Facial acupuncture: better than botox?
Facial acupuncture (also known as cosmetic acupuncture) is an increasingly popular treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), designed to address signs of aging. This natural, non-invasive therapy stimulates circulation, promotes collagen production, and improves skin tone and texture. Often considered an alternative to more invasive procedures like Botox, facial acupuncture offers a holistic approach to rejuvenating the face and enhancing overall skin health.
Protocol and benefits
My facial acupuncture protocol begins with a brief consultation followed by full-body acupuncture to balance your overall health. Facial gua sha and cupping are incorporated next, followed by the insertion of acupuncture needles into specific points on the face. While you relax with the needles in place, Celluma LED red light therapy is applied to further enhance the treatment. Here’s a deeper look at how each component works:
Collagen stimulation
Minimizes fine lines, wrinkles, and areas that show signs of aging.
Stimulates the skin’s natural healing process and encourages the production of collagen and elastin, both of which are responsible for skin firmness and elasticity.
Increases blood circulation to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which improves tone and texture.
Balance of Qi and Yin:
In TCM, the skin’s health reflects the balance of Qi (vital energy) and Yin (nourishing energy). Facial acupuncture helps restore this balance, particularly by nourishing Yin, which improves skin appearance and delays premature aging.
Stagnant Qi can lead to dull, tired skin. By improving the flow of Qi, facial acupuncture helps revitalize the complexion, making it appear more radiant and healthy.
Facial gua sha and cupping:
Facial gua sha uses a smooth-edged tool (often jade or rose quartz) to scrape across the skin, which stimulates blood flow, promotes lymphatic drainage, and removes toxins. This results in a brighter, more vibrant complexion and reduced puffiness — especially around the eyes.
Facial cupping uses small silicone cups to create a vacuum effect that increases blood flow to the skin. This can reduce fine lines & puffiness and lift sagging skin, giving the face a more sculpted and contoured appearance.
LED red light therapy:
An FDA-cleared, medically credentialed device, is used in my clinic. Its benefits overlap and enforce those of facial acupuncture.
Holistic benefits:
Facial acupuncture addresses both external signs of aging (such as wrinkles and dryness) and internal imbalances. For example, excess heat or dryness in the body can manifest in the skin as redness, acne, or fine lines.
Acupuncture can help treat underlying conditions like stress, poor digestion, and hormonal imbalances — which often contribute to skin issues and signs of aging.
Results and frequency of treatments
Immediate effects: some people notice immediate improvements in their skin’s appearance including a glow or reduced puffiness.
Cumulative results: The full effects of facial acupuncture typically appear after several sessions. To achieve long-term results, a series of 10–12 treatments (usually once a week) is recommended. After the initial series, maintenance treatments every 4–6 weeks can help sustain the results.
Side effects and considerations
Facial acupuncture is generally considered safe with minimal risk of side effects. However, as with any treatment, there may be some mild reactions:
Mild redness or pinprick marks that generally subside within a few hours.
Bruising which is rare and temporary.
Tenderness or mild soreness in areas where the needles were inserted.
Facial acupuncture is a safe, holistic treatment that can address both the internal and external factors contributing to skin aging. It offers a natural alternative to more invasive procedures and promotes radiant, youthful skin by stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms. Whether you’re looking to reduce fine lines, enhance skin texture, or simply rejuvenate your complexion, facial acupuncture can be an effective and relaxing treatment.