Facial Acupuncture
Facial or Cosmetic Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years and has helped millions of people maintain wellness, balance and longevity. It is a natural form of treatment which complements Western medicine. Acupuncture is recognized as effective by the World Health Organization with established guidelines for practice. Sterilized and disposable needles are used in every treatment.
Cosmetic acupuncture is a non-invasive treatment that involves using acupuncture to improve skin and fight the aging process. Sometimes referred to as an “acupuncture facelift” or “facial rejuvenation,” cosmetic acupuncture can be used as an alternative to surgical facelifts and other conventional procedures said to reverse signs of aging in the skin.
During the treatment a number of very fine needles are inserted into the face. As the needles puncture the skin, they cause tiny wounds, which are called positive microtraumas. When your body senses these wounds, it goes into repair mode. It is said that the punctures stimulate your lymphatic and circulatory system, which work together to deliver nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells, nourishing skin from the inside out. This helps even out your complexion and promote your skin’s glow. The positive microtraumas also stimulate blood flow and the production of collagen. This helps improve elasticity, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Fresh blood and oxygen floods the face and helps to bring it back to life.
Research seems promising. A study carried out in 2013 revealed that of the 27 participants who underwent five facial acupuncture sessions, the majority showed a positive improvement (1). Another study in the Journal of Acupuncture Research indicated that more research needs to be undertaken to fully conclude facial acupuncture’s health and skin care benefits (2).
For optimum results it is usually recommended to have around 9 to 10 weekly sessions. After that, you can go into what is called a “maintenance stage,” where you get the treatment every four to eight weeks. An unwanted side-effect for any kind of acupuncture is bruising. This only happens about 20 percent of the time, but is still a possibility. Bruising often heals quite quickly. However, people with bleeding disorders should bear this in mind before seeking treatment.
References
1- Yun Y, Kim S, Kim M, Kim KS, Park JS, Choi I, Effect of Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture on Facial Elasticity: An Open-Label, Single-Arm Pilot Study, Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine. 2013; 2013: 424313.
2- Tae Yeon Kim, Trend Analysis of Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture Study based on the Korean Traditional Medicine, Journal of Acupuncture Research, 2013; 30(5): 125-137.