You have heard of acupuncture, but have you heard of cosmetic acupuncture?  This treatment can also be called facial rejuvenation.  According to a study done in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, 90% of people who participated saw visible results from one treatment.  Cosmetic acupuncture may seem like a trend, but these practices have been used for thousands of years and are known in TCM as mei rong – translated from Chinese as medical cosmetology.  Used now as a pain-free and effective approach to anti-aging and longevity for the skin and the body as a whole. 

The History of Cosmetic Acupuncture

In TCM, facial rejuvenation with acupuncture has been around for thousands of years, dating back to the Sung Dynasty (960 AD to 1279 AD).  The royal court including the Empress discovered the anti-aging properties of these practices.  The Chinese discovered that acupuncture helps increase the circulation of the Qi or vital energy and this energy flow starts a healing or rejuvenation process.  

Going back as far as the Warring States period in China (475-221 BC), cosmetic acupuncture was used primarily by the Empress and the imperial concubines as a beauty treatment and can be found in the TCM text, Huang Di Nei Jing.  Nei jing discusses the use of acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, and qi gong as treatments for the aging effects on the skin.  

How Does Cosmetic Acupuncture Work?

The entire body is a system of meridians or pathways, that allow energy (qi) to flow and these connect to all of the main organ systems in the body.  Imbalances in these systems can occur and can become visible on the face as the aging process work including dark circles, puffiness, acne, fine lines, and more.  

Needles are placed in the face at certain points to help increase the flow of qi, blood, and essence in order to restore balance. This is because the needles stimulate the circulatory and lymphatic systems, improving blood circulation that helps send nutrients and oxygen to the skin.  Acupuncture also increases qi flow to the face and energizes the muscles – leaving you with glowing skin that is rejuvenated.  Cosmetic acupuncture helps trigger the body’s natural process for cell growth and reproduction. One study shows that people saw an improvement in skin health and appearance in as little as five sessions.

Your acupuncturist will review your health history, as well as your diet and lifestyle to decide the best treatments for you.  

What Are the Benefits of Cosmetic Acupuncture?

• Reduce acne
• Diminish wrinkles
• Diminish fine lines
• Help with dry skin
• Reduce age spots
• Reduce puffiness
• Minimize double chin
• Tighten large pores
• Improve muscle tone
• Moisturize the skin
• Revitalize the whole body
• Reduce the appearance of scars
• Increase the production of collagen
• Slow the aging process from within
• Reduce dark circles and under-eye bags

What Are The Tools Used in Facial Rejuvenation?

Microcurrent

Microcurrent technology is a sub-sensory vibration treatment used to help heal damaged tissues and muscles.  It is used in facial rejuvenation to help encourage the production of collagen, lift and restore facial muscles, and soften wrinkles and lines in the skin. Microcurrent technology is a non-invasive, safe, and painless anti-aging treatment.

Facial Gua Sha

This traditional Chinese medicine practice actually predates acupuncture!  Gua Sha translates to “scraping” and is used to increase the blood flow to the skin and stimulate the lymphatic system. Gua sha uses handheld tools made of jade, quartz, horn, yak bone, or crystal and works with the meridians in the face when the gentle motion of gliding it over the face.  Gua sha can be used to help with rosacea, dry skin, adult acne, blackheads, and improving muscle tone in the face.  

Celluma Pro LED Light Therapy

Aging is the breakdown of the metabolic process, which triggers our fibroblast cells to become compromised.  Our fibroblast cells produce both collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for maintaining the elasticity in our skin and connective tissues in our joints.   

Celluma light therapy is used to encourage the production of collagen and elastin.  Celluma light therapy is used for reducing wrinkles and fine lines, as well as an acne treatment.  

Facial Cupping

Facial cupping is a gentle and relaxing treatment that helps activate lymphatic drainage.  The small cups slide gently across the face to increase blood flow, clear sinus congestion, and reduce inflammation. Cupping has been used in traditional Chinese therapy to stimulate the flow of qi, decrease inflammation, and rejuvenate the body.  Facial cupping involves stimulating the pathways and channels in the face, this helps pump oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells by increasing the circulation of blood.

Contact our office today to schedule a health-boosting and relaxing facial rejuvenation with cosmetic acupuncture.