As the beauty world becomes increasingly preoccupied with all-natural, holistic solutions, it’s no surprise that the ancient practice of facial acupuncture (yes, for the face!) has become a mainstream treatment. Kassa may have sparked a traditional Chinese medicine beauty craze, but facial acupuncture is here to stay.
Traditional acupuncture treats a variety of health problems, from chronic pain to allergies. However, when using acupuncture on the face, the benefits are different. According to Elizabeth Trattner, facial acupuncture (also known as cosmetic acupuncture) improves the health and appearance of the skin on the face, neck, and chest.
meet an expert
- Elizabeth Tratner is a certified acupuncturist in Miami, Florida.
- Sandra Chiu is a certified acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.
“Facial acupuncture aims to balance the body’s energy, or Qi. It influences, enhances beauty and promotes health,” she says. Here’s everything you need to know about facial acupuncture before you start treatment.
What is facial acupuncture?
Facial acupuncture is a skin treatment that involves inserting small sterile needles into specific areas of the face to improve blood flow and circulation. Sandra Chiu shares that facial cosmetic acupuncture can treat fine lines and wrinkles, sagging jaws and heaviness in the lower half of the face, dull complexion, volume loss, dark circles under the eyes, and puffiness.
One important difference is that traditional acupuncture performed elsewhere can improve general health or symptoms of specific medical conditions, whereas acupuncture is used solely for cosmetic effects. It means that there is.
What happens during facial acupuncture treatment
Although facial acupuncture procedures may vary depending on the acupuncturist, Chiu first examines the tongue, pulse, and pulse for treatment before applying acupuncture to the body to balance the body as a whole and improve health. Start by testing for and symptoms.
“We then perform acupuncture on the face, head, and neck, depending on the patient’s primary cosmetic concerns,” she says. Between 20 and 50 small disposable needles are inserted and linked to underlying imbalances that cause specific skin and age-related problems. The needles balance the body’s Qi, or energy source, and improve skin health by promoting circulation, energy flow, and collagen and elastin production.
After inserting the needle a few millimeters deep into the skin, Chiu added, the needle will be inserted into very superficial areas around the eyes and forehead, as well as deeper areas in the jaw area. The needles stay there for up to 30 minutes while you rest (the session continues for about an hour after your initial cleansing, which may be followed by gua sha or cupping). Trattner says other treatments such as facial massage, light therapy, and microcurrent stimulation can further enhance the therapeutic effect.
Benefits of facial acupuncture
One of the most important benefits of facial acupuncture is improved blood flow to the tissues and skin, which can change the appearance of the skin, sometimes instantly. “Over time, tissues that are exposed to muscle overuse and strain soften or ‘reset,'” says Chiu. face shape. ”
Additionally, facial acupuncture can minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by increasing collagen and elastin production through needle microtrauma. “Needles can help tighten and tighten facial muscles, improve facial contours, and lift sagging skin,” Tratner says. It also increases blood circulation, which provides oxygen to your skin for a radiant glow.
Finally, repeated facial acupuncture treatments promote lymphatic drainage, remove congestion, toxin buildup, and excess fluid, reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes, and improve skin clarity and breakouts. . (However, while needles can help remove excess heat and inflammation from the face and increase blood flow to clear up acne, they don’t unclog pores like standard extractions, Chiu says.) Masu.)
Who should try facial acupuncture?
Anyone looking to refresh their skin holistically may want to try facial acupuncture. For example, it is a good option for those looking for a natural alternative to medical anti-aging treatments. “It’s also great for people who don’t like the look of fillers or Botox and want less dramatic results,” Chiu says.
Because facial acupuncture does not inject anything into your face, it creates a natural, balanced, and youthful appearance. However, the treatment should be avoided if you have a blood clotting disorder, have a history of epilepsy, are pregnant, or are taking blood thinners.
Are the effects the same as Botox?
The wrinkle-smoothing effects of Botox and facial acupuncture are not mirror images of each other. “I understand why people want to compare cosmetic acupuncture and Botox, but they’re like apples and oranges,” Chiu says. “Unlike Botox, facial cosmetic acupuncture improves the health and vitality of the skin and underlying tissues, deeply relaxing the nervous system and influencing daily life, and improving the quality and function of the internal organs. .”
Additionally, Botox treatments are performed approximately once every three months, while cosmetic acupuncture treatments require more regular treatments. The two treatments also have different effects. Botox uses toxins to stop muscle transmission, resulting in the effect of freezing wrinkles. Acupuncture increases blood circulation and moves energy.
How often should it be done?
To reap the benefits of facial acupuncture, you will need multiple sessions (usually 6 to 12) over time. Individual experiences may vary depending on frequency of visits, age, and skin health prior to treatment. “Results are typically achieved after six sessions, but it is important to maintain the results with monthly visits and as per your doctor’s recommendations, and the results can last for years,” Trattner says. says Mr.
