Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture

Healthy skin starts from within. Many factors contribute to the visible signs of aging including sun damage, smoking, stress, diet, sleep and lifestyle. The skin is our largest organ and reflects the state of our internal health. It is the only organ that we must take care of from both the inside and the outside. In Chinese Medicine, the state of physical health, emotions, and spirit is reflected on the skin, particularly on the skin of the face. You look your best when your health inside reflects on your face!

Facial cosmetic acupuncture provides a whole system approach to facial care. Acupuncture needles will be inserted on to the face supported by needles on to the body to support the whole system approach to facial health.

Facial cosmetic acupuncture is a natural alternative to Botox, surgery and other cosmetic treatments. It is a safe, effective non-surgical approach to healthy skin, wrinkle reduction, and facial rejuvenation.

1. Increases circulation and gives face a fresh glow

2. Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

3. Lifts and tones sagging muscles and skin

3. Improves skin discoloration and moisture

4. Reduces open pores and scar tissues

5. Reduces puffy eyes and face

6. Acne treatment and prevention

Acupuncture on the face stimulates the natural production of collagen to the local facial area. When you break the body’s skin barrier, it triggers the body’s healing response to send red blood cells and white blood cells to the focal area. When we use needles to do so, the micro trauma created also requires a protein to repair the “damage” and that protein is collagen.

Alongside acupuncture on the face, we also needle on the body (arms, legs) providing a whole system support to your face and skin. Each acupuncture point will be selected based on your unique profile. This means the treatment continues to work after you leave the treatment room.

HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED TO BOOK?

This depends on your skin care goals, current skin situation and age. Are you coming in for fine lines and wrinkles? Or is the acne gone, but now you have acne scars? General rule of thumb is you want to do multiple sessions close together for best results, with a course of approx. 6 treatments is recommended. Most patients notice a difference after one or two treatments, however, the effects become most noticeable and lasting after 6 treatments. After the initial course, maintenance treatments (every 4 to 6 weeks) are recommended to continue to give results.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A FACIAL COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT SESSION?

The treatment involves inserting hair-thin needles into specific points on the face and into specific wrinkles and lines that you want to reduce. Body points will also be used to improve your general constitution and support the facial treatment. The needles will be left in place for approx. 20 minutes while you unwind and relax. A variety of other traditional techniques may also be used to stimulate the circulation and bring blood flow to the face.

WHO SHOULD NOT HAVE FACIAL COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE?

There are certain conditions where facial acupuncture should not be performed. These include:

Severe migraines (not just typical headaches); clients should be migraine free for three months
Recent cosmetic surgery (e.g face lift) and also including Botox®, cosmetic injectables and laser resurfacing (3 – 6 months after injectables, 3 weeks for laser resurfacing and 2 weeks for chemical peels or microdermabrasion)
Recent trauma to the face eg sunburn, scarring
Pregnancy
Those with high / low blood pressure
Those taking blood thinners
Those with low white blood cells
Recent cold/flu in the last 1-2 weeks
Recent ear infection in the last week
Recent jabs/vaccines within the last 2 weeks
Recent steroid injections within the last week
Dizziness - clients should be free for last 2-3 weeks
Those who have recently started any weight loss/diabetes medication (eg Ozempic, Mournjaro, Wegovy) within the last 4 weeks
Recently started taking iron or ferritin supplements prescribed by GP or medical practitioner within last 3 months
Have not undergone any surgery/operation within the last 6 months
Those who have taken medically prescribed acne creams within the last 3 months
Those with a hayfever flare up (most be symptom free for at least 2 weeks)

PRE-TREATMENT ADVICE

If you want to do facial cosmetic acupuncture before a big event, please make sure you come in 5 days prior. This is to leave space in case of any bruising to fully heal.
Please avoid wearing make-up to the appointment.
Minimize sun exposure and tanning beds for at least a week before your treatment to reduce the risk of skin irritation and sensitivity.
Maintain adequate levels of hydration by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment. Well-hydrated skin tends to respond better to treatment.
Refrain from using retinols, exfoliants and other harsh skin care products for a few days leading up to treatment, as they may increase skin sensitivity.
No waxing, aggressive exfoliation or microdermabrasion two weeks prior to treatment; no chemical peels 3 weeks prior to treatment.
Avoid anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen) for 3 days before your treatment, as this can make you more prone to bruising.
Refrain from using any new facial products / skin care routine a week before treatment as this may increase skin sensitivity and irritation.
Avoid having facial cosmetic acupuncture on week of menstrual bleed, as this can affect dizziness.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A TREATMENT?

Please be aware that you should not touch up your make up for up to 4 hours after a session
Try to stay out of any cold windy weather for at least 4 hours, as the pores are still open
Your skin will be very porous after the facial acupuncture treatment. Refrain from using retinols, exfoliants and other harsh skin care products for a few days after the treatment, as they may increase skin sensitivity.