Melasma

Acupuncture works by stimulating the lymphatic system, accelerating qi circulation, and improving blood circulation. Stagnation, the lack of circulation, is the most common cause of melasma. Improving the movement of blood and qi will help to renew and heal the skin.  Acupuncture can be used alone or in combination with conventional treatment of melasma. 

Chinese herbal medicine works to balance hormone and increase qi and blood circulation to balance color on the skin. 

In this article, I will tell you how acupuncture and Chinese medicine work to treat melasma and share how different treatment methods help reduce the condition.

Melasma is also likely to run in families. 

Man made light may also be a factor. LED lights from your TV, tablet, phone, or cell phone may contribute to developing melasma.  So it is important to block this light with a blue light filter or sunscreen containing iron oxide. 

Additionally, UV light from tanning beds will damage your skin and is another cause. 

Using a broad-spectrum, iron-tinted sunscreen is also very important. The SPF must be at least 30, and reapplying it every two hours is recommended.

Imbalances:

In Chinese medicine, melasma is thought to be caused by an imbalances in the body. The treatment approach is to determine the imbalance and then used customized acupuncture and herbal medicine to correct it. 

When considering each patient, we always treat the whole person. Traditional Chinese medicine not only observes the skin, we also think about the whole person.  The color of the melasma, location, and length of condition all factor into our diagnosis of the imbalance.  Also we will consider digestion, sleep, stress levels, and hormone balances. 

Imbalances may include

• Liver qi stagnation: if the melasma is exacerbated by or accompanied by stress and irregular periods, liver qi stagnation maybe involved. 
• Spleen qi vacuity with dampness is characterized by poor digestion, fatigue, and frequent colds
• Kidney yin deficiency may be accompanied by hot flashes and spontaneous sweating
• Blood Stagnation: Over a long period of time, any of these conditions can turn into blood stagnation.

To treat melasma, I will use a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help restore balance to the body and clear up the skin. 

Treatment course is usually 10 weekly visits. Some people will be completed at that time while others may continue at a reduced frequency for maintenance.  

Acupuncture is very safe and it is safe to use during pregnancy. Side effects are rare, with bruising being the most common. Most people feel very relaxed and light during the acupuncture treatment. 

Many herbal medicines are full of antioxidants which are thought to help melasma. 

Chinese herbal formulas are usually taken in the form of a decoction, which is made by boiling the herbs in water. The decoction is then strained and the liquid is taken as a tea. Chinese herbal formulas can also be taken in the form of pills or capsules.

Topical herbal medicines are also used as creams, oils, and herbal washes. 

Research

Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for melasma.

In a recent meta-analysis, acupuncture was found to be effective in treating facial melasma. Eight total randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were combined for a total of 587 women who were given acupuncture. The results showed that the women who received acupuncture had an improved rate of healing compared to those who did not. 

Another study showed that an acupuncture treatment protocol 5-10 sessions appears to be effective for treating melasma. Even patients who received only 5 sessions saw improvements in their skin. . 

Unlike conventional methods, acupuncture for melasma can target the root of the problem. Besides removing melasma, the needles can also improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. It is a holistic approach to the skin condition that has been successfully used for centuries.

Diet

In addition to the acupuncture and herbs, it is important to eat a diet that is rich in fresh, whole foods and avoiding foods that are known to cause inflammation, such as processed and sugary foods. Regular exercise is a great way to move the qi and balance the body.  In addition, getting enough sleep helps improve overall health and support the body’s natural healing processes. Luckily, one of the side benefits of acupuncture is improving your sleep. 

Chinese Medicine has long used acupuncture for melasma treatment. It is known to work by rebalancing hormones and promoting blood circulation to balance the skin. A combination of acupuncture and herbs is typically used to target the underlying imbalance causing the condition. In addition to improving the quality of the skin, acupuncture also works to reduce stress and promote relaxation and helps you feel better overall.