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Points -  Ask the Doctor

Q: Can you tell me ways to effectively treat acne on the face and body?

A: In Chinese medicine, acne is a sign of pathogenic “heat” in the lungs and intestines. You need to clear your lungs of the heat, detoxify your intestines, and balance the exterior of the skin. Do this by avoiding fried, fatty, oily, spicy foods and stimulants such as coffee, sugar, smoking, and alcohol. Make sure your bowels are not constipated and flow regularly and easily. Avoid dairy products, and do not have any chocolate. Begin incorporating more cooling foods into your diet, such as squash, cucumbers, honeydew melon (winter melon), celery, beet tops, dandelions, aloe vera, mulberry leaf, papaya, brown rice, and plenty of water (at least 70 ounces per day).

Try these remedies:

1. Rub water melon rind on the affected areas, and apply aloe vera.

2. Drink dandelion and beet top tea.

3. Roast buckwheat, grind it into a powder, and mix it with rice vinegar into a paste; apply to affected areas. For oozing acne conditions, apply pearl barley powder mixed with aloe vera. Leave over night; then, wash in the morning.

One additional thing to be aware of: make sure your living and work environment is free of mold and fungus. These are notorious for entering the lungs and creating pathogenic heat. Contact a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in your area for a more specific treatment plan.

Another very helpful remedy is Traditions of Tao's Acne/Blemish is formulated with Chinese herbs to clear heat and detoxify the skin.

About our Doctors

This month's Ask the Doctor question was answered by:

Dr. Maoshing Ni, L.Ac., D.O.M., Ph.D. from his website:

December 2008
Volume 6, Number 12

Deputy District Attorney Turned Acupuncturist

7 Ways to Slash Stress

Antioxidant Activity of 45 Chinese Herbs and the Relationship with their TCM Characteristics

Recent Research

Ask The Doctor

Acne/Blemish Formula

Clears Acne & Promotes Beautiful Skin

Exquisite Skin

Beautiful Skin Begins Inside
 

Blood Builder / Fatigue Formula

Nourishes the Blood & Increases Energy

Pi Kang Shuang

Helps Relieve Dermatitis & Itching

Dr. Li's Protective Moisturizer

Moisturize & Nourish Your Skin with Dr. Li's Secret, Tested- Formula

Acne/Blemish Formula

Clears Acne & Promotes Beautiful Skin

Hai Ou Bo He Gao Cream

Soothes Irritated Skin

Regenerating Cream

Restorative Herbal Cream that Soothes & Nourishes the Skin

Internal Cleanse Capsules

Promotes Gentle Detoxification