Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been utilized around the world for centuries. Tiny painless needles are inserted in the different points in the body to treat a variety of aliments, from back, knee and shoulder pain, to infertility. However, the supplementary benefits might surprise you — especially if you decide to let your acupuncturist have a go at your smile lines. Enter: cosmetic acupuncture, the reportedly safer alternative to surgery or Botox.
Cosmetic acupuncture treatment is an extension of traditional acupuncture. It’s said to naturally help make the skin look younger, smoother, and all-around healthier. Unlike injection procedures, cosmetic acupuncture addresses both the signs of aging and the skin’s overall health. Additionally, systemic energy pathway issues are addressed balancing the energy in our body.
Unlike Micro-needling, a more intense procedure where hundreds of pricks are applied to the skin through the device, facial acupuncture averages about 50 painless punctures. Both treatment options are premised on the benefits of stimulating the skin through the creation of positive microtraumas. When your body senses these wounds, it goes into repair mode, activating the lymphatic and circulatory system, which work together to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells and boost the production of collagen. The results are improved elasticity, minimized fine lines and wrinkles, and a brighter and more even complexion.
In order to perform this treatment option acupuncturists must receive proper training in accordance with the World Health Organizations established guidelines for practice. Checking the regulatory guidelines in your province is a good way to begin when looking for a reliable practitioner. With acupuncture the careful balance and flow of energy within the body is of utmost importance. Therefore, needles must be placed not only in the face but also the body in order to avoid symptoms such as dullness, headache, and discomfort caused from energy congestion.
Cosmetic Acupuncture Long Term Expectations
The most commonly reported result from facial acupuncture is a noticeably brighter complexion and minimized fine lines and wrinkles as body’s self healing response is activated. The most common side effect for any form of acupuncture is bruising, which only happens about 20 percent of the time. Anyone receiving facial acupuncture should be in good health for maximum healing capabilities. This is why people with bleeding disorders or uncontrolled type 2 diabetes shouldn’t seek this treatment.
Unlike Botox or dermal fillers, facial acupuncture isn’t a quick fix. Nevertheless, one study found that the majority of people saw improvements after just five sessions. We recommends 10 treatments twice a week, and afterwards every four to eight weeks to maintain optimum results. If you’re unable to commit to this kind of time or money to maintain treatments, another way to help preserve your results is to feed your skin through a well-balanced diet and well-formulated skin care routine.
