So you’ve got a big event coming up—a job interview, a birthday party, a wedding. And what shows up? A huge pimple. Of course.

So how do you handle a breakout—whether it’s from stress, hormones, or something else? What do you do when there’s a pimple just begging to be popped? A zit you want to attack with every acid, chemical, and exfoliant you’ve got in your bathroom cabinet?

Well, before you go all out, try a more holistic approach from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Sandra Lanshin Chiu, a licensed acupuncturist, TCM practitioner, and founder of Treatment by Lanshin, a holistic healing studio in Brooklyn, shares a simple and effective method for quickly getting rid of acne, based on ancient techniques. Chiu has a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and has studied with some of the field’s top experts.

First, she suggests soaking a gua sha tool (or a spoon, if you don’t have one) in warm to slightly hot water. Test the temperature on the back of your hand, then hold the tool directly on the pimple. Keep it there for 30 seconds to two minutes.

When you feel the pimple again with your finger, it should be much softer. With a clean finger, gently press on it and rotate your finger clockwise for seven seconds, then reverse direction. Keep the pressure light. When you let go, the pimple should be smaller, softer, and less sore. You’ll probably still see it, but this should help it fade faster.

Why does this work? In Traditional Chinese Medicine, pimples are linked to internal imbalances of heat and blood stagnation. (This ancient healing system takes an inside-out approach.) As Chiu explains, using heat and acupressure helps “unblock the pathways” of circulation. “This hot little ball of stagnation should clear faster,” she says. When you try this trick and notice a clear improvement in color and firmness, it’s because circulation is improving, and your body can handle it more easily as normal blood flow returns.

TCM has never been more popular, with practices like acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine, and other body therapies (or even something as simple as drinking warm water) becoming mainstream in the Western world. But what might seem like a passing trend is deeply rooted in long-standing culture, integrated into people’s routines and wellness practices for centuries. Whenever you engage with TCM, it’s important to respect that.

It might seem simple, but it all makes sense. Acupressure is considered a solid holistic approach to acne. (When you hit the right pressure points, it’s also said to help with bloating, anxiety, stress, and other issues. On Chiu’s page, you’ll also find tips for gua sha to relieve tech neck and prevent facial sagging, as well as acupoints that clear sinus congestion and ease jaw pain.) Since acne develops through inflammation, acupressure is used to reduce swelling and boost blood circulation. Applying gentle heat directly to a breakout also helps increase blood flow and soften the skin, reducing redness and drawing out infections more quickly.

If the pimple is more like a cyst, Chiu suggests repeating the technique two to three times throughout the day. You can also add a bit of your favorite spot treatment or a pimple patch. The only time you shouldn’t do this is when the pimple is open or oozing, as you’ll spread bacteria and irritate your skin more. And if this is a persistent problem, severe, or shows other signs of infection, you should always seek medical advice or talk to a dermatologist.

So when you don’t have the time or money for a cortisone shot, a noncomedogenic beauty routine, or an IPL treatment, just dig through your kitchen drawer and tap into TCM.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about using a traditional Chinese medicine trick for clearing up acne breakouts quickly

BeginnerLevel Questions

1 What is this TCM trick for acne
It usually refers to specific herbal formulas topical pastes or acupressure techniques used in Traditional Chinese Medicine A common trick is applying a paste made from honeysuckle flower or aloe vera mixed with a cooling herbal powder to reduce inflammation and heat

2 Does it really work fast
Yes many TCM methods aim to reduce redness and swelling within 2448 hours by targeting the internal heat or dampness that TCM believes causes acne However fast means noticeable improvement not a permanent cure

3 Is it safe for all skin types
Generally yes but it depends on the herb Honeysuckle and aloe are gentle However if you have very sensitive skin or allergies always do a patch test first Stronger herbs like rhubarb root can be irritating

4 How is it different from Western acne treatments
Western treatments often kill bacteria or dry out oil TCM focuses on cooling internal heat and balancing the bodys energy It treats the root cause rather than just the symptom on the skin

5 Do I need to buy special herbs from a Chinese pharmacy
For a simple trick you can find honeysuckle tea or aloe vera gel at most health food stores For stronger formulas you may need to visit a TCM pharmacy or an online TCM retailer

IntermediateLevel Questions

6 What is the most common TCM trick for a sudden red painful pimple
A popular trick is applying a small amount of Huang Lian powder mixed with water or honey directly onto the pimple It cools the heat and reduces swelling overnight Dont use it on a large area

7 Can I drink a TCM tea to clear acne quickly
Yes a tea made from