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Cosmetic Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic Acupuncture is a safe and natural “Acupuncture treatment” to improve your health and beauty; it incorporates traditional Chinese medicalanti-aging techniques and equipment. We needle Acupuncture points that are known to exist on the face to lift and tighten muscles and cosmetic needle techniques are used under wrinkles and other signs of aging to reduce their appearance. Other techniques used by the Cosmetic Acupuncturist include use of herbal tonics and facemasks, the jade roller and jade gua-sha, the dermal hammer and dermal roller (microneedling).
As Acupuncture is a holistic treatment a Cosmetic Acupuncture practitioner will usually also treat a persons overall state of health and include Acupuncture points on the body to address any imbalances and recommend lifestyle adjustments to enhance results.
What happens during a treatment?
First you receive a personalised facial diagnosis using traditional Chinese medicine. The Cosmetic Acupuncture treatment consists of inserting extremely fine needles into facial Acupuncture points or under wrinkles or signs of aging. The needles usually retained for about 30 minutes. Clients report the treatment to be virtually painless and deeply relaxing.
At Living Well Acupuncture, we combine Cosmetic Acupuncture with the tranquil art of Shiatsu Facial Massage with organic skin products; We also use traditional Chinese anti aging equipment like the jade roller and dermal hammer to improve results. The total treatment time is about 60 mins.
Depending on the condition of your skin and desired results, regular treatment is usually recommended to stimulate the skin to repair itself throughout a regeneration cycle of the skin cells. We offer a discounted course of 12 Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments administered over 2-3 months..
What are the benefits/results?
Cosmetic Acupuncture benefits are much more than just erasing lines and wrinkles, it helps to rejuvenate and refresh your face naturally.
A course of Cosmetic Acupuncture increases collagen production in the areas of needling and directly affects connective tissue in the area of insertion. The acupuncture stimulates the skin to repair itself promoting a younger looking appearance.
A comprehensive research study in 2008 by The Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University, was undertaken to probe the mechanism of Acupuncture in anti-skin aging, the study concluded Acupuncture Surrounding Needling can change aging state of skin possibly by strengthening the activity of fibroblast in skin and increasing the content of soluble collagen. (Lu Y 2008) Jan;28(1):61-4.
Other benefits from treatment include;
Relieves excess tension in facial muscles and tightens sagging muscles.
Improves lymphatic drainage in the face.
Increase blood circulation and oxygenation of the face.
Cosmetic Acupuncture does not just affect your face it is a holistic anti-aging treatment, which aims to restore balance within the whole body. So people often notice other health benefits such as reduced stress levels and less muscle tension, fewer headaches, improved digestion & weight control, greater energy, deeper sleep and a happier outlook on life.
How long has it been around in NZ?
In recent years more NZ Acupuncturists have trained in the specialised field of Cosmetic Acupuncture following major clinics offering Cosmetic Acupuncture in USA, UK and Australia. Cosmetic Acupuncture is a specialised application of traditional Chinese medicine; the techniques originate from ancient Chinese beauty secrets surviving for thousands of years. Some of the earliest documented Cosmetic Acupuncture techniques date back to the Sung Dynasty (960AD-1270AD). The Acupuncture beauty techniques have been used throughout Asia for thousands of years.
Why has it become so popular recently?
It has become popluar in America to have natural beauty treatments and famous celebrities who are reported to have used Cosmetic Acupuncture are: Angelina Jolie, Sean Connery, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and many more.
Also in New Zealand there is a strong demand for beauty products and treatments that enhance your appearance while improving your overall health. And as many people are aware of possible side effects of using chemical or surgical based procedures and products natural appearance treatments like Cosmetic Acupuncture are an excellent option. Most NZ clients like the fact they are reversing the signs of aging with a health conscious beauty treatment.
How much does it cost?
A single Cosmetic Acupuncture treatment is usually $100 to $150. However most Acupuncturists will recommend a course of treatments, (10- 15 treatments) and offer a discounted rate for this and a 12-treatment package may cost around $1440 ($120 per treatment). .
How long does it last and do you need top up treatments?
The results from treatment can last up to 3 to 5 years and regular follow-ups are recommended depending on the desired results.
It is sometimes described as chemical free botox. Are the two treatments similar in terms of results and why?
No Cosmetic Acupuncture is very different to Botox. Cosmetic Acupuncture results vary depending on your age and lifestyle factors, some clients notice finer lines completely disappearing after a few treatments, for reduction of deeper lines and wrinkles it often requires regular treatments once or twice a week for about 3 months, keeping in mind it takes 30 days or more for the skins dermis to completely renew itself and show the effects of the Acupuncture needling.
Cosmetic Acupuncture takes longer to get results, but the results can last years longer than comparable beauty treatments, it also aims to treat the underlying cause of the patients aging therefore it is an excellent anti-aging treatment.
Botox injected into the face might give you instant results, but they will inevitably disappear in a few months leaving you with the same lines and wrinkles you started with.
Often people comment you can tell a person has had Botox and lost expression or it looks un-natural.
Cosmetic Acupuncture can maintain the effectiveness of Botox, possibly saving your amount of injections per year. For best results we recommend you schedule your first Cosmetic Acupuncture Treatment 10 days after a Botox treatment. In many patients Cosmetic Acupuncture - Facial Rejuvenation together with Botox provides synergistic results.
Cosmetic Acupuncture results go far beyond the reduction of lines and wrinkles.
Who can safely provide Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic Acupuncture includes very specialised techniques that should only be practiced by fully qualified and experienced Acupuncturists trained and certified in Cosmetic Acupuncture.
Do I have to remove make up for Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments?
Do I have to remove make up for Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments?
Make up will need to be removed from areas of skin to be treated with Acupuncture. We have private facilities for make up to be removed or reapplied inside the treatment room.
Can I do Cosmetic Acupuncture if I have had Botox Treatment?
Yes it is safe to have Cosmetic Acupuncture about 2 weeks after botox injections.