Do you often find yourself battling those stubborn, seemingly invincible blemishes that pop up like uninvited guests on your face? You're not alone.
Welcome to the realm of hormonal acne, where our hormones seem to have a party on our skin, leaving behind a trail of frustrating breakouts. But fear not, for there's hope yet in the form of acupuncture and herbal medicine!
Let's first demystify hormonal acne. Our hormones, those tricky little messengers, often go haywire due to various factors like stress, menstrual cycles, or even dietary habits. This hormonal rollercoaster can lead to increased sebum production, clogged pores, and voilà – acne! But before you start panicking and reaching for that harsh chemical-laden acne cream, consider a more holistic approach.
Firstly, hormones love a routine. Make sure you are eating 3 meals per day. Ideally, protein first thing in the morning. Consider a warm breakfast like eggs and toast or oatmeal with nut butter, hemp hearts and some fruits. Avoid too many cold foods like smoothies and iced coffee. The digestive system in Chinese medicine is like a fire and when we put cold foods on it the fire diminishes. Thus, warm breakfasts are key and more coooked and sautéed vegetables are better to keep the digestive system warm. When our digestive system is cold it cannot process foods appropriately and dampness forms which in turn is one cause of hormonal acne.
Damp-heat is the other type of hormonal acne cause according to Chinese medicine. Removing dampness forming foods like sugar, gluten, and dairy are the best place to start. Again, the digestive system is the meeting point and we need to make sure this is running smoothly otherwise acne will appear.
So we have worked on our digestion and now it's time to balance our hormones with acupuncture which involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow. Acupuncture is quite soothing and can work wonders for hormonal imbalances. By targeting key points related to hormonal regulation, acupuncture helps restore balance within the body, calming those raging hormones and reducing acne flare-ups.
But wait, there's more! Herbal medicine, a treasure trove of nature's remedies, complements acupuncture beautifully in the fight against hormonal acne. With a plethora of herbs like licorice root, burdock, and red clover we can concoct a tincture tailored to your specific needs. These herbs boast anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing properties, tackling acne from the inside out and giving your skin the TLC it deserves.
Remember, healing takes time – so be patient and kind to yourself along the way.
On my shop page I have a wonderful tea tonic that supports hormones, skin and nails.
Kelsey Bru is a licensed acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist in the Courtenay, British Columbia. She loves working with women's health, hormones, menopause, fertility, mental health, and beyond through her online articles and at her clinic, The Remedy Room, on Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay. Call for an appointment at 250-800-7738.
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