Cosmetic Acupuncture is one of East Asia’s best kept secrets. It has been used with great success in Asia for hundreds of years as both a preventive anti-ageing treatment and for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles. The art of cosmetic acupuncture works in many ways to help reverse the process of ageing and to treat pigmentation, increase tone, and target deep and superficial lines.
One of the main modus operandi of Cosmetic Acupuncture is the targeting of specific motor and muscle points. This helps to tighten and lift certain flaccid muscles of the face resulting in an increase in tone and a visible ‘lifting’ effect on the face. Using this technique, certain muscles which are too tight, causing unwanted wrinkles or frown lines, can also be softened and relaxed resulting in a reduction in creased lines around key areas of the face and an increase in tone overall leaving a fuller looking result.
Most importantly, cosmetic acupuncture works to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, and is a crucial part of our skin, joints and connective tissue. As we age our body’s natural collagen production is diminished, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles and lines. Thankfully cosmetic acupuncture can slow down this process and increase the body’s ability to produce collagen. By almost painlessly inserting very fine high quality cosmetic acupuncture needles superficially into the face, we create ‘microtrauma’ to the area, naturally signalling the body’s cells to produce collagen and elastin in that area. This can result in the softening of lines and firming of the face as a result of the newly produced collagen. It makes for a more youthful looking appearance, and the results are achieved in a natural way. It makes for a much healthier alternative than other trending procedures including Botox and dermabrasion.
By combining cosmetic acupuncture with the knowledge of traditional acupuncture we can further increase the anti-aging effect of cosmetic treatments. Using additional acupuncture point on the body to stimulate the production of Qi (the body’s vital energy) and increase the production and circulation blood, we can achieve greater and longer lasting results through providing the body with enough resources to assist the anti-ageing effect. Additionally, these extra points also help to address any underlying health concerns and provide a reduction in stress, an increase in energy and an overall relaxed feeling. Key points that are often targeted during this treatment include spleen 6, kidney 3 and liver 3.
Recommended cosmetic acupuncture protocols vary, depending on age of patient (as collagen production is diminished as we age), life style factors and desired results.
Generally speaking, patients under 50 should aim for 6-8 treatments, either weekly or twice weekly and those over 50 should aim for 8-10 treatments either weekly or twice weekly.
After the initial procedure, a maintenance treatment of once every 3 or 6 months is recommended.
Gold Coast and Tweed Coast, Cosmetic Acupuncture.