COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE – HOW DOES IT WORK?
Cosmetic acupuncture (or facial rejuvenation) seems to be popping up everywhere now as people are looking and seeking a natural and side effect free way to make their skin look more youthful, glowy and clear.
BUT WHAT IS IT ACTUALLY?
Cosmetic acupuncture involves the insertion of super fine needles very superficially into the skin of the face. Often about 30 needles are inserted into problem areas around your face.
By placing these needles into the skin, it creates a micro-trauma under the surface of the skin. This micro-trauma creates a response in the body which promotes blood flow and inflammatory cells to flood to the area. Along with this, the trauma increases the production of collagen and elastin under the skin. All of this together encourages healing which can make the skin look clear, even and toned.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?
A history will be taken so we can understand how your whole body works because we look at the skin as a reflection of what is going on in your body internally. So coming in for cosmetic acupuncture, isn’t always necessarily just to talk about your skin, we will see how your body works and take into consideration your energy levels, stress levels, digestion, sleep, period health just to name a few.
We will then place some needles in throughout your body to help with any other health issues that you may have or anything else that we think may help with your skin. Once they are in and you are feeling nice and relaxed, we will begin placing the needles in throughout your face. The facial needles feel a bit different to other acupuncture points and because we do put quite a few in to create the micro-trauma, the sensation is a little different, your head may feel heavy and you will feel the blood moving to the area.
After the needles have been in for about 20 minutes or so, they will all be taken out and you will be given a facial massage with different facial oils and essential oils depending on your skin type which will help increase the effects of the acupuncture. We will then also proceed to do some facial rolling on your face to encourage toxin elimination, decrease the appearance of lines and increase muscle tone throughout the face.
We will then have a chat about what else you can do at home to help your skin and your body!
If you have any other questions on how a cosmetic acupuncture treatment may help you, please send me an email so we can have a chat!
With gratitude,
Nicole (Acupuncturist)