You would think that facial acupuncture in Vancouver would be widely available. After all, Vancouverites are known for their pursuit of all things healthy; however when it comes to beauty, the quick fix that cosmetic injections provide has meant that slow beauty solutions have taken a back seat in recent years. With that said, as we learn about the long-term side effects that can arise from these interventions, the search for all-natural holistic options has brought facial acupuncture back into the spotlight. At Collective Skin Care, our approach is centered on promoting and maintaining skin health, so it is no surprise that we have been fans of this treatment modality from day one.
If you are in the market for a comprehensive treatment that can treat fine lines and wrinkles, jowl sagging and a heavy lower face, a dull complexion, volume loss, dark under-eye circles, and puffiness, then cosmetic acupuncture may be for you. Read on to discover what facial acupuncture in our Vancouver clinic entails.
Facial Acupuncture in Vancouver: How does it work?
Traditionally we have known acupuncture to treat health issues ranging from chronic pain to allergies. When using these tiny acupuncture needles on the face, the goals and benefits are different. Facial acupuncture (also known as cosmetic acupuncture) improves the health and appearance of the skin on the face, neck, and chest by interacting with underlying tissues, including fascia, muscles, and nerves. The precisely targeted treatment points initiate the body’s own healing response, helping to improve muscle tone, and promote elastin and collagen production. In a nutshell, the micro traumas created by facial acupuncture help to promote the healthy functions of the skin and thereby, improve its appearance.
Facial Acupuncture in Vancouver: The benefits for glowing skin
The signs of aging such as deepening expression lines, drooping features, and dullness can be lessened by improving blood flow to oxygenate the skin, and releasing muscle tension and adhesions in the connective tissue—actions that are achieved through facial acupuncture. By increasing circulation and releasing fixed expressions that can make us appear tired and stressed, facial acupuncture offers a no-downtime solution for glowing skin.
Facial Acupuncture in Vancouver: The science
While scientific research into the benefits of facial cosmetic acupuncture is still nascent, this study highlights improvements in the water and oil content in the study participant’s skin (which is directly related to the prevention fine lines and wrinkles). Other research has focused on facial acupuncture for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain which has evidenced the benefit of facial acupuncture in managing this chronic issue.
Facial Acupuncture in Vancouver: What to expect during a session
- Before beginning the treatment, your registered acupuncturist will review your medical history to make sure you are a good candidate, and discuss your treatment goals. You will start by lying comfortably on your back on the treatment table while your skin is cleansed.
- Next you will feel gentle taps along your face, neck, hairline, and scalp as acupuncture needles are inserted wherever your acupuncturist has determined they are needed. Your practitioner may also choose to treat specific body points that will work to enhance your facial treatment, and address other issues you may have. The needles will remain in place for 20 minutes providing you with a perfect window of time to nap or meditate. You also have the option to add an LED Light Therapy session to your treatment during this time to clear acne, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and improve overall cellular performance.
The needles are then gently and carefully removed, and a customized professional serum and facial oil is applied to prepare for facial cupping and gua sha. - The second part of your facial acupuncture treatment includes the use of small silicone facial cups that gently massage the deeper layers of fascia, wring-out wrinkles, and bring blood circulation to the surface. This increased blood flow plumps and rejuvenates the skin — all without leaving cupping marks behind. The skin is left looking flushed, invigorated, and radiant.
- The final piece to your facial acupuncture treatment is gua sha. Using a jade gua sha tool your practitioner will sculpt the face, promote lymphatic drainage, and detoxify the skin. This process helps draws out stagnation in problem areas to help generate metabolic cell repair and healing. As a result areas of facial tension are relaxed even further, and the cheeks and jawline are noticeably sculpted and lifted.
- Finishing products chosen for your skin’s unique needs are then applied to complete your facial acupuncture treatment.
Finding a reputable facial acupuncture practitioner in Vancouver
For your health and safety, it is important to work with a qualified acupuncturist who is registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia, and has undergone post-graduate training in facial acupuncture techniques. Both of our registered acupuncturists have pursued this advanced training and have several years of real-world experience providing facial acupuncture in Vancouver.
Facial Acupuncture in Vancouver: Frequently asked questions
Who is facial acupuncture suited to?
Posing minimal reactions and zero downtime, facial acupuncture is suitable for almost everyone (with a few exceptions, such as pregnancy). It is particularly ideal for anyone who desires natural looking outcomes to address expression lines, and is seeking an all-natural alternative to cosmetic injections such as botox and fillers.
How do the results compare to botox/neuromodulators?
The best way to compare these treatment modalities is to explain the mechanisms behind them.
- Botox/neuromodulators stop the nerve signal that initiates muscular contraction. This prevents the skin from being drawn inwards by muscle tension and forming an expression line. Results will depend on the dosage of the neuromodulator, but may lead to a lack of overall movement in the treatment area. Often wrinkles and expression lines are drastically reduced or no longer visible after the neuromodulator treatment has completely settled.
- Facial acupuncture works to re-educate the muscles to remain in a relaxed state. Static movement is still possible, but the repeated expression that leads to persistent muscle tension is relieved. This significantly reduces the depth of expression lines in the immediate, and this result can be maintained and improved upon over time with regular treatments.
- Something to bear in mind when comparing these two treatments is that botox/neuromodulators do not facilitate improved skin functions. In fact, these treatments over many years can contribute to muscle atrophy and facial volume loss. Facial acupuncture has the opposite effect. It brings blood flow to the skin and muscles, thus supporting the long term health of these tissues.
How often should I get facial acupuncture and how many treatments are needed?
Your practitioner will provide you with a treatment plan that best suits your needs, however generally speaking, several consistent sessions are needed to see lasting results. Initially your acupuncturist may recommend coming in as often as once a week for six to ten treatments, after which sessions can be done monthly to maintain the benefits.
Is there any downtime or aftercare required?
There is generally no downtime associated with facial acupuncture, however there is a small risk of bruising which—should it occur—will take about a week to resolve. For aftercare our practitioners recommend drinking plenty of water to help flush out any toxins released during treatment, and avoiding caffeine or alcohol the day of your appointment.
Facial Acupuncture in Vancouver: Preparing for your session
The only thing you need to do in preparation for your facial acupuncture session is to be ready to relax. Should you have undergone a cosmetic procedure prior to your visit, we recommend confirming with your practitioner how long you need to wait before undergoing other treatment modalities such as facial acupuncture. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least two weeks after cosmetic injections and until your skin has fully healed from ablative laser treatments or deep peels.
Other natural skincare remedies to complement facial acupuncture
- A solid at-home skincare routine will greatly complement your facial acupuncture treatments. Your routine should include a broad spectrum sunscreen as your first and most important line of defense against skin aging.
- Microcurrent and microneedling are also very favourable professional treatments that will nurture healthy muscle tissue and boost collagen production in your skin.
Conclusion: Embracing the power of facial acupuncture for radiant skin
- It has outlived countless beauty trends having been practiced in Eastern medicine for thousands of years.
- It’s a fantastic tool to manage internalized and externalized stress (bye bye frown lines).
- It’s a great way to glow while maximizing your extended health benefits (yes, you can claim facial acupuncture treatments).
If you’re ready to embrace a more refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated version of yourself, we welcome you to book in for facial acupuncture in our Vancouver clinic today.
