In our quest for beauty, the ancient practice of cosmetic acupuncture offers a refreshing alternative. I sat down with Claire, a practitioner in this field from enough. Studio, to delve into its transformative power. Cosmetic acupuncture, deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, goes beyond surface-level treatments. It focuses on holistic well-being, harnessing techniques like facial gua sha and needling to enhance skin health from within. By stimulating blood flow and collagen production, it naturally rejuvenates the skin and promotes a radiant, youthful appearance. More than just a cosmetic procedure, it harmonises body and spirit, fostering a deeper connection and inner vitality. As we navigate the evolving landscape of natural beauty practices, cosmetic acupuncture emerges as a beacon of authenticity, empowering individuals to embrace their innate radiance.
- Ā What is cosmetic acupuncture, and how does it differ from traditional cosmetic procedures like Botox?
Cosmetic acupuncture is a natural holistic facial treatment, using tools that originate from traditional Chinese medicine such as: facial gua sha, cupping and needling. It takes into account underlying imbalances (such as organ health or dehydration) that may impact the quality of the skin on the face. It is non-toxic, gentle, relaxing and very safe. It differs from other cosmetic procedures such as Botox because it is non-toxic, holistic and it focuses on skin health and beauty as a result of overall inner health.
- Ā What are the key benefits of cosmetic acupuncture for improving skin appearance and reducing signs of aging?
A good facial acupuncture session will focus on the whole person, and your practitioner will give you lifestyle advice to support glowing and healthy skin and help you to age as well as you possibly can. They will also choose points on the body to help you in your areas of concern (for example if you have dark under eye circles in Chinese medicine this is often a result of poor blood flow or weak kidney energy, and the right points will be chosen to support this). The facial treatment itself focuses on stimulating blood flow and Qi (energy) in the face, helping to boost collagen, promote skin firmness and lifting and target fine wrinkles with very fine acupuncture needles.
- Ā How does cosmetic acupuncture work to enhance collagen production and promote skin elasticity?
Facial acupuncture can enhance collagen production because the insertion of very tiny fine needles creates a positive microtrauma. When the body senses these tiny little micro traumas it goes into repair mode. These micro traumas stimulate the production of collagen. Nutrients and oxygen are also sent to the skin cells nourishing them from the inside. All of this helps to improve skin elasticity and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Ā Are there specific skin issues or conditions that cosmetic acupuncture is known to address effectively?
Cosmetic acupuncture is not a quick fix like Botox. The focus is on supporting long term changes in skin tone and texture, relaxing facial tension, which can give the client a more open and softer facial expression. It is great for dull skin, fine wrinkles and pore minimisation and in conjunction with dietary changes and holistic acupuncture can be helpful to manage hormonal breakouts and acne.
5.Ā Ā What safety precautions should someone consider before undergoing cosmetic acupuncture, and are there any situations where it may not be recommended?
People who are on blood thinning medications or those with bleeding disorders like haemophilia should always tell their acupuncturist before any treatment commences. People who faint easily should also make their acupuncturist aware so they can tailor the treatment to them (perhaps use less needles or make sure they ground the energy first before needling the face). People who have had Botox or fillers should avoid facial acupuncture over the injection sites for 12 weeks. Facial acupuncture is very safe and the worst side effect (which is very rare) might be a small bruise which will go away within a few days or a week.
6.Ā How long does it typically take to see noticeable results from cosmetic acupuncture, and what is the recommended treatment plan?
One studyĀ found that people saw improvements after just five sessions of facial acupuncture but I recommends 6 -10 treatments weekly for best results.Ā
7.Ā In what ways does cosmetic acupuncture align with the trend towards natural and holistic beauty practices?
Pamela Anderson said: 'Anti-Aging is a lie. We're getting older no matter what'...it's finally trending to go make up free and accept our natural radiance. But as many of us know it can take some dedication to look 'naturally radiant'. I see many patients who are turning their back on cosmetic procedures such as Botox, fillers, breast implants because of some of their negative impacts on health. Cosmetic acupuncture is completely natural and safe and holistic. Chinese medicine's approach to beauty focuses on the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health and in this respect, it doesn't play on our insecurities as women (unlike other areas of the beauty industry). True natural beauty helps us to be vital, well and healthy in our body, mind, and Shen (the TCM version of spirit) as well as giving us some wonderful tools to support skin health and anti-aging and glowing skin. Natural beauty should be taken on as a lifestyle rather than thought of as a quick fix. I encourage my clients to do facial gua sha and dermal rolling at home regularly, to eat the right diets for them and to incorporate stress management practices to help support their natural beauty regime.Ā Ā Ā
8.Ā Ā Are there any ongoing developments or research in the field of cosmetic acupuncture that may impact its popularity or effectiveness?
There is ongoing research to suggest that Chinese herbal medicne, skin needling, and face acupuncture may be useful in a number of dermatological skin conditions. As a community we hope that more gold standard studies can be done in the future.
9.Ā Ā Can you provide a simple overview of the holistic approach of cosmetic acupuncture and how it addresses both physical and mental well-being?
When you come to your cosmetic acupuncture appointment, I endeavour to treat not only the face and skin but also the underlying issues that maybe causing things like dry skin, premature ageing, puffy face etc. Many of the acupuncture points we use during cosmetic acupuncture are very calming and relaxing, for example Du20 is on top of the head and this point clears the head and calms the Shen (which is loosely translated to spirit or mind). The facial gua sha is also very relaxing as we focus on the fascial layer of the face tissue and aim to smooth away any stress that is being held there. We hold a lot of emotions and stress in our faces and this treatment can help you to notice those patterns and let go. If you have tension in your neck and Jaw, you can opt for a firmer gua sha treatment which encourages muscles to relax and releases tension. I always aim to educate my patients and to help them use techniques and tools at home that will help them to reap the benefits of self-care. My aim is to encourage people to accept their natural beauty and love themselves whilst providing them with some wonderful tools to support natural glowing skin and a glowing spirit.
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To book with Claire click hereĀ or contactĀ ENOUGH.Ā
