Conditions Treated: Acupuncture for Acne
Acne is a complex skin condition influenced by hormones, stress, and other factors. At East Village Acupuncture & Massage, we take a holistic approach to acne treatment, using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to support overall health and skin wellness. Many young adults come to our East Village clinic seeking alternatives when conventional acne medications have caused unwanted side effects or haven't provided the results they hoped for. We tailor treatments to each individual's needs, addressing factors that may be contributing to their skin concerns.
Acne symptoms that we treat
Blackheads and whiteheads, which doctors call comedones. Small bumps that can become inflamed over time. In more severe cases, deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts. Mild soreness, pain and itching. Breakouts on the face, neck, upper chest, upper back and shoulders. Many women in their thirties and forties get bumps around the chin and mouth.
Why Acne occurs
Hormonal imbalances, stress and other factors can all play a part, and the cause is different for each person. Chinese medicine sees acne as a sign of an imbalance somewhere in the body, and it holds that not all acne is the same. Your practitioner will work out what type of acne you have before choosing a treatment.
How we treat it
We look at each patient as an individual to determine their TCM pattern and come up with the most effective treatment. We often see patterns such as Stomach Fire (oily skin, with breakouts around the mouth, chest and upper back), Damp Toxicity (deep, inflamed cysts on the face, chest and back), BloodDryness (dry, broken skin) and Lung Heat (itchy breakouts on the forehead and near the nose). The pattern decides the points and herbs we use, which is why two people with acne are rarely treated the same way.
Acupuncture may help reduce inflammation, improve circulation and ease the stress that can feed breakouts. Chinese herbs are sometimes part of the plan. In some cases we also place very small needles near larger breakouts on the face. You will also be asked to make changes to your diet and lifestyle, which help acne improve more quickly. For most patients reducing foods that are high in sugar, junk foods is important as well as adding more whole foods and healthy fats. For some patterns we might recommend eliminating dairy and keeping a food journal to notice any triggers. You do not need to book a facial acupuncture session to treat acne. Regular acupuncture and Chinese herbs work on acne as well. It can be very important to work at regulating a women's menstrual cycle as many acne breakouts are hormonal. If you also want help with fine lines, skin tone or dark circles, facial acupuncture can be added.
For more information and to read a case study, check out our blog post
What your first visit will be like
Your acupuncturist begins with an intake, so we understand your skin, your health history, your stress and your diet. Needles are placed in the appropriate acu points, then you rest for roughly thirty minutes. Book a 45-minute session but allow an hour at the clinic. You will leave with a treatment plan and a
recommendation for how often to come in.
Acne treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine takes time, and results vary depending on the severity of the acne and each person's individual health. Some patients may notice improvements within several weeks, while others need a few months of consistent treatment to see meaningful changes. We tailor treatment to each patient's needs and may adjust the frequency of acupuncture sessions and herbal formulas as their skin responds. Our goal is to address factors that may be contributing to breakouts while supporting overall health and skin wellness. Taking herbs while receiving acupuncture usually is helpful for acne and speeds up the results
What it Costs
Acupuncture is $85, or $75 for students and seniors. Acupuncture Plus is $105, or $95 for students and seniors, and gives you more time with your practitioner. A herbal consult is $85, or $105 combined with acupuncture. The price of a herbal consult does not include the cost of the herbs. While you are taking herbs we like to see you every two weeks, because we change the formula as you progress.
Students and seniors with valid ID can book Tuesday to Friday before 2pm.
We offer discounts of 10, 15 or 20% when sessions are purchased in packages of 3, 5 or 10 sessions.
Common Questions
Which acupuncturists have experience treating acne?
While all of our acupuncturists have experience treating acne, not all of them are herbalists. If you are interested in taking Chinese herbs while receiving acupuncture please contact the clinic for a list of our herbalists.
Can acupuncture help with acne?
Acupuncture may help reduce inflammation, improve circulation and ease stress, and stress can make acne worse. Results vary from person to person, and most people need a series of sessions and sometimes herbs. You should also be ready to change your diet and lifestyle.
How many sessions will I need?
Plan to start with weekly sessions. After your initial session you will be given a treatment plan that indicates how many sessions, and which type of sessions, you should come in for.
How soon will I notice a difference?
Everyone responds to treatment differently. Some patients begin to notice changes in their skin within a few weeks, while others need several months of consistent acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment to see improvement. The timeline depends on factors such as the type and severity of acne, overall health, and individual response to treatment. We monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture points usually feel a bit pinchy when the needles are inserted. Afterwards you may experience a heavy or achy sensation. Most people find the needle stimulation very mild. We use tiny, hair-thin needles and a gentle needling technique. If you are worried about the needles, please mention it to your practitioner so they can walk you through it.
Are there side effects?
Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. Mild side effects, such as temporary soreness, minor bleeding, or bruising at the needle sites, can occur. Chinese herbal formulas may also cause side effects or interact with medications, so it is important to tell your practitioner about any medications or supplements you take and any relevant health conditions. If you have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medication, let your acupuncturist know before treatment so they can assess whether acupuncture is appropriate for you.
Can I keep taking my acne medication?
In many cases, acupuncture can be used alongside conventional acne treatments. However, some medications and Chinese herbs may interact, so it is important to tell your acupuncturist about all medications and supplements you take. We can review your current treatment and discuss whether Chinese herbal medicine is appropriate alongside it. Never stop or change a prescribed acne medication without first consulting your prescribing healthcare provider.
Do you take insurance?
We are not in network with any insurance companies but will provide a superbill upon request. You may also use your HSA/FSA to pay for your sessions.
Finding us
We are at 155 East 2nd Street in the East Village, a short walk from Union Square, the Lower East Side and Soho. Our closest subway stations are the 2nd Avenue F train (exit at 1st Avenue), and the JMZ trains at Essex Street/Delancey.
We are open seven days a week.
Book an acne session. Not sure which to choose? Call us at 212-777-4486 and reception will help.
“Had the best acupuncture appointment. The practitioner was great in listening to my ailments and helping me address them. I left my session feeling zen and great!”