SOOTHE ACNE FROM WITHIN
CALM ACNE FLARE-UPS, STRENGTHEN YOUR SKIN BARRIER, AND PREVENT SCARRING WITH HOLISTIC TCM THAT ADDRESSES UNDERLYING IMBALANCES TROUBLING YOUR SKIN.
WHAT IS ACNE?
Acne is a common skin condition caused by the clogging of hair follicles with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. This results in skin inflammation that manifests as whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, and sometimes deeper nodules or cysts that appear on the face, chest or back.
In TCM, acne is also known as teenage bumps (青春痘) and is seen as a reflection of internal imbalances such as excess Heat, Dampness, and Blood Stagnation. When Heat and Dampness obstruct the flow of Qi and Blood, inflammation and acne develop. Diet, stress, and hormonal changes further disrupt this balance, making the skin more prone to breakouts.
CAUSES OF ACNE
In TCM, acne reflects underlying issues within the body. Learn more about the internal imbalances that may be contributing to your skin concerns.
HEAT IN THE LUNG AND STOMACH MERIDIANS
Heat in the Lung and Stomach Meridians can rise to the face and cause inflammation, which manifests as acne. This often presents as red, inflamed pustules, typically around the nose or cheeks. It is commonly caused by excessive consumption of spicy food or frequent exposure to hot environments.
DAMP-HEAT ACCUMULATION
Damp-heat is often associated with overconsumption of rich, greasy, and sweet foods. This leads to blocked pores and skin inflammation. Acne caused by this syndrome tends to be pus-filled and cystic, often deeper and more stubborn to treat. Patients with this imbalance often also present with oily skin, bad breath, and sticky stools.
LIVER QI STAGNATION
Emotional stress or excessive anger can cause Liver Qi stagnation, which may generate heat and lead to breakouts. These are usually concentrated around the forehead, temples, and jawline. This stagnation is frequently related to hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, and is often associated with irritability or mood swings.
SPLEEN QI DEFICIENCY
Poor dietary habits and overworking can weaken Spleen Qi and produce Dampness. This results in a weakened skin barrier that becomes more prone to clogged pores and acne. Individuals with this deficiency may also experience bloating, irregular bowel movements, and fatigue.
BLOOD STASIS
When blood circulation is impaired, it can lead to stagnation in the skin’s tissues. Patients with Blood Stasis may present with dark red, painful acne lesions or long-lasting scars even after acne has cleared. This syndrome is commonly associated with chronic acne.
*Patients may present with a combination of different syndromes, not just one.
TCM ACNE TREATMENTS
Our treatments are natural and gentle, offering a long-term solution that works by restoring balance from within. We calm flare-ups and hyper-sensitivity, prevent scarring and strengthen the skin barrier through traditional TCM treatments and Tech-enhanced Therapies.
ACUPUNCTURE
By inserting fine needles at specific acupuncture points, we correct imbalances in the body.
BENEFITS:
- Regulate Qi and Blood flow to the skin to reduce inflammation and promote healing in acne-prone areas.
- Reduce inflammation to calm red, swollen and painful acne lesions, offering relief from flare-ups and enhancing recovery.
- Restore hormonal balance to prevent breakouts.
HERBAL MEDICATION
Personalised herbal medicine is prescribed to rebalance your internal systems, targeting the root causes of acne.
BENEFITS:
- Cooling and detoxifying herbs help clear excessive heat and toxins from the body, reducing inflammation and preventing acne flare-ups.
- Anti-inflammatory herbs like Honeysuckle (金银花) and Forsythia (连翘) ease redness and swelling, supporting healing and minimising scars.
- Regulate hormonal imbalances caused by Liver Stagnation and Yin Deficiency, reducing hormonal acne.
ELECTRO-LYMPHATIC THERAPY (ELT)
A gentle, non-invasive therapy that stimulates lymphatic flow and drainage for healthier skin.
BENEFITS:
- Boost detoxification for efficient waste removal, preventing buildup that leads to clogged pores and breakouts.
- Reduce inflammation and fluid retention to calm redness and swelling.
- Improve blood flow and nutrient delivery for faster healing and less scarring.
CELL PRO THERAPY (CPT)
A non-invasive therapy that emits large amounts of reducing electrons that exhibit antioxidant effects for cellular repair and overall wellness.
BENEFITS:
- Combat free radical damage to strengthen skin’s barrier and boost resilience against irritants.
- Supports cellular regeneration, accelerating skin repair and reducing scars.
- Improves oxygenation of skin cells and enhances nutrient absorption for healthier skin.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DETAILED DIAGNOSIS
Using traditional TCM methods like pulse-taking, physical observation, and lifestyle inquiry, we uncover your unique body constitution and the imbalances contributing to troubled skin.
ACNE TREATMENT PLAN
Our physicians will explain the root causes of your skin concerns, providing clarity on your personalised treatment plan.
HOLISTIC CARE
Receive supportive care and simple lifestyle suggestions tailored to your body constitution, helping you extend the benefits of treatment beyond the clinic.
DETAILED DIAGNOSIS
Using traditional TCM methods like pulse-taking, physical observation, and lifestyle inquiry, we uncover your unique body constitution and the imbalances contributing to troubled skin.
ACNE TREATMENT PLAN
Our physicians will explain the root causes of your skin concerns, providing clarity on your personalised treatment plan.
HOLISTIC CARE
Receive supportive care and simple lifestyle suggestions tailored to your body constitution, helping you extend the benefits of treatment beyond the clinic.
TREATMENT PLAN OVERVIEW
Your treatment plan will be tailored to your unique needs. We typically start with more frequent sessions to address root imbalances, then taper as your skin improves. Here is a sample of a typical acne treatment journey.
MONTH 1 & 2 | 8 SESSIONS
We recommend weekly visits at the start to review your body’s response to the treatment plan. Our physicians will make timely adjustments to your medication and treatment plan as needed.
PHYSICIAN CONSULTATION
1/week
HERBAL MEDICATION
2/day
ACUPUNCTURE,
ELT + CPT
1/week
MONTH 3 | 2 SESSIONS
During this stage, visits are scheduled every two weeks to continue tracking progress. Adjustments may still be made to fine-tune the treatment based on your evolving needs.
PHYSICIAN CONSULTATION
1/2 weeks
HERBAL MEDICATION
1/day
ACUPUNCTURE,
ELT + CPT
1/2 weeks
MONTH 4 | 2 SESSIONS
As your body stabilises, the focus shifts to maintenance. Visits remain biweekly with fewer adjustments, aimed at supporting long-term results.
PHYSICIAN CONSULTATION
1/2 weeks
HERBAL MEDICATION
1/day
ACUPUNCTURE + CPT
1/2 weeks
ELT
1/month
SUCCESS STORIES
READY TO START YOUR SKIN HEALING JOURNEY?
Consult our experienced TCM physicians for a personalised acne treatment plan in Singapore.
CALL US AT +65 8087 0486
FAQ
Is acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture is generally not considered painful as the needles used are very thin and hair-like. There may be some soreness and tenderness at certain acupoints, which is a positive sign that Qi has been activated. If you are uncomfortable with the sensation, let your physician know and they can make adjustments accordingly.
How many sessions will it take before I see results?
The number of sessions depends on the severity, duration and underlying root causes of your acne. Some patients with milder, more recent breakouts may start seeing improvements within 2–4 weeks. For chronic or hormone-related acne, it may take 1–2 months or longer to see significant changes. As TCM focuses on rebalancing the body from within, results may take time, but are often more lasting and holistic.
Will my acne come back after treatment?
While TCM treatment helps address both symptoms and root causes, long-term results depend on various factors, such as lifestyle, diet, and stress management. To prevent recurrence, it’s important to follow personalised lifestyle and dietary recommendations, and periodic maintenance treatments may be advised.
Can stress cause troubled skin?
Yes, stress can significantly impact your skin. In TCM, stress disrupts the flow of Qi, leading to imbalances such as heat, dampness, or stagnation in the body. These imbalances can manifest as skin problems like acne. Managing stress through techniques like acupuncture, herbal remedies, tech-enhanced therapies and lifestyle adjustments can help with maintaining healthy skin and overall well-being.
How do tech-enhanced therapies complement TCM treatments for better results?
While TCM herbs and acupuncture treatments can help improve blood circulation and address underlying imbalances such as excessive heat and dampness, when there is excessive inflammation or poor cell metabolism, the effects of TCM treatments may take longer or be relatively short-lived. As such, we encourage patients to undergo Electro-Lymphatic Therapy (ELT) concurrently to help clear inflammation from the body while we alleviate underlying imbalances and enhance body recovery with traditional TCM therapies. By enhancing lymphatic drainage, ELT helps reduce congestion and improve nutrient delivery, allowing the body to absorb TCM herbs more effectively for optimal results.
Similarly, in patients with poor cell metabolism and blood circulation, the benefits of traditional therapies may take longer to manifest. Combined with Cell Pro Therapy (CPT), which helps boost cell metabolism and improve blood circulation, patients are more likely to experience faster and longer-lasting recovery.
In general, we encourage patients who have not experienced significant or long-lasting improvements with traditional therapies alone to try our tech-enhanced therapies.
