Acne - Chong-Ren Disharmony Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Acne · Chong-Ren Disharmony Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Face/Skin

Pattern Overview

Chong-Ren Disharmony is a pattern in acne, characterized by premenstrual acne exacerbation, hormonal cycle fluctuations, relative androgen elevation, and menstrual irregularities. The core pathogenesis is Chong-Ren meridian dysfunction causing hormonal cycle disturbance, leading to premenstrual acne flare-ups.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Premenstrual acne exacerbation, menstrual irregularities, premenstrual tension |

| Associated Symptoms | Breast tenderness, irritability, abdominal pain, irregular menstruation |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale red tongue with thin white coating, wiry or deep and weak pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Chong-Ren meridian dysfunction causing hormonal cycle disturbance |

| Etiology | Hormonal fluctuations, menstrual disorders, stress, constitutional factors |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Regulates menstruation and harmonizes Chong-Ren |

| Guanyuan (RN4) | 3 cun below the umbilicus | Tonifies Yuan Qi and regulates Chong-Ren |

| Taixi (KI3) | Depression between medial malleolus and Achilles tendon | Nourishes Kidney-Yin and regulates menstruation |

| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella | Cools Blood and regulates menstruation |

| Taichong (LR3) | Dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals | Soothes Liver-Qi and regulates menstruation |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; treatment is most effective when started 1-2 weeks before menstruation.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Er Xian Tang (二仙汤) + Xiao Yao San (逍遥散)

Composition:

Epimedium (Xian Ling Pi), Curculigo (Xian Mao), Angelica (Dang Gui), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), White Peony (Bai Shao), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Regulates Chong-Ren, harmonizes menstruation, and reduces premenstrual acne.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Premenstrual exacerbation | Add Yu Jin, He Huan Pi to relieve depression |

| Menstrual irregularities | Add Yi Mu Cao, Dang Gui to regulate menstruation |

| Breast tenderness | Add Ju He, Zhe Bei Mu to regulate breast Qi |

| Irritability | Add Zhi Zi, Dan Pi to clear Liver Heat |

Western Mechanism Reference

Premenstrual acne exacerbation related to hormonal cycle fluctuations, with relative androgen elevation during the luteal phase. Chong-Ren Disharmony corresponds to premenstrual acne, where luteal phase androgen elevation contributes to sebum overproduction and acne flare-ups.

References

  1. Dermatology of TCM - Acne with Chong-Ren Disharmony.

  2. WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.

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