Cosmetic (or Facial) Acupuncture
Consider acupuncture for a natural botox. It can be a powerful way of improving complexion, reducing wrinkles or discoloration, and so much more. It helps your face to feel rejuvenated.
Cosmetic Acupuncture as a Natural Botox
Cosmetic acupuncture, also known as facial acupuncture, brings out your inner, natural beauty to the surface. This non-invasive, non-surgical, and chemical-free procedure helps you feel rejuvenated. It has a long history, with records dating back over 1,500 years to the Sung Dynasty in China, where it’s been shown in records to have been favoured by upper-class women.
Each treatment involves applying acupuncture points on the face, along with anchoring points on the feet or legs to ensure balance. This is important because internal disharmonies can often manifest on the face and complexion. The treatments are rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, focusing on the harmonious trinity of body, mind, and spirit. Additionally, lifestyle advice is often provided to encourage positive, long-term changes.
For optimal results, it’s recommended to combine cosmetic acupuncture sessions with more traditional acupuncture treatments, which can address any underlying issues that may be contributing to facial concerns. This holistic approach tends to produce better, longer-lasting effects.
This effective and holistic anti-ageing technique has become a popular natural alternative among celebrities, often referred to as a "whole-body anti-ageing facial." Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and Angelina Jolie are known to embrace cosmetic acupuncture.
What Are the Benefits of Facial Acupuncture and How does it work?
Facial acupuncture has been shown to increase collagen production and enhance blood flow, which helps smooth out wrinkles and firm the skin. Other areas that can see significant improvement include:
Wrinkles or unwanted lines
Scarring (I can personally attest to its effectiveness here)
Puffy eyes
Discolouration, such as redness or pigmentation
Frown lines or crow’s feet (Crow’s feet can also be a positive sign – they show we smile and laugh a lot!)
Facial acupuncture, as acupuncture does generally, also greatly reduces stress which is often one of the causes for things like wrinkles.
By increasing local blood and lymph circulation to the face, it boosts oxygen flow, which nourishes the skin and accelerates the removal of cellular waste. This process stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, improving skin tone and elasticity, and keeping the skin looking youthful.
The Importance of The Face in Chinese Medicine
In Chinese Medicine the face, and the eyes, are considered a window to one's spirit. Through the face we can perceive someone's "shen ming 神明," or spiritual brightness. Although we may not always appreciate how our faces look, they often beautifully reflect the lives we have lived. The marks and lines on our faces tell the story of who we are, or who we are becoming.
These marks often result from repeated movements, expressions, or emotional responses that have become ingrained. By focusing on these areas with acupuncture needles, we can release the tension that has accumulated there.
What Happens During a Cosmetic Acupuncture Session
During your initial appointment, a thorough assessment of your medical history and any existing health conditions will be conducted. You’ll also have the opportunity to discuss specific areas of your face that you wish to improve or are concerned about. The treatment involves the insertion of very tiny needles into targeted points on the face, focusing on particular wrinkles and lines you wish to reduce. Additionally, certain points on the body may be treated to enhance your overall well-being and support the facial treatment.
The needles are typically left in place for about 20 minutes giving you space and time to totally relax.
A course of around 4 to 6 treatments is recommended. While many patients notice a difference after just one or two sessions, the most significant and lasting effects usually appear after 6 treatments. The response to treatment varies from person to person, depending on factors such as skin condition and lifestyle prior to treatment. After completing the initial course, monthly maintenance treatments can help extend the results for five to ten years.