Acne and Chinese herbal medicine
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free skin care · Mon Aug 03, 2009 5:00 am

wow this is an interesting topic. Smile

from my personal experience, TCM does a good job to maintain and adjust your body condidtion and as a result to cure problem like acnes and PMS. It would be beneficial if your outbreak is mainly due to menses.

free skin care · Tue Aug 04, 2009 2:42 am

there are a lot of reasons causing the ances on the face of body. chinese tradinal medicen is just wokring on well with some parts of the reasons.but not all. so it works on someone ,but all the people have pimples. i have tried for 3 months ,it is not working on my problems.

free skin care · Wed Aug 05, 2009 5:31 pm

panda- Yes, I can speak Cantonese so the language isnt a problem.
Is that 1000 Hong Kong Dollars including consultations and herbs for 2-3weeks?
So for, say 3 months of TCM, it would be about 6000HKD?

tinali0202- Are you going to continue with TCM, like see a different doctor?

sab- Have you seen/seeing TCM practitioner for your skin?

tckmtracy- No, not in London, I'm in the North West.

free skin care · Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:00 am

yeahyeah wrote:

tckmtracy- No, not in London, I'm in the North West.

I see

free skin care · Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:18 am

chinease herbs good to balance your inner body,and should take long to see results,but definetely not expensive. no good lines for acne skincare products Wink

Thu Aug 06, 2009 3:17 am

my mother's friend's daughter's acne is cured by this .but she used 1 year^。。。

free skin care · Thu Aug 06, 2009 4:21 am

panda wrote:

Ask for "LAM GOO LEUNG" (cantonese translation - Miss Lam or Nurse Lam). Her number is 2561-7880. Mobile is 9701-8272. She doesn't speak a drop of English though. Can you speak cantonese or mandarin?

Address:
11th Floor
368 King's Road
North Point

It is across the street from the McDonalds.

Her consultation is $1k and this includes the herbs for 2 weeks or 3 weeks depending on when she would like you to go back. Don't pay $1.5k. If you want to see her, then I'd rather call for you so that you can save the 500 bucks!

Yeah yeah, how long are in town for? TCM normally takes a couple of months for results and you will likely have to go back and she will give you diff't herbs each time.

1000 bucks are still expensive then

free skin care · Fri Sep 24, 2010 8:53 am

Just bringing this old thread up, as I've finally visited a TCM. After my skin got all messed up- you can see this thread http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?tid=39649. I made the appt to the TCM that I mentioned in this thread. I emailed them asking about the fees but when I went to see her, the fees were shocking! About 1800 Hong Kong Dollars/ 230USD for one week's meds and some skincare stuff. It blew my budget. I only took about 700 Hong Kong Dollars, thinking it would be more than enough.
I really do have trouble in believing that those meds and skincare can cost that much. I've worked out that the skincare products are about 1000HKD/130USD, whilst the consultation and meds are 800HKD.
It doesnt help that I'm unemployed again Mad

The doctor told me that I had rosacea and that it would take a VERY long time for my skin to get back to normal. She didnt say how long but when I mentioned a year, she said she didnt say that and couldnt give me a rough estimation. I know that its not possible to say, but in her email she clearly stated that it would take about 2-3 months. This and some other comments she made, made me doubt whether she is as good as what some people say....

As I know that TCM takes a while to see any results, I dont think I can afford to see her every week.

Anyone else have any recommendations, as I will most likely switch TCM practitioner?

free skin care · Fri Sep 24, 2010 11:34 am

yeahyeah wrote:

Anyone else have any recommendations, as I will most likely switch TCM practitioner?

Hi yeayeah -

Sorry that was such a costly surprise! Did the practitioner do any tests to arrive at her diagnosis? Did she say which of the different kinds of rosacea you have? Were any other possible causes discussed? What did she say about the consistently specific timing of your symptoms with menstruation?

Before you have another TCM appointment, it might be good for you read up on rosacea - does it really sound like what you're experiencing only during your periods? In a rosacea users group I came across, there was a discussion about how so often, doctors seem to just do a cursory look, without tests, and say "rosacea."

When a red face isn't rosacea is everyones doctor checking?

Then there is the National Rosacea Society; check the description of symptoms, photos, to see if it matches what your skin has been doing...to me, it doesn't sound like it:

"Rosacea triggers vary from one person to another, and some of the most common include sun, stress, hot or cold weather, wind, alcohol and spicy food. The length of a flare-up can also vary substantially among patients and circumstances, and may typically range from a few days to several weeks."

Also you can read up at WebMD.

If you feel that rosacea, with the dilated facial capilaries, the frequent flushing red in the face, the pustules, etc., ring true to your situation, that's one thing. If it does not, and the facial irritation/bumps/itching you are going through really only happens right before and during your period, maybe research local clinical dermatologists who specialize in hormone-related stuff, who will ask a lot of questions about your symptoms (and listen to you) then give you some choices as to what tests would be helpful in verifying what is or is not going on.

You're in my thoughts; I'm unemployed at the moment too and I know how stressful it is to be dealing with something when you have very limited funds!

free skin care · Fri Sep 24, 2010 7:29 pm

Hi,

I am from HK and now living in Shanghai. I don't believe Western doc and medicine so I read tons of books about TCM. Just want to let you, don't expect miracle and seeing result in one or 2 visits. And it won't help if you won't follow the diet that the TCM dr. recommend.

I am suffering from lack of 'qi', and have taken herbal soup (tea) for 6+ months.

free skin care · Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:24 pm

The practitioner just looked at my face and checked my pulse and my tongue. She asked questions, like my diet, sleeping patterns, menstrual cycle, bowel movements etc.

The TCM practitioner I went to used to be a nurse, so she has knowledge in Western Meds. My main reason for seeing her is for this reason, but after telling me that my skin condition will take a VERY long time to treat, I asked her whether Western doctors could be quicker or more effective. She was offended by this question and told me that I could see a Western doctor and that I wouldnt see her if Western meds helped. TBH I've not seen a Western doctor yet, as I was hoping that this TCM practitioner would incorporate what her experiences in Western med into her TCM.
As with all TCM, I was asked to avoid the usual foods- seafood except for fish, beef, cold drinks etc. The question that I wanted her to answer the most (the link between my periods and worsening of my symptoms), she didnt answer.

I know that TCM takes a while to see any
results, but based on my friends and family's experience and with the skincare products the practitioner given me and the meds, I do think that I could see some changes within the first month.

Thanks for the links critic, I might see a different doctor to ask for a second opinion...

free skin care · Tue Sep 28, 2010 4:52 pm

I think that chinese medicine is pretty accurate, have I actually been to a apractitioner specializing in it?? No. But an old co-worker of mine let me borrow a book about chinese medicine and it was indeed interesting. I know that regarding acne, there is a diagram that you can find online of a face, and if you hover over your mouse where you acne is, it tells you the reason its there i.e digestion, kidney problems etc. Pretty cool. I can't post a link yet but if you google interactive acne chart, there is the first link to the site called skinacea, has a pic of angelina jolie, hover your mouse over to the different spots and see what is causing your acne.

free skin care · Wed Sep 29, 2010 12:37 am

Thanks pinknika. The TCM practitioner did tell me that my skin's like it is now is due to liver and stomach (digestive system).

I've actually visited my GP, initially for something that is not relating to my skin but then I thought, might as well ask him for his opinion. He told me that TCM doesnt have rosacea and that he doesnt think I have rosacea, just acne.

I'm confused though, as I do trust my GP. Have seen him for several years now. My whole family sees him, and he actually listens to his patient and answers all the questions we have for him.
I asked him to recommend a Western derm and he gave me the card of his university friend. Did a quick google search and he seems to have quite a few good reviews, which also means that he must charge A LOT.

At the moment, my itching has decreased, but that might be because its not TTOTM yet. The skincare products the TCM practitioner has prescribed to me seems to give me a tonne of blackheads, in places that I dont usually get them too. I'm thinking it could be the cleansing milk.

free skin care · Fri Oct 08, 2010 11:57 pm

Have finally finished taking the herbal tea and the TCM creams, my skin has gotten worse. The TCM did nothing for me. Total waste of money. Sore throat, dry skin and blackheads Mad

Western doctors has diagnosed that I have acne and 100% NOT rosacea.

I do think that TCM is effective but as my friend always says, you need to find a TCM practitioner that you're compatible with.

But if anyone has some "proven" Chinese meds recipe, please let me know! Wink

free skin care · Sat Oct 09, 2010 7:49 am

It is very slow time for herbal medicine to cure, the quickest way is to do a laser. Have you ever used the A RETIN products which is very useful?

Sun Oct 10, 2010 4:21 pm

Hi yeahyeah... sorry to hear about your problems with TCM!

IMO, the effectiveness of the TCM treatment really lies in the skill of the practitioner! I'm not sure whereabouts you are, but if you are ever in the vicinity of Malaysia, i know of a dermatologist in malaysia, specifically in Subang Jaya called Dr Ranjit. His clinic is called Klinik Pakar Kulit Ranjit. He has had lots of success treating acne and a multitude of skin condition.

I used to have mild breakouts every so often, and after going to see him it has almost disappeared. My treatment took much longer as I only used to see him when i was visiting in malaysia, which was roundabouts 1-2 times a year. Having said that, a close friend of mine who suffered from chronic acne went to see him for a course of treatment, and she now has really nice, clear skin! i think she stayed with the treatment for up to 12 months

The treatment method generally consists os a consultation, then a course of skin products (dr ranjit's own clinical formulation) and in some severe cases, he may prescribe some medication or other surface treatment.

let me know if you're interested to find out more details... but i'm sure you can find some information if you google his clinic's name! in the meantime, good luck in your quest!

free skin care · Mon Oct 11, 2010 12:49 am

yeahyeah wrote:

Have finally finished taking the herbal tea and the TCM creams, my skin has gotten worse. The TCM did nothing for me. Total waste of money. Sore throat, dry skin and blackheads Mad

Western doctors has diagnosed that I have acne and 100% NOT rosacea.

I do think that TCM is effective but as my friend always says, you need to find a TCM practitioner that you're compatible with.

But if anyone has some "proven" Chinese meds recipe, please let me know! Wink

Your friend is right! I have tried many TCM drs in HK and China, only found one fits me here in Shanghai and the only one that works for me is Dr. Yip in HK.

Are you still in HK? Try Dr. Yip in Causeway Bay, tel 25731630. Quite expensive, approx. HKD1000 for 3-4 days medicine. I don't think he speaks English.

free skin care · Mon Oct 18, 2010 12:14 am

krystile I'm based in HK atm, and have actually switched to seeing a Western doctor, as it's slightly more cost effective.

critic- Thanks for the rec, but Causeway Bay is a bit too far and his consultation fees are way out of my budget.

Just a little update on my skin---Western docs told me that I DO NOT have rosacea but acne. However, they still cannot explain to me why my skin is so red, bumpy and itchy during TTOTM. I'm on antibiotics and applying azelaic acid but when I saw the doctor again, he said my skin does seem to look like an allergic reaction towards something so he's given me hydrocortisone cream and some kind of tablet to help with the itchiness and redness.
I still get pimples- the deep cystic ones- but just 4-5, which is much better than the dozens I used to get. I will give the antibiotics and cream another couple of weeks and hope that the rashes will go away by next month when I'm on again....

Mon Oct 18, 2010 3:35 pm

Good luck with your next round of treatments!

have you seen any improvements with this round of consult/treatment yet? Are you seeing a skin specialist /dermatologist?

free skin care · Fri Oct 22, 2010 1:46 am

krystile wrote:

Good luck with your next round of treatments!

have you seen any improvements with this round of consult/treatment yet? Are you seeing a skin specialist /dermatologist?

I've been on the antibiotics and azelaic acid for about 2 weeks now and whilst I'm not expecting immediate results, other than severe dryness, I still get deep cystic pimples here and there, and during TTOTM I still have terrible rashes especially on my cheeks.

The Western doctor I'm seeing at the moment is a qualified derm, I guess. He has a dermatology diploma, and my friend's friend recommended him to me. I do want to continue seeing him but I'm doubting his diagnosis, as the first time he said I have acne but when I told him about my menstrual rashes, he disregarded them. Then, the second time I saw him, my face was in pain from the rashes. It was then he said that I had some kinda allergy and prescribed some tablets and hydrocortisone cream.

I need to see if there are any improvements next month tho....

Thu Nov 18, 2010 3:18 pm

The most important part of TCM is definitely to find the right doctor. I don't know what it's like in HK, but in mainland China people prefer elder doctors. Experience makes huge difference.

Besides I think you need to find a TCM doctor who's specialized in skin problems. I used to visit a TCM expert for my acne skin. My husband's family have been her clients for decades. But her prescription didn't cure my acne. My husband's family never went there for skin problem. They all have very smooth skin. I think she's not good at skin problems.

The consultation fees in HK are truly expensive. If you can go to mainland China the cost is way much lower.

free skin care · Fri Nov 19, 2010 7:38 am

Yes, I do think that elder practitioners are a bit better. More experienced and can offer a more precise diagnosis. Too bad, I dont really like going to Mainland China (language barrier!), otherwise, I will definately
visit a TCM practitioner there.

I have actually seen another TCM practitioner, he's a bit more affordable but still it didnt "cure" my acne, as he said it would. However, his wash face and mask makes my skin so soft. I have never ever felt anything that face. Even with peels, my face isnt that soft but the face wash and mask, its unbelievable!

I'm back on antibiotics (oral and topical) and I *think* there's an improvement...fingers crossed I will get my acne-free skin back Cool

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