Monday, March 16, 2009

Acne Alternative Treatments: Exploring Unconventional Paths to Healing

Acne Free in 3 Days
Read How

Author and medical expert Anne Wilson Schaef has said, "We have finally started to notice that there is real curative value in local herbs and remedies. In fact, we are also becoming aware that there are little or no side effects to most natural remedies, and that they are often more effective than Western medicine." Natural medicine has always been popular, and it is becoming even more so to treat various diseases, such as acne. While conventional medications are effective, acne alternative treatments are finding a larger following among the general populace.

Perhaps because of a general weariness regarding man-made chemicals and their side effects or because of great belief in the healing power of nature, many people are considering acne alternative treatments for their pimple problem. Many anti-acne formulations contain plant extracts that have been used throughout history for their healing powers. For instance, tea tree oil that is taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca tree has been shown to attack acne-causing bacteria and to limit the body's oil production. Basil powder is also a germicide, in addition to being a natural antiseptic. Bergamot oil is another ingredient in acne alternative treatments, since it has antiseptic and antifungal properties. Herbs with anti-inflammatory properties used in natural medicine to treat acne include calendula, witch hazel, licorice root, and flaxseed oil.

There are several other kinds of acne alternative treatments, each of which has its own following. In Chinese medicine, acne is believed to be external manifestations of internal disorders. Thus, treatment is focused on these diseases in the belief that once they are cured, the external symptoms will disappear also. Homeopathy is another form of natural medicine where the practitioner assesses a patient's overall physical and psychological makeup before prescribing medicines derived from natural resources, such as belladonna. Some acne alternative treatments that hail from Asia are also believed to alleviate symptoms. For instance, the Sunder Vati formulation in India's Ayurveda therapy reduces blemishes. Japanese Kampo medicine has been shown to have therapeutic effects against pimples, while auricular acupuncture and electro acupuncture have the ability to reduce acne symptoms as well.

Mental stress is one of the factors that can exacerbate acne, so the ability to control or reduce stress is important. A number of studies show that biofeedback used in conjunction with cognitive imagery help improve acne symptoms. Here, a person is trained to willfully control his or her bodily functions and to engender a relaxed mood by visualizing images that will encourage positive emotions. Hypnosis is also used as a therapeutic option, since it helps a person enter a relaxed state, thereby positively influencing hormonal activity and reducing inflammation.

Acne is a distressing problem for many, and people are willing to try all sorts of treatments to resolve it. It should be remembered, however, that some natural medicine formulations or processes can have adverse effects on certain people. It is necessary to get the opinion and advice of professionals and experts in their field of specialty. Acne alternative treatments may be beneficial for many, and these paths - although unconventional - are proving to be rewarding for many.

No comments:

Post a Comment