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 |

Acne · Damp-Heat Accumulation Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Face/Skin

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat Accumulation is a common pattern in acne, characterized by seborrhea with inflammation, cystic acne, oily skin, nodules, painful lesions, and pustules. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the skin, causing sebaceous gland inflammation, cystic lesion formation, and severe acne.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Acne · Lung Channel Wind-Heat Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Face/Skin

Pattern Overview

Lung Channel Wind-Heat is a common pattern in acne, characterized by sebum overproduction with Propionibacterium acnes proliferation, inflammatory papules, pustules, itching, and erythema. The core pathogenesis is Wind-Heat in the Lung Channel ascending to the face, causing sebaceous gland inflammation and acne lesion formation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Acne · Phlegm-Dampness Congealing Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Face/Skin

Pattern Overview

Phlegm-Dampness Congealing is a pattern in acne, characterized by nodular cystic acne, sebaceous gland duct hyperkeratosis, deep inflammation, fibrosis, and persistent lesions. The core pathogenesis is Phlegm-Dampness congealing in the skin, causing sebaceous gland duct hyperkeratosis, deep inflammation, and nodule formation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Acne: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Skin

Overview

Acne vulgaris is one of the eight most disabling dermatological diseases globally, affecting up to 85% of young people and a growing proportion of adults. It manifests as comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts—primarily on the face, chest, and upper back. Beyond its physical toll, acne causes significant emotional distress, social anxiety, and in severe cases, depression.