By Laurie Melrose-Doering, Osteopath & Applied Kinesiologist
In the quest for a youthful appearance, many turn to surgical procedures and modern treatments. However, a time-honoured alternative exists in facial acupuncture, a 3,000-year-old practice rooted in Chinese medicine. Unlike surgical methods, which often carry significant risks and side effects, facial acupuncture offers a natural, holistic approach to facial rejuvenation, leveraging the body’s own healing processes to enhance beauty and promote overall health.
Acupuncture was documented by East India Company doctors in the late 1700s. Initially, it faced scepticism in the West due to its basis in concepts like qi (universal energy) and yin-yang balance, which conflicted with Western scientific views.
However, the practice gained popularity following The Beatles’ 1964 Asian tour and a pivotal 1971 New York Times article by James Reston. By 1980, the British Medical Acupuncture Society was established, and in 1999, the National Institutes of Health created the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Facial acupuncture has been used in Chinese medicine for 3,000 years, initially for facial diagnostics to reflect internal organ health. Today, it is used to reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, and enhance overall facial rejuvenation. Chinese empresses were among the first to use this technique for beauty and health maintenance, benefiting from its ability to promote longevity and vitality.
Studies show that facial acupuncture can reduce wrinkles, improve muscle tone, and enhance skin texture with minimal side effects. Additionally, it is effective for treating various skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. The technique works by improving microcirculation in the face, which reduces inflammatory reactions and promotes healthier skin. It also increases facial elasticity and reduces oedema, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
Practitioners of facial acupuncture adopt a holistic approach, considering the patient’s overall health, skin condition, and environmental factors when creating personalised treatment plans. This comprehensive methodology ensures that the treatments not only target aesthetic concerns but also support overall well-being.
Practitioners start with a medical intake, examining overall health, skin condition, and environmental factors such as pollution and climate. They assess health patterns, skin colour, texture, moisture, and menopausal status. The procedure involves inserting fine needles into specific facial lines to stimulate collagen and elastin production through localised inflammation. Needles are inserted 0.5 to 1 mm into the skin, causing localised inflammation to stimulate healing. Treatment plans vary based on age, skin condition, and individual health, with sessions typically ranging from 60 to 90 minutes.
Microneedling treats the entire face and is more invasive, making it suitable for skin re-texturing. In contrast, facial acupuncture is more specific and less invasive, with varying depths of treatment. Microneedling is generally recommended for younger skin, while facial acupuncture is better suited for older skin with deeper lines.
Surgery and Botox provide temporary results but can lead to sagging over time, whereas facial acupuncture offers a natural alternative with fewer side effects. Botox may cause muscles to sag over time due to reduced movement and muscle use, highlighting the advantages of facial acupuncture as a holistic and sustainable treatment option.
Facial acupuncture can be used on all skin tones without risk of discoloration. It promotes overall health, is less expensive, and is less invasive than laser treatments. Enhancing self-esteem and confidence by promoting natural beauty, patients report significant improvements in self-esteem and confidence after treatments. The holistic benefits of facial acupuncture make it a compelling choice for those seeking a natural approach to maintaining youthfulness.
Facial acupuncture effectively treats acne by directly needling problem areas to downregulate sebum production and regulate hormones and the meridian system. It is also effective for treating rosacea and reducing scars from acne, chickenpox, and other causes. Techniques like facial pecking break up old scar tissue and stimulate new tissue growth.
Facial acupuncture not only addresses the physical aspects of ageing but also significantly impacts emotional and psychological well-being. The holistic nature of acupuncture promotes a sense of balance and relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety, which are common contributors to premature aging. By enhancing natural beauty, facial acupuncture helps individuals feel more confident and content with their appearance.
This boost in self-esteem and body image can lead to a more positive outlook on life and improved overall mental health. Patients often find that the therapeutic experience of acupuncture sessions provides a deeper connection to their sense of self, promoting inner peace and emotional stability.
Facial acupuncture offers a natural, holistic approach to maintaining a youthful appearance. It not only targets cosmetic concerns but also supports overall health, making it a viable alternative to surgical procedures. The combination of ancient techniques with modern insights makes facial acupuncture a compelling choice for those seeking to enhance their beauty and well-being naturally.
At Aston Clinic in London, our acupuncturists are committed to helping you achieve a youthful, radiant appearance through personalised facial acupuncture treatments. By combining ancient techniques with modern insights, we create tailored treatment plans that address your specific skin concerns.
Our holistic approach not only enhances natural beauty but also promotes overall health and well-being. Complementary therapies are also incorporated to maximise results, ensuring you feel revitalised and confident.
To book a session with our practitioners, click here. Alternatively, you can contact us at 020 8942 3148 to learn how our treatments can benefit you.
Aston Clinic London is a third-generation complementary health clinic located in New Malden, serving Kingston, Norbiton, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Surbiton, Chessington, Worcester Park, Sutton, Richmond, and other areas of southwest London and Surrey.
By Laurie Melrose-Doering, Osteopath & Applied Kinesiologist
