Aesthetic Acupuncture is a natural, safe and effective treatment that can help to slow down the ageing process and assist the signs of ageing in the skin. The origins of aesthetic acupuncture lie in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and it was once used by the ancient oriental royals to maintain youthfulness and longevity. Aesthetic Acupuncture was introduced to Australia in 2006 and has increased in popularity in recent years.
Now, Hollywood’s A-list celebrities choose the treatment that has been used for thousands of years, as safer and natural alternative to more invasive cosmetic procedures, with astounding results.
Aesthetic Acupuncture is also referred to as “cosmetic acupuncture”, “acupuncture facial rejuvenation” or “acupuncture aesthetic face lift”. It is a gentle yet effective alternative or adjunct to cosmetic surgery, collagen injections, botox, dermabrasion or other processes that are designed to “wind back the clock” and reduce wrinkles, firm the skin and reduce the signs of ageing. Best of all, it is natural and it actually works.
Visible ageing occurs when the circulation of Qi (“chi”) and blood to the skin and face decreases, causing the skin to become deprived of essential nourishment. In turn the skin and muscle loses its moisture, firmness, tone and elasticity.
Aesthetic Acupuncture can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve the moisture, elasticity, tone and complexion of the skin and face, as well as help treat pigmentation, acne and other facial conditions using special diagnostic skills and very fine acupuncture needles. Aesthetic acupuncture enhances inner health by correcting Qi flow and it enhances outer beauty by restoring the circulation of Qi and blood to the skin and face, and correcting the problems that cause premature ageing of the skin.
The Skin – your external face to the world
The skin is largest organ in the body and your external “face” to the world. It weighs 4-5 kg and measures 20-square feet, containing 72km of nerves below the skin’s surface. The skin is a highly sensitive organ containing millions of nerves and receptors such as Meissner corpuscles for the sensation of touch and the Paccini receptors which sense pleasurable as well painful sensations at the surface of the skin. The millions of receptors in the skin all function at the same time sending millions of messages to the brain and the heart – it is a truly miraculous network.
Your skin also separates and connects you from the outer world. It acts also as an essential barrier, protecting organisms from their environment. There is a constant cellular turnover and regeneration to replace the dying or damaged cells.
The skin renews itself every 28 days with support of the “omnipotent stem cells”, which are produced in the bone marrow and the heart. Omnipotent stem cells are able to differentiate into any cell in the body to help with healing and repair, and they also help to regenerate the skin. Different types of stem cells maintain the skin’s outer layer and contribute to its healing after damage.
The rate at which ageing changes start to appear is regulated by gene expression, but it has been proven that skin ageing is accelerated by low oxygen levels, poor nutrient levels, toxicity, overexposure to sunlight and pollutants.
So how can you help to stimulate natural stem cell production and enhance skin regeneration and rejuvenation?
Acupuncture To Enhance Skin Regeneration and Rejuvenation
The acupuncture system of meridians on the skin is especially stimulating to the skin, as this is where acupuncture needles are placed. Indeed, modern medical science now confirms what traditional uses of acupuncture have always found, including that acupuncture accelerates skin regeneration, restores the normal protective abilities of the skin and enhances skin renewal. Aesthetic acupuncture also helps to reorganise scars and reduces wrinkles, it he assists with hydration of the skin and improves complexion.
In Chinese Medicine terms, acupuncture activates the Shen (the spirit/vitality) to unlock the flow of Qi and helps to bring the skin back into balance. Aesthetic Acupuncture relaxes frown and laughter lines and improves the dermal tone, especially of the face and neck. Aesthetic Acupuncture increases collagen and ceramide production, which improves tone and elasticity. Healthy facial colouring is restored and skin starts to appear more youthful and healthier.
What does a treatment involve?
The Initial comprehensive consultation and assessment includes facial diagnosis according to the principles of Chinese Medicine. Your face will always age according to corresponding problems in your body, so it is important to correctly assess your whole body’s health and diagnose your face before commencing treatment.
As our Aesthetic Acupuncture specialist is also a Medical Doctor, he will take a thorough case history and also uses special technology called “cardio-stress imaging”, to assess your body’s stress level and to help assess your overall health.
Next, thin disposable acupuncture needles of the highest-quality are applied to acupuncture points on the body to create balance and vitality of the your constitutional health, before needles are placed strategically to selected areas of the face neck. Sedative and tonifying needle techniques allow adjustment of the tone of the facial muscles, which helps to create a more youthful appearance. The hair-thin needles create a beneficial microtrauma, which helps to increase the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is the ground substance of the connective tissue that forms the supporting mesh, which keeps the skin firm, supple and plump. Increased blood flow to the treated areas of the face increases healthy cellular metabolism. The treatment strengthens and tightens the facial tissue, giving a smoother and healthier appearance.
After the initial preparation, the needles are in place for approximately 30 minutes to stimulate the body’s natural healing response and to allow for the desired effects to occur in the facial tissues. During treatment, patients often experience a sense of deep relaxation and internal wellbeing, as acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and feel-good hormones. Patients often report feeling a pleasant, warm, tingling sensation and many people will feel so deeply relaxed that may even fall asleep during the treatment.
The treatment also involves auricular (ear acupuncture) points used to complement the treatment, and facial reflexology to stimulate the rejuvenation process.
Your entire body is treated to address the imbalances manifesting on your face, whilst simultaneously improving your health. The whole treatment is uniquely designed for you and your health.
How long is a session?
The initial session is 90 minutes, which includes the consultation, cardio-stress testing, acupuncture treatment and facial acupuncture.
Subsequent appointments are 60-70 minutes, which includes the full acupuncture treatment and facial reflexology.
Traditional Chinese Medicine utilises acupuncture together with Chinese herbs. Our doctor uses the synergy of aesthetic acupuncture with modern botanicals, as they are known to mutually benefit each other.
How many treatments are required?
For best results, 10-15 treatments over 3-4 months is recommended initially. These positive effects can then be maintained with top-up treatments every 3-4 months, but the effects of aesthetic acupuncture can last up to 5 years.
Our Aesthetic Acupuncture Specialist:
