Facial Acupuncture

What is Facial Acupuncture?

From Kim Kardashian, Millie Mackintosh, Gwyneth Paltrow to Lady Gaga. These Celebrities all use Facial Acupuncture, Cosmetic Acupuncture or Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture treatments to fight the signs of aging. Facial Acupuncture uses the benefits of applying small acupuncture needles to acupuncture points on the face and to areas of focus to stimulate collagen, improve blood circulation, and reduce wrinkles. It is a natural, non-surgical treatment. It tones facial muscles, reduces puffiness, and promotes a brighter complexion. It is often combined with herbal medicine and other modalities.

How old is Facial Acupuncture?

Facial Acupuncture as been utilized since the Qin (221-206 BC) Dynasty. Known as Chinese Medical Cosmetology (Mei Rong) it is well-documented and has a revered history. These treatments were only available to the wealthiest in those times. The Empress and the Emperor's concubines benefited from the hired Chinese medical physicians who performed acupuncture and herbal medicine to enhance their natural radiance, delay signs of aging, and maintain a youthful and lustrous appearance. This imperial secret was a holistic regimen designed to preserve beauty and maintain health.

• How should I prepare for my Facial Acupuncture appointment?

  Skin: Ensure your face is clean with no makeup. While practitioners will cleanse your skin, starting without makeup is important to see the skin as it is naturally.

  Food: Avoid heavy, greasy, or processed foods. Eat a light, easily digestible meal. Ensure you are well-Hydrated.

  Clothes: Wear comfortable clothes with easy access to limbs for body points.

  Physical Prep: If you have severe nervousness, inform the practitioner. The needles are very fine and often described as painless.

  Medication/Supplements: Consider avoiding blood-thinning supplements to reduce the risk of bruising.

  Physical State: Alcohol and caffeine need to be avoided 24 hours before the session.

  *For your safety and the effectiveness of treatment, we cannot provide acupuncture to patients who are under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.

• How does Facial Acupuncture compare to Botox or fillers?

  
  They both have a different function and can be used individually or in combination. Facial acupuncture stimulates natural collagen and elastin production by creating "micro-traumas" in the skin. Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) works by temporarily paralyzing muscles or blocking nerves to reduce muscle contractions.

  Clients who prefer a more natural, subtle "lift" rather than the dramatic change from surgery or the immediate smoothing of injectables lien towards facial acupuncture.

  They also tend to like the whole body approach—for example, using points on the feet to address stress that causes forehead tension—leading to better sleep and digestion alongside skin improvements.

  If you have had Botox or fillers, you should wait 2 to 4 weeks before getting facial acupuncture in those same areas.

• Does Facial Acupuncture Hurt?

  Most patients are surprised by how comfortable acupuncture feels. The needles used for Facial Acupuncture are even smaller then the ones used for body acupuncture. 12 to 24 can fit inside the tip of one standard medical needle used for injections or blood draws.

  They are inserted gently and often at a shallow depth, often causing little to no discomfort at all. Many people don’t feel the needles going in, and if they do, it’s typically a mild, momentary sensation. Acupuncture is designed to be a calming and restorative experience, and most patients leave their sessions feeling lighter, more balanced, and refreshed

• How Many treatments are recommended?

  A typical facial acupuncture course requires a series of 8–12 sessions, usually scheduled 1–2 times per week, followed by maintenance treatments every 4–8 weeks. Initial, consistent sessions build collagen and elasticity, while monthly, long-term maintenance sustains results.

  Results are cumulative, so consistent, scheduled visits are more effective than sporadic ones.

• Is it safe?

  Yes, Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained, licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. It is a low-risk, effective facial rejuvenation treatment.

• Does Acupuncture have side effects?

  Acupuncture is generally very safe when done by a Licensed Practitioner. Most patient leave their sessions feeling relaxed, refreshed, and with improved feeling of well-being. While Side effects are not common; soreness, minor bleeding, bruising at needle sites, fatigue, and temporary lightheaded feeling have been reported.

• What should I do after a Facial Acupuncture treatment?

  Keep it Clean: Avoid washing your face for at least 4–8 hours

  Gentle Skincare: Use a mild cleanser and moisturizer if needed. Avoid actives like Vitamin C, retinol, or exfoliating acids for at least 24 hours to 72 hours.

  No Makeup: Avoid applying makeup, especially with brushes for 24–72 hours.

  Avoid Heat/Strain: No saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, and intense workouts for 24 hours.

  Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to assist with circulation and detoxification.

Common questions about Acupuncture?