is not the only issues. Many acne sufferers



also suffer from the psychological effects of acne.

Support and information is drastically needed

for all of us and for our loved ones who are

victim of this horrible disease.

Resources are limited but they are expanding

day by day.

In the past few years, more and more studies

have looked at the rapport between acne and

the psychological well being of individuals.

Conclusions were reached indicating the close

connection of mind/body health condition with

the appearance of acne.

The result of these clinical studies is

a totally new medical field called: psychodermatology.

This new medical approach might be able to

help people suffering from acne.

A new condition or if you prefer disorder

was identified: the psychodermatologic disorder.

It is a disorder that concerns itself with the mind/skin

relationship.

Really we are again talking the mind/body rapport.

There are 3 categories to this disorder.

Number1: psychophysiologic disorders

Number 2: primary psychiatric disorders

Number 3: secondary psychiatric disorders

We will be concerned with Number 1.

Psychophysiologic Disorders

This is the category where acne falls in.

What we are seeing is a skin problem that is

not directly link to the mind but that does

react to emotional stimulus such as stress.

It is the conclusion of the medical field that

this condition can be effectively treated with

anxiety-decreasing therapy or in the most acute cases

the use of psychotropic medications.

It has been established that just

like hormonal imbalance can create

excess sebum and cause acne, so

too can the body's production of

cortisol by the adrenal glands

during times of extreme emotional

distress cause the sebaceous

glands to produce excess sebum.

Our bodies are chemical

wonderlands.

The Medical World is still in infancy with

this approach. They are just starting to unlock

the mysteries surrounding this disease. One of

discoveries was that there is a very established

connection between mind and body as far

acne is concerned. Also it was found that

other skin disease such as Psoriasis and Eczema

are also of the same family.

Here is where Yoga can be very helpful.

As we know Yoga is a very ancient discipline.

the aim of Yoga is to create unity of mind, body

and spirit. Being able to reach calmness is central to the

practice of Yoga.

When one practices Yoga and follows the

principles of the discipline, the individual

can learn to control the

adrenal glands response to stress

and emotional upheaval and thus

reduce the frequency, intensity

and duration of an acne outbreak.

The different Yoga positions and the breathing

exercises which form an integrate part of Yoga,

can help people better control their emotions and

can potentially have a beneficial effect on the body's

control and reaction to exterior factors such a stress.

When a person does a physical activity, the focus

is on the body. With the use of psychotherapy the

focus is on the mind.

Yoga puts the two at work so that both body

and mind are being focused on.

It is known beyond any doubt that a person's

emotional state will have a strong effect on his/her

acne problems

Yoga can and should be explored as a possible

avenue of stress relief and by consequence might

be useful in controlling acne outbreaks.

In conclusion, we have made a road way in

understanding acne, but the road to a cure is

still in the future.