Wednesday Wellness: What is Cosmetic Acupuncture?

by Geno Diveley, L.Ac

Acupuncture has been the treatment choice for pain instead of drugs for at least three million Americans a year for many years; it is natural and has no negative side affects.  Most acupuncturists treat pain-related ailments such as back pain, headaches, indigestion, injuries, arthritis, gout, etc.

However, there are side affects with acupuncture treatments, only they are positive side effects: increased energy and stamina, better rest and an overall sense of wellbeing.  The other less well-known side affects are reduction in the appearance of varicose veins, better muscle tone on the body and on the face, which helps reduce sagging skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Personally, I have treated many patients over the years for calf and leg pains and many of my patients have told me they were amazed to see that most of their varicose veins have disappeared and are quite happy with this unforeseen side affect.

These types of side affects have spurred a new specialty that has been around over 10 years called Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture.  It has been known in China and other East Asian countries that there are key areas on the body and face to stimulate to create better muscle tone and reduce fine lines, but this had never been the main focus when seeing an acupuncturist until recently.

Many spas have incorporated cosmetic acupuncture as part of their many services offered.   Some acupuncture clinics are dedicated only to cosmetic acupuncture treatments.

A cosmetic treatment differs from more conventional procedures in that it does not just treat the face. The traditional Chinese medicine philosophy is that the body is integrated; therefore beauty and health are internal as well as external, so you cannot treat one area without treating another.  

When seeing an cosmetic acupuncturist, you will be asked what areas you want to treat on your face, then you will be asked if there are any other conditions you would like to treat, such as menopause, digestive issue, insomnia and so on.  The acupuncture needles are placed on the face and they are also placed on the correlating meridians.  The acupuncturist will place the acupuncture needles on the hands, arms or legs and feet, depending on what condition is also being treated.  This will help with creating a better flow of healing energy through the meridian and throughout the entire body.

Acupuncture is a natural procedure, it is not like Botox and will not show a major difference in one treatment that lasts a few months.  It may take a series of 10 treatments to have a noticeable difference, but you will start to see a difference after the second treatment.

So why bother with cosmetic acupuncture then?  Cosmetic acupuncture is a great alternative to having a toxin injected into your face; it is natural, safe, helps tone the facial muscles, relax tight stressed muscles, and improves circulation. You are also benefiting by treating other conditions.

This procedure is perfect for those who have a few wrinkles, such as the fore head and around the eyes, and need to tone or tighten sagging facial muscles. Acupuncture works on the wrinkles and helps plump up the skin.  This is done by placing needles in the wrinkle which causes a micro trauma to the skin and helps the body to form collagen to help repair and fill the wrinkle.

An average treatment is on a table or reclining chair for 30 minutes, it is very relaxing and most people fall asleep.  After treatment most people feel very relaxed but refreshed.

If you would like more information about cosmetic acupuncture or acupuncture treatment for other problems, please contact me at Acujin Holistic Therapies.