Acne
Hormonal acne, cystic acne, adult-onset acne, acne rosacea, and general skin congestion due to blocked pores and overproduction of sebum.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Alleviating chronic itching, dryness, and inflammation, and reducing flare-ups associated with environmental triggers, allergens, and stress.
Psoriasis
Managing plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and erythrodermic psoriasis by reducing inflammation, calming skin eruptions, and addressing underlying immune dysfunction.
Rosacea
Reducing redness, visible blood vessels, and flare-ups associated with rosacea subtypes (Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, papulopustular rosacea, and phymatous rosacea), and providing relief from persistent facial redness and irritation.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Addressing scalp and facial scaling, dandruff, and redness associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
Lichen Sclerosus
Managing the chronic itching, pain, and scarring associated with this condition while addressing its autoimmune and inflammatory components.
Vitiligo
Supporting skin pigmentation by addressing autoimmune responses and improving the body’s regulation of melanocyte activity.
Urticaria (Hives)
Reducing the appearance of raised, red welts, and calming allergic or idiopathic reactions that trigger histamine release.
Alopecia
Treating various forms of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and traction alopecia, by stimulating hair follicles and addressing hormonal or autoimmune factors.
Pruritus (Chronic Itching)
Alleviating persistent itching, particularly in conditions such as prurigo nodularis, eczema, psoriasis, and liver disease-related pruritus.
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
Managing the acute pain, blisters, and long-term neuralgia associated with shingles, helping to reduce flare-ups and speed healing.
Tinea (Fungal Infections)
Treating ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and fungal nail infections by promoting healthy skin flora and clearing fungal overgrowth.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Alleviating skin-related symptoms of lupus such as photosensitivity, discoid lesions, and the characteristic butterfly rash while addressing underlying immune dysfunction.
Impetigo
Supporting the healing of bacterial skin infections, particularly in children, and preventing recurrence by boosting immune function.
Vitiligo
Restoring skin pigmentation and reducing the spread of depigmented patches by targeting the autoimmune mechanisms involved.
Scarring
Minimizing the appearance of hypertrophic and atrophic scars, keloids, and acne scars through therapies that promote skin healing and collagen production.
Hyperpigmentation
Reducing melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by regulating melanin production and improving skin cell turnover.
Tinea Versicolor
Treating fungal overgrowth that causes discolored patches on the skin, preventing recurrence, and supporting the skin's natural balance.
Acupuncture focuses primarily on treating the whole person and secondarily on treating the illness. Symptoms are seen as "branch" expressions of a deeper "root" (constitutional) imbalance. For instance, six patients with a condition might present with six distinct root imbalances, each requiring a different treatment approach. Acupuncture addresses both the symptoms and the root cause, bringing the body back to balance.
Acupuncture is a powerful treatment for various skin disorders, including acne, alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus, psoriasis, rosacea, and more. Specific needling techniques are particularly beneficial for treating conditions like nummular eczema and lichen sclerosis, alleviating itching and inflammation.
Herbal medicine used internally and topically, is integral to our approach, as many plants possess powerful skin-healing properties. Schisandra chinensis, for example, is a powerful adaptogen known to improve skin health by combating inflammation and oxidative stress. It enhances the body's ability to manage stress and is especially useful for individuals whose skin conditions worsen due to emotional or physical stress.
Other herbs, such as Lavender, Chamomile, Aloe Vera, and Evening Primrose, are also used to treat conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne by reducing inflammation, calming itching, and promoting healing. Formulas are always customized, considering the specific patterns of disharmony in each patient.
Nutrition plays a significant role in skin health, especially concerning the gut-skin axis. Schisandra not only improves skin resilience but also supports liver and gut health, which are closely tied to skin vitality. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, antioxidants, and probiotics helps support the skin's natural barrier and reduce systemic inflammation. We offer personalized nutritional counseling to help identify and address dietary triggers that may exacerbate conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
At Better Together Acupuncture & Wellness, our integrative methods are grounded in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern scientific research, aiming not just to relieve symptoms but to address the root causes of skin disorders. We continuously expand our knowledge and refine our methods to ensure we deliver the highest quality care to our patients. Our approach is rooted in the belief that skin issues often stem from internal imbalances—whether they are hormonal, immune-related, or triggered by environmental or emotional factors.
Acupuncture forms the core of our treatment methodology. Scientifically, acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation by modulating the body's immune response. Research indicates that acupuncture stimulates the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, promoting the body's ability to repair damaged skin. By increasing circulation, acupuncture also enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin, supporting the repair of tissue and reducing the formation of scar tissue. Clinical studies have shown its effectiveness in managing chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne, where inflammation plays a significant role. Furthermore, acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, which can reduce stress—a known trigger for many skin conditions. The combination of these effects contributes to healthier, more resilient skin while addressing the systemic issues that underlie skin flare-ups.
In addition to acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine is a crucial part of our holistic treatment plans. Herbs like Schisandra chinensis, Phellodendron (Huang Bai), and Sophora (Ku Shen) are well-documented in scientific literature for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. These herbs help clear excess heat, dispel dampness, and balance the body's energy (Qi), which, according to TCM principles, are often the root causes of skin disorders. Modern pharmacological studies support the use of these herbs for managing skin inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and improving the skin's barrier function. By addressing internal imbalances related to the lungs, liver, and digestive system, herbal remedies offer long-term relief while reducing dependence on topical or pharmaceutical interventions that often focus solely on symptoms. The effectiveness of these herbs is also supported by their role in reducing skin irritation, preventing infections, and promoting faster healing.
Nutrition plays an equally important role in our treatment approach, particularly through its impact on the gut-skin axis—a scientifically recognized connection between gut health and skin health. Research has demonstrated that gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria) can lead to systemic inflammation, which often manifests as skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics supports a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn strengthens the skin's barrier, reduces inflammation, and improves immune function. By carefully analyzing each patient's dietary habits, we help identify potential food sensitivities and inflammatory triggers that may exacerbate skin problems. Tailored nutritional plans aim to not only support skin health but also enhance overall immune and digestive health, thereby treating the root causes of skin disorders.
Our integrative approach, which combines acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition, provides a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment plan that addresses the internal and external factors contributing to skin disorders. By focusing on both the root causes and visible symptoms, our goal is to deliver lasting relief and promote long-term skin health. Whether you're managing chronic conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne, or seeking solutions for more acute flare-ups, our methods are designed to restore balance, reduce inflammation, and support overall well-being.
Our holistic method treats the skin as part of the entire body’s ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of internal balance in achieving lasting results. By incorporating evidence-based practices and personalized care, we offer a pathway to healthier, more resilient skin that promotes physical and emotional wellness.
