Cosmetic Acupuncture. Is it better than botox?
The simple answer is yes!
Let’s look at what cosmetic acupuncture is, how it works and a few key differences.
Cosmetic Acupuncture is a natural, safe and effective way to treat the skin. Extra fine needles are inserted into the skin of the head, face, neck and body; treating the superficial layers of skin and deeper muscles of the face, as well as using specific points on the body to promote overall health and vitality. Traditional acupuncture methods are used, including needling & gua sha, along with more modern techniques of micro needling with a dermal roller. I find this combination gives the greatest benefit to the skin.
Unlike Botox, cosmetic acupuncture is not a quick fix, but what it does do is improve the long term health and integrity of the skin and continues to build collagen many months after your last treatment, whereas botox does not. Botox involves injecting Botulinum toxin into the facial muscles to paralyse them and needs to be done every few months with the only obvious benefit of reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Botox does not affect the quality of the skin nor does it increase collagen production.
Apart from improving collagen production, cosmetic acupuncture has other benefits - it softens fines lines & wrinkles, it plumps, hydrates & improves skin tone, lifts & tightens facial muscles, reduces pigmentation, acne scarring & redness; and not only has it anti-aging properties but it also helps skin conditions such as acne, eczema & psoriasis. So it’s not surprising that a more natural treatment like facial acupuncture is becoming more popular.
If you do happen to have Botox & want to get cosmetic acupuncture alongside this procedure, this is not a problem. We either wait a couple of weeks after your injections to do any local needling, or we simply avoid the areas that have recently been treated.
Facial acupuncture & micro needling have some differences, that’s why I often use both in a treatment. A literature review of 27 studies, showed facial acupuncture increases muscle tone and elasticity (Kim, T., 2013; Yun, 2013). Another study showed increased hydration and balanced oil content of the skin, which reduced age related dryness (Kim, M., 2013). While several more studies suggest acupuncture relaxes facial muscles, thereby reducing wrinkle formation (Hwang et al. 2008).
Micro needling appears to be best for collagen production, and it does this by causing micro trauma to the skin’s surface (this sounds worse than it is). It activates a physiologic cascade involved in wound healing, that results in the rebuilding of collagen to improve the texture & quality of the skin (Kingston, 2016; Kingston, n.d.). Micro needling also improves transdermal absorption of products (Henry et al., 1998) such as serums, which I always use in my treatments.
A typical Cosmetic Acupuncture session includes:
Your face & skin concerns are discussed, along with a thorough health & wellness assessment. A mini facial using Mukti organic skin care to cleanse, tone & nourish your skin; facial & body acupuncture for deep healing; micro needling for enhanced penetration of serums & improved collagen production; along with facial cupping to help move Qi & blood & brighten the complexion. We finish with a gua sha facial massage that will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and glowing.
References
Henry, S., McAllister D, Allen, M, Prausnitz M. (1998). Microfabricated microneedles: a novel approach to transdermal drug delivery. Journal of Pharmacological Science. 87(8): 922-925.
Hwang, D.S., Song, J.H., Kim, Y.S., et al. (2008). "The Changes of Facial TemperaturebyMisoFacial RejuvenationAcupuncture: A Case Study". The Journal of Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Society. 25(1): 89-95.
Kim, M. (2013). ‘A Study on Cosmetic Acupuncture Through Anatomy and Physiology Interpretation'. Korean Journal of Acupuncture. 30(3): 171-177
Kim, T. (2013). ‘Trend Analysis of Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture Study based on the Korean Traditional Medicine’. The Acupuncture. 30(5): 125-137.
Kingston, A. (2016). Facial cosmetic acupuncture - An alternative theory for the mechanisms behind its effectiveness. Journal of Chinese Medicine. (112), 32–34.
Kingston, A. (n.d.). Microneedling and Acupuncture Facial, 21(4).
Yun, Y., Kim, S., Kim, M., Kim, K., Park, J. S., & Choi, I. (2013). Effect of facial cosmetic acupuncture on facial elasticity: An open-label, single-arm pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/424313