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Acne is a common skin disorder that affects
mostly the face, neck and shoulders, and is usually associated
with adolescence. Millions of Americans suffer from acne,
making it the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a
serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring and
permanent scarring, which can be upsetting to people who are
affected by the disorder.
The exact cause of acne is unknown, but two major factors
contributing to acne include:
 | Restricted blood circulation at the skin surface,
failing to bring immune factors to the upper skin layers.
| Imbalance of body hormones causing abnormalities in the
skin oil secretion. |
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Hormonal levels fluctuate most significantly in puberty, but
are also related to pregnancy, menstruation and starting or
stopping birth control pills. Heredity plays an important role
in acne development while emotional stress, fatigue, humidity,
some medicines and cosmetics can aggravate the condition.
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In
Western Medicine acne is not well understood, and no single
treatment has been able to produce completelyl-satisfactory results.
In adults acne is often diagnosed as a life-long condition.
While astringent lotions, oil-removing pads, and acne soap are
recommended for mild acne, topical creams, oral antibiotics,
birth control pills, and isotretinoin are prescribed in more
severe cases. However, all of the above remedies are only used
to relieve and to control the outbreaks and can do nothing to
prevent them from occurring.
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Of
all the alternative therapies, acupuncture has been shown in
controlled scientific studies to be most effective in helping
to treat hormonal disturbances. Acupuncture works because it
tunes up all systems and stimulates energy, blood and nutrient
flow in an organism; it promotes homeostasis and regulates
hormone production.
Several preliminary studies have reported that a series of
acupuncture treatments (8 to 15) is markedly effective or
curative in 90 to 98% of patients. The effect is further
amplified when patients make appropriate lifestyle and
nutritional changes. (Food allergy plays a role in some cases
of acne, particularly adult acne.)
For a complete evaulation, contact us at 704.968.0351.
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