Facial acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicinal technique that has been practiced for thousands of years. This healing technique supposedly improves your well-being and health by balancing the energy that runs through you. A decrease in breakouts and fine lines, as well as an improvement in overall tone and texture, are some of the benefits of facial acupuncture. If you are looking for a powerful anti-aging treatment with few adverse effects, facial acupuncture may be the way to go for you.
But, it is also crucial to be aware of the adverse effects of facial acupuncture so that you know what is coming and can physically and mentally prepare for them. Keep reading if you want to learn more about this procedure!
If you are familiar with the process of acupuncture, you have already won half the battle. Facial acupuncture is a cosmetic extension of the traditional practice of acupuncture. It is considered to be a safe alternative to botox. In this treatment, the practitioner inserts very fine needles into specific points on your face. The needles that are used on the face are different from the needles that are used on the body. Facial needles are exceptionally fine and are only half as thick as a hair strand.
Fun Fact
Earlier, acupuncture needles were made of stone, bone, or bamboo instead of stainless steel.
This cosmetic treatment improves your skin’s texture, makes it smoother, reduces signs of aging, and makes it look younger and healthier. It improves the external appearance and overall health of your facial skin.
Scroll down to the next section to find out what happens during a facial acupuncture session.
Note: It is better to go for full-body acupuncture (including the face) instead of facial acupuncture. This is because acupuncture optimizes and harmonizes the energy flow in your body. If you only opt for facial acupuncture, the energy flow may get congested and restricted to your face. As a result, you may experience discomfort and headache.
Now, let’s talk about how facial acupuncture is done. Once your full-body acupuncture procedure is over, the therapist performs facial acupuncture.
When your body senses a wound, it responds and starts repairing the wound immediately. It sends collagen building cells to the wound’s surface to make up for the collagen loss. In other words, the natural healing process of your body is triggered by the strategically placed needles in your skin. This helps in improving your skin’s elasticity and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Trivia
According to traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, there are more than 2000 acupuncture points in our body.
To put it simply, it’s like pressing the reset button on your skin. It offers a ton of benefits that will make your skin glow. Check them out in the next section.
The tiny wounds that facial acupuncture creates boost blood circulation to your skin. Blood carries nutrients and collagen to your skin’s surface. This helps to improve your skin’s texture and makes it look radiant and glowing.
There are many anti-aging treatments, such as dermal fillers, botox injections, etc.; however, you can also add facial acupuncture to your list. When the needles are inserted into your facial skin, collagen production is triggered to cover up those wounds. This reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and makes your skin glow. Acupuncture optimizes your overall health internally, which reflects on your face.
Acupuncture stimulates the skin and muscle tissues. It claims to tone your facial muscles to make them firm and improve the appearance of sagging skin.
Acupuncture practitioners also claim that this procedure reduces the appearance of acne, blemishes, and age spots.
A study conducted in South Korea examined the effect of facial acupuncture on skin elasticity. The study involved 28 female participants, out of which 27 finished the study. They underwent five sessions of facial acupuncture over the course of three weeks. Out of 27, 15 subjects claimed to experience an improvement in skin elasticity (1).
On a similar note, Shelly Hickman, a YouTuber shares her experience of why she switched from botox treatment to facial acupuncture. She said, “I do think that I have noticed a difference in brightness and healthiness so far from just four treatments (i).”
Did You Know?
Acupuncture first became known in Korea in the 6th century AD, then the medical missionaries made it popular in Japan and then in Europe, beginning with France.
Just like every other skin care treatment out there, facial acupuncture comes with its fair share of risks. Before you try it out, check out the risk factors involved in this procedure.
The common side effects of acupuncture include:
You should avoid acupuncture (both facial and full-body) if:
What’s next? If you are worried about how to take care of your skin after your acupuncture session, here’s the answer.
ShutterstockNo, you don’t have to lock yourself inside your home, avoid the sun, or stop doing your regular work after getting facial acupuncture. Taking care of your skin after facial acupuncture is very simple. Make sure that:
That’s it!
The results of acupuncture may vary depending on your age and lifestyle habits. While some people may notice immediate results, others might take more time and multiple sessions to see any results. You need to be patient.
Also, it is important to have an idea of how much facial acupuncture costs before you book your session. Read on to learn more about that.
On average, a single session of facial acupuncture costs between $100 to $250. However, prices can differ significantly depending on geographic location, session duration, and the practitioner’s experience. Some practitioners offer package deals or discounts for multiple sessions. It is essential to inquire about specific costs, including consultation fees and additional services, before starting treatments. Moreover, the overall cost might vary if additional therapies like herbal supplements or facial massages are included. Prioritize finding a licensed and experienced acupuncturist to ensure safe and effective facial acupuncture treatments tailored to your skin care needs.
There is no empirical evidence to prove the benefits of facial acupuncture. However, you will find plenty of anecdotal evidence from people who have tried this method and found it helpful in minimizing skin issues. It is said to minimize signs of aging and promote blood circulation. If you wish to give it a try, it is best to consult a doctor to understand whether the treatment is suitable for you or not. Also, consult a trained acupuncturist to understand all the aspects of the treatment and then go for it. This will help avoid further complications.
Is facial acupuncture better than microneedling?
It all comes down to personal preferences. Nevertheless, both techniques work their holistic wonders in noticeable and appealing ways. Time is one of the most significant distinctions. Acupuncture depends on needles staying in the same area for around twenty minutes, whereas microneedling utilizes tiny, super-fast pinpricks to the skin. In addition, acupuncture only treats the places where an energy blockage is perceived, but microneedling addresses the entire face.
Can you wear makeup while getting facial acupuncture?
It is okay to put on light makeup and avoid heavy creams or moisturizers on the day of your treatment. However, there are no other strict preparation protocols to follow.
Can facial acupuncture remove eye bags?
Facial acupuncture improves blood circulation and reduces dark circles, puffiness, and sagging eyelids. In addition, your face will be revitalized from within.
The rejuvenating benefits of facial acupuncture are quite well known. If you considering it, click on this video to get a detailed overview of the various skin effects and results that you can expect with this technique.
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. My Experience with Facial Acupuncture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr5ZhGmvkB0
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Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. She is an energetic, proactive, and compassionate medical practitioner with 5 years of experience and a thorough understanding of overall mind-body-spiritual wellness.
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