Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Stuart Revell, LicAc. MBAcC. DipBSS, PRSI.(Med)

There is nothing new about using needles in a therapeutic way to beautify the face. In the U.K., needles have been used for several years in electrolysis to remove facial hair, and in Botox injections to paralyse facial muscles to stop wrinkles appearing. In other countries, such as China, facial Acupuncture has been available for some time. It is now available in the U.K., using finer needles than either electrolysis or Botox, and with fewer unwanted side effects than either of these treatments.

Facial Acupuncture stimulates natural collagen, which "plumps up" the skin, reducing wrinkles and giving a more youthful appearance. It also exercises and firms facial muscles, which naturally pull up the "saggy bits" around the eyes and jaw line. Facial Acupuncture does not have any side effects; once the needles are removed, the only chemicals left in the body are those that have been produced naturally during the treatment.

What are the benefits?
With facial Acupuncture the muscles are toned, so facial expression is not restricted as it is with Botox. The needles stimulate and promote natural collagens. This means the skin fills out wrinkles in a totally natural manner and without loss of mobility or expression. This stimulation also makes the skin more vibrant and gives a natural "glow" that is difficult to get any other way.

The main rival to facial Acupuncture is Botox. As many people know, Botox is actually derived from a poison. It works by paralysing the injected muscles, and prevents wrinkles because the muscles cannot work normally. This may be a convenient short term solution, but Botox can cause long term damage if repeated too frequently.

What are the snags?
Botox injections will probably cost £50 to £60 and will last for 6 months, while Acupuncture costs that much for only the first two/three weeks of treatments. There is also a minor risk of slight facial bruising if the needles touch a capillary vein.

What does facial Acupuncture entail?
During the first session the client will be asked what results they want from the course of treatements. The client's diet and lifestyle will also be disussed, and suggestions made about any changes that could help in the rejuvenation process. Once a strategy has been decided, the Acupuncture takes place. This entails the insertion of very fine needles just below the skin, which are then electrically stimulated.

The level of stimulation varies from person to person, and it is the client who directs the Acupuncturist as to what is comfortable for them. After the needles are removed, the face is further stimulated by a roller and massaged by hand. By the end of the treatment, the skin and muscles of the face feel relaxed and revitalised.

A course of six weekly treatments is recommended to achieve the maximum effect, although a difference should be noticeable after the first two treatments. After the initial course of treatments a monthly "top-up" is recommended.

Please note that if a client has had Botox injections, a period of six months must elapse before having Acupuncture in the muscles involved. Other facial muscles can be treated.