What is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Also known as Acupuncture Facelift or Facial Rejuvenation acupuncture, Cosmetic Acupuncture is a virtually painless, non-surgical method of reducing the signs of the aging process. The technique uses acupuncture to erase years off the face.
Based on the principles of Oriental Medicine, it helps the whole body look and feel younger by addressing the physical, mental and emotional patterns that cause dis-ease and contribute to the aging process. The insertion of fine, single use needles increase the local circulation to the face to stimulate collagen production which fills out lines and gives firmness to the skin for a healthy glowing complexion.
The use of acupuncture to slow the visible effects of aging began in China in the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). In traditional Chinese medicine, it is known as “Chinese Medical Cosmetology”.
What are the effects?
Cosmetic acupuncture reduces or eliminates fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, sagging and discoloration of the face while simultaneously supporting overall health. In general, it may erase as many as five to fifteen years from the face, with results after just a few treatments. Fine lines may be eliminated and deeper wrinkles reduced. Bags under the eyes can be diminished; drooping eyelids, brow lines, sagging jowls and double chins lifted. It helps to eliminate puffiness by eliminating excess fluids and improving metabolism.
Other benefits include:
- relaxed muscle tone
- increased circulation, and therefore oxygenating the skin
- tightened pores
- brightened eyes
- reduced acne and acne scaring
- nourished skin, giving you a healthy complexion with a natural glowing, radiant, younger looking skin
- moisturising the skin from the inside, and giving rosy cheeks to people with dull tired looking skin
- minimise or eliminate fine lines
- reduced frown lines
- lift sagging skin, puffy or droopy eyelids
- increased collagen production
- improved muscle tone and dermal contraction
- improved hormonal balance
- even facial colour and tone
- softened scars
- increased blood, energy and lymph circulation
- increased overall energy levels
- leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated
Most importantly, Cosmetic Acupuncture brings out your innate beauty and radiance. Though cosmetic acupuncture can sometimes be referred to as an “Acupuncture Facelift,” it is more than just a cosmetic procedure.
What is the procedure?
Each treatment involves the insertion of tiny acupuncture needles into specific areas of the face, ears, neck, hands, feet, and legs to affect changes in the face as well as the whole body. On your first visit, we discuss your overall health history, including any physical or emotional issues in your life that you feel you want to work on. We will evaluate what changes you would like to see in your face and skin, and then you receive an acupuncture treatment.
Relaxing and lying down on a massage table, fine needles are inserted into points on the legs and arms to stimulate the flow of Qi and blood to the face, as well as to address specific health or stress issues.
The facial component of the treatment then commences with an organic cleanser to remove any residue from the skin. While the cleanser is on the face, the face is lightly massaged, then gently stroked with a gua sha stick (shaped piece of rose quartz) to stimulate the flow of Qi (energy) and blood to the face. The cleanser is removed with a warm towel (cool towels are used for those with rosacea / red skin). The superfine needles are then inserted into specific points, muscles and lines on the face to address your concerns and to tighten and lift the skin of the face. Once the needles are in, you rest for 20 minutes.
The face needles are then removed and the scalp and face are massaged with a light organic oil blend to suit your skin type. After the massage, all remaining needles are removed, and then the feet are wrapped in a warm towel to ensure you are well grounded before leaving the clinic.
In general, the treatments are very relaxing and take about 1 hour, (the same length of time as a manicure) and you leave the clinic relaxed and looking vibrant.
How does Cosmetic Acupuncture work?
The principle of cosmetic acupuncture is that beauty comes from within. If you are aging in a way that looks and feels unhealthy then it is possible that there is a fundamental, constitutional imbalance that is causing the outward signs. When balance is restored, you will feel and look more radiant.
On a physiological level, acupuncture has been shown to increase circulation of blood and lymph throughout the body. Increased blood flow can balance out skin colour and can help to maintain healthy skin and muscle tone. By increasing lymph flow, build-up of noxious elements in the skin can be eliminated by the body. Acupuncture has also been proven to strengthen the immune system, and our skin is an essential part of our immune system.
The needles inserted into the face affect collagen and elastin production and its dispersal. Collagen is a protein produced by our bodies and responsible for our skin’s durability and resilience. Elastin is responsible for the elasticity of our skin. Sun exposure and aging degrade and decrease the production of our collagen and elastin. Acupuncture helps to stimulate the body’s natural processes of cell reproduction and growth.
Why treat the body and not just the face?
The effects of cosmetic acupuncture are not confined to the face. Each cosmetic acupuncture treatment is individualised according to how each person is aging. No two people receive the same treatments because each person’s aging process is unique. Acupuncture points are chosen based on an individualised diagnosis according to the principles of Oriental medicine. A diagnosis is reached by examining constitutional health issues and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Thus, the treatment is an overall rejuvenation of your health as well as your appearance.
Throughout the course of treatments, other physical symptoms you may be experiencing will also improve. Treatments can improve hormonal balance; delay the greying of hair and hair loss associated with aging. You may notice you have a better quality of sleep and increased energy. It will improve your digestion and metabolism and strengthen your immune system. You can also address and treat any chronic or recurring pain.
How do Chinese Herbs contribute to the treatment?
Chinese herbs are an important part of the cosmetic acupuncture protocol. Herbal formulas are prescribed especially for you and herbs are selected based on your constitutional diagnosis. Again, the principle is that if the body is in balance and your organ systems are functioning properly, the negative signs of aging are reduced or eliminated. Chinese herbs help to restore balance on a daily basis. They help to continue the effects of the acupuncture between treatments. Also, sometimes more severe symptoms—for instance hot flashes, night sweating, hair loss or even bloating and indigestion—are more effectively treated with herbal medicine, rather than by acupuncture alone.
How many visits will I need?
In order to attain desired effects, a series of 10 to 15 cosmetic acupuncture treatments are required. These may be administered 1 to 3 times a week for best results. Each person responds differently to the treatment depending on age and lifestyle. After completing a course of treatments, maintenance sessions can prolong the results. Maintenance sessions usually occur once every month.
Why choose Cosmetic Acupuncture over a Face Lift or Botox?
While not a replacement for surgery acupuncture is an excellent alternative. It is far less expensive than cosmetic surgery – about a quarter of the cost – and is safe, virtually painless and has no side effects or risk of disfigurement (slight bruising can occasionally occur). This is unlike surgery, which may have an extended recovery period with swelling and discoloration. There is no trauma from cosmetic acupuncture and if it does not suit you then you can stop with no ill effects.
While Botox relies on the injection of chemicals in to the face to block muscles, Cosmetic acupuncture uses fine needles (0.15 mm diameter) to naturally relax and tone muscles by improving the production and circulation of your own collagen, elastin and lymph.
According to Oriental Medicine the face mirrors your state of health. Therefore it is beneficial to treat your entire being encouraging your true beautiful self to shine through.
What are the contraindications of Cosmetic Acupuncture?
There are various cautions including pacemakers, thyroid problems, blood disorders, damaged blood vessels and general hypersensitivity. However, it may still be possible to use some massage and alternative techniques in such circumstances. If you have concerns we can discuss these before commencing any treatment.