Acne: Effectively treated with Acupuncture

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26 March 2021

Acne: Effectively treated with Acupuncture

ACUPUNCTURE > SKIN DISORDERS

Acne is one of the most common skin problems, affecting almost all adolescents to some degree, that can also continue into adulthood. These outbreaks can be triggered by hormonal disorders, increased stress, poor diet, use of inappropriate cosmetics, poor hygiene and alcohol consumption.

The severity can vary widely, but no matter how severe it is, acne can have a significant impact on social and emotional health. Consequently, it can also be a source of physical pain and local skin infections.

Acne Managed effectively with Acupuncture.satory

Acne Managed effectively with Acupuncture.

Acne in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Specifically, in acne “an increase in heat and humidity in the body is considered responsible, which affect and are affected by the function of the lungs, stomach and spleen”.

The result of this disharmony in the body is  expressed by acne on different areas of the skin. Acupuncture leads to the secretion of substances that have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, endocrine and neurotransmitter effects, thus affecting and harmonizing functions of the various systems of the human body.

In general, acupuncture treatment in each patient is unique. The treatment is adapted to the needs of each individual, therefore, depending on each case, treatment may include acupuncture alone or a combination of herbs or essential oils with acupuncture. The frequency with which acupuncture is performed is initially 2 to 3 times a week and then less frequently, on a weekly basis, for about 2 to 3 months.

Benefits acupuncture offer for acne:

  • Reduces inflammation
  • Maintains normal number and functionality of the cells of the immune system.
  • Increases microcirculation locally and reduces swelling.

References

  • Mansu SSY, Liang H, Parker S, Coyle ME, Wang K, Zhang AL, Guo X, Lu C, Xue CCL. Acupuncture for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Mar 12;2018:4806734.
  • Chun-Yan C, Guang-Yao X, Yan-Yan S, Ming-Shu X, Peng L. Acupuncture: A therapeutic approach against acne. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Dec;20(12):3829-3838.
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16 March 2021

Treating Tendonitis Successfully with Acupuncture

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Tendonitis is a common injury that occurs on tendons, typically due to repetitive action. The tendon is a thick cord-like structure that attaches bones to muscles. When a repetitive action strains the tendon, it becomes inflamed and irritated, causing pain and discomfort. Furthermore, other causes for tendonitis include arthritis, gout, and adverse reactions to certain types of medicine.

Tendonitis isn’t just work or exercise-related, as tendons tend to lose elasticity with age and furthermore, the inflammation can even cause an infection within the tendon sheath. What’s more, the shoulders, heels, elbows, and wrists are mostly affected by tendonitis.

Tendonitis and Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been hailed as an incredibly useful treatment for tendonitis since 1990 as studies in The Clinical Journal of Pain came to light.The studies revealed that participants who suffered from shoulder tendinitis had their pain reduced considerably, as well as be able to return to daily activities, move their shoulder, and regain strength after a single acupuncture treatment.

Tendonitis pain and Acuncture Therapy.satoryTendonitis pain and Acuncture Therapy

Acupuncture alleviates the symptoms, through several mechanisms.

  • It stimulates the nervous system to release chemical compounds like endorphins in the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. Hence, these chemicals alter the perception of pain and promote a sense of well-being.
  • Acupuncture has anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it triggers the release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors, which aid in the reduction of swelling and inflammation around the affected tendon.
  • It enhances blood circulation to the area around the inserted needles, thus, promoting healing and recovery by supplying more oxygen and nutrients to the inflamed tissues.

Acupuncture needles are inserted in acupoints on the meridians of the body, thus, alleviating pain and restoring circulation to the area. Finally, healing occurs and  the swelling disappears. When needles are placed at the point of the injury, correcting the disharmony in the body, the flow improve, therefore restores the imbalance and heals.

References

  • Neal BS, Longbottom J. Is there a role for acupuncture in the treatment of tendinopathy? Acupunct Med. 2012 Dec;30(4):346-9. 
  • Zhou Y, Chen C, Yang Y, Yu H, Yang Z. Acupuncture therapy for tennis elbow: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Feb 5;100(5):e24402.
  • Hennessy MS, Molloy AP, Sturdee SW. Noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy. Foot Ankle Clin. 2007 Dec;12(4):617-41, vi-vii.
  • Lin W, Liu CY, Tang CL, Hsu CH. Acupuncture and small needle scalpel therapy in the treatment of calcifying tendonitis of the gluteus medius: a case report. Acupunct Med. 2012 Jun;30(2):142-3.
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