What is Cosmetic Acupuncture and What Are the Benefits?

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as a form of medical therapy that aids in the prevention and management of a number of different conditions and health concerns. It involves the use of fine needles which are inserted into specific points and regions on the body to stimulate repair and regulation, and is said to help clear energy blocks, promoting the normal flow of Qi (vital energy) through your body. Cosmetic acupuncture is a holistic treatment that combines acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, and plum blossom dermal hammer to rejuvenate the skin, promote relaxation and enhance overall wellbeing. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this practice views beauty as a reflection of inner health and harmony, addressing both surface manifestations and underlying imbalances.

Benefits of Cosmetic Acupuncture

1. Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles:

Acupuncture helps stimulate collagen production, which is responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. It can make the skin more supple and plump, resulting in a smoother appearance. Additionally, acupuncture helps relax tight facial muscles, gradually softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. One case study examining the effects of 10 cosmetic acupuncture treatments over a 1 month period found visible improvements in the patient’s right and left nasolabial folds, which shortened and decreased in depth by approximately 50% and 20%, respectively. There was also a complete elimination of lines above both eyes and a 50% reduction of depth and 20% reduction of length of lines under the patient’s eyes.

2. Improved Skin Tone and Texture:

Acupuncture in conjunction with gua sha, cupping and plum blossom dermal hammer, contributes to even skin tone by strengthening weakened muscle fibres and relaxing muscle tensions. It also enhances circulation and lymphatic drainage, resulting in several benefits: reduced puffiness, lifted eyelids, reduced pigmentation and refined texture. In the case study mentioned above, the patient also showed a tighter skin tone and less facial oedema (fluid retention), contributing to a brighter complexion and less puffiness.

3. Improved Distribution of Fat:

Acupuncture and cupping helps to address uneven fat distribution, offering potential benefits for cellulite, double chins, jowls and under-eye bags. One study applied dry cupping therapy 10 times for 5 weeks on each leg and found that the patient’s grade of cellulite on both thighs decreased significantly. It is thought that this may be because cupping promotes drainage of interstitial fluid and its components into the blood and lymphatic vessels, especially the fats in cellulite.

4. Facial Sculpting and Contouring:

Gua sha and cupping modalities can help sculpt and define facial contours by promoting lymphatic drainage, reducing fluid retention, and toning facial muscles, resulting in a more lifted and sculpted appearance.

5. Stress Reduction and Relaxation:

Acupuncture can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. By harmonising Qi (vital energy) flow, it helps calm both the mind and body.

6. Enhanced Wellbeing:

Cosmetic acupuncture addresses the root cause and the visible manifestations of cosmetic concerns. By addressing underlying imbalances and regulating Qi and blood flow, it stimulates the body’s innate healing mechanisms to promote natural rejuvenation from within, resulting in enhanced wellbeing and a more youthful and radiant complexion.

What Does a Session Entail?

A typical cosmetic acupuncture session begins with a comprehensive consultation, where the practitioner assesses the client’s health history, skin concerns, and treatment goals. Based on this assessment, a personalised treatment plan is formulated to address specific areas of concern and promote overall wellbeing.

During the session, the practitioner employs a combination of modalities:

1. Gua Sha:

Using a smooth-edged tool (usually made of stone or jade), the practitioner gently scrapes the skin in upward and outward motions to release tension, sculpt facial contours, and lift and tone facial muscles.

2. Cupping:

In cupping therapy, small suction cups are applied to the skin to create a vacuum effect, then gently glided along the face to increase blood circulation, smoothen skin, distribute fat evenly, promote lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness. For cellulite concerns on the body, larger cups are utilised.

3. Plum-Blossom Dermal Hammer:

If there is sagging skin, the plum-blossom hammer can be tapped on the area of concern in a specific direction and continuous motion, to help improve circulation and firm connective tissue.

4. Acupuncture:

Fine, sterile needles are inserted into specific points on the face and body in order to enhance circulation, promote collagen production, improve skin elasticity, lift facial muscles, promote deep relaxation and address underlying imbalances. Once the needles are in place, the client rests comfortably for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the therapeutic effects to take place. Minor, temporary discomfort or redness at the treatment sites is a natural response to the stimulation of circulation, and typically subsides within a few hours to a day. It is recommended to avoid sun exposure for a day after treatment.

Duration and Frequency of Sessions

A cosmetic acupuncture session typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, which includes both the consultation and treatment. While some clients may notice immediate improvements in skin tone and texture after just one session, optimal results are often achieved through a series of treatments spaced out over several weeks. The exact number of sessions required varies depending on individual factors such as age, skin condition, and treatment goals. However, a common recommendation is to consider undergoing a series of 6 to 12 sessions initially within a period of 1 to 2 months (that is 1 to 2 times a week), followed by a maintenance session every 3 to 4 weeks to sustain the results and promote long-term skin health.

In conclusion, cosmetic acupuncture draws from ancient wisdom to provide a natural and holistic approach to skincare and beauty enhancement. It can go one step further to improve constitutional imbalances that lead to these cosmetic concerns, promoting youthful radiance and overall wellbeing. You may consult your TCM practitioner to create a personalised program that helps empower you to look and feel your best from the inside out.

Disclaimer: advice on this site is not a substitute for advice from a medical practitioner. If you have concerns, consult your medical practitioner first.