Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the location of acne reflects the health condition of different internal organs. Acne in different areas may indicate various health issues. For example:
- The chin is مرتبط with the uterus and endocrine system
- The left cheek corresponds to the liver
- The right cheek is related to the lungs
- Acne around the mouth is linked to the digestive system
Below is a detailed explanation of the possible causes and improvement methods for acne in different areas:
Face
Forehead — Heart & Liver Heat
Cause:
Related to emotional fluctuations, overthinking, and stress, which can lead to anxiety and anger.
Solution:
Reduce stress, adjust your lifestyle, avoid staying up late, and try to sleep before midnight.
Left Cheek — Liver
Cause:
Reduced liver detoxification function, leading to toxin accumulation.
Solution:
Maintain a positive mood, exercise regularly to improve blood circulation, and help eliminate toxins.
Right Cheek — Lungs
Cause:
Excess lung heat, possibly accompanied by a dry throat or occasional coughing.
Solution:
Focus on clearing lung heat and moisturizing dryness. Include foods like lily bulb and Chinese yam in your diet.
Nose — Stomach & Lungs
Cause:
May be due to stomach heat or lung heat, often accompanied by stomach discomfort.
Solution:
Pay attention to diet, avoid spicy and greasy foods, and improve constipation issues.
Philtrum (Area Above Upper Lip) — Mouth & Intestines
Cause:
Frequent eating out and strong-flavored foods may cause intestinal heat, often accompanied by constipation.
Solution:
Eat a light diet, increase intake of high-fiber fruits and vegetables to promote gut health.
Chin — Endocrine / Uterus
Cause:
Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle leading to excess oil production.
Solution:
Before menstruation, maintain a light diet, reduce cold drinks and raw foods, and get enough rest to reduce liver heat.
Body
Chest — Liver, Stomach, Intestines
Cause:
Related to poor diet or food allergies.
Back — Toxin Accumulation / Damp-Heat in Bladder
Cause:
Stress leading to hormonal imbalance and excessive sebum production.
Solution:
Reduce stress, maintain a light diet, and exercise regularly to boost metabolism.
TCM Treatment for Acne
Traditional Chinese Medicine treats acne (also known as “acne vulgaris”) with a holistic approach, focusing on balancing:
- Yin and Yang
- Qi and Blood
- Organ functions
Diagnosis is based on individual symptoms, acne location, color, and accompanying conditions. Common patterns include:
Common Syndromes
- Excess Liver Heat:
Often accompanied by irritability, facial redness, and red papules. Treated with liver-clearing and heat-reducing herbs. - Spleen Deficiency with Damp-Heat:
Often involves oily skin and pustules. Treated with herbs that strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness. - Blood Heat:
Characterized by red, swollen, hot, and painful acne. Treated by cooling the blood and detoxifying.
1. Herbal Medicine Therapy
- Clearing Heat & Detoxification:
Herbs like honeysuckle and dandelion help remove internal heat and toxins. - Regulating Spleen & Stomach:
Herbs such as Atractylodes and Poria improve digestion and reduce damp-heat. - Promoting Blood Circulation:
Herbs like peach kernel and safflower help improve circulation and reduce acne formation.
2. Acupuncture
- Acupuncture Treatment:
By stimulating specific meridian points, acupuncture helps regulate Qi and blood flow, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin condition.
