropriate acupuncture points. During the treatment, the needles are painlessly inserted into the selected points. Most patients find the treatment pleasant and relaxing.

How Often Should You Go for Acupuncture Treatments?

The frequency of treatments depends on the type and severity of the skin disease. Generally, a series of five to ten sessions is recommended, performed at weekly intervals. Depending on the course of treatment, the frequency and duration of sessions can be adjusted.

Studies on the Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Treating Skin Diseases

Acupuncture for Psoriasis Vulgaris

Study: „An Overview of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris, 2009-2014“ Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27631690/

Quote: Psoriasis is a chronic, proliferative, and inflammatory skin disease affecting about 2-3% of the global population. Current pharmacotherapy is effective, but drugs with safer and longer-lasting effects are needed. Acupuncture for psoriasis is widely used in China and other Asian countries and is gradually being accepted worldwide. This review summarizes the literature on acupuncture treatment for psoriasis published between 2009 and 2014, including studies from CNKI, MEDLINE, and PubMed. Therapeutic mechanisms, therapy, characteristics, benefits, and limitations of acupuncture for psoriasis are discussed. The conclusion is that acupuncture therapies for psoriasis are simple, convenient, effective, with long-lasting therapeutic effects and minimal side effects and toxicity.

Acupuncture for Acne

Study: „Acupuncture: A Therapeutic Approach Against Acne“ Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34599626/

Acne is a common but chronic skin disease, mainly affecting adolescents. Acne can persist, start, or worsen in adulthood and affect the face, back, and chest. It can become a serious problem if not treated in time. Even after treatment, acne often leaves persistent scars that are difficult to resolve.

These acne lesions are long-lasting and significantly impact a person’s mental and physical health. Four mechanisms are involved in acne development, though the exact interplay remains unclear. Acne in adolescence is due to increased hormone levels, while adult acne is linked to hormonal fluctuations. There are various approaches to treating acne, including oral medications, creams or gels, and acupuncture. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acne is considered an infection associated with the pathogenic influence of damp-heat and heat on certain meridians. As an ancient and integral part of Chinese medicine, acupuncture is used to treat many conditions, including acne.