Facial acupuncture, also known as cosmetic acupuncture, is a holistic treatment that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the face. This practice is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and aims to promote overall health along with enhancing the skin's appearance and your inner glow. 
​
How It Works:

• Stimulating Blood Flow: The needles help to increase circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This can result in a brighter complexion and improved skin tone.

• Collagen Production: By stimulating the skin and underlying tissues, facial acupuncture can encourage collagen production, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Balancing Energy: Facial acupuncture helps balance the body's Qi (energy), based on the principles of chinese medicine.  This holistic approach addresses underlying imbalances that may affect skin and whole body health. 

• Relaxation and Stress Relief: The process is generally relaxing, which can help reduce stress-related skin issues, such as acne or eczema. Facial acupuncture does not only include the face but also points on the body that have a reflexive effect on the nervous system promoting parasympathetic activation and decreasing sympathetic activation.

 
Benefits:

• Improves Skin Tone and Texture: Regular sessions can lead to smoother, healthier-looking skin.

• Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles: By promoting collagen and elastin production, it can diminish signs of aging.

• Addresses Specific Concerns: Can be tailored to target issues like puffiness, sagging, or acne, 

• Natural Alternative: Offers a non-invasive approach compared to more invasive cosmetic procedures such as face lifts, botox and fillers. This process allows your natural beauty to shine through. 

• Brightening the complexion

• Aid in lifting the face

 
Treatment Process:
A typical session lasts about 75-90 minutes and may include:

• A consultation and review of health history to assess concerns and treatment goals.

• Facial assessment, tongue and pulse assessment with some individual exams.​

• Pictures are taken before, midway in the protocol and at the end to  monitor progress.

• In the first session a clearing protocol is done to aid in treatment success, followed by a mini facial cupping and gua sha treatment. 

• Facial acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the face and body. - minimal discomfort may or may not be experienced .

• A relaxing period where the needles remain in place for about 20-30 minutes.

• 20-30 minute Facial cupping and gua sha follows each treatment session

• Naturopathic interventions/recommendations are given to help support skin and overall well being. These may include herbal remedies, lifestyle interventions, dietary interventions, lab investigations to inquire about nutritional deficiencies, assess hormones and detoxification pathways. Aiding to treat from the inside out. 

• Recommended protocol is 1 session a week for 12 weeks followed by maintenance sessions 4-8 weeks.

​​
Considerations:

• It's important to seek treatment from a qualified practitioner trained in acupuncture and and who is a health professional 

• Results can vary. It takes 6-8 weeks to produce collagen therefore multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve desired outcomes.

• Some people may experience temporary redness or slight bruising at the needle sites, which typically resolves quickly. Speak to your practitioner if you bruise easily and about after care. 

 
Contraindications to Facial rejuvenation acupuncture:

• High blood pressure ( uncontrolled) 

• Severe migraines/ headaches 

• Parkinson’s disease

• Recent Microdermabrasion

• Diabetes mellitus ( uncontrolled) 

• Cancer

• AIDS

• Recent laser treatments 

• Hepatitis

• Vertigo

• Hemophilia

• Botox treatments

• Facial surgery within 1 year. 

• Dermal fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse etc)

• Any skin disease ( poison ivy, severe eczema where open lesions are a concern, hives) 

• Pregnancy

• Cold/ flu 

• Herpes outbreak

• Allergic reactions to products used 

​​
Overall, facial acupuncture offers a natural and holistic way to enhance beauty while promoting overall well-being. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture with a naturopathic doctor is a way to address your skin concerns from the inside and out.