Winni Lim
TCM Practitioner
Lasting Results Are Possible: Overcoming Acne with the Support of TCM
Will my skin ever heal without relying on medication?
This was the heartfelt question of Ms. C, a young woman who began experiencing persistent acne over the past six months. The breakouts started during a particularly demanding period in her life – balancing busy work with stress of studying at the same time. As her skin worsened, she felt increasingly frustrated, self conscious, and unsure whether her complexion could ever return to normal without medical intervention.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different perspective. Rather than viewing acne as only a surface skin disorder, TCM regards it as a reflection of deeper imbalances within the body. By restoring harmony internally, the skin can gradually regain its natural clarity and resilience.
For Ms. C, her treatment plan was designed to address four important aspects:
(a) Addressing the root imbalance
From a TCM perspective, acne is most often associated with internal Heat, Dampness and Blood stagnation. In modern terms, these imbalances may correspond to excess oil production, hormonal fluctuations, or sluggish circulation. For Ms. C, herbs were prescribed to:
- Clear Heat and inflammation manifesting as red, painful pimples.
- Resolve Dampness that contributed to oily skin and clogged pores.
- Move Blood to reduce stubborn marks and prevent further stagnation.
By focusing on the root imbalance, the aim was not only to reduce breakouts but also to create long-term stability.
(b) Clearing Heat and harmonizing digestion
In TCM, the Spleen and Stomach play a central role in transforming food and fluids. When overworked or weakened by stress, Damp-Heat may accumulate internally and rise to the skin, producing pimples, redness, and swelling.
Treatment therefore emphasized:
- Herbs to clear Excess Heat from the Lung and Stomach channels, where acne often manifests.
- Strengthening digestion to prevent the generation of Damp-Heat.
- Dietary guidance to avoid greasy, spicy, and heat-inducing foods that could worsen flare-ups.
This approach helped calm internal Heat and made her skin less reactive over time.
(c) Regulating emotions and stress
Treatment therefore emphasized:
- Herbs to clear Excess Heat from the Lung and Stomach channels, where acne often manifests.
- Strengthening digestion to prevent the generation of Damp-Heat.
- Dietary guidance to avoid greasy, spicy, and heat-inducing foods that could worsen flare-ups.
This approach helped calm internal Heat and made her skin less reactive over time.
(d) Enhancing skin recovery with acupuncture
Beyond internal regulation, acupuncture also played a role in improving skin texture and appearance. Specific points were used to:
- Promote Blood circulation to the face, helping acne marks fade more quickly.
- Encourage regeneration of healthy tissue for smoother skin.
- Revitalize Qi and Blood flow to bring out a natural, healthy glow in the complexion.
This combination not only reduced active acne but also supported long-term skin renewal.
Acupuncture
Herbal Prescription
Facial Gua-Sha & BoJin
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