Hi, I’m Dr. Diana, I’m a Chinese medicine practitioner and I love working with all things skin related!
Do you always look red-faced?
Rosy cheeks have often been a sign of good health, but if you look permanently embarrassed you might have a condition called rosacea acne.
Treatments for Rosacea acne vary, from topical treatments, oral medications, and laser and light therapies.
However, I would like to explore with you here how Chinese medicine and acupuncture may also help treat some of the symptoms of rosacea acne.
What is rosacea acne?
Rosacea acne (commonly just known as rosacea) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder on the face.
The most common symptom is redness across the center of the face – ie. in the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin areas, with an intense sensation of heat that comes and goes, also known as flushing.
Who is likely to get rosacea acne?
While it can affect anyone from any ethnic group, you’re more likely to be affected if you have fair skin, blue eyes, or European / Celtic blood.
You’re also much more likely to have rosacea if you’re female, but males have more intense symptoms, especially in the nose which can lead to an abnormally large nose from engorgement and swelling.
What are the symptoms of rosacea?
- Redness in the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin
- Flushing
- Acne-like spots
- Visible blood vessels
- Swelling in the nose or cheeks
- Rough, visible pores
- Burning or stinging sensation in the face
- Red irritated eyes (ocular rosacea)
Rosacea has many patterns in Chinese medicine, ranging from toxic heat to poor blood flow and nutrient deficiencies.
What are the causes and triggers of rosacea acne?
Studies have shown that there is an association between rosacea and mites that live in the follicles called Demodex mites.
Almost everyone has these mites living on their skin, but they are more common in patients with rosacea. These mites are only one small piece of the picture though, getting rid of these mites doesn’t necessarily mean that the problem is gone.
Common rosacea triggers:
- Alcohol
- Hot drinks
- Coffee
- Spicy food
- Exposure to wind & sunlight
- Stress & Anxiety
- Physical overheating
Rosacea and the menstrual cycle
In my clinical practice, I have also seen lots of women who report that their skin flares up around their menstrual periods.
In Chinese medicine, it’s not uncommon for the skin to be affected by hormones, especially if you suffer from PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome).
As if having PMS isn’t bad enough already, your skin becomes inflamed and even more sensitive around this time to stress and changes in your environment.
Rosacea Acne treatment options.
Rosacea can be debilitating and affect your social life – who wants to look beet-red at the first sign of stress or sunlight?
Rosacea Acne treatments are available with a combination of Chinese medicine and acupuncture, we can help manage the heat, pain, and stress of rosacea.
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture helps to balance the flow of energy (Qi) in the body and promotes healing.
Acupuncture can help rosacea by:
-
Reducing stress: Stress is a common trigger for rosacea flare-ups, and acupuncture can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can help to reduce symptoms.
- Reducing pain associated with inflammation: Acupuncture is well known for its ability to reduce pain, and can be used to promote anti-inflammatory effects on the body.
Traditional herbal preparations may also be prescribed to you alongside your acupuncture treatment, to support your therapeutic outcomes.
How do I find out more about how to treat rosacea acne?
Come and chat with me about how we can address the underlying issues so that you can feel comfortable in your skin, no matter what life throws at you.
Other posts you may like
Acupuncture for your face
Facial yoga for eye bags
The hidden meanings behind lines and wrinkles
Bookings for acupuncture
Book online here or phone the clinic on (03) 8394 7665 to book your acupuncture treatment today.
Our acupuncture clinic location
Qi Medicine acupuncture in Moonee Ponds: Find us on Google maps here:
We provide rosacea acne acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Melbourne to the North Western suburbs of Melbourne and are close to Highpoint. Qi Medicine acupuncture is minutes away from Ascot Vale, Essendon, Avondale Heights, Maribyrnong, and Brunswick West.
We also service many clients with acupuncture and Chinese medicine in Travancore, Flemington, Aberfeldie, and Maidstone. We are just 10 km from Melbourne city.