Could acupuncture help your skin?

Here at Pai, we’re always on the hunt for ways to minimise stress. And it seems we’re not alone!

With Acupuncture Awareness Week (2^nd – 8^th March) in full flow, a brand new study by the British Acupuncture Council has revealed that more than half of the UK residents surveyed are more stressed than they were ten years ago.

The daily pressures we all experience can, at times, prove overwhelming.

Personally, I really try to keep a lid on the amount of stress I put myself under – it does nothing to benefit my work or family life and there’s no doubt that it also has an immediate effect on my skin.

Stress and your skin: the science bit

Experiencing stressful or high-pressure situations causes our cortisol levels to increase. Prolonged anxiety causes cortisol to be released at high levels for long periods of time.

This causes inflammation, which suppresses key bodily functions that keep us healthy.

Unfortunately, these internal reactions to cortisol are mirrored externally on our skin, worsening inflammatory skin conditions including acne, urticaria, eczema and dermatitis.

Always keen to explore holistic approaches to health, I began having regular acupuncture around five years ago to help combat my stress levels and in turn, hopefully help calm my skin.

How Acupuncture works

Acupuncture works by inserting needles into key areas of your body to affect the flow of your vital energy, known as the body’s qi.

This triggers your body’s natural healing response to restore it physically, emotionally and mentally.

I’m a great advocate; as far I’m concerned acupuncture is a real gem in the world of complementary medicine.

It calms my nervous system, resets and relaxes me to the point that I can quite happily drift off to sleep during a session!

Needle-phobe or not, I accept that acupuncture may not be for everyone, but I was amazed that fewer than 4% of the UK’s population have tried it.

If you’re struggling with your skin and keen to explore other holistic options, I would definitely recommend giving acupuncture a go.

Just make sure you find a reputable practitioner – ask around and check with British Acupuncture Council, they can provide you with a list of their certified practitioners who are local to you.

Are you already a fan of acupuncture or considering it? Let me know – I’d love to hear about your experiences.