Acupuncture for Acne

Book and appointment with Registered Acupuncturist, Tammy Stunden at Dalhousie Health & Wellness

Acupuncture can be used to alleviate mild-moderate acne, and works well with conventional treatment. ​

Here's how acupuncture may help:
● May reduce inflammation: Acne is an inflammatory condition. Some studies suggest acupuncture may influence inflammatory pathways and reduce certain inflammatory markers.
● May reduce stress: Stress can worsen acne in some people by affecting hormones and increasing inflammation. Acupuncture may help some people feel more relaxed, which could indirectly reduce stress-related breakouts.
● May influence oil production: Acupuncture affects the nervous and endocrine systems, potentially helping regulate sebum (skin oil) production. 
● May improve overall well-being: Better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved mood are commonly reported benefits of acupuncture. While these don't directly treat acne, they may support overall skin health for some individuals.


Can it be used alongside conventional treatment?
Absolutely! If performed by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture is generally considered safe and can often be used alongside standard acne treatments, such as:
● Topical retinoids
● Benzoyl peroxide
● Azelaic acid
● Prescription antibiotics (when appropriate)
● Hormonal treatments
● Oral isotretinoin for severe acne

It should not replace treatments that have strong evidence butrather assist those treatments. This is especially true if you have moderate to severe acne or acne that is causing scarring.

What a typical treatment looks like
Tammy, a registered acupuncturist, places very thin needles at specific points on the body, including the face. Sessions commonly last 20–30 minutes. Many treatment plans involve multiple sessions over several weeks. In addition to needles, your acupuncturist may suggest cupping and moxibustion as part of the therapy. Smokeless moxa is used to “dry” up the fluid of the acne or any other ‘dampness’ in the body.  Tammy will discuss minimal nutritional options and discuss certain pathogens to avoid.The goal is to bring the body back to balance in order to eliminate the root cause of the acne.

Some treatments will be on the front of the body, and others on the back of the body. Because we are always looking at balancing the body, treatment will look differently each session. 

What to expect
During your first acupuncture appointment with Tammy, she will ask a series of questions about your diet,digestion, lifestyle, sleep quality, medical information, history and concerns. She will then take a look at your tongue, check your pulse and palpate the front body for tenderness. With this information, she will diagnose a Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern. This helps her decide which meridian or acupoints to target. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that acne comes from stuck energy (qi), dampness or blood stasis. Depending on the severity of the acne, it may be necessary to receive 8-10 sessions.

Expect to feel relaxed, calm, centered, lighter or even sleepy during and after your treatment. Most patients report having a good night’s sleep immediately after acupuncture.

There may be some bruising at the site of the needles, however there are no contraindications to acupuncture (except during pregnancy). Acupuncture is a great add-on to other treatments that you are receiving for acne. 
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Explore your options by booking an acupuncture treatment with Tammy, a registered Acupuncturist, at Dalhousie Health & Wellness today! Covered by most extended health benefit plans.