What is Cosmetic Acupuncture | Should You Try?
Acupuncture typically has positive effects on the health of your body and mind, such as alleviating stress and easing arthritis pain.
Though the effects can also extend to your skin, would you have known that this holistic approach is a practice mainly focused on the face of a professional acupuncturist?
In this article, we will go over what we need to know about cosmetic acupuncture.
Facial or cosmetic acupuncture has been theorized to treat many aesthetic skin conditions, including fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and inflammation.
As a substitute for injectable fillers such as Botox, the treatment system of facial rejuvenation is a highly effective and non-lethal approach to revitalizing skin and restoring a youthful appearance. Non-invasive, it's safer and cheaper than other procedures.
So, let's discuss everything you need to know about skin care treatment and the effects of facial acupuncture.
What Is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
To put it simply, this is acupuncture for cosmetic purposes. An acupuncturist will use needles to stimulate the skin and underlying muscles of the face.
It is said to help improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and give the face a more youthful appearance.
Proponents of cosmetic acupuncture report that a range of skin benefits have been shown to help reduce the depth, severity, and frequency of wrinkles, fade fine lines, remove age spots, lift droopy eyelids, and stimulate collagen production—indicating a youthful face.
Most courses of cosmetic acupuncture therapy involve ten treatments or more, as well as additional sessions to maintain results.
In each acupuncture session, tiny needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points on the face. This stimulation helps to increase collagen production and improve blood circulation.
As a result, you can see improved skin elasticity, reduced wrinkles, and a general brightening of the complexion.
This is fast becoming a great alternative to Botox or other injectables. It is much less expensive and has none of the potential side effects that come with more invasive procedures. Plus, it's just plain relaxing!
| Cosmetic Acupuncture | Botox/Filler |
|---|---|
| A holistic approach that looks at your lifestyle and addresses underlying causes of skin degradation, like stress. | Directly treats the skin itself and not the issues causing the appearance of the skin. |
| Relaxing treatment, you lay for 20 - 30 minutes in a room as soothing music plays in the background. | Quick treatment. |
| This treatment is safe while breastfeeding. | It is not recommended while breastfeeding. |
| The needles are super fine and put on the entire face as well as other parts of the body. | The needles are large and used on the face in the problem areas and nowhere else on the body. |
| A registered acupuncturist always performs the treatment, plus you may be eligible for coverage under your health care benefits. | It can cost $1,000 - $10,000 per year and is not covered by health care benefits. |
Is Cosmetic Acupuncture A Natural Alternative To Botox?
Is it a safe treatment plan for Botox or injectable fillers instead of cosmetic acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture is the only anti-aging treatment that rejuvenates the face and neck by producing collagen and addressing underlying imbalances contributing to aging.
The primary advantage of cosmetic acupuncture is that it does not diminish your facial muscles (like Botox can).
The problem with losing too much muscle mass around the facial region is that it eventually becomes slimmer. After removing fat from the face, you become more prone to follow-up maintenance treatments with fillers.
Acupuncture anti-aging procedures are allowed by cosmetic acupuncture because it offers women a natural way to receive botox injections.
Women today are going with more natural ways to look after their skin's health, avoid wrinkles, and make their skin look less old.
What Are The Possible Benefits Of Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative to injectable fillers. It can help improve the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin.
The acupuncture needles stimulate collagen production, which helps tighten and lift the skin. In addition, the needles can help improve circulation and promote cell regeneration, giving the skin a healthy glow.
There are several health benefits of cosmetic acupuncture, including:
Brightened complexion
Reduced acne
Minimized pores
Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Reduced puffiness and facial swelling
Improved facial muscle tone
Reduced jaw tension
Reduces skin sagging
Improved skin texture
A cosmetic acupuncture is a relatively painless experience
Who Should Try Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture is a wonderful option for a wide range of people.
Which, for those looking, will be fascinating by the natural approach to beauty and wellness. Rooted in the tradition of acupuncture, it aims to improve the skin's appearance by stimulating the body's healing processes. The idea is to enhance collagen production, reduce fine lines, and even help with issues like acne.
Firstly, it's important to remember that cosmetic acupuncture, like any treatment, isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Its benefits can vary from person to person.
Some find it incredibly effective and see notable skin texture and tone improvements. For others, the results might be more subtle.
Let's break this down in a way that you may find relates to your views:
Anyone Seeking Natural Beauty Solutions: If you're someone who prefers to steer clear of chemicals and invasive procedures, cosmetic acupuncture could be your alley. It’s a holistic approach that aligns with a more natural, less invasive philosophy towards beauty.
Those Looking to Reduce Signs of Aging: If fine lines, wrinkles, and perhaps a loss of skin elasticity are your main concerns, cosmetic acupuncture might just be the thing. It’s known for promoting collagen production, which can help in smoothing out those signs of aging, giving your skin a more youthful glow.
Individuals with Acne or Other Skin Conditions: Cosmetic acupuncture isn't just about aging. If you have acne, scars, or other skin issues, this method can help by improving blood flow and promoting healing, potentially giving you clearer, more radiant skin.
People Interested in Overall Wellness: Cosmetic acupuncture isn't just skin deep. It’s based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, aiming to balance the body's energy. So, if you're looking for a treatment that acknowledges and nurtures the connection between inner health and outer beauty, this could be it.
Those Who Enjoy Self-care and Relaxation: Beyond its cosmetic benefits, the process is quite relaxing. If you're someone who values self-care and is looking for a new way to unwind while benefiting your skin, this experience offers both.
Adventurous Spirits Open to Alternative Therapies: If you're open-minded and curious about exploring different wellness modalities, cosmetic acupuncture presents an intriguing option. It’s a way to experience firsthand the benefits of a centuries-old practice adapted to modern beauty needs.
In essence, cosmetic acupuncture is a wonderful option for a wide range of people.
Whether deeply invested in natural health, seeking to address specific skin concerns, or simply curious about alternative beauty treatments, it offers a unique blend of health, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
Always remember that the best approach is one that aligns with your personal beliefs, needs, and comfort level. Here's to feeling and looking your best, naturally and joyfully!
How Long Does Cosmetic Acupuncture Last?
The beauty of cosmetic acupuncture is that it's not just about temporary fixes.
It aims to promote long-term improvements in skin health and vitality. The initial course of treatment might show results that last several months, and with maintenance sessions, you can potentially extend these benefits even longer.
Some people report their results lasting up to a year or more, especially when complemented with a healthy lifestyle, proper skin care, and occasional touch-up sessions.
Typically, after a complete treatment course—usually around 10-12 sessions—patients may start to see noticeable improvements. These changes can include more vibrant skin, a reduction in fine lines, and an overall more youthful appearance.
We have found at West End Wellness that people come for treatments once a week for 8-12 weeks and then once a month for maintenance. However, this may vary depending on your individual needs and goals.
Enhancing your body's natural healing capabilities invites you to adopt a holistic view of health and beauty. Drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and maintaining a consistent skincare routine can all enhance and prolong the effects.
So, while the exact "shelf life" of cosmetic acupuncture's benefits can vary widely among individuals, the practice encourages a lifestyle that supports your facial aesthetics and overall well-being.
It's a beautiful blend of art, science, and self-care that invites you to embrace the process and the results with patience and positivity.
What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Most people report that cosmetic acupuncture is a relatively painless experience.
Of course, everyone's pain threshold is different. Still, generally speaking, the needles used in cosmetic acupuncture are much thinner than those used in traditional acupuncture and are inserted shallowly into the skin.
As with any treatment, acupuncture has some potential side effects, but they are rare and tend to be mild.
The most common side effects are bruising, local inflammation and temporary exacerbation of existing conditions. If you have concerns about how your skin will react to needles, talk to your practitioner before your treatment.
Studies suggest acupuncture can help ease a number of skin conditions, including acne
Facial Acupuncture For Acne
For many individuals, getting rid of acne can be a drawn-out process. When it becomes apparent that breakouts of stubborn facial acne, redness, and swelling will appear, many people tend to turn toward conditions that successfully remove acne marks, but usually to a limited extent.
For example, acne spots in connection with the forehead can often indicate digestive issues, while acne on the cheeks sometimes suggests issues with the lungs and the large intestines.
When acne appears on the chin, often the cause is hormonal imbalance, stress, or a combination of both. Acupuncture may help regulate and relieve these types of acne.
Hormonal acne (associated with periods or coming off the pill)
Pubescent acne (teenage acne)
Adult acne
Cystic acne
Common acne (whiteheads and red bumps) and
Acne scarring in the form of pigmentation, bumps and pitting.
If Needles Is Not Your Thing, What About Gua Sha?
If needles are not your thing, that is OK. Have you heard of Gua Sha?
Gua Sha could be an ideal choice for you if needles are a concern. This traditional technique uses smoothing tools to gently massage the skin and offers a needle-free approach to enhance beauty.
How does Gua Sha help? Well, the treatment can help boost circulation and promote lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, and encourage a radiant complexion.
Like cosmetic acupuncture, Gua Sha stimulates collagen production, helping to reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
It also has the added benefit of helping to relieve muscle tension, contributing to a more relaxed and youthful appearance.
Essentially, Gua Sha provides cosmetic benefits similar to acupuncture by focusing on natural, holistic skin health without the use of needles.
The Bottom Line On Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic acupuncture is an alternative therapy, also known as facial acupuncture, that involves inserting needles into specific points on the face.
The goal is to improve the skin's appearance by encouraging blood flow, collagen and elastin, which can help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
Facial acupuncture is generally considered safe by a trained and licensed professional acupuncturist. While cosmetic acupuncture can help reduce puffiness and signs of aging, it isn't a magic tool for reverse aging.
While research from acupuncture journals like this one is promising, it has also pointed out that more research is needed to fully conclude the health and skin care benefits.
Whether you know a little or are looking at trying cosmetic acupuncture for the first time, we want to help ease any questions you may have.
If a question is unanswered, maybe next time you are in, you could speak to Ashlee Matthews, our acupuncturist, and let her know you want to know how cosmetic acupuncture works.
Hopefully, you will have found some care benefits you may want to try in your subsequent treatment sessions with your acupuncturist.
If you have any further doubts or questions regarding this subject or another treatment, contact one of our experienced Acupuncturists or Registered Massage Therapists here at West End Wellness Clinic. You can either give us a call or make an appointment.
Disclaimer: Please remember this article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider or someone with the correct qualifications before starting any new exercise or treatment program.