Skin Conditions

Acupuncture for Skin Conditions

Acupuncture for Skin Conditions

The skin is the body's largest organ and acts as a barrier to the external environment. Many skin conditions are related to the body's immune and digestive systems.

Common, persistent skin conditions requiring medical treatment include eczema and dermatitis, psoriasis and acne. Acute skin conditions include shingles (herpes zoster), itching and hives (urticaria).

What Does The Research Say?

The following insights are obtained from scientific studies, systematic reviews and analysis of clinical trials investigating the efficacy of Skin Conditions.

Scientific References

Browse our collection of scientific research on Skin Conditions. It includes recent and reputable papers published by peer-reviewed journals within the last 10 years.

Acupuncture in Medicine

2020, Jan 1

The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for patients with atopic eczema: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Acupuncture in Medicine British Medical Acupuncture Society

Acupuncture is effective in reducing itch intensity and may be more beneficial than conventional medicine at reducing eczema symptoms. This study assessed the effectiveness and showed positive results from randomised controlled trials.

Jiao R, Yang Z, Wang Y, Zhou J, Zeng Y, Liu Z. Full Article

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

2020, Jan 21

Acupuncture in Dermatology: An Update to a Systematic Review
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Society for Acupuncture Research

Acupuncture is an important Traditional Chinese Medicine modality based on the fundamental theory that disease is caused by disruptions in the body's qi. Understanding the use of acupuncture in dermatology is important due to the rising prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use. This showed that acupuncture improves clinical outcomes in uremic pruritus, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, and itch.

Jonwei Hwang and Peter A. Lio Full Article

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

2018, Mar 12

Acupuncture for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

While caution should be exercised due to quality of the included studies, acupuncture and auricular acupressure were not statistically different to guideline recommended treatments but were with fewer side effects and may be a treatment option. Future trials should address the methodological weaknesses and meet standard reporting requirements stipulated in STRICTA.

Mansu SSY, Liang H, Parker S, Coyle ME, Wang K, Zhang AL, Guo X, Lu C, Xue CCL Full Article

Complementary Therapies in Medicine

2018, Mar 4

Acupuncture improves symptoms in patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis: A randomized, sham-controlled preliminary trial
Complementary Therapies in Medicine

This randomised controlled trial showed positive effects of acupuncture with improvement of sleep quality, prevention of itching and general quality of life for atopic dermatitis patient.

Smith CA, Armour M, Lee MS, Wang LQ, Hay PJ Full Article

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

2017, Dec 1

Acupuncture-related techniques for psoriasis: a systematic review with pairwise and network meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Society for Acupuncture Research

This randomized controlled trials showed positive effects of acupuncture for treating psoriasis. Further acu-pressure points were encouraged to relieve inflammation on localised area.

Yeh, M. L., Ko, S. H., Wang, M. H., Chi, C. C., & Chung, Y. C. Full Article

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology

2016, Dec

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Atopic Dermatitis: An Evidence-Based Review
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology

Careful review of the literature reveals several promising therapies in this domain; such findings may help direct further research that is necessary to bolster clinical recommendations for alternative or complementary treatments of AD.

Vieira BL, Lim NR, Lohman ME, Lio PA. Full Article

Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies

2015, Sep

Acupuncture as a treatment modality in dermatology: a systematic review
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies Medical Association of Pharmacopuncture Institute

The study indicated that acupuncture had statistically significant in treatment of dermatitis, chloasma, pruritus, urticaria, hyperhidrosis, and facial elasticity. Acupuncture was also more effective compared to other alternative therapies.

Ma, C., & Sivamani, R. K. Full Article

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

2015, Apr 30

Efficacy of Acupuncture in Itch: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Randomized Controlled Trials
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

This systematic review and detailed meta-analysis highlights the efficacy of acupuncture in effectiveness for ameliorating itch intensity in itch-related diseases.

Chi Yu, Pei Zhang, Zheng-Tao Lv, Jing-Jing Li, Hong-Ping Li, Cai-Hua Wu, Fang Gao, Xiao-Cui Yuan, Jing Zhang, Wei He, Xiang-Hong Jing, Man Li, Full Article

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