Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has been used to cure sickness for literally thousands of years.
Treatment works by practitioners sticking extremely thin solid needles into the meridians; specific points all over the body which are believed to be nodes on they body's energy network.
Acupuncture can serve as an effective alternative treatment for acne.
It's important to understand the process involved prior to receiving treatment, so you can know what to realistically expect.
Tip 1: Know what you're getting yourself into.
Firstly, acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny needles into your body.
If you're exceptionally squeamish, then you may want to reconsider this form of treatment.
For acne treatment specifically, acupuncturists may use several different methods.
The first is the "needling" of points in the ear, or "auricular" acupuncture.
The other form aims to correct deeper imbalances within the body by focusing on other points on the body.
Treating the deeper causative aspects of your illness is a key part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is the key difference from typical Western medicine.
Tip 2: Choose a certified practitioner.
The laws for licensing of acupuncturists differ from country to country and state to state.
It's a good idea to know exactly what qualifications practitioners require prior to letting them stick needles in you.
Don't be afraid to ask your TCM doctor straight up.
They should be happy and willing to explain their qualifications, training and affiliations.
If they're not, then you should try a different practitioner.
Tip 3: Be prepared to change aspects of your lifestyle such as diet.
In TCM the adage "You Are What You Eat" is firmly believed.
Different foods and beverages are considered helpful and harmful to different health conditions.
For example, when suffering from a common cold, it's recommended to drink only warm water, while avoiding beer, coffee and fruits such as all types of melons.
Doing so is thought to decrease the various "chi"- energy balances within the body.
When it comes to treating your acne, you may be asked to cut out certain foods you're fond of.
Failure to do so could reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.
Tip 4: Be Patient! Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture specifically takes time to reverse the negative, causative energy balances within your body.
You need to commit to period of at least three treatments and be strict on yourself when it comes to following dietary advice.
Failure to do so may result in failure to cure your acne.