Acne, pimples, zits, whiteheads, blackheads… ugh! I experienced all of this. As a teenager I had some breakouts, but it wasn’t until my mid twenties that I developed cystic acne. The dermatologist told me that if I didn’t go on antibiotics, I would have scars for life.
My instincts told me that there had to be another way. Since I was studying Chinese Medicine, I decided to pursue a holistic approach. I admit that having cystic acne was a very emotional experience. Anyone who has had this kind of acne can attest to the emotional challenges and insecurities that come up. Plus there’s a desperation to try whatever to get rid of it. I’m so glad I decided to get to the root of the problem because now my skin is clear without having to rely on any medications or special products.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the skin is a reflection of our entire health.
In treating acne, we look to uncover internal imbalances and heal them. We might need to balance hormones, address digestion issues, heal the adrenals, or balance other issues. Healthy glowing skin is the result of whole body health.
Each person who comes in for treatment for acne will have different underlying causes, so the treatments are individualized to treat their unique needs. The treatments may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutritional medicine. Acupuncture helps decrease inflammation and pain (acne can be painful!) and can decrease stress and anxiety. Chinese herbal medicine helps re-balance the body to address internal imbalances. Nutritional medicine can help by providing our bodies with essential nutrients for healing.
Be patient. Healing acne takes time.
My clients typically see results within three months, but in general it takes time. This approach is about healing acne from the inside out.
An integrative approach.
Some of my clients are totally into the all-natural approach. Many other clients take prescription acne medications and use over the counter treatments. Choosing a holistic approach does not mean that you have to give up the products or treatments that have worked for you. We can work together with your current approaches while we create sustainable solutions to healing your skin.
Practice gratitude.
Who can be grateful for pimples? I believe that symptoms are messages from the body. Acne is the body’s attempt to heal a system that is out of balance. We can be grateful that the body is trying to heal itself, while also working towards clear skin.
By healing the body from the inside out, the benefits are not only clearer skin, but whole body health.