Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture

Treating skin can be an inside and outside job, so in a Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture session, we aim to enhance not only skin appearance but also overall health and vitality via the organ system network in Chinese Medicine.

Taking a holistic approach to skin with Chinese Medicine means looking at the underlying factors that sped up ageing, dullness, dryness and sagging. These things include inflammation, sun exposure, gut health, nutritional deficiencies and lifestyle factors that influence the health of the skin.

The human face has 43 muscles which are responsible for various facial expressions, movements, and functions. These muscles are interconnected and work together to enable a wide range of facial expressions. Our facial muscles are our communicators. They enable us to express our emotions, eat, talk, drink and chew

Cosmetic Acupuncture is apart of the #NOTOX movement, whereby the focus is on enhancing the features that make us uniquely who we are, bypassing conventional beauty standards, with a highlight on nourishing the skin from the inside out.

Cosmetic acupuncture can address various skin concerns, along with promoting relaxation and stress reduction (& who doesn’t need that!).

What does a cosmetic acupuncture appointment include?

  • Acupuncture treatment (for the whole body)

  • Organic facial (using products tailored to your skin concerns)

  • Gua Sha

  • Cosmetic acupuncture

  • Prescription herbal medicine (additional cost)

  • LED therapy (if applicable)

How does it work?

The insertion of thin needles in the skin occurs in cosmetic acupuncture using different needling techniques, whereby some needles are placed superficially or deeper, threaded through lines or wrinkles and / or inserted in a certain direction.

Depending on your individual needs and areas of concern, needles can be inserted into:

  • ‘acupuncture points’ on the face that provide various local and systemic functions in the body

  • muscle / fascia of the face

  • lines / wrinkles of the face

This creates “micro-traumas” in the skin, which stimulate blood flow and the production of collagen and elastin, which in turn activates the body’s ‘wound healing mechanism’ to create a radiant and more youthful appearance. As a result this enriched blood circulation to the skin, can soften fine lines and wrinkles, as well as provide hydration to the skin to enhance complexion.

Depending on the anatomical area on your face, stimulation of particular muscles / muscle groups (like the frontalis on the forehead or the masseter in the jaw) provides muscle relaxation for tired and overworked muscles which balances fascia chains and can relieve tension.

Cosmetic acupuncture promotes lymphatic flow, soothes texture of the skin and can be beneficial for acne scarring.

The effects of cosmetic acupuncture continue even after the needles have been taken out of the face.

What is facial cosmetic acupuncture useful for?

  • Fine lines & wrinkles

  • Acne scarring

  • Jaw tension and TMJ dysfunction

  • Sagging and dull skin

  • Eczema

  • Dark under eye circles

  • Pigmentation changes

  • Your eligibility to have Cosmetic Acupuncture will be based on the current inflammation levels on your skin, your risk of skin infection and so forth. Due to indivdual differences we will assess your skin and base our recommendations from there.

  • Cosmetic Acupuncture has the ability to speed up the metabolism of Botox.

    For this reason we recommend a 6 week waiting period between your anti-wrinkle injections and Cosmetic Acupuncture.

    Both treatments can be used to enhance your skin when well timed together.

  • Individual results vary however you should see full benefits after 8 weeks. See our skin timeline below to find out more.

  • Cosmetic acupuncture is part of the #notox movement, providing a great alternative to Botox.

    It does not provide an immediate effect like Botox does, and the effects may not be as dramatic.

    Cosmetic Acupuncture requires a series of treatments to achieve the desired results.

    Cosmetic Acupuncture and Botox work in very different ways and therefore deliver different results.

    Botox acts as a neuromodulator that temporarily blocks nerve signals to the muscles responsible for causing wrinkles. It is injected directly into specific facial muscles to block repetitive muscle movements.

    As opposed to cosmetic acupuncture, which stimulates collagen, elastin, lymph and creates muscle relaxation.

    Results for cosmetic acupuncture produces subtle, gradual improvements in skin texture, tone, and overall appearance.

    Whereas Botox, although only lasting a few months, usually creates more dramatic effects.

    While both cosmetic acupuncture and Botox can effectively address wrinkles and improve facial appearance, they differ in their mechanisms of action, timing of results, and the nature of outcomes produced

  • Cosmetic acupuncture is regarded as a gentle and safe treatment.

    The great thing is, there is minimal downtime after and between treatments.

    After your treatment, it is normal to experience some post- needling effects such as a flushed face, but this will self resolve in a few hours.

    Small bruises may occur, but this is usually minor and painless and resolves in a few days.

  • Dr. Alana uses Seirins, a highly regarded Japenese produced needle, designed specifically for the dermis.

    These types of needles create a seamless insertion.

    It is not uncommon to feel a mild sensation as the needle penetrates the skin, however this soon dissipates and becomes relaxing.

  • Each individual skin condition and / or desired goals, requires its own approach and diagnosis.

    Cosmetic acupuncture may or may not be best solution based on your current health status. You can always book in a free connection call to see if this is the right pathway for you.

FAQ’s

Cosmetic Acupuncture Skin Timeline: Based on weekly treatments

  • 2 weeks: Immediate hydration and radiance due to enhanced circulation to the skin

  • 4-6 weeks: Mild softening of fine lines and improved texture of the skin

  • 6-8 weeks: Collagen production begins to really shine here, wrinkles become smoother and skin elasticity increases.

  • 8- 10 weeks: The best results happen after 8 weeks due to the peak of continual stimulation of collagen and elastin fibres; the soft tissue of the face becomes more snatched, refined and radiant.