What is cosmetic acupuncture and its benefits

All of us like the idea of aging gracefully, but in today’s busy and stressful lifestyle it is impossible for anyone to look fresh as dew all the time. As we age there is a loss of subcutaneous fat that leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Other factors like pollution, stress and/or intense exposure to sunlight can also damage and intensify skin problems. While you can try to care for your skin by having a thorough skincare regimen, eating healthy meals and drinking lots of water, it could still be difficult to avoid wrinkles and fine lines from appearing. As a result, you might find yourself gravitating towards the more adventurous routes of cosmetic surgeries and injections. However, unknown to many, cosmetic acupuncture actually exists as an alternative procedure to improve your skin wellbeing. Compared to surgeries and injections, it is a much gentler procedure with minimal pain which could reduce wrinkles, fine lines as well as improve other skin concerns.

Traditionally, acupuncture is practised widely with the aim of easing nausea, body ache and digestive issues. Cosmetic acupuncture later developed as an extension of traditional Chinese medicine.

  • How general acupuncture works:

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese technique of balancing vital energy flow throughout the body. By inserting tiny needles at specified meridian points all over the body, acupuncturists try to regulate the energy flow. At the point of insertion, these needles are believed to evoke minor traumas, to which our body would respond by increasing blood flow to the affected areas in order to heal them. This process of stimulation aims to balance the body’s energy flow and improve overall health and wellbeing.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), below is a list of conditions for which acupuncture has been proven to show effectiveness:

  • high and low blood pressure
  • chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
  • some gastric conditions, including peptic ulcer
  • dysentery
  • allergic rhinitis
  • facial pain
  • morning sickness
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • sprains
  • How cosmetic acupuncture works:

In cosmetic acupuncture, the patient goes through a similar procedure. In this treatment, acupuncturist inserts around 10 - 15 tiny needled in the face, which induces micro traumas.
These small traumas ultimately stimulate cell growth as well as enhance skin’s repairing mechanism, further boosting production of collagen and elastin. Production of collagen and elastin brings firmness to the skin; Acupuncture also helps in improving oxygenation and aids in detoxification. Cosmetic acupuncture is also applicable in dealing with facial acne; specifically, those resulted from hormonal imbalance, and digestive issues, etc.

  • What to expect from initial acupuncture sessions:

Trying any new treatment can be quite scary and off-putting as you have to put your trust and wellbeing in another person’s hand. However, please understand that even though cosmetic acupuncture is considered mild and non-invasive, you are still in control and it would only take place once you feel safe and comfortable. As we hope to ease some of your questions and concerns, the following information will give you a brief idea about what to expect during your first consultation with an acupuncturist.
First consultations usually take approximately 75 minutes with the physician assessing your overall health and lifestyle, from which you will be enquired about your skin concerns. After an initial assessment, a personalized treatment plan targeting your skin concerns will be prepared and discussed with you. Commonly, you will not be required to prepare anything in advance for this treatment.

  • Cosmetic acupuncture procedure:

The procedure starts with needle insertion at the appropriate points on your face. The needles are as thin as a hair which should minimize any kind of pain upon insertion. Also, the procedure does not leave scars or any kinds of marks on the body.
As the second step, the acupuncturist performs needle manipulation by gently twirling inserted needles. After that the needles are kept in their place for a few minutes, allowing you to relax for a while.  

  • How long do the results from cosmetic acupuncture last?

As the treatment begins, you’ll gradually start to feel the results. The extent of these results depends on an individual’s lifestyle and overall health. A completely healthy person can expect to see positive transformations including glowing skin and better complexion within the first few consultations. Those positive results can last longer if the patient follows up with regular maintenance sessions.
Generally, complete acupuncture treatment involves a series of sessions. The number of sessions for an individual is decided based on their age, overall health and other factors. An older person, for example in their 50s, may require a few more acupuncture treatment and maintenance cycles and compare to another person in their 20s or 30s.
Cosmetic acupuncture also has effects on an individual’s sleep cycle, stress as well as energy levels, it is an acupuncturist’s aim to improve the patient’s more complete sense of well-being. Undergo these treatments at the certified cosmetic acupuncture clinic in Melbourne and fulfil your wish of having beautiful skin.

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