Cosmetic acupuncture is catching on in the beauty and anti-aging realms, with some even calling it the "acu-facelift". This centuries-old treatment can do wonders for your complexion. Many are turning to acupuncture or micro-needling as safe alternatives to botox or other more invasive treatments.
Beauty Benefits
Benefits of cosmetic acupuncture include increased collagen production (goodbye fine lines), increased circulation (goodbye puffiness), and a more radiant, even complexion. The treatment involves the placement of hair-thin acupuncture needles at points on the face and scalp. These points are located along acupuncture meridians as well as areas where muscular tension can cause fine lines and wrinkles to occur. A micro needling tool may be used as well.
A typical treatment lasts roughly 45 minutes and may include other modalities such as facial cupping or gua sha. The treatment is very relaxing and calming - you can feel the tension melt away. You will notice a refreshed complexion after one treatment, but a series of 6-12 treatments is necessary to see the maximum results, and ongoing tune-ups are recommended.
Beyond the Needles
Beyond acupuncture and micro-needling, Chinese medicine offers other treatments that help achieve glowing skin. Facial gua sha uses instruments made of jade or rose quartz to soften tense facial muscles and increase blood flow. It can do wonders for jaw and forehead tension.
Facial cupping uses gentle and controlled suction to increase circulation, move stagnant lymph fluid and reduce puffiness throughout the under eye area, face and neck. It can also relieve headaches and nasal congestion caused by seasonal allergies.
Herbal medicine prescriptions are very helpful at resolving a host of skin issues such as acne, dryness, eczema and psoriasis. Herbal medicines can be prepared as topical applications, decoctions made from raw plants, in a granule powder to be mixed with water or in pill form.
Getting to the Root of the Problem
Beyond the local benefits to your complexion, a typical facial acupuncture treatment will treat your whole body from the inside out. Through an in-depth health history intake, observation of your complexion, and a pulse and tongue diagnosis, points will be selected to treat any constitutional deficiencies or excesses that may be behind your skin problems. A popular piece of wisdom in Chinese medicine is to treat the root not the branch. For example, the branch may be dull, dry complexion, puffy eyes or acne-prone skin but the root often involves hormonal imbalances, inflammation and circulatory issues.
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