Calm Your Rosacea, Naturally: How Acupuncture and Herbs Can Restore Your Skin

Rosacea is more than just a skin condition – it can deeply impact confidence and quality of life. Persistent redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and sensitivity can make even the simplest activities feel daunting. While conventional treatments like antibiotics, laser therapy, and topical creams may provide temporary relief, they often fail to address the root causes of rosacea and may come with unwanted side effects.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, offers a natural, effective, and time-tested approach to treating rosacea. By addressing internal imbalances, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the skin from within, TCM can help you regain control of your complexion—without relying on long-term medication.

How Acupuncture Helps with Rosacea

Acupuncture works by targeting the underlying factors that contribute to rosacea, such as inflammation, poor circulation, and nervous system imbalances. From a TCM perspective, rosacea is often caused by excessive heat, stagnation of qi (energy) and blood, and digestive imbalances. Acupuncture helps to:

1. Reduce Inflammation

Acupuncture has been shown to lower inflammatory markers in the body, which is crucial in calming the persistent redness and swelling associated with rosacea. A study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture can significantly reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping to manage chronic inflammatory skin conditions (Yuan et al., 2020).

2. Improve Circulation & Strengthen Capillaries

Rosacea is often linked to weak or dilated blood vessels, leading to persistent flushing. Acupuncture improves microcirculation, ensuring oxygen and nutrients reach the skin while strengthening the capillaries to reduce visible blood vessels.

3. Regulate the Nervous System to Minimise Flare-Ups

Stress is one of the most common triggers for rosacea flare-ups. Acupuncture helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, reducing stress-related flushing and breakouts. Research has shown that acupuncture lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), promoting relaxation and reducing stress-induced skin reactions (Spaeth et al., 2013).

4. Support Gut Health and Reduce Triggers

Emerging research links gut health to rosacea, with conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) being more common in rosacea patients. Acupuncture can support digestion and balance gut bacteria, helping to reduce skin inflammation and reactivity (Parodi et al., 2008).

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Healing Rosacea from Within

Chinese herbal medicine is an essential part of rosacea treatment, working alongside acupuncture to address internal imbalances that contribute to flare-ups. In TCM, rosacea is often associated with excessive heat in the body, particularly in the stomach and lungs. Herbal formulas are tailored to each individual and may include:

  • Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis): A powerful anti-inflammatory herb that helps clear heat and reduce redness.
  • Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa): Cools the blood, nourishes the skin, and reduces sensitivity.
  • Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus dasycarpus): Used traditionally to treat inflammatory skin conditions, helping to reduce redness and irritation.
  • Zhi Zi (Gardenia jasminoides): Known for its detoxifying properties, it helps clear heat and reduce flushing.

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that patients who received a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine saw greater improvements in their rosacea symptoms compared to those using conventional treatments alone.

Why Choose Chinese Medicine for Rosacea Treatment?

Unlike conventional treatments that often focus only on symptom management, acupuncture and Chinese medicine work to restore balance to the body for lasting improvements. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who:

  • Have not responded well to antibiotics, steroids, or other conventional treatments.
  • Experience rosacea flare-ups triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or digestive issues.
  • Prefer a natural, holistic approach that supports overall health and well-being.

Expert Dermatology-Focused Care at The London Acupuncture Clinic

At The London Acupuncture Clinic, we specialise in treating skin conditions, including rosacea, acne, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, and melasma. Our expert practitioners, Inga Heese, Robin Burby, Katie Scampton and James Mutkin, have extensive postgraduate training in dermatology and combine acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to create personalised treatment plans.

Take the First Step Toward Calmer, Healthier Skin

If you’re tired of struggling with rosacea and want a natural, effective solution, acupuncture and herbal medicine could be the answer. Book an appointment today at our Wimpole Street clinic or in Chiswick and start your journey toward clear, balanced skin.

Contact us now to schedule your consultation and discover how TCM can help you achieve long-term rosacea relief.