All About Facial Acupuncture
By Nicole Acosta Nemergut
Living in the city can take a toll on our skin. Sunlight, air quality and environmental stress alongside other stressors of living, working and commuting can show up in our faces and bodies as tight muscles, clenched jaws, breakouts and scarring. Facial acupuncture is a great tool to bring circulation and vibrance to the face. It also feels really nice!
What will a facial acupuncture appointment look like?
In your facial acupuncture appointment we’ll review your goals, discuss your overall health and choose points and products tailored to your needs. After your consultation we’ll insert body acupuncture points to address any underlying systemic conditions and local points on the face, head and neck for specific issues. This can include fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne, drooping skin, or tight muscles. If appropriate, we will do microneedling with serums tailored for you, and finish with a face mask and gentle gua sha.
How does it work?
Circulation is the name of the game! In Chinese Medicine we are always trying to create movement and flow. As we age the channels that run to our face weaken over time. Facial needles and microneedles bring circulation of blood up to the face and help move lymphatic fluid. By provoking a wounding and healing response, the body is able to clear cellular debris and lay down new collagen. Facial acupuncture needles create new collagen patterns and ease tension to release fine lines and wrinkles. The tiny microneedles create clear channels to increase the absorption of products and vent heat or toxins from the skin. Gua sha gently massages the skin of the face to also improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. Because our face is a reflection of our overall health, we also include acupuncture points to address the underlying causes. Facial acupuncture can address both the root and branch of your skincare concerns.
How often should I come?
You’ll want to plan for a series of at least six treatments to make significant progress and assess next steps. Each treatment builds on the last and continues to develop over time. Weekly or biweekly treatments are ideal to start. Treatments can last for up to four years.
