- According to TCM, acne is caused by heat from various sources throughout the body. Toxic heat, damp heat, lung, stomach and blood heat each produce distinct symptoms that require individualized treatments.
- The type of heat determines the size and severity of the acne. Indicating factors include the location and appearance of infected areas, the color and consistency of the tongue, and the patient's heart rate.
- Toxic heat and damp heat are severe, involving a fast pulse, red tongue and even fatigue. Blood heat is less severe but long-term. Lung heat coincides with respiratory symptoms, while stomach heat tends to accompany digestive problems.
- In TCM, acne is usually treated with a decoction of herbs, meaning the herbs are mixed and boiled down with water. As many as 20 herbs can be mixed and taken orally, or applied topically.
- The most typical acne decoctions include peach and orange kernel, safflower, tangerine peel, loquat leaf, licorice and red sage root, along with several other Chinese herbs. Consult with a doctor or TCM practitioner for specific treatment.
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