Are you considering facial acupuncture and wondering what to expect during treatments? We’ve put together a breakdown of everything you need to know before getting facial acupuncture, from what treatments feel like to how many sessions you’re likely to need.
Facial acupuncture boasts a wide range of benefits, including a reduction in acne and fine lines, as well as an improvement in overall skin texture. If you’re looking for a powerful anti-aging treatment with minimal side effects, facial acupuncture may be the perfect solution. If you’d like to learn more about this and other acupuncture courses available at Acudetox Institute International Academy, please visit our online store.
What Is Facial Acupuncture?
Acupuncture originated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been practiced for thousands of years. During acupuncture treatments, tiny needles are gently placed along specific “acupressure points” where they interact with underlying tissues, including ligaments, muscles, and nerves. This process stimulates the body’s own healing response, thus relieving pain, releasing tension, and helping to neutralize emotional imbalances.
After making its way to the United States in 1971, acupuncture quickly became a sought-after alternative treatment for everything from muscle pain to headaches. One popular form of acupuncture that boasts a number of health, wellness, and beauty benefits is facial acupuncture. This treatment focuses specifically on the face, neck, and hairline, hence the name.
Facial acupuncture harnesses the power of positive microtraumas to increase blood flow and collagen production to the face. Positive microtraumas are essentially very tiny tears created in the skin and underlying tissues, similar to the tears created in muscle tissue while lifting weights or performing rigorous exercises. The body’s natural healing response to these microtears caused by facial acupuncture brings with it an array of benefits, including:
- Brightened complexion
- Reduced acne
- Minimized pores
- Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduced puffiness and facial swelling
- Improved facial muscle tone
- Reduced jaw tension
- Reduces skin sagging
- Improved skin texture
Who Is An Ideal Candidate for Facial Acupuncture?
The side effects associated with facial acupuncture are minimal, and most people are a good candidate for this treatment. Some patients use facial acupuncture as an alternative to cosmetic fillers to avoid certain side effects, such as the potential for facial muscle paralysis associated with BOTOX®. In addition, if you are seeking any of the anti-aging benefits mentioned above, facial acupuncture may be the perfect treatment for you.
All forms of acupuncture (including facial acupuncture) are not recommended for patients who are taking blood thinners or who suffer from a blood clotting disorder. It is important to let your practitioner know if you have received BOTOX® injections so that they can make sure enough time has passed before beginning facial acupuncture treatments.
How Long Do Facial Acupuncture Treatments Take?
Facial acupuncture treatment sessions last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. It is a good idea to wear minimal makeup and avoid heavy creams or lotions on the day of your treatment. There are no rigorous pretreatment procedures to follow, although it is a good idea to avoid taking blood thinners, such as ibuprofen.
What Happens During Facial Acupuncture Treatments?
Before beginning treatment, your practitioner will review your medical history to make sure you are a good candidate for treatment. They will also ask questions about your treatment goals and discuss what to expect during facial acupuncture.
On the day of your treatment, you will be asked to lie down on your back and your acupuncturist will gently tap tiny acupuncture needles into place along your face, neck, and hairline as needed. Your acupuncturist may also place a few needles along your hands, fingers or ears. The needles will remain in place for 20 to 25 minutes. This is a great time to take a break from your busy day and relax, meditate, or listen to music.
At the end of your session, the needles will be removed, and you will be able to return to your normal schedule. Be sure to drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins released during treatment, and do your best to avoid consuming a lot of caffeine or alcohol.
What Does Facial Acupuncture Feel Like?
You should feel comfortable throughout a facial acupuncture treatment session and should not be in pain. If you do experience any discomfort, let your practitioner know so that they can make adjustments. Many patients find facial acupuncture to be very relaxing and look forward to treatments.
How Long Is the Recovery Time After Getting Facial Acupuncture?
There is no downtime or recovery time needed after receiving facial acupuncture. It is a good idea to stay hydrated, but as soon as you’ve completed your session you will be able to resume your normal activities, including driving and exercising. Mild bruising can occur after treatments, but this is a rare side effect.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments is determined by the practitioner based on the condition being treated and overall treatment goals. The precise number of sessions required and the frequency of treatments varies from patient to patient. It is common for an acupuncture facial regimen to consist of 10 sessions spread out over a few weeks. After that, maintenance sessions may be scheduled with reduced frequency.
Interested in learning more about facial acupuncture? Visit our online store.