The technique of inserting filiform needles into specific spots on the body and then manipulating those needles is a practice that many Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners have done for centuries. Acupuncture, as it is called, is understood by many of us to be the practice of balancing the body's energy, or qi, which can be beneficial in relieving pain and nausea among many other things. What many of us don't know is that acupuncture can work wonders when it comes to skin fitness. Acupuncture is used to treat dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, and acne commonly.
To complement acupuncture treatments practitioners in most cases will recommend a combination of diet and herbal supplements. For acne specifically, this combination of treatments, many claim, can be more effective than benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics. In treating acne the acupuncture needles are usually placed at key points on the body that are known to be related to the skin condition, but they can be placed on or near an actual pimple.
Hundreds of points on the body are identified in the practice of which skin problems are associated with many. Both acne and certain types of eczema, for instance, are treated by focusing on the points that promote cooling of the organs. A skin condition is a consequence of energies unequal in the body. There are many ongoing studies intending to prove or disprove acupuncture's efficacy and many scientists cannot agree on how effective it really is. Regardless of the scientific community's feelings, more than 10 million Americans seek acupuncture treatment each year and most claim significant results.
Acupuncture is common enough that most skin spas are staffed with a provider or can easily recommend a qualified practitioner. The state requires those that practice to be licensed. Acupuncture must be done in a series for best results, like most skin care treatments. With treatments two to three times a week in the beginning, you should plan for less frequent visits once your skin's fitness has improved.
Author Sara Musfeldt developed SkinFitnessFacts.com to help people achieve fit skin. Her website has info on healthy skin diets, acne, rosacea, melasma, stretch marks, and eczema.
