There is an increasing desire for more integrative approaches to health and wellness. And the beauty industry hasn’t ignored this trend. Beauty trends like jade rolling, gua sha, and cupping have become all the rage. And right along with them is the ancient Chinese practice of facial acupuncture.
Acupuncture has been popular since ancient times because it focuses on healing the body from the inside out. Patients using acupuncture have reported improvements in sleep, inflammation, digestion, and (perhaps most surprisingly to some) improvements in their skin.
I love acupuncture because it looks at your internal well-being to decipher what you are experiencing on the outside. So, as much as we want to try every lotion and potion out there, sometimes the key to more youthful, radiant skin starts with a healthier, more balanced body, and acupuncture can help you achieve just that.
If you’ve been considering it but have been hesitant to try it, I’ve broken down everything you need to know.
What is facial acupuncture?
Originating in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years to help stimulate the body’s healing process. Acupuncture is a noninvasive procedure that involves placing tiny needles along specific points across the body to remove blockages and help improve blood and energy flow throughout the body.
Facial acupuncture, also known as cosmetic acupuncture or facial rejuvenation acupuncture, focuses on using acupuncture needles on the face, neck, and hairline. The placement of the acupuncture needles creates positive microtrauma in the skin, similar to small muscle tears that occur when lifting weights, to harness the blood flow and collagen production in the face.
Benefits of Facial Acupuncture
As we age, the elastic components in our skin reduce, causing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Because facial acupuncture focuses on restoring circulation to the skin, patients may experience improved elasticity, texture, and appearance in addition to enhanced wound-healing capabilities.
In addition to these benefits, patients can experience a wide array of benefits from it, including:
- Reduces puffiness and swelling
- Reduces acne
- Calms Rosacea
- Brightens dull skin
- Firms and tones skin
- Minimizes pores
- Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Lessens skin sagging
- Decreases droopy eyelids
- Improves conditions like atopic dermatitis
- Provides skin with a radiant glow
Acupuncture also offers several other health benefits, including:
- Relaxation
- Improved sleep
- Increased energy
- Reduced anxiety and symptoms of depression
- Improved digestions
- Pain relief
- Regulation of menstruation and PMS
- Reduction or elimination of migraines
- Minimizes night sweats and hot flashes
Who is an ideal candidate for facial acupuncture?
Because facial acupuncture is a noninvasive procedure with minimal side effects, most people are good candidates for this treatment. I recommend starting facial acupuncture as a preventative measure in your 20s or 30s because collagen production declines in your 30s. Patients in their 40s or later can still benefit from it to help correct skin concerns.
All forms of acupuncture, including facial acupuncture, are not recommended for patients taking blood thinners or those who suffer from a clotting disorder. If you’ve received any facial fillers, you may need to delay facial acupuncture treatments to ensure enough healing time has passed.
Before beginning treatment, discuss any other health concerns with your acupuncturist.
What should I expect during a facial acupuncture treatment?
While there is no structured regimen before facial acupuncture treatment, I recommend that you avoid heavy creams or lotions and wear minimal makeup. After the acupuncturist reviews your health history and discusses your treatment goals, you’ll lie on your back while the acupuncturist taps the acupuncture needles into points on your face, neck, and chest. Additional acupuncture needles are often placed on your hands or arms as well.
All of the needles will remain in place for 25 to 30 minutes. This is an ideal time for relaxing, meditating, or even enjoying a short nap.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the treatment, although some have reported mild itching. If you experience any discomfort, be sure to mention it to your acupuncturist.
One of the best parts of facial acupuncture is that no downtime or recovery time is needed after treatment.
How long will facial acupuncture results last?
The number of treatments and types of results you can expect is based on the condition being treated and your overall treatment goals. It’s not uncommon to need ten or more sessions to achieve your desired results.
Generally, you can expect results to last one to three years, assuming you include regular maintenance sessions every few months.
Facial Acupuncture vs. Botox
Facial acupuncture and facial fillers like Botox work in different ways. Botox works by freezing the muscles around the injection site, causing the skin and surrounding area to relax. Botox does result in fewer wrinkles; however, it also limits the flow of lymph, blood, and chi to the injection site area.
Facial acupuncture, on the other hand, works to influence the long-term health of your skin rather than addressing the superficial signs of aging. In addition, facial acupuncture can positively benefit your entire body, helps you maintain muscle tone, and is completely natural and toxin-free.
Honestly, neither facial acupuncture nor Botox is a bad option. It’s an entirely personal choice. But, they each have their pros and cons.
Heal Your Skin from the Inside and Out
Your skin’s appearance reflects your unique state of overall health, age, and environmental factors. Digging deeper to reveal what may be holding you back from achieving the healthy, glowing skin you desire can help you heal your skin from the inside out.
Join me on a skin healing journey different from anything you’ve done before. Learn what the health of your skin may be saying about what’s happening inside your body.
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