Acne is not a serious disease, however it can cause pain and emotional distress. Acne is thought to be an adolescent problem, but many suffer from acne as adults. The use of naturopathy is a natural, safe way to treat acne by finding the root cause for the problem. With this type of treatment you are trying to find a cure for the cause of acne, thus preventing the acne from occurring.
Identification
Naturopathy is based on the belief that the body can heal itself. Acne is seen as a result of an internal imbalance. According to altMD, naturopaths contribute skin diseases, such as acne, to toxins in the blood.
History
The history of naturopathy dates back to the 18th to 19th centuries. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, naturopathy was first introduced in the United States by Benjamin lust, a German immigrant who founded the American School of Naturopathy. The use of naturopathy declined in the 1920s, only to regain popularity in the 1960s. Today many states have licensed naturopath care providers.
Nutrition
Nutrition plays a large role in naturopathic acne treatment. The thought is that the body produces oil. If you eat saturated fats, the body makes poor oils. If you eat healthy fats, the body makes good oils. According to Health Communities, poor quality oil flows improperly and blocks pores, causing acne.
You should eat a diet high in protein, yet low in carbohydrates. This includes vegetables, seaweeds, fish, whole grains, sprouts and fruits. Avoid any food that have been fried or processed.
Do not eat dairy, sugar, margarine, nut butters, citrus, caffeine or any food you notice has effected your acne in the past.
Treatments
Once your triggers have been identified through diagnostic testing there are several treatments besides nutrition that may be tried.
Hydrotherapy is the application of wet clothes to the affected area. You apply a hot cloth for 45 seconds, then a cold cloth for 15 seconds. This is done three times, repeated throughout the day.
Herbal medicine is used often to treat acne, reports Health Communities. The herbs can be taken internally or used externally. Some herbs that are used to treat acne include: burdock, dandelion, chaste tree berry, milk thistle, red clover and tea tree.
Auricular acupuncture, or acupuncture of the ear may help reduce acne symptoms. According to Natures Intentions Naturopathic Clinic, cosmetic acupuncture works to reduce the size and time acne appears. It also help reduce acne rosacea.
Suggestions
Your naturologist may suggest that you practice some new lifestyle choices at home to aid in your acne treatments. Natures Intentions Naturopathic Clinic, suggests that you eat a diet that focuses on whole, unprocessed foods. Eat at least five to six vegetables and fruits a day, focus on vegetables. Eat more foods that contain omega-3 fatty oils, such as sardines and flaxseed. You should try to avoid foods that are possible irritants, these can include chocolate, milk, wheat and soda
Member Comments