Acupuncture is a safe and natural method that is a key aspect of traditional Chinese remedies; the treatment uses needles to stimulate balance and the flow of qi to the body. Facial acupuncture, also called “cosmetic acupuncture” or “facial rejuvenation” at Serasana, involves about 40 needles in the face and 12 needles on the body – though this can vary depending on an individual’s skin goals.
These sessions are more cosmetic-focused as facial acupuncture stimulates collagen production, improves skin tone, helps heal acne & acne scars, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and more – without the harsh chemicals of most cosmetic procedures. It is an ideal alternative for those who desire natural looking results without the side effects of surgery.
Although you’re getting a “cosmetic” treatment, this treatment also works through your inner body systems at the same time, as it’s part of a holistic approach to healing. These body points can address skin concerns as well as digestive issues or anxiety.
8 Reasons to Try Facial Acupuncture
- Anti-Aging
Anti-aging is not just about fighting fine lines and wrinkles; sagging in areas like the cheeks and puffiness of the eyes can lead to a less youthful look. Most people think of treatments such as botox to target signs of aging, but instead of freezing an area, your acupuncturist works on getting it to function again.
As acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin, your body senses these “wounds”, also called “positive micro-traumas”, and goes into repair mode. This is the same idea micro-needling uses to get bright, anti-aging results — except that acupuncture targets specific points with less needles. However, facial acupuncture takes regular sessions to see results and you might not see as strong of an effect as cosmetic procedures. We recommend at least 12 weekly sessions.
- Collagen Production
Collagen is a protein fiber that is best known as our body’s fountain of youth; it gives elasticity to our skin, joints and ligaments, protects our arteries and moistens our eyes. About 70% of the collagen in our bodies is found in the skin and starts to deteriorate as we age – starting from the age of 26. A decrease of collagen is often the first to show the signs of aging on your face. This is why facial acupuncture comes in handy as it promotes stimulation of collagen production.
- Acne
Facial acupuncture can help acne in two different ways: topically and internally. Sometimes acne can be a sign that your body is in a stressed, imbalanced state and acupuncture targets these internal conditions with “meridian” points connected to the body’s organs – giving more lasting results. Cosmetically, acupuncturists can also target acne scars or breakouts with needles to help with the blood flow and healing response in that area. Your body sends more blood and white blood cells to the area, focusing on bacteria under the skin and even builds collagen to help scars and hyperpigmentation.
- Elasticity
Moments in our lives that make us stressed, worried or angry slowly accumulate and start to affect you physically. In terms of your face, lines appear, skin sags and isn’t as tight as it used to be. Along with boosting collagen, facial acupuncture also boosts elastin to firm and tone the face while it’s reducing wrinkles. According to one study, facial cosmetic acupuncture resulted in boosted elasticity among the 27 participants who received 5 treatments.
- Improves Skin Tone
Environmental factors, pollution and stress in the body dull the complexion over time. Facial acupuncture is an ultimate multi-tasker, as its needles stimulate circulation and self-repairing of the skin. Increased circulation nourishes the skin and promotes detoxification and elimination of cellular waste to leave you with a clearer, more toned complexion.
- Sun Damage
Smoking, poor hydration, stress and most importantly, prolonged sun exposure are all collagen killers. As collagen starts to disappear with age, our skin becomes thinner and sun spots or other discoloration from sun damage often becomes more visible. As needles are seen as foreign to the body, it quickly goes to work to heal the skin, leading to collagen production and increased circulation to fill and fade sun damage marks.
- Enhances Glow
Regular acupuncture on the body is used to promote general health and reduce stress, which is a huge factor of your body feeling well-rested and balanced. When your body is balanced, your skin is delivered the perfect amount of nutrients and oxygen, nourishing skin from the inside out. Acupuncture needle points also stimulate your lymphatic and circulatory system, which helps detox, even out your complexion and promote your skin’s glow.
- Reduces Redness
Redness can be correlated with internal imbalances, such as digestive or hormonal issues in traditional Chinese Medicine. Facial acupuncture activates muscles in the face to lift, improve tone and increase blood circulation – which reduces redness by stimulating points on your face. It can also treat these issues from the inside out by targeting points in the stomach and other symptom related points.
Additionally, acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine focus on much more than symptom management. Your complexion improves by strengthening your entire body, so you not only look better, but feel better. Regular treatments coupled with herbal remedies aim to rebuild your body and restore some of the vital substances lost during the aging process.
Twelve weekly sessions are recommended to maintain the effects and maintenance sessions can prolong results for 5 to 10 years. Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation is an 80-minute session that is offered at Serasana, with it also being a qualifying monthly service as part of the Wellness 80 membership.
Click our Acupuncture page to learn more.