If you look at magazines, on TV, in movies — really, in most media — a common image is women in (and sometimes men) with flawless, unlined skin. In advertising, the encouragement of women to erase facial lines is frequent. Photoshop and filters create pressure to look young.
As I get older, my goal is to look in the mirror and love my laugh lines. It’s a work in progress on my journey. I’m not meant to look 20 in my forties. At the same time, I want to take care of my skin. And yes, smooth out those lines —at least a little bit — and prolong the elasticity and tone of my skin. Really, I just want to look my most radiant.
I know I’m not the only one worrying about these things. So fifteen years ago, I began specialized training in cosmetic acupuncture (aka facial acupuncture) with the top practitioners around the world. I wanted to offer it as a special treatment at Acupoint Wellness — and we do!
What is cosmetic acupuncture and how does it work?
Cosmetic acupuncture is a holistic alternative to botox with a focus on naturally stimulating the epidermis, muscles and nerves of the face. This is done in tandem with considering your state of overall health and wellness. (In comparison, botox is a neurotoxin that paralyzes muscles so they don’t move.)
This specialized form of acupuncture targets common skin worries such as fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and muscle tone, and scarring. It helps to improve muscle tone by stimulating motor points of facial muscles while sedating muscles that we might be overusing that cause skin concerns such as frown lines or crow’s feet.
With the help of acupuncture needles to increase the flow of blood and qi to these areas, the facial muscles are innervated and nourished. The result is a vitality (in TCM) or a “lit from within” glow.
Your face is a map to the body
Recurring issues on a part of the face can be key indicators of your current state of health.
TCM face map (Graphic via Healthline)
The beauty of cosmetic acupuncture is that we treat the root cause by balancing energetic pathways in the body that might be sluggish, blocked, or weak. By supporting the body first we can see longer lasting results. It’s really like a 2-in-1 treatment really. You’ll come in thinking you just want to look better but leave looking refreshed and revitalized, and also feeling it.
Facial Acupuncture Benefits
- Makes your skin glow
- Improves skin texture
- Calms skin conditions such as acne and rosacea
- Erases fine lines and softens deeper lines
- Lifts cheeks
- Minimizes double chin
- Builds collagen
- Learn about your health by facial diagnosis
- Great for those that get tension headaches
- Great for those suffering with facial numbness or paralysis
- Great for those that have TMJ or clench their jaw for any reason
- Improves digestion, sleep, immunity, mood, hormones
- Decreases stress
What to expect at a facial acupuncture appointment
When you visit Acupoint Wellness for a cosmetic acupuncture treatment, this is what you can expect:
- Discuss main concerns
- Health assessment: your practitioner will ask questions about your health or look at the skin to see what types of imbalances are present
- A few body points are used to promote health and balance specific to you and your health concerns
- Acupuncture for the face to target areas of concern
- LED light therapy with needles in for 20 minutes (optional, but an added bonus!)
- Facial + neck and scalp massage
Expression is healthy and your body wants to feel the same way
Let me start by saying that there is no judgment on people who get botox. At our Vancouver clinic, we work with clients who have it, are considering it, and those that just want to start taking care of themselves. And almost all want to look like their most radiant selves without having to inject anything into their body.
It’s important to remember that expression is healthy. Studies have found that people feel less happy when they can’t properly express themselves. And other studies have found that the likelihood of having an adverse reaction after botox increases with each subsequent injection.
One of my favourite things to see in my patients after a cosmetic acupuncture session with me is that they see themselves — maybe it’s for the first time in a long time. But there is always a recognition and loving acceptance. There’s a softness, compassion, and femininity. And that’s beautiful.
Find your radiance with us.
Wonderful content, Thanks for sharing!