Serving the Charleston area since 2003.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
What is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Around for more than 2,500 years, acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy whereby thin, hair-like needles are placed into certain points within the body to stimulate targeting healing and regulate the body’s natural balance.
Acupuncture’s popularity in the West has been on the rise for over four decades, and it is now considered a safe and effective way of treating a multitude of conditions ranging from depression and addiction to back pain, migraines, and arthritis. And because acupuncture is believed to stimulate the production of elastin and collagen fibers, improve circulation, and relax muscles, it has been used throughout Asia for centuries as a means to enhance beauty and preserve a youthful look. For us Westerners, this has only recently become a recognized method for skin restoration and facial rejuvenation—a practice now known as cosmetic acupuncture.
According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, the appearance of the face is a representation of the health and balance within a person’s internal organs, so as these organs are strengthened the face shows improvements accordingly. This is why cosmetic acupuncture goes far beyond aesthetic repair. Cosmetic acupuncture treatment uses super-fine needles to target underlying health issues that may be contributing to a deficient facial appearance. Furthermore, the needles are placed into problem areas on the face and neck, such as wrinkles or acne scarring, to promote nutrient-rich blood flow, stimulate muscle activity and toning, and encourage collagen growth, which all contribute to a more youthful and healthy-looking appearance.
Who is Cosmetic Acupuncture for?
The best candidates for cosmetic acupuncture are people who are looking for a natural, alternative way to reduce the signs of aging and improve their inner vitality for a more relaxed, healthy appearance to their face.
Cosmetic acupuncture may not be suitable for people with serious health conditions or who are pregnant or suffering from an acute illness; should you fall within these categories, you are strongly advised to consult your doctor to determine your candidacy for this treatment.
How is Cosmetic Acupuncture done?
Typically, cosmetic acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of 30 to 50 needles, with the majority of them on the face and head, and some on other parts of the body such as the arms, hands, lower legs, and feet. The duration of acupuncture treatment tends to be rather relaxing. Upon insertion of the hair-thin needle, the needling site may feel a dull aching, warm tingling sensations, or even electrical impulses that traverse up and down the body—all of which are normal signs that the acupoints are being activated—and these should subside fairly quickly.
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For intensive facial rejuvenation treatment, some people may experience a sensation of tightness or pulling while the needles are in, although nothing painful. Otherwise, any sharp pains or poking sensations are cause for alarm, so be sure to tell your acupuncturist if these occur. Performed correctly, you should be able to completely relax during acupuncture treatment, and you may forget that the needles are there.
Benefits
The results from cosmetic acupuncture are gradual and subtle; they include reduction of fine lines and softening of deep wrinkles, firming of jowls, a reduction in the size of under-eye bags, puffiness, and drooping, enhanced skin tone, and an improvement in energy levels and overall well-being.
Recommended Course of Treatment
Most people will see a tighter, more lifted appearance with each cosmetic acupuncture session; however, results are progressive. For optimal results, the recommended course of treatment is 12 to 15 treatments over 2 and a half months, followed by maintenance treatments every 4 to 6 weeks.