Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and although relatively new to the West the Chinese have been using points on the face to combat the signs of ageing and to help with various skin conditions for many years. It was in use as early as the Song Dynasty (960AD – 1279AD) when the Empress and Emperor’s concubines received Cosmetic Acupuncture.

So, what kind of results can be achieved? Unlike Botox®, which carries a large number of possible side effects, Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture is a totally natural and holistic anti-ageing treatment that aims to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture will require a course of treatment to show pronounced results. However, the whole face is treated and as body points are also used, a patient’s health and well-being can be greatly improved by undertaking a series of treatments. Facial patients often report that they feel healthier, sleep better, have brighter eyes and feel more balanced; those are the kind of side effects we like!

The acupuncture points and the way that they are used in a Cosmetic Acupuncture session have all been chosen specifically with this overall achievement of well-being in mind.

This treatment also works on lifting the face, particularly where the face begins to sag around the ‘jowls’ and the cheek area, rather than simply targeting wrinkles.

Studies published in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture in 1996 showed that of 300 people who received Facial Acupuncture, 90% demonstrated marked results after only their first treatment.

Over a course of treatments you can not only expect to be looking more radiant, but you will also start to feel more at balance and happy in yourself. The Irish Times acclaimed this treatment as:

” … a viable alternative to cosmetic surgery and the effects can run much deeper than simply improving appearances.”

Irish Times, 29th December 2003

When you feel more in control of your body, mind and spirit you can then start to address other issues in your life. These are all things that we can achieve when we are in balance and feeling good about ourselves, once you start to feel like this, you will be surprised how much your self image improves. This can be achieved by Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture bringing your natural beauty to the surface.

How does it work?

The acupuncturist inserts 40 to 70 tiny and painless needles. As the needles puncture the skin, they create wounds within its threshold, which are called positive microtraumas. When your body senses these wounds, it goes into repair mode.

These punctures stimulate your lymphatic and circulatory system, which work together to deliver nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells, nourishing skin from the inside out. This helps even out your complexion and promote your skin’s glow. The positive microtraumas also stimulates the production of collagen. This helps improve elasticity, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

The acupuncturist will also use standard acupuncture needles at points on the rest of your body. This is to balance out the energy brought into the face, and has a positive side effect of enhancing the general well-being of the body!

Can everyone have cosmetic facial acupuncture?

Cosmetic facial acupuncture should only be performed on a healthy individual. The following conditions are contraindicated for acupuncture facial rejuvenation:

• High blood pressure
• Pregnancy
• Coronary artery disease or heart disorder
• Pacemaker
• Haemophilia
• Problems with bleeding or bruising
• Migraine headaches (more than once every three months )
• Parkinson’s disease
• Seizures
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Cancer (currently)
• AIDS
• Hepatitis
• Vertigo
• Tinnitus
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Recent microdermabrasion or chemical peel (must wait 30 days since last treatment)
• Laser treatment (must wait 30 days since last laser treatment)
• Botox treatment (must wait 90 days since last injection)
• Dermal filler (must wait 90 days since last treatment)
• Face lift (must wait 6 months)
• Skin diseases (poison ivy, eczema, hives)
• Cold or flu
• Herpes outbreak
• Allergic reactions
• Extreme stress or tension
• Some pituitary disorders

Are there any side effects?

The acupuncture needles used for facial acupuncture are tiny. You should not feel any discomfort, and the acupuncturist will use a mild “numbing” cream to reduce any uncomfortable sensation.

However, occasionally you may experience slight bruising after a treatment. This is why we do not recommend having facial acupuncture less than two weeks before a major event, such as a wedding! The bruises are minor and will fade quickly.

How long does it take?

The treatment course consists of one initial two-hour treatment, then six followup treatments each of which last one and a half hours. Most people see an improvement after the first treatment.

It’s recommended to have a “top-up” treatment about every 6 weeks after the course.