Cosmetic acupuncture is a relaxing and rejuvenating beauty treatment that can improve texture, tone and appearance of the skin. It will involve the insertion of ultra-fine acupuncture needles into areas including the forehead, around the cheeks, jawline, neck and décolletage.
Does cosmetic acupuncture really work?
It naturally helps make the skin look younger, smoother and all-around healthier. And unlike injection procedures, facial acupuncture addresses not only signs of ageing, but also the skin's overall health.
Think of the facial muscles (you see in the picture below) going to the gym, we are giving each muscle a workout by stimulating it with our tiny needles.
Acupuncture will target fine lines and wrinkles by encouraging blood flow, collagen and elastin to the surface - the building blocks of the skin that naturally deplete wth age.
How Does Acupuncture Treat Specific Concerns Relating to Ageing?
Crow's feet: by remodelling the skin, acupuncture can create firmer and more resilient skin around the eyes
Frown lines: acupuncture and gua-sha to help break down the subcutaneous fascia in the area that constrict free movement.
Nasolabial folds (or smile lines): with special needling we address the loss of volume on the middle part of the face (cheeks) which are causing gravitational tendencies exaggerating the nasolabial folds. Facial acupuncture enhances bone nutrient support and increase skin thickness.
Sagging jowls: As you can see below in photo b (utilising the Moire topography system) day 1 of treatment leading up to session number 5 there is a lifting of the jowls.
Acne & Scarring: acupuncture takes a holistic approach identifying internal as well as the topical cause of acne. Chinese herbs are a major benefit to get to the root of the problem therefore are part of the treatment. With regards to scars, acupuncture techniques are used to remodel and speed up the skin's healing process
Is Acupuncture as Good as Botox?
Cosmetic acupuncture is not as immediately obvious as Botox. Botox and other similar types of facial treatments are always going to prove popular with the public. They offer a quick fix and give an instant outcome. We live in a contemporary society which people expect results straight away. Acupuncture requires a series of treatments to achieve the desired result, naturally.
Botox is one of the commonly used trade names of the neurotoxic protein called Botulinum toxin type A that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. As its name suggests Botulinum toxin is one of the most poisonous substances known (Barbano 2006, p E17). However once the same toxin is isolated and purified it can be used for cosmetic purposes. The Botox protein acts by blocking the nerve impulses that contract the facial muscles, when the muscles can no longer contract, the wrinkles will soften and become less pronounced. The effects of Botox are not permanent and will generally only last for up to 6 months. Of which another injection of the toxin is required.
Facial Acupuncture is a far more subtle, yet a completely natural & toxin-free approach to slowing the signs of ageing. With my traditional chinese medicine training, I am also able to maximise the overall health and wellbeing of the patient so that effects are more beneficial other than appearance alone.
How Often Should I Do Facial Acupuncture?
With the majority of patients, improvements can be seen after just five session of facial acupuncture. At the Acupuncture and Wellness clinic in Moorooka we recommend 10 - 12 sessions to see optimum results. After that maintenance sessions are recommended every 4 - 8 weeks.
What to Expect After Facial Acupuncture?
There is no down-time required after receiving facial acupuncture. It is a good idea to stay well hydrated, but as soon as you are done with your session you may resume your normal activities, including driving and exercising. On the rare occasion a mild bruise may occur.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Acupuncture?
As a trained and registered Acupuncturist, I take a thorough patient history before we commence treatment to determine whether someone is able to undergo the procedure and to describe what they may expect from a course of Facial Acupuncture.
For those with botox or fillers, it is possible to work on areas that have not been injected; however I would like to wait 3 months before carrying out Facial Acupuncture.
From a health perspective, I would refrain from performing a facial acupuncture treatment if a person suffers from chronic migraines, uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes, has cancer, is actively trying for a baby or pregnant, or if someone has a problem with excessive bleeding or bruising.
It is wise for me as a Health Professional to treat the patient's current health problems first, then re-evaluate them at a later date to establish if they are now able to receive Facial Acupuncture.
Can Facial Acupuncture go Wrong?
With every successful procedure, there's always a chance of side effects. The most common side effect for facial acupuncture - or really any acupuncture - is bruising. This doesn't happen often, but it is still a possibility. Of which the bruising should heal up within 1 week. Arnica tablets and arnica gel are great for bruising.