What is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture, also called Facial Rejuvenation, is a gentle, effective way to combat the signs of aging without surgery or injections. It boosts collagen, encourages lymph flow and increases circulation in the skin! It is not a traditional facial with extractions & peels, but involves inserting teeny tiny needles into the face (facial acupuncture), facial cupping/gua sha, and massage. The result is that your face looks more like you, which these other methods don’t! It also doesn’t pump your body full of chemicals, does not paralyze the facial muscles (like Botox injections do), and you don’t have to risk surgery or long recovery times. Your face will generally look more toned, brighter, and have a more even complexion.
It is so much more than other cosmetic treatments as acupuncture changes the flow of energy in your body – if this energy, or Qi, is not flowing properly (or is weak), you can have puffiness in the face, sagging muscles, slower recovery time, premature aging and more. Also when the body is in a better state of balance, your skin will be able to rejuvenate more easily, tissues nourished on a deeper lever, and you will have less breakouts too. I also find that most of my clients’ moods are lifted, they feel better about themselves and their skin, tightness in jaw is lessened, have better sleep & digestion after treatments! Who doesn’t want that!?
Here is an awesome article from the Huffington Post with some input from acupuncturist (whom I love) Amrit Singh of 6 Babe Beauty, as well as some experts in the dermatology field who weigh in. It explains that if you want faster, cheaper results, Botox is more immediate and probably a shorter round of treatment, but they do cheer the added benefits of facial acupuncture, and that although it is a longer course of treatment, there are many other health benefits (so you have to weigh the pros and cons for yourself!).
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/facial-acupuncture-aging-acne-botox_l_5cb4ba35e4b0ffefe3b4b225
What does a session look like?
We first talk about your health history and skin goals – I’ll ask about skin care routines, food & sleep (any other contributing factors, as this is the Chinese medicine way of treating, to look at the root & the branch). I start with some needles in the ears and body to relax the nervous system, then I move on to the body and face and insert tiny needles all over your face (it’s actually very relaxing!). Body points are used to support circulation, build qi and blood and open meridians to the face.
I place a Celluma LED light around your face on whichever setting you need (red, blue or mixed) and you rest for 30 minutes (with an infrared lamp on your feet and an amazing table warmer)! I come in, take out the needles, and finish the appointment with facial cupping, gua sha and massage, using organic, minimal ingredient skin care. We end with a Hydrojelly mask to calm and cool the skin, eyes & mouth! You leave feeling glowy and amazing!
If you’re curious, reach out for a consult and see if cosmetic acupuncture is right for you!
Photo by S. Wolfe Photography