Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Also known as: Cosmetic Acupuncture, Facial Revitalisation Acupuncture.

Don’t let bags and sags get the better of you. If your features are starting to fall, facial rejuvenation acupuncture will pinpoint the culprit areas and pull them back into check. Based on the traditional Chinese therapy - acupuncture, this non-surgical treatment is designed to reduce the signs of aging without a scalpel in sight. Recommended for firming up skin and filling out wrinkles, even just a short spell of pricks to your acupressure points claims to have you looking years younger in seconds.

How it works

Facial acupuncture works much in the same way as acupuncture anywhere else on the body. It involves the insertion of tiny, hair-fine needles into specific points on your face to manipulate your body’s energy flow (chi). By promoting the free flow of blood and energy around your body, toxins are drained away and your circulation cleaned up. This purification process also enhances the supply of nutrients and oxygen to areas of the face which have lost elasticity due to aging, and stimulates the production of new collagen - the crucial ingredient when it comes to wrinkle wrestling.

Although it can be performed sitting down, it’s more common that you’ll be asked to lie down on a massage couch. Depending on the practitioner, acupuncture needles may also be placed in the hands and feet to balance the effect on the head and post-pins there could be the option of a facial massage.

Each session lasts between 45 minutes and an hour and a course of 6 treatments every 2 to 3 weeks is recommended, as are monthly top-up sessions. You should see an immediate difference and side-effects are said to be minimal, although there is the slight risk of temporary bruising afterwards.

Is it for me?

As well as reducing crinkly crow’s feet and puffy eyes, once your face is full of the feel-good energy flow, your complexion should see an alteration in colour and vitality too, as the tiny pinpricks will tighten your pores, leaving you with a healthy looking glow. Because it can help to regulate your hormones, it’s also a recommended treatment for people who suffer from acne or severely dry skin.

And although it can’t reshape your nose or your chin, you should notice a natural lift in your features, and certainly one that’s a lot less painful. However for those who have dabbled in Botox or surgical procedures in the past, check with your therapist before you book in.

Good to know

Also referred to as cosmetic acupuncture, celebrity fans include Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Demi Moore.