What you can expect?
Although cosmetic acupuncture 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 effects before they are inserted into the face, head and temples. Once these are removed, you’re good to go and should instantly see your face full of the feel-good energy flow.
Know before you go
- For beginners, a course of six treatments every 2-3 weeks is recommended, followed by monthly top-up sessions.
- Feel free to fill up your social calendar after the session, as the side effects are few and far between – there’s just a slight risk of some brief bruising.
- Calling all acne or super-dry skin sufferers – facial acupuncture can also help to regulate the pesky hormones that cause you so much grief. Hurrah!
- Those who have dabbled in Botox or surgical procedures in the past should check with the therapist before you book in.
The sciencey stuff
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 boosting the flow of blood and energy around your body, toxins are drained away and your circulation cleaned up. This purification process also helps nutrients and oxygen get to areas of the face which have lost elasticity and provides a helping hand to new collagen – the crucial ingredient when it comes to wrinkle wrestling.
