Acupuncture to benefit the face and skin has been reported in Chinese Medical texts for longer than you think. It's not about vanity, but looking after and conditioning the tissues of the face to reduce signs of ageing and stress.
When an area of the body is needled, Acupuncture on a micro-level, aims to improves blood flow to the local area, loosen tight muscles and help move fluid retention and puffiness. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps relax the nervous system in a stressed and tired body.
So applying acupuncture to the face is a direct way of influencing the connective tissue and muscles of the face when you want to improve your complexion, and reduce signs of stress in the face. It refreshes dull dry skin and brightens the face.
Cosmetic Acupuncture or Facial Acupuncture can also assist with:
- Softening deeper wrinkles related to tension in the face
- Reducing Fine lines
- Crows feet, frown lines
- Sunken areas of the cheeks
- Crepey skin, drooping and sagging
- Pigmentation spots
- Tension in the face muscles
- Brightening the complexion
Acupuncture is routinely used in China for stroke patients and people who have suffered Bell's Palsy, and facial paralysis for similar reasons. When we needle the face we are stimulating the Brain and nervous system to pay attention in this area and activate nerve activity and muscle tone.
Cosmetic acupuncture works exactly like this and on another level of stimulating collagen production and maintaining elastin. For those of us who are tired and stressed, the daily grind can begin to show on our face, especially with signs of ageing.
What happens during a Facial Acupuncture consult?
- During a Cosmetic Acupuncture treatment, we discuss what your goals or priorities are with your skin, as well as a general case history.
- A bit of facial massage is applied to bring the blood flow to the skin of the face before needling.
- The Facial points are applied using the best quality Acupuncture needles (Seirin) available, that make insertion comfortable and minimise any discomfort.
- After the facial points are used, body acupuncture is included to complete a wholistic treatment to support your skin health. This can focus on nourishing Qi & Blood, moving stagnation and relaxing the nervous system.
- The client is then left for 45 min to enjoy the quiet, relaxing time to themselves. The practitioner then removes the acupuncture needles slowly and with great care.
To rejuvenate your face and release facial tension, consider Cosmetic Acupuncture. It's not about vanity, it's about taking care of and looking after your skin for the long term and naturally without the use of harsh chemicals, peels or expensive cosmetics. Cosmetic acupuncture affects the collagen, elastin and muscles of the face with noticeable changes after 6 sessions.
Katika Funnell is a Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Practitioner with AHPRA and a Member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. She has been in private practice since 2003. Katika is available at Family Wellness Centre Tuesdays and Saturdays. Book online here for appointments.
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