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Started 4 years ago by Alice
Latest reply from olpers
Hiya,
Last year I suddenly developed acne. I am a 25 year old woman and had previously always had great skin. Over a period of 6 to 8 months it got worse and worse and I was getting very depressed and self-concious. My doctor could only recommend either a six month course of antibiotics or to go on the pill, niether of which I wanted to do.
One day my boyfriend and I were passing a Chinese medicine and acupuncture shop and saw an advert on the window which said they could cure acne. My boyfriend convinced me to give it a try even though I was sceptical, and I am soooooo glad I did.
From the evening of the first treatment I noticed that my skin was less sore and the spots less 'angry' and red, though I thought it must be a coincidence, I didn't believe anything could have an effect so soon. I continued to go for treatment once a week, where I had between 15 and 20 needles placed mainly in my arms and legs, for about half an hour. I was also given two types of tablets to take, 10 of each, twice a day (they were really small!).
The acupuncturist said that my acne was linked to a hormonal inbalance - my periods had been irregular all my life. Over the weeks my skin got better and better and my periods became more regular. After about 3 months of treatment the spots were virtually gone, there were just a few and some reddness and slight scaring which was easily covered by make-up. Then after about 5 months you would never have known I had had acne, my skin was perfect and it still is now, 4 months later!
I cannot recommend acupuncture enough. I'm sure it would work for all sufferers, men and women, as I believe now that the skin is a reflection of what is happening inside the body and acne is an idication of an inbalance of some sort. When the inbalance is treated the outside symtoms vanish.
I keep wanting to stop acne sufferers in the street and tell them to try acupuncture but of course I can't do that! So I thought I would tell my story on here, and hope it can help others.
The treatment can be expensive, it costs around £23 for a session of acupuncture and about another £14 a week for the tablets, but I don't think it is vital that you take the tablets as well, you probably just get faster results from combining the two. But as you will know, you get to a point where you will pay anything if it will work.
I reccommend that you ask around to see if anyone you know has been to, or can reccommend an acupuncturist in your local area. You'll be surprised, they are more popular than you think. Or look for one that is accredited in the phone book, or one that you know has been around for years.
Hope this is of help,
Alice -
That is great news. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Some of us really tried everything else with no results. Thanks again!
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That's fine. If anyone has any questions let me know. x
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that's helpful.. guess i'll give it a try!
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HI Alice,
I came to read your post last week when I was really desperate to read about other ways of treating acne. Actually, as soon as I read your post, I researched on the acupuncture and tried to know a little bit more about it since I've never done acupuncture before. I thought I'd give it a try since I've tried at least everything from over the counter medicine to dermatologist- you name it, but my acne will be ok at one point and then it will come back again.
By the way, I've had very clear skin when I was still young, during high school and college but starting the age of 23, I started breaking out. It's on and off. Anyway, I've always been irregular with my period too. So I mentioned this to the acupuncturist and what he can do to help me. I even mentioned to him that I got this idea from your post that I read in the acneforum.com.
The reason I wrote to you is because I have some questions for you since you already gone through this process:
1.)The acupuncturist said that it will take 3 months to complete the treatment. Is this true?
2.) How is your face now? I know you mentioned that you are ok now but can you please explain to me how long until it is completely gone and did you have to go back and see the acupuncturist again after the 3 months period or are you still seeing the acupuncturist until now? (To be honest with you, I was also skeptical going in there today but I told myself to just give it a try, maybe this really works- even though it is a little bit expensive.)
3.) While you were under the acupuncturist treatment, what products do you use to clean your face?
4.) Did your acupuncturist told you also to eat cilantro everyday and drink 2 glasses of distilled water everyday (not to mention the regular water that you drink like mineral water, tap water, whatever water you drink).
I will probably have more questions to ask on days to come but for now if you don't mind helping me out since I am new to this. I would really appreciate it. Rest assured that I will update you also and the rest of the readers here in Acne-Forum of my progress - (Hope this works for me).
Sincerely,
Trina
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Trina,
Please read my post on food allergies.
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Hi Trina,
Sorry, I have only just seen your post. I'm glad my post was helpful to you, I will try to answer your questions...
It took about 3 months for my skin to be pretty much clear so I think that this time span sounds about right. I stopped going for 2 months after the original 3 and my acne didn't come back, but I started going again as my periods were still irregular (my cycle was between 35 and 45 days) and I wanted to sort this out. The fact that the accupuncture had cured my acne gave me more faith that it could help with these problems too. I am still going now and my skin is totally clear. I am confident that the spots would not come back even if I stopped going as they didn't during the two months that I didn't have treatment and it has been 7 months now since I have been acne-free!
Whilst I was having treatment (and still now) I used Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, a gentle cream cleanser, which is organic and made from loads of soothing natural ingedients. I didn't use moisturiser at all (the cleanser is quite moisturising anyway). Also I switched to a mineral powder foundation, Urban Decay Surreal Skin, which allows the skin to breathe better and also gives really good cover but looks really natural ( I have converted loads of my frinds to this!) I use moisturiser again now.
My acupuncturist gave me different advice - to avoid spicy food and alcohol, which I'm afraid I didn't do, I don't drink much alcohol, maybe a few glases of wine a week, but I didn't stop this, and I didn't stop eating spicy food either, although again I don't have it tht often, maybe once or twice a week. What is cilantro? I was also told to eat rhubarb, but again, I didn't. He only told me these things when I asked specifically, maybe because I was taking the tablets he thought it was not as important for me to eat certain things. Were you given any tablets? I wasn't told anything about water either but I spose it can't hurt to drink more. Since I have been seeing the acupuncturist about my period problems he has told me to eat a beetroot every day which is apparently really good for women and for strengthening the circulation which apparently I need. I have actually been eating these as I really like beetroot! I think if the advice fits in with your life then do it but if not don't worry too much.
I hope this helps you and I really hope acupuncture works for you. It is quite a slow process as it is about re-balancing your whole body and strengthening your organs, so don't give up yet, give it a few more weeks at least. Did you notice any difference after your first session? How did you find the treatment?
I took photos of my face every week from when I started treatment and they show the gradual improvment over the weeks. I have since given before and after photos to the acupuncturist to display in the book he has of other such photos. I don't know of there is a way of posting pictures on here? I could send them to you give your email.
Feel free to ask me anthing else and please let me know how you're getting on.
Alice
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Hi,
I am looking into accupuncture, had acne since age 14, now 25, tried all dermatologist options except ruactine. Tried homeopathic remidies and crystal theraphy. I was also looking into laser, but am getting married in 5 months then will be trying for a baby so am looking for the natural/herbal options.
Can anyone reccommend accupuncture in London, UK please?
Xx
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Hmmm great story,,,,,,,,Thankx for sharing.
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