Skin and Acupuncture

Significance of the skin in relation to acupuncture and the efficacy of acupuncture for dermatologic symptoms

Abstract

The skin has a special significance in acupuncture. In acupuncture, the skin is both a site of both examination and treatment while providing an interface for information exchange with the external world. Various findings that appear on the body surface should not simply be understood as dermatologic findings, but considered as a reflection of the internal condition of the body, the external world and the mental condition. From this perspective, although acupuncture treatment use only simple stimuli, such as needles, and stimulate only specific sites on the body surface, they can produce therapeutic effects and regulate physical and mental functions
In this symposium, we reviewed the relationship between skin and acupuncture by examining acupuncture and moxibustion treatments for specific dermatologic diseases and their clinical effects. As a result, we were able to reaffirm the above relationship from the perspective of an acupuncturist.
The methods and clinical effects of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment were introduced for atopic dermatitis (by Egawa), tinea unguium (by Dr. Menjou), and the dermatologic symptoms of connective tissue diseases (by Dr. Kasuya). Moreover, Dr. Kagawa presented his research results related to the effects of acupunctural stimulation on the condition of the skin. Based on these research results, the possible effects of acupuncture treatment were discussed based on extensive application in fields such as dermatology, cosmetics, and anti-ageing. Regarding the significance of the skin (body surface) within the practice of acupuncture, it was reconfirmed that the skin reflects the condition of the organs and the mind, and examination of the skin may elucidate both mental and physical health. In addition, we also discussed the body surface as a site of both examination and treatment, and investigated the efficacy, potential for further development, and significance of acupuncture, which connect the skin with systemic functions.