How to Heal Acne With Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an alternative treatment for acne that may produce results. Practitioners of this technique stick tiny needles into specific areas of the body to unblock healing energy. People who do not want to take medication or undergo laser treatments might try acupuncture to heal acne. The chances of success seem to increase with positive changes in diet and lifestyle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Know what to expect. Acupuncturists may use one or a combination of methods; one is called auricular or ear acupuncture and the other is called hormone balancing acupuncture. For women, hormone balancing acupuncture can serve additional benefits of curing the cramping and mood swings that can occur during menstruation.
2. Select a qualified acupuncturist. Very few states require licensing, but you can call the Secretary of State's office to find out if they license practioners of this technique. Otherwise, make several calls and question possible acupuncturists about their experience and qualifications.
3. Change your diet. If a doctor or dermatologist recommends acupuncture to heal acne, he or she might also recommend lifestyle changes in diet and exercise. Eating less oily foods can minimize the amount of oil secreted to the skin and exercise is another way to relieve stress. While there is no comprehensive research in this area, minor studies show that a combination of proper diet and acupuncture can heal the effects of acne.
4. Wait for results. While the recommendations vary, most experts agree that you can expect to see results in at least three sessions with a professional acupuncturist. While the visits can be costly, there are no negative side effects of acupuncture. However, there is no guarantee of improvement either.