Cosmetic acupuncture

What is cosmetic acupuncture?

Facial rejuvenation acupuncture (also known as cosmetic acupuncture) is a non-invasive, natural method of skin rejuvenation. Cosmetic acupuncture can be done as a stand-alone treatment to help improve your complexion, mood and skin health, as you will feel grounded and may experience reduced stress levels after one treatment.

However, in some cases, the best results may be obtained with multiple treatments. If this is the case, I will develop a treatment plan tailored for your skin goals and discuss this with you.

How effective is cosmetic acupuncture?

While research about the benefits of cosmetic acupuncture is ongoing, and more studies are required, some evidence shows that acupuncture may be helpful for:

• treating Acne Vulgaris or Comedonal Acne

• treating atopic dermatitis

• reducing scarring

• treating Rosacea

• promoting wound healing

• reducing itchiness

• improving facial elasticity

• treating Chloasma (skin pigmentation), Urticaria (hives) and Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

• reducing the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin and dark circles under the eyes

• reversing facial paralysis due to Bells’ Palsy, especially in the first few weeks after it occurs.

Stimulating blood flow to the face with the use of a jade roller may also make your skin look brighter and feel firmer. You may also notice decreased puffiness in your face. Jade rollers also stimulate lymphatic drainage from your face, which may also help remove waste and toxins from the body.

What can I expect from facial acupuncture?

During your consultation, we’ll discuss what areas you would like to focus on and create a treatment plan to target these areas. After the consultation, treatment begins with a cleanser followed by a herbal medicine facial mask that targets your skin type.

I then needle some acupuncture points on your body that encourage our treatment goals and then begin the facial gua sha and jade roller massage that encourages lymphatic draining and skin rejuvenation. Very small needles will then be applied to specific lines, wrinkles and muscles of your face to encourage elastin and collagen formation.

Needles will be placed to target specific muscles in your face, according to your personal needs. For example, if you have frown lines between your eyebrows, acupuncture needles will relax the corrugator muscles to soften and reduce line formation. If you clench your jaw, at night or during the day, your masseter muscle (near your jaw) is targeted. As stress is commonly the cause of jaw tension, I would also use body acupuncture points to relax and release tension throughout your body and mind.

While the needles are in, you will rest for 20 minutes to allow time for your blood flow to circulate and redirect where it is needed. I then remove all needles and you may feel the calming and tranquil effects of cosmetic acupuncture for the rest of your day.