Hormonal Skin Problems

Female hormonal acne

For a number of reasons, the sebaceous (oil) glands at the base of the hair follicles in the skin can become blocked, resulting in acne – an unsightly skin disorder that includes pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and, if the oil glands become inflamed, pustules and cysts.

The most common form, Acne vulgaris, affects the areas of the body with high concentrations of sebaceous glands: the face, neck, upper chest, shoulders, and upper back. A tendancy toward acne may be heriditary and the condition is linked to hormonal activity – some women are prone to outbreaks in the days before their periods, for example, and outbreaks commonly occur at puberty, affecting as many as seven out of ten adolescents.

Each case is obviously different and a holistic approach is essential. The aim would be to find the right holistic stimulus to prod the body’s natural ability to heal and balance itself. A constitutional homeopathic remedy will be selected and prescribed.

Diet will be reviewed and supplements may be recommended. If stress is a major factor this will be addressed and appropriate stress reduction techniques will be recommended.

It obviously makes sense in “hormonal skin problems” to treat the whole person than just the end result on the skin. The endocrine (hormonal) system of the body is similar to a sophisticated orchestra and can easily stop playing in harmony. The ethos of my approach is always to try and persuade that “orchestra” to get back to playing in harmony. For this some from of an holistic stimulus to the whole organism will be used.

Experiencing Provocative Therapy

Provocative Therapy has had a significant and ongoing impact on me. The session itself forced to the surface a few truths about myself and my life which I had previously been reluctant to admit to myself. That I found helpful and enlightening. However the real shock came when I watched myself on film afterwards. I was rather dreading having to view myself, especially in such an open and vulnerable position. But nothing prepared me for the shock I had when I firstswitched on the tape. For the first time, I think ever, I was able to view myself objectively. It was not like looking in the mirror or seeing myself on film; never before had I seen myself interact naturally like that. I was surprised how pertinent the contradiction was between the idea I had of myself and how I really appeared. This initial jolt certainly had the most impact but now I’m grateful to have the film so that I can revisit it whenever I need to. Each time it’s almost like going through another session. It forces me toreally look at myself and listen to what I’m saying and to understand that there is a difference between my own, often warped perspective, and the truth in front of me. Louisa Gamon - London

Stefan Chmelik on Hormonal Skin Problems

There are several distinct forms of acne, and each has a different cause and treatment. This is quite different to conventional medicine, where antibiotics, Roaccutane or hormones are the only treatment options.

Herbal medicine is without doubt the treatment of choice for this as well as most other skin conditions. Herbs can be given as capsules for those that do not like the taste. Also helpful with some types of acne are acupuncture, diet and nutritional supplements.

Although some types of acne are easier to treat than others, almost no one should have to live with this difficult problem, as Chinese Medicine is so effective.