General, over-the-counter acne skincare treatments, along with careful medications, can be highly effective in managing acne and specifically removing blemishes. In Los Angeles, non-conventional methods are also considered for handling pimple breakouts. When exploring non-traditional healthcare options such as acupuncture, herbal medicines, naturopathic medicine, mind/body medicine, Ayurveda, and Kampo, as well as weight loss and nutritional concerns, the following analysis focuses on their relevance to acne.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: Using kinesiology for acne treatment has not been medically evaluated, but accounts suggest that two acupuncture sessions significantly reduce acne symptoms. These include auricular acupuncture (acupuncture applied around the ear) and electro-acupuncture (Chinese medicine using low electrical currents).
Some natural remedies help reduce skin inflammation by lowering levels of Propionibacterium acnes, a microbe produced by the body in response to clogged pores. Green tea extract and forest essentials have been compared to benzoyl peroxide in reducing Propionibacterium acnes and are believed to cause fewer side effects (pain, itching, and dry skin).
Homeopathic Remedies: Naturopathic practitioners evaluate individual characteristics (physical, emotional, and intellectual) before prescribing a remedy and customizing treatment accordingly. Although homeopathy lacks extensive scientific research, effective homeopaths use specific treatments for mild acne symptoms:
- Belladonna is used for those who feel "hot" spots on their face or those suffering from pus-filled pimples.
- Calendula is used for pus-filled pimples and thigh acne.
- Hepar sulphur is useful for pus-filled pimples that are symptomatic.
- Kali bromatum is used for severe acne issues, especially on the forehead.
- Silicea is used for infiltrating, pus-filled blackheads.
Mind/Body Therapy: Mind/body approaches to acne focus on behaviors related to physiological and cognitive imagery. Psychophysiological feedback and cognitive imagery aim to address how chronic stress might exacerbate acne. Physiological methods teach individuals to control internal processes like heart rate and physical tension. Cognitive imagery (or guided imagery) involves mental visualization to relax and evoke warm, positive emotional states. When used correctly, these techniques can reduce the severity of acne.
Hypnosis: Hypnosis works similarly to physiological and cognitive imagery by relaxing the individual. The main difference is that hypnosis typically requires guidance from a trained practitioner.
Ayurveda: Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine originating in India. It emphasizes lifestyle adjustments. Physical constitutions vary, and Ayurveda accommodates this by providing personalized advice. An Ayurvedic expert considers an individual's unique traits, understanding them through detailed consultations. For more information, you can refer to the following links:
- [Baidu Blog](http://hi.baidu.com/dededs8305/blog/item/82efd2fb0d3ad4f0cc1b3e4a.html)
- [ZOL Blog](http://blog.zol.com.cn/log_list.php?userid=minsd1027)
- [Cyworld Diary](http://cyworld.ifensi.com/ps2/diary/diary_view.php?mh_id=2011969618&diary_date=20120229&postid=475686)