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
- Dermatology of TCM - Acne with Chong-Ren Disharmony.
- WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for skin health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM dermatology.