Modern medical acupuncture in dermatology

Modern medical acupuncture can be used in conjunction with current Western treatments in dermatology to optimize patient outcome.

"I feel acupuncture is best used as adjunctive therapy to our current Western treatments because it allows us to enhance our patient care without interfering with traditional therapy," Dr. Donald J. Baker, clinical professor at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Traditional Asian acupuncture is based on correcting imbalances of Qi, or the life force, blood fluids, yin and yang. By contrast, modern medical acupuncture is based on knowledge of neurophysiology and the stimulation of different points on the body to alter neuroendocrine, autonomic, and immune function. Modern medical acupuncture sometimes uses electrical currents to stimulate acupuncture points.

Typically, a patient will require acupuncture on a weekly basis for six to 10 visits to see an improvement in skin disease.