THE SKIN EDIT / WELLBEING
What Is Facial Acupuncture? A Beginner’s Guide…
Facial acupuncture, also known as cosmetic acupuncture, is gaining popularity as a natural skin enhancer and non-surgical addition to your regular routine.
01 / THE BACKGROUND
An Ancient Practice
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese practice, is an alternative or complementary treatment to traditional medicine. This ancient therapy is more than 2,000 years old and is thought to support balance throughout the body by clearing blockages along energy pathways called meridians. This helps to restore the flow of qi (your life force).
Some people seek acupuncture as part of a broader treatment, from pain management to stress, while others are interested in its possible effects on skin appearance, facial tension and general wellbeing.
02 / THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS
What Are the Benefits of Facial Acupuncture?
People commonly explore facial acupuncture for a refreshed appearance and temporary relaxation of facial tension. For a face treatment, your practitioner will use tiny, thin needles which are inserted at a shallow depth (only a few millimetres) at specific points that have been chosen for your needs. This specific point location helps to support balance from a traditional viewpoint and, from a medical perspective, creates local sensory stimulation and a small tissue response.
Although research into facial acupuncture is ongoing and its claimed benefits are not guaranteed, the potential benefits may include:
Increases collagen via tiny microtraumas that can encourage skin repair, for a firmer complexion.
Increases blood flow and oxygen to the face, which creates a ‘glowy’ complexion.
Decreases facial tension, particularly with tight jaw muscles, to soften and relax the overall appearance of the face.
Increased circulation and lymph flow may help remove stagnant waste, improving skin texture and reducing puffiness.
03 / THE EXPERIENCE
What Does a Facial Acupuncture Session Involve?
Consultation
Which involves your practitioner noting your health, medicines, skin concerns and treatment goals.
Preparation
The skin is cleaned and you are positioned comfortably.
Needling
Fine, single-use needles are placed in the face and possibly the body. The number and location vary.
Rest
The needles usually remain in place for a short period while you relax.
Aftercare
The practitioner removes the needles and explains what to expect afterwards.
THE QUESTION ON EVERYONE'S MIND
Does It Hurt?
The most common question with acupuncture is: does it hurt? Because every person is different, sensations vary. Some people feel a brief prick, tingling, heaviness or warmth, whilst others feel very little. The face has many small blood vessels, so minor pinpoint bleeding or bruising can occur.
04 / BEFORE YOU BOOK
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
It’s important to have a thorough consultation prior to treatment and advise if you are pregnant, have any infection, injury, inflammation, take medication or have any blood disorder.
If you are considering facial acupuncture as a wellbeing addition to your routine, focus on realistic expectations, informed consent and choose a properly trained practitioner. Look for one that specialises in facial acupuncture, follows strict hygiene protocols, and uses sterile single-use needles.
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EXPLORE BIOLOGIReferences
- Acupuncture for cosmetic use: A systematic review of prospective studies. Journal of Cosmetic Medicine, 2(2), 76–84.
- Effect of facial cosmetic acupuncture on facial elasticity: An open-label, single-arm pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 424313.
- Acupuncture-related adverse events: Systematic review and meta-analyses of prospective clinical studies. BMJ Open, 11(9), e045961.
- Safety of acupuncture: Overview of systematic reviews. Scientific Reports, 7, 3369.
- Chinese Medicine Board of Australia
- Acupuncture Research Reference