Acne - Chong-Ren Disharmony Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for acne with Chong-Ren
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 |
|---|
irregularities, premenstrual tension |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
pain, irregular menstruation |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
or deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
cycle disturbance |
| Etiology |
|---|
constitutional factors |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
menstruation and harmonizes Chong-Ren |
| Guanyuan (RN4) | 3 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
regulates Chong-Ren |
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
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) |
|---|
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 |
|---|
depression |
| Menstrual irregularities |
|---|
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.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
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- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM dermatology.
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Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.