Facial Enhancement Acupuncture
Look and feel more radiant with Facial Enhancement Acupuncture
Facial Enhancement Acupuncture, also known as Facial Rejuvenation or Cosmetic Acupuncture will concentrate on points and muscles of the face to help improve the elasticity of your skin and general overall appearance.
It’s a natural and holistic alternative to other skin treatments such as fillers, dermabrasion or surgery.
Putting your natural sparkle back
As we get older it’s only natural to look in the mirror and think ‘Wow, I’m looking tired/haggard/wrinkly…’
If we’re experiencing trauma, grief, strong emotions, feeling out of balance or in pain, it shows on our face. Environmental conditions and sun damage can also accelerate the natural ageing process. FEA aims to balance what’s going on internally so you look and feel more revitalised on the outside.
“It’s like having that post-holiday, radiant glow in your everyday life”
It’s all about creating an inner balance that promotes a healthy mind, body and spirit. In turn, this eases tension, often promotes better sleep and a sense of relaxation. It’s not a quick fix solution but it does have a cumulative effect. Being helped to release stress and tension in your face and body, leads to a more youthful appearance. Who wouldn’t like that?
“The results of having rejuvenating facial acupuncture is incredible. Instantly I looked younger and fresher not to mention how relaxing the actual treatment is. Sally makes you feel so comfortable in the environment she works in. A thorough consultation is carried out. My sleep is always great following facial acupuncture. Sally is calm, professional and has a great aura.”
– Sophie
How does it work?
On a topical level, acupuncture creates ‘micro-traumas’ in the skin’s surface. By needling directly into the fine lines and wrinkles on the face, we create miniscule wounds that the body then rushes to repair. As it does so, the body produces natural collagen and increases circulation to the area which helps plump out the line. With continued treatment, the line or wrinkle should gradually reduce and fade.
Acupuncture is widely believed to regulate the nervous system, improve sleep and energy, reduce stress, manage pain and boost the immune system, meaning you’ll look better because you’ll feel better.
“In general, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic* mechanisms, promoting physical and emotional well-being.”
– From the British Association of Acupuncture ‘The Scope of Acupuncture 2020’.
*a state of balance among all the body systems needed for the body to survive and function correctly
What can FEA help with?
In studies, FEA has been shown to help to increase skin elasticity, therefore improving the look of jowls and fine lines. The British Acupuncture Council also has a library of evidence-based fact sheets available on how Acupuncture may help with acne, facial pain, insomnia, neck pain, Bell’s Palsy and headaches.
Other Benefits
NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) includes acupuncture in its pathway for the management of headaches and neck pain. General acupuncture is also used in the management of lower back pain, neck pain, temporomandibular pain and knee pain.
Research
In 2011 a pilot study carried out by the Kyung Hee University Hospital in Guangdong, Korea was published in the National Library of Medicine on the effects of FEA on facial elasticity. It noted significant improvements in the Moire Topography criteria used to measure facial contours and skin elasticity for the 27 participants in the study*
You can read more about the research here: Effect of Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture on Facial Elasticity – Effect of Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture on Facial Elasticity: An Open-Label, Single-Arm Pilot Study – PMC (nih.gov)
*It’s worth noting that everyone responds differently, especially if you have long term or chronic conditions.
History
Facial Enhancement Acupuncture is not a modern, fad treatment. Ancient manuscripts show that the practice of skin rejuvenation stretches back well before the arrival of the Sui (AD589-618) and Tang (AD618-907) Dynasties. At the start of the 20th century, a variety of prescriptions left by medicine men were unearthed from the Mogoa Grottoes at Dunhuang situated on the Silk Road in China. These were found to include literature on dermatology and a number of recipes for facial creams, hair tonics and shampoos.
So it has been around for millennia and can be thought of as an extension of what an acupuncturist already does.
What to expect during our sessions
Our initial appointment will be an in-depth consultation covering your personal wellbeing and medical history so I can create a bespoke treatment plan. This is followed by a general balancing acupuncture treatment based on the information you’ve given me. All subsequent sessions will be focused primarily on the face.
Acupuncture needles may also be used on your hands or legs during our sessions, depending on what your consultation reveals.
You also get to deeply relax with either a hand or foot massage followed by a facial massage once the needles have been removed.
Treatment Length & Price
- Initial consultation: 1.5hrs - £ 90
- Follow up: 1.5hrs - £ 83
Official Membership
FAQ
In general after acupuncture you’ll likely feel really relaxed and grounded. Clients often say they sleep better, feel less stressed and are more balanced after treatment.
Occasionally the symptoms addressed through acupuncture can be aggravated before they improve. Minor bruising, though relatively rare, can happen as there are tiny, invisible capillaries under the skin, and should go within a day or two.
It’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothes that can easily be rolled up to expose arms or lower legs. You’ll need to remove your top so I can also work on your neck during the facial massage. I have blankets for warmth and modesty and will leave the room while you change. Ideally, facial jewellery should be removed and rings removed if you require a hand massage.
I also suggest you come without wearing make-up but I do provide make-up remover if you require it.
The needles are very fine, about the thickness or less of a human hair. They are medical grade, stainless steel, individually wrapped and single use only.
Most people don’t even feel acupuncture needles as they are administered.
I will place acupuncture needles on certain pressure points on the body, which help to produce a natural anaesthetic effect and I also use a topical, mild analgesic cream on the more sensitive areas of the face.
If you’ve had recent dermabrasion, laser skin surgery, a surgical facelift or injectable fillers, it is best to wait 3 months before booking in for FEA.
FEA is not suitable if you suffer with:
- Chronic migraines
- Cancer
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Diabetes
And also if:
- Have a current cold, virus or flu
- During an allergic reaction
- Have a problem with excessive bleeding or bruising
- Pregnant or breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant
- Have a pacemaker fitted