What is cosmetic acupuncture?
The use of acupuncture needles on specific points to enhance beauty and preserve a youthful appearance has been done for centuries in China and other Asian countries. Cosmetic acupuncture has just started to become popular in the United States in the past decade.
Cosmetic acupuncture is the use of tiny needles placed into the dermis of the face and specific acupoints on the head and body. Cosmetic acupuncture can reduce the signs of aging, improving the overall appearance of your skin. The tiny facial needles cause micro-trauma in the area of insertion, which in turn increases blood flow and the production of collagen and elastin. Increased collagen in the face helps to fill in your fine lines and wrinkles and improves the elasticity of our skin.
Cosmetic acupuncture can be used as an alternative to much more costly and high-risk procedures such surgery, Botox injections, laser treatments and fillers. These procedures can result in permanent disfigurement, scarring, burns, infections, cold sores (from laser treatments), pain, necrosis and acne.
Benefits of Cosmetic Acupuncture
Perhaps the most important thing about cosmetic acupuncture is that it is acupuncture. It can improve your overall health and well-being. With cosmetic acupuncture, one receives all the benefits of acupuncture which can include: improved sleep, more energy, improved digestion, reduction of headaches, less depression and anxiety and overall balance in the body and less tense with the added bonus of a more radiant and youthful appearance.
Possible results can include:
- Overall skin tone becomes more consistent
- Softer and more vibrant skin
- Age spots fade
- Smoother cheeks
- Softening of deep lines
- Reduction in fine lines
- Jowls become minimized
- Improved elasticity of facial muscles
- Stimulation of collagen production
Cosmetic acupuncture does not require recovery time. Although many notice a certain brightening of the eyes and skin after the very first treatment, 10 treatments in a period of 5 weeks is recommended. Results are visible after the 8th treatment. Monthly treatments are recommended to prolong the effects as are a healthy lifestyle of exercise, balanced nutrition, use of Chinese herbs and a skin care regimen.