INTRODUCTION

Barbara and I see many patients with acne. We treat this condition using a combination of craniosacral acupuncture, dietary, herbal and nutritional recommendations. The craniosacral acupuncture, herbs and dietary changes all work together to help open the meridians and strengthen the organs which in turn works to help clear the skin of the acne. We also give certain lifestyle recommendations. Acne is often seen as a manifestation of Dampness and Damp Heat in Chinese Medicine. In order to find out more about these conditions you may read our articles on Dampness and Damp Heat on our website. We hope you find the information in this article helpful.

RECOMMENDED FOODS

In general, eat a high fiber diet and a low fat, low carbohydrate diet. Eat raw foods that contain oxalic acid, including almonds, beets, cashews and Swiss chard (except spinach and rhubarb, which should be consumed in small amounts only). Eat foods rich in zinc such as shellfish, soybeans, whole grains, sunflower seeds and small amounts of raw nuts, daily. Low fat yogurt is useful in maintaining healthy intestinal flora.

Note: The chlorophyll in all greens purifies the blood of toxins that cause skin eruptions.

FOODS TO AVOID

Refined carbohydrates (sugar, white flour, etc.), fried foods, foods containing trans-fatty acids such as milk, milk products, butter, cream, cheese, margarine, shortening and other synthetically hydrogenated vegetable oils, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, cocoa, eggs, fat, hot and spicy foods, meat, poultry, wheat, soft drinks and foods containing brominated vegetable oils. Eliminate all processed foods from your diet. Do not use iodized salt. Iodine is known to worsen acne. For the same reason, avoid fish, kelp and onions.

Avoid milk: According to a study by Adebamowo et al published in J Am Acad Dermatol 2005 Feb;52(2):207-14 in which the dietary history of 47,355 women was reviewed it was concluded that there was a positive association with acne for intake of total milk and skim milk. The authors of the study hypothesized that the association with milk may be because of the presence of hormones and bioactive molecules in milk.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

· Gugulipid - A small controlled trial compared oral gugulipid (50 mg of guggulsterones twice daily) against tetracycline for the treatment of acne and reported equivalent results. (Thappa & Dogra 1994)

· Flaxseed fatty acids – To supply essential gamma linolenic acid needed to keep the skin smooth and soft, repair damaged skin cells and dissolve fatty deposits that block pores.

· Chromium picolinate – Aids in reducing infections of the skin.

· Vitamin B complex – Important for healthy skin tone.

· Zinc – Is an anti-bacterial agent. It aids in the healing of tissue and helps to prevent scarring. A diet low in zinc may produce flare-ups.

· Garlic – Destroys bacteria and enhances immune function.

· Potassium – Deficiency has been associated with acne.

· Vitamin A – Needed to strengthen the epithelial tissue of the skin.

· Vitamin E – An antioxidant that enhances healing.

· Acidophilus – Replenishes essential bacteria in the colon.

· Lecithin granules or capsules – Needed for better absorption of essential fatty acids.

· Selenium – Encourages tissues elasticity and is a powerful antioxidant.

· Vitamin C with bioflavonoids – Promotes immune function and reduces inflammation. Use a buffered type.

· Vitamin D – Promotes healing and tissue repair.

LIFESTYLE AND OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS

· Keep the affected area as free of oil as possible. Shampoo your hair frequently. Use an all-natural soap with sulfur that is designated for acne. Wash your skin thoroughly but gently; never rub hard. Vigorous scrubbing can make acne worse.

· Avoid stress as much as possible. Stress can promote hormonal changes and cause flare-ups.

· Try to get 15 minutes of sunshine each day, exercise regularly and get sufficient sleep.

· Avoid wearing makeup. If you feel you must use cosmetics, use only natural, water-based products; do not use any oil-based formulas. Avoid any products containing harsh chemicals, dyes or oils. Wash and dip makeup applicator brushes and sponges in alcohol after each use to avoid contamination.

· Do not squeeze the spots. To do so is to risk increasing the inflammation by causing breaks in the skin in which harmful bacteria can lodge. Do not touch the affected area unless your hands have been thoroughly cleaned.

REFERENCES

Balch, James F., MD & Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, 1997

Bratman, Steven, MD & Andrea M. Girman, MD MPH, Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs and Supplements and their Therapeutic Uses, St Louis: Mosby, 2003

Pitchford, Paul, Healing with Whole Foods, Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 1993

Werbach, Melvyn R., M.D. Nutritional Influences on Illness, Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1996

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Compassionate Acupuncture & Healing Arts, 4501 Valley Forge Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Tel. 919-309-7753 Email: compassionateacu@mindspring.com