COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE
From acne to aging, cosmetic acupuncture boasts a host of facial benefits
As far as beauty and wellness treatments go, sticking needles in one's face is nothing new. But while microneedling has only become a must-have beauty treatment in recent years, the traditional Chinese medicinal practice of acupuncture has been around for millennia.
Recently, acupuncture, and facial acupuncture more specifically, have become increasingly popular as a treatment for those who are looking to tend to chronic conditions, help the body heal — or even give their faces a little tune-up.
In TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is the belief that the body contains meridians or energy channels through which life energy or Qi flows throughout the organs and limbs, carrying out the body's daily operations. In this practice, it's believed that complications in this flow of energy are what cause illness or pain. In turn, inserting thin needles into different points on these meridians is thought to bring balance to the flow of energy in the body, which is what we now call acupuncture. Think of it like your phone's "restore factory settings" feature, but applied to your body or face.
The Facts on Cosmetic Acupuncture
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Cosmetic acupuncture is advertised as a way for people to achieve healthy skin without chemical peels or painful injections. Its popularity has skyrocketed after reports that celebrities were using the technique to achieve their youthful glow. But does it really work? Before you lie down on the table, get the facts on cosmetic acupuncture.
1. There are many different uses.
Practitioners claim that acupuncture can eliminate puffiness beneath the eyes, improve skin color and complexion, and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It is also effective for tightening the skin around the neck and treating conditions such as acne and rosacea.
2. It is not the same as a facelift.
Cosmetic acupuncture is sometimes referred to as an acupuncture facelift, but the two procedures are very different. A facelift is a surgical procedure that removes or reshapes the skin on your face. Cosmetic acupuncture works by increasing blood flow and stimulating the muscles beneath your face to improve their tone and conditioning. This improves your skin’s elasticity, which helps smooth out wrinkles and lines.
3. Results are not immediate.
Because acupuncture works by toning your muscles, it takes a time to notice the results. A typical treatment involves 10 sessions over the course of 30 days, and then follow-up visits at least once a month for maintenance. While it is possible to see results after one or two sessions, practitioners say it usually takes up to six sessions to see results.
4. It is a full-body treatment.
The goal of cosmetic acupuncture is to tone the skin on your face and neck to give you a more youthful appearance. But the acupuncturist won’t just focus on your face. There are several points across the body associated with skin health, including the crook of the elbow and the back of the knee. Other areas are used to improve blood flow, which can also help your complexion.
5. There are additional benefits.
The benefits of cosmetic acupuncture aren’t limited to your face. Some people who have received the treatments say they also feel more relaxed and worry-free. That could be because acupuncture has a long association with reducing stress. According to the British Acupuncture Council, acupuncture triggers the release of certain chemicals in your brain that promote physical and emotional well-being.
