A 2013 acne research study found acupuncture was an effective acne treatment. Investigators examined the effects of acupuncture treatments on patients struggling with acne vulgaris. Following a course of treatment, researchers saw significant reductions in acne papules and nodules. Objective measurements also revealed reductions in local inflammation of the skin. Furthermore, a patient satisfaction scale indicated positive outcomes regarding a decrease in acne.
Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris (AV) is the most common chronic skin disease in the United States, affecting 50 million people a year. AV occurs when hair follicles get blocked by dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil. The blocked follicles cause irritations on the skin, including pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. Also known as common acne, one of its primary triggers is hormones, especially around puberty. While most common in adolescents and young adults, acne can persist into the 30s and 40s at the cost of $3 billion. AV can lead to scarring, pigmentation changes on the skin, and emotional issues, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Acne Research
The clinical data from this acne research showed overall improvement in acne. The researchers investigated both the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture. They concluded that acupuncture treatment for acne had no adverse side effects. As a result, the investigation team concluded that acupuncture is safe and effective for treating facial acne and its associated inflammatory conditions.
Additional Acne Acupuncture Research
This acne research study is consistent with a meta-analysis of 43 acupuncture studies investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture in acne treatment. Researchers reviewed a sample of 3,500 patients in the investigation. The researchers discovered that acupuncture exerts a synergistic medicinal effect on patients with acne when combined with standard treatment.
Acupuncture measurably improved acne treatment outcomes compared to patients receiving herbal medicine only or face masks as a standalone treatment. The researchers concluded that acupuncture is both safe and effective for the treatment of acne. In addition, they found that cupping enhanced clinical outcomes. Cupping is a modality of Chinese medicine where suction cups on the back pull heat and toxicity from the body.
Next Steps
If you or a family member have acne, try acupuncture. We use sterile, single-use, hair-thin needles on the face and body to safely and effectively reduce acne.
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Reference
Korean Journal of Acupuncture, 30, 2, Startpage 114, Endpage 121, Total page 8. Ah Reum, Le Cao, Hui-juan, Guo-yan Yang, Yu-yi Wang, and Jian-ping Liu. “Acupoint Stimulation for Acne: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Medical Acupuncture (2013).
What our Clients are Saying
I developed acne about five years ago, out of the blue. It was never a problem for me as a teenager. Of course, when it started I was horrified. Since then I tried various treatments, some of which helped, most of which were a complete waste of money. But none of them gave lasting relief. My aunt suggested trying acupuncture. Her daughter had used it and her skin totally cleared up. I did research on the web and found Raleigh Acupuncture. They were great. Explained everything beforehand, were reasonably priced, and gave me a lot of attention. I’m happy to report that my acne is completely gone! I don’t exactly know how they did it. Something to do with adjustments in my body to stop the acne from coming out. I’m thrilled. If you have acne, you’ve got to try acupuncture.
Highly recommend this practice. I would break out with very bad acne every month before my period. Face, back and chest. Nothing ever helped. After getting acupuncture I don’t break out any more. Skin is clear and healthy.
I’ve struggled with acne forever and was tired of spending a small fortune on facial products that didn’t work. I read about acupuncture helping with acne and decided to try it. So glad I did. The staff at Raleigh Acupuncture totally got my acne under control, to the point where I don’t need topical creams any more. My face has never been this good. I wish I knew about this 10 years ago!! I highly recommend Raleigh Acupuncture. They are kind, honest and do excellent work. I’ve referred family and friends there and they have been just as pleased.