Cosmetic Acupuncture
There’s a lot of hype recently about Acu-Facial’s. It has been used for centuries in China and more recently in the US and Australia.
What is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic Acupuncture also known as Facial Rejuvenation is a aged old as well as modern adapted beauty and wellness treatment. Various techniques are combined with the intention of softening lines and wrinkles, lifting sagging, increasing firmness and boosting blood circulation for that healthy and youthful facial glow.
What does the treatment involve?
A series of tiny, super fine acupuncture needles are inserted locally into points of the face, wrinkles & fine lines. Constitutional body acupuncture points are also used at the same time.
This is based on the Chinese Medicine theory that if something is out of balance with the body- it will show in the face. For example Kidney deficiency may present with dark circles under the eyes or Liver disharmony may show redness and inflammation in the face. Therefore, by diagnosing the face, along with other diagnostic tools like tongue and pulse, we are able to gain a full understanding of your issues and work on the whole body to bring you back into balance. As the saying goes beauty comes from within and when we are internally healthy this will radiate out through the face.
We have a variety Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture options (see our fees page) and your session may also include a Chinese Herbal mask, Facial massage, Gua Sha, Jade skin roller and Acutonics® sound vibration.
Does it actually work and how many sessions will I need?
Although it may sound like a relatively new idea, Cosmetic Acupuncture is supported by almost 5000 years of documentation and has since then been refined and developed into a practice we can bring to modern Australia.
Celebrities Madonna, Cher and Gwyneth Paltrow have all spoken glowingly in public about it. Prince William and Diane Lane are rumored to be converts, and there are even specialist clinics in London devoted exclusively to the practice of cosmetic acupuncture. A 1996 study on cosmetic acupuncture in the International Journal Of Clinical Acupuncture reported that of the 300 people who took part, 90 per cent saw marked improvements after just one treatment. This also corresponds to what we are seeing clinically- patients can usually see an improvement in skin tone and color after the first session (much like a good facial) however, to achieve more substantial and visible results a series of 10-12 sessions are needed relatively close together. Maintenance sessions are recommended every 4 to 8 weeks. By keeping this up, the results can last for years.
Are there any side effects or contraindications?
Local bruising is the most common side affect, although, this occurs very occasionally. Other more rare affects is a hematoma (raised collection of blood) which normally resolves in days. There is no ‘down time’ needed after a treatment. Cosmetic acupuncture may be contraindicated for individuals with migraines, seizure disorders or high blood pressure.