New research finds acupuncture an effective treatment for the treatment of acne. 
Investigators examined the effects of four facial acupuncture treatments on patients suffering from acne vulgaris. Following the treatment regime, the investigators measured significant reductions in acne papules and nodules. Additional objective measurements revealed reductions in local inflammation of the skin and tissues. A survey measured a subjective satisfaction scale from patients that showed improvements as well.
The clinical data showed improvements in acne. The researchers also sought to measure the safety of acupuncture along with effectiveness. The researchers documented that no serious treatment related adverse effects resulted from acupuncture treatment. As a result, the investigation team concluded that standardized facial acupuncture is both safe and effective for the treatment of facial acne and its associated inflammatory conditions.
This new research is consistent with a recent meta-analysis of 43 acupuncture studies investigating the efficaciousness of acupuncture for the treatment of acne. A sample size of approximately 3,500 patients was reviewed in the investigation. The researchers discovered that acupuncture exerts a synergistic medicinal effect on patients with acne when combined with a standard therapeutic regime. Acupuncture measurably enhanced acne treatment outcomes over patients receiving herbal medicine only or face masks as a standalone treatment. The researchers concluded that acupuncture is both safe and effective for the treatment of acne. An interesting anecdote from the study commented that cupping enhanced clinical outcomes.
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Reference:
Korean Journal of Acupuncture , 30, 2, Startpage 114 , Endpage 121 , Total page 8. Ah Reum Le et al.
Cao, Hui-juan, Guo-yan Yang, Yu-yi Wang, and Jian-ping Liu. "Acupoint Stimulation for Acne: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials." Medical Acupuncture (2013).
