Is Facial Acupuncture Right For You?
The traditional Chinese practice of Acupuncture has been around for ages. Acupuncture is slowly gaining popularity around the world. Originating from what is known as Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, Acupuncture is evolving in its methodologies.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the concept and belief that the body’s energy runs through specific pathways called Meridians. In a healthy body, the life energy or Qi flows without hindrance. But any obstruction in this flow is said to cause illnesses and ailments.
The method of using needles on specific acupressure points along the meridians is said to restore the flow of Qi.
But our topic of discussion is Facial Acupuncture. How does it differ from the normal Acupuncture?
Is facial acupuncture and cosmetic acupuncture the same?
Facial Acupuncture targets the different pressure points on the face. Now comes the inevitable question: how is it different from cosmetic acupuncture?
- Facial acupuncture is done to relieve the patient of a variety of conditions that are related to the face or in the other parts of the body. The most common conditions that call for facial acupuncture are allergies, headaches, jaw tension, and a variety of stomach ailments.
- Cosmetic acupuncture is done for the sole purpose of rectifying the problems of the skin that are a result of underlying physiological conditions. It is believed to make the skin look younger, healthier and blemish-free.
The Science Behind The Treatment Of Facial Acupuncture
The big secret behind poking your face with needles is this: By creating painless micro-traumas to the tissues, the brain is tricked into stimulating the process of collagen and elastin that make the face blemish-free.
The medical perception of facial acupuncture is that it increases the blood flow and stimulates an immune response. This in turn, reduces internal inflammation and relives the body of some conditions like anxiety, tension, etc.
The method of treatment
The initial step of the treatment is similar to any medical preliminary procedure.
The acupuncturist collects all the information regarding the patient’s health history:
- Menstruation cycle
- Sleep patterns
- Digestive patterns
- Energy levels
- Diet
- Presence of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
- Hormonal levels
Based on this information, the course of treatment is planned.
In most cases, facial acupuncture is done in two or more sessions. Most acupuncturists recommend a full body acupuncture and the moving to the facial portion of the treatment.
Targeting only the face will result in energy congestion which will lead to mild headaches, dullness and discomfort.
On the face, positive microtraumas are created by puncturing the skin with tiny, painless needles. The aim is to stimulate the muscles on specific meridians to boost the Qi. The effect of the needles is multiple:
- They stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory system
- They nourish the skin cells with nutrients and oxygen.
- Promotes skin glow.
- Stimulates the production of collagen to help improve elasticity of the skin to smooth out the wrinkles.
Remarkable benefits of facial acupuncture
Facial or cosmetic acupuncture- name it however you want. But the general aim is one and the same. When internal conditions are treated with facial acupuncture, it invariably results in an enhanced external appearance.
While results vary from person to person, there are a plethora of benefits for facial and cosmetic acupuncture.
- Well-sculpted facial muscles.
- Better radiance of the skin.
- Tighter, healthier skin.
- Restoration of blood flow to the face.
- Less sagging of the facial muscles.
- Reduces acne.
- Provides a relief for sinusitis.
Is Facial Acupuncture Completely Safe?
Like we earlier mentioned, facial acupuncture is done in a series of sessions and its results are cumulative. You cannot expect to see results right after your first session.
Acupuncture itself is almost painless. Yet, the idea of sticking needles on the body and especially on the face is not something that everybody is ready for.
Overcoming the fear of needles is the very first step to undertaking acupuncture treatment.
But there is no doubt that facial acupuncture is the better alternative to cosmetic treatments like Botox which are much more painful. That is one of the prime reasons why cosmetic acupuncture is becoming popular amongst models.
How safe is cosmetic or facial acupuncture?
The rule of thumb with ANY treatment is to consult a certified and experienced professional. When you are in good hands, the maximum “side-effects” you can expect from a facial acupuncture is mild bruising to the skin.
However, facial acupuncture is strictly out of bounds for people with:
- Blood clotting disorders
- People who are on blood-thinning medication.
- Those who have had a recent Botox or filler treatment.
- Those who expect to see immediate results.
- Pregnant women.
Hence, it is imperative to do a thorough before getting a treatment. Everyone’s body is different as are the acupuncturists and their method of approach.
Know More About : How Acupuncture Helps In Relieving Workplace Pain And Stress?
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