The Acupuncture Facelift - Nicci Talbot

The Acupuncture Facelift

An Anti-ageing Holistic Treatment

Cosmetic or ‘beauty acupuncture’ is a holistic alternative to Botox and surgery. It is an extension of traditional acupuncture, which stimulates and rebalances the body’s meridians (energy channels) and incorporates a facial treatment to improve blood circulation and lymph drainage.

Concerns have been raised about the effects of Botox in the long-term. Botox injections relax the facial muscles, filling in fine lines and wrinkles to give you a more youthful appearance. Repeated injections are required to maintain the effects. In contrast, facial acupuncture works from within. Fine needles stimulate energy points in the face and body, encouraging its systems to work harder – think of it as facial yoga. Active muscles maintain their tone for longer and it will improve the skin’s appearance and texture in the long-term.

Facial acupuncture has a long history of cosmetic use, practised during the Chinese Sung Dynasty (960AD – 1270AD) and used as a beauty treatment by the Empress and the Emperor’s concubines. It has numerous health benefits and it can help you look five-15 years younger.

The Benefits of Facial Acupuncture

• Helps stop wrinkles forming and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
• Increases blood and lymph circulation.
• Stimulates your cells to create collagen.
• Reduces puffiness and dark circles beneath the eyes.
• Lessens tension in the neck and shoulders, which is reflected in the face.
• Helps re-moisturise the skin and rebalances hormones naturally.
• Reduces stress and tension in the body, promoting your overall health & wellbeing.

A study of 300 people* treated with cosmetic acupuncture found that over 90% had improved skin tone after one series of treatments. Their skin was more elastic, rosier, and wrinkles and fine lines were reduced.

A Facial Acupuncture Treatment

The treatment will be tailored according to your health and skin condition. The initial session starts with a medical consultation to focus on any areas of the face that require attention. The therapist will then check your pulse rate and examine your tongue.

‘The tongue provides a detailed picture of your body’s state of health as the body’s different organs are represented by specific areas of the tongue,’ says Lisa Sherman from the British Acupuncture Council. ‘In an acupuncture session, the colour, coating, shape, size, moisture and movement will be assessed. The tongue diagnosis is individual to each person and together with the other diagnostic assessments can tell the acupuncturist if, for example, a person has blood deficiency or a lack of body fluids, a tendency to become emotional, or the beginnings of a viral infection.’

A hot compress is applied to the face and natural oils gently massaged in. ‘Fine (hair-thin) sterile needles are carefully inserted in the face and body, to stimulate the flow of energy (or ‘Qi’),’ says holistic therapist Steve Mason. ‘This may be combined with other traditional Chinese medicine techniques such as moxibustion and cupping. ‘After 20-30 minutes the needles are carefully removed and a rich blend of natural oils and plant essences are stroked over your neck, shoulders, scalp and face as part of your face lift massage treatment.’

Facial acupuncture is deeply relaxing to receive and the needles don’t hurt. There may be mild bruising around some of the points on the face but this will fade naturally. During the session you may experience a subtle change in energy flow as the needles begin to stimulate the body’s energy channels.

How Many Acupuncture Sessions?

You will notice a difference after a couple of treatments but a course of six weekly sessions is recommended for the best results. Ongoing sessions every month or so will help to maintain the results. You can boost the effects of the treatment at home by doing facial massage with organic oils, and by focusing on diet and exercise. Think of it as a long-term investment in your health and wellbeing.

How Much Does it Cost?

An initial appointment with Steve Mason at the Wellington Square Natural Health Centre, Hastings is £60 for 90 minutes. Follow-up sessions are £55 for 75 minutes. A course of six 75-minute sessions costs £320.

Sources
Zhang Qi and Zhu Lan-xiu: Meridional Cosmetology: Report of 300 Cases with Discussion of Underlying Mechanism. International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture. Vol 7, No 4, 1996.

The British Acupuncture Council
To find a practitioner in your area call the British Acupuncture Council on 020 8735 0400 or visit www.acupuncture.org.uk

This article is for information purposes only. Consult your GP if you are considering having facial acupuncture, as there may be contraindications to treatment.

Nicci Talbot

Nicci Talbot is a writer, blogger and the author of several sex and health books. She blogs on sex, health and wellbeing, and offers a personal shopping service for those who are looking for stylish, eco-friendly sex toys, products and experiences. Nicci is launching an adult dating site called Naughty Nicci next month. See what she's up to on Twitter: @niccitalbot.