Facial Acupuncture: A Holistic Approach to Healthy Aging
In this article, you’ll learn about the benefits of facial acupuncture, or cosmetic acupuncture. You’ll also understand how it compares to baby Botox, and what to do if you’re interested in trying it!
Wrinkle prevention and anti-aging are having a moment. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, use of Botox and other neuromodulators has increased 73 percent between 2019 to 2022, and much of that growth is among young people using “baby botox” preventatively. However, some are also wondering if the costs—literal and figurative—of starting cosmetic procedures so young aren’t worth it.
Medical procedures, including Botox and fillers, while generally safe, are not without consequences, and can mean committing to a lifetime expense. Facial acupuncture offers a natural, holistic alternative. Could it be the right fit for you?
What Is Facial Acupuncture?
Facial acupuncture, also known as cosmetic acupuncture, involves the insertion of ultra-fine, sterile needles into specific points on the face and body. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s a centuries-old practice that offers both cosmetic and health benefits—without the toxins or paralyzation of conventional aesthetic procedures.
The goal is to stimulate collagen production, increase circulation, and support overall health and wellbeing, leading to glowing, youthful skin. The needles stimulate your lymphatic and circulatory systems by creating microtraumas, sending your body into “repair mode” and bringing nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells.
“Facial acupuncture works by stimulating natural collagen production, improving muscle tone, and overall circulation.” explained Heidi Kimmer, licensed acupuncturist providing facial acupuncture appointments at NWHSU’s Bloomington Clinic.
Just like a traditional acupuncture appointment, facial acupuncture treatments will consider any root imbalances in your body, providing an individualized treatment to support overall wellness while improving the appearance of your skin. Your treatment will include local needling into your areas of concern on your face, as well as needles throughout your body to promote overall wellbeing and address your unique constitution.
How Is Facial Acupuncture Different from Baby Botox?
While both Botox and facial acupuncture can improve fine lines and wrinkles, they differ in approach. Botox paralyzes muscles to reduce motion, weakening the muscles over time. Baby Botox, or MicroTox, uses a smaller amount of botulinum toxin, and is a popular choice for younger people to preventatively treat fine lines and wrinkles, known as “prejuvination.”
Facial acupuncture increases collagen and elastin and stimulates your body’s ability to smooth fine lines and improve texture by causing microtrauma with thin needles. Facial acupuncture also includes a holistic whole body acupuncture treatment that can support any contributing deficiencies or imbalances.
“Combining whole body acupuncture with facial acupuncture – we are able to address underlying causes of aging and other health concerns. Treating the root cause can lead to longer lasting improvement. Facial acupuncture can help you look refreshed and more awake without impairing facial muscle movement.”
Benefits of Facial Acupuncture
While baby Botox can hide fine lines and wrinkles, facial acupuncture can address a wide variety of skin concerns. Facial acupuncture:
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Lift sagging eyelids and reduce bags and dark circles.
- Improves skin texture, tone, and elasticity by increasing blood flow to the face, promoting healthy skin cell turnover.
- Lift jowls and minimize double chin, improving muscle tone and increasing collagen and elastin
- Tightens pores and improves the appearance of scars and age spots.
- Reduces facial puffiness and swelling, by improving lymphatic drainage and metabolism and eliminating excess fluid.
- Relieves jaw tension and facial muscle tightness.
- Addresses acne and acne scarring by balancing hormones and promoting detoxification.
- Supports overall wellbeing by addressing whole body health (for example: digestion, hormones, stress).
What to Expect in a Session
Bloomington Clinic facial acupuncture appointments are 60- or 75-minutes and include both whole body and facial needling. At your initial appointment, your practitioner will take the time to get to know your unique goals and health concerns.
The needles used for facial acupuncture are even smaller than the tiny needles used for traditional acupuncture and shouldn’t hurt. Still, you might feel a small pinch when they’re inserted. Your practitioner might also use tools such as gua sha or cupping to enhance the treatment. If you are interested in more time with facial cupping and gua sha, you can book the 75-minute appointment.
Once the needles are inserted, you’ll rest with them for about 20 to 30 minutes. Most people find this rest very relaxing and enjoy coming to acupuncture treatments!
How Long Will it Take for Facial Acupuncture to Work?
Because facial acupuncture works with your body, it takes longer than one session to see results. Heidi recommends a course of ten to twelve treatments: starting with two treatments per week for two weeks, and then weekly for the duration. Most people start to notice changes after five or six treatments.
“While many patients leave their first appointments looking refreshed and well rested – it is recommended to complete a 10-week course of treatments as each session builds upon the previous session. Doing sessions more frequently initially can increase cell turnover and increase collagen production. After a course of sessions is completed – I discuss what maintenance I would recommend for your individual case.”
To make facial acupuncture more affordable, and to encourage you to come for the full course of treatment, Bloomington Clinic offers facial acupuncture packages at a discounted rate.
Ready to Get Started?
Heidi offers facial acupuncture at Bloomington Clinic, part of Northwestern Health Sciences University. Learn more and call to book today!