Chinese Medicine

[Guest]

I have been fighting acne since I was about 15 years old. I am now nearly 30. I have taken accutane twice, and it worked for one year each time. Most of my problem is on my jaw-line, and upper neck. I found some information on the site about specific herbal treatments, but no dosages or information on where I can buy these items. I have been drinking unfiltered, unsweetened cranberry juice with the juice of one whole lemon each night and it seems to help a bit. Maybe I need more liver/blood cleansing? Please...help me!

[Guest]

Traditional Chinese Medicine divides acne into several different differential diagnoses and treats, mainly with herbs, based on that diagnosis. The herbs are individually prescribed--including dosages and combiantions--so it becomes difficult to give dosage or herb recommendations without a full work up. If you want to try Chinese herbs, I strongly recommend you see a licensed practitioner.

There are patent medicines available in Chinese Medicine to treat acne, but I have never seen them work well--and there is concern over ingredients and substances that some of these patents might have.

Unfortunately, the concept of liver/blood cleansing is not one that is classically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but is more a part of naturopathic medicine. Please contact our naturopath, and she can give you information about these techniques.
[quote] I have been fighting acne since I was about 15 years old. I am now nearly 30... [/quote]