Fen ci (acne)
Acne
Acne that keeps coming back. Pattern diagnosis by where the spots appear, how they look and how they follow diet and your cycle.
When people come in
- Recurring spots on the chin or cheeks
- Breakouts before your period
- Marks that linger
The Chinese medicine view
TCM links acne to heat in the Lung and Stomach, damp-heat or blood heat, made worse by rich food and irregular sleep.
Common patterns
Wind-heat in the Lung
Red spots on the forehead and nose
Damp-heat in the gut
Oily skin, pustules, constipation
Chong and Ren imbalance
Chin breakouts before periods
Phlegm and stasis
Nodules and marks
Patterns are identified by a practitioner through all four examinations. They are here to explain the thinking, not for self-diagnosis.
The medical view
Moderate to severe, cystic or scarring acne should also be seen by a dermatologist. Some acne relates to PCOS or medication.
What the consultation covers
The location and look of the spots, tongue and pulse, diet, sleep and cycle guide herbs, acupuncture or facial treatment.
Therapies that may be discussed: Herbal medicine
What to bring
- Current skincare and medication
- Any link with your cycle or diet
- Dermatology notes, if any
Questions
Does acne location link to organs?
TCM face mapping is one clue, read together with the rest of the picture.
Can I take herbs while on retinoids?
Share all medication so it can be checked first.
Related reading
Chinese Medicine Interpretation of Lip Color and Health
Healthy lips tell a story that goes beyond appearance — in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the lips reflect the balance of qi, blood, and spleen-stomach function. Changes in li
Face Acne Location Map in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acne is viewed as a reflection of internal imbalance rather than a surface-level skin issue alone.
Chinese Medicine Face Acne Map
The location of acne often reflects imbalances in specific internal organs, from the perspective of Chinese medicine.