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Acne

Understanding Acne

Acne is a skin condition caused by the interaction of hormones and substances in the skin's oil glands and hair follicles. This results in lesions typically appearing on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, or back. Acne occurs when a follicle becomes blocked by a plug, preventing sebum (the oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands) from being released through the pore. Bacteria that normally reside on the skin then grow inside the blocked follicle, triggering an immune response. White blood cells cause inflammation, and when the follicle's wall eventually ruptures, its contents spill into the surrounding skin, forming lesions or pimples.

Chinese Medicine Diagnostic Patterns

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), treating acne involves diagnosing the individual's specific pattern, rather than focusing solely on the general condition. Several patterns may contribute to the development of acne, including:

• Heat in the blood
• Liver fire
• Damp heat in the spleen and stomach

Treatment often includes a combination of acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes tailored to the individual's diagnosis.