Acupuncture for Acne and Eczema
For centuries, Chinese Medicine was used to treat a wide range of skin conditions ranging from eczema, acne, psoriasis, alopecia and many others (1). While throughout this time is was understood that disease was caused by a disruption in the body’s energy (Qi) and vital substances (Yin/ Yang and body fluids) (2), modern research now provides a more intrinsic understanding of the mechanisms behind acupuncture and skin health.
Acupuncture may be used as a primary form of treatment, or in conjunction with treatment or medication prescribed by your dermatologist.
Acne
Research suggests that acupuncture can be an effective form of treatment for acne (acne vulgaris) (3, 4) by helping to reduce inflammation and the appearance of skin lesions and scarring (5)
Inflammatory Skin Conditions
A number of clinical trials compared within systematic reviews have shown that acupuncture can be beneficial for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema), urticaria (hives), pruritus (itchy skin)(6) and reducing skin itch in itch-related skin conditions (7).
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Research suggests that acupuncture is an effective form of treatment for reducing itch intensity in eczema (8). Acupuncture has been found to significantly reduce type 1 sensitivity (the immune response that causes eczema) itch in patients with atopic eczema (9).
A pilot study has found that acupuncture actually reduces the concentration of blood serum levels of allergy-related cells called basophils that release chemical mediators, such as histamine, that are involved in the inflammatory process (10).
Best results for the reduction of inflammatory markers in the treatment of eczema with acupuncture occurred at around 5 weeks (33 days) following 10 acupuncture treatments (11).
Treatment Plan
Treating any type of condition can take time, and this is particularly true when it comes to treating the skin. As every person is unique in the way that they respond to treatment, an exact timeline of results is difficult to predict, however a basic guide can be provided.
For inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), urticaria (hives) and pruritus (itchy skin), it is common to gain some initial relief from itching and reduction in redness from the first treatment, with extended relief occurring with subsequent treatments.
The goal being to extend the period of relief between treatments to then reduce the frequency to as-needed maintenance treatments.
Course of Treatments
For optimal results, it is advised that patients receive 1 – 2 treatments per week in the first 3 – 4 weeks to gain momentum and boost the body’s response. Ideally this is followed by once-weekly treatments for the following 4 – 8 weeks. A consistent treatment plan of 12 weeks is advised in order to gain the most effective results.
Maintenance treatments may be administered as-needed after this at 2, 4, 6, or 8 week intervals depending on your response to treatments. This is only a guide as some patients may require less or more depending on how they respond.
For more information, please contact the clinic or book online with the link below.
References
1. “Acupuncture for Eczema and Skin Disorders”, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, viewed 9 March 2018, https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2015/01/16/acupuncture-eczema-skin-disorders
2. “Acupuncture for Eczema and Skin Disorders”, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
3. Cao, H, Yang, G, Wang, Y & Liu, J, “Acupoint Stimulation for Acne: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials”, Medical Acupuncture, Vol. 25, No. 3 (2013): 173 - 194, viewed 8 March 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3689157/
4. Son, B, Yun, Y & Choi, I, “Efficacy of ah shi point acupuncture on acne vulgaris”, Acupuncture Med, Vol. 28, No. 3 (2010): pp. 126 - 129, viewed 8 March 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20813813
5. Cao et al., “Acupoint Stimulation for Acne: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials”
6. Ma, C & Sivamani, R, “Acupuncture as a Treatment Modality in Dermatology: A Systematic Review”, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Vol. 21, No. 9 (2015): 520 - 529, viewed 6 March 2018, www.ebsco.com, 520
7. Yu, C, Zhang, P, Lv, Z, Li, H, Wu, C, Fang, G, Yuan, X, Zhang, J, He, W, Jing, X & Li, M, “Efficacy of Acupuncture in Itch: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Randomized Controlled Trials”, Evidenced Based Complementary Medicine (2015), viewed 8 March 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4430643/
8. Pfab, F, Athanasiadis, G, Huss-Marp, J, Fuqin, J, Heuser, B, Cifuentes, L, Brockow, K, Schober, W, A, Konstantinow & Irnich, D, “Effect of Acupuncture on Allergen-Induced Basophil Activation in Patients with Atopic Eczema: A Pilot Trial”, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Vol. 17, No. 4 (2011): 309 - 314, viewed 9 March 2018, www.ebsco.com, 309
9. Pfab, F, Huss-Marp, J, Gatti, A, Fuqin, J, Athanasiadis, G, Irnich, D, Raap, U, Schober, W, Behrendt, H, Ring, J & Darsow, U, “Influence of acupuncture on type I hypersensitivity itch and the wheal and flare response in adults with atopic eczema - a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial”, Allergy, Vol. 67, No. 7 (2010), viewed 9 March 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20002660
10. Pfab et al.,, “Effect of Acupuncture on Allergen-Induced Basophil Activation in Patients with Atopic Eczema: A Pilot Trial”, 312
11. Pfab et al.,, “Effect of Acupuncture on Allergen-Induced Basophil Activation in Patients with Atopic Eczema: A Pilot Trial”, 312
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