Is cosmetic acupuncture something you've ever been particularly interested in? I do not know about you but having needles in my face sounds a bit too extreme. Despite initial reservations from most people, facial acupuncture is a real treatment that real people pay for. If you're a big fan of alternative medicine, I owe you a disclaimer: I'm naturally very suspicious and tend to trust most alternative medicine practices.
What is facial acupuncture / cosmetic acupuncture, and how are they different from regular acupuncture?
In general, acupuncture is a practice in traditional Chinese medicine where extremely thin needles are inserted into the skin. It is mainly said to help with pain management and nausea, though some practitioners recommend it for almost every disease.
There has not been enough research to show that acupuncture is effective for just about anything but some forms of nausea. Anecdotal examples of its effectiveness exist, but personally I'm skeptical.
Facial acupuncture uses even thinner needles that are applied to the face (especially along the areas that begin to wrinkle). Cosmetic acupuncture refers to any type of acupuncture that can enhance the appearance, so that it may include facial acupuncture, although needles can also be inserted into other parts of the body.
What Problems Should Cosmetic Acupuncture Solve?
According to the acupuncture advocates, it can seriously help with the following concerns:
• Acne and acne scars
• redness and sensitivity
• Loss of collagen causes facial wrinkles and sagging
• Hyperpigmentation
• facial swelling
• Dullness
The only two I've been able to help cosmetic acupuncture are facial wrinkles and dullness, though I suspect microneedle or retinol would be just as effective. A combination of treatments could also be a great way to choose.
How Does Cosmetic Acupuncture Work?
Some of the underlying logic for how cosmetic acupuncture works makes sense. When the needles are introduced into the skin, they create a microtrauma that stimulates collagen production and general repair - not too much of the way Dermabranders work. This can have a positive effect on many different skin problems.
However, practitioners also say that facial acupuncture regulates hormones that cause acne, or helps with irritated bowel mucosa, which can lead to some skin problems. Since acupuncture (allegedly) is associated with better sleep, stress reduction and improved digestion, all of these health benefits will also be apparent externally.
There is no research that confirms this kind of claims, nor a potential scientific explanation, so I would take that with a grain (or a spoonful) of salt.
What is a cosmetic acupuncture session like?
Once you arrive at the acupuncturist's office, they will provide you with some background questions about your skin and overall health. They can make some lifestyle suggestions, especially if they are trained in other health or alternative medicine areas.
At this point you will also decide where to apply the needles. While facial acupuncture means that the needles go into your face, cosmetic acupuncture needles could be applied to other parts of the body. You will have to lie down on a bed of treatment, and may or may not sanitize your skin (it's fine in any case). They will put the tiny needles in your skin (do not worry - you probably will not feel them!), And leave them somewhere between a few minutes to an hour.
An acupuncturist can use as many as 50 needles on the face and more on the body. If you turn off the lights and play soft music in the background, you might even fall asleep! Once the treatment is over, they will remove the needles and you will be fine!
How often is cosmetic acupuncture performed?
Normally, the recommendation would be a cosmetic or facial acupuncture treatment once a week for a few months, followed by monthly maintenance treatments.
How much does cosmetic acupuncture cost?
A session can cost between $ 80 and $ 500, though you can usually purchase treatment plans that make each session cheaper in the long run. Some insurance companies cover acupuncture treatments so you can inquire about them.
Hurts Face Acupuncture?
The needles are so tiny that the answer is mostly no, it does not hurt. If it does, it is only a very slight discomfort.
Is Cosmetic Acupuncture Safe?
Assuming you go to a well-trained professional, acupuncture should be pretty safe. The needles must be sterile, disposable and disposable, and the acupuncturist should wear gloves or disinfect their hands.
There is some disagreement as to whether or not the skin itself should be cleaned beforehand, but it does seem so even though it is not compulsory while the skin is clean, and there are no open blemishes or infection in the skin Near the area that will be acupunctured.
Assuming that the acupuncturist takes all precautions, you should not worry. On the other hand, if the acupuncturist fails to take these precautions, you risk both minor infections and more serious blood-borne diseases.
Who can not have done cosmetic acupuncture?
Not everyone is advised to do cosmetic acupuncture, and these are the cases when you should not consider this beauty treatment:
• Anyone who takes blood thinners
• Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Other s Annoying illnesses may require first consulting a physician.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cosmetic Acupuncture
So let's put this into the positive and the negative, because on the one hand ...
Pros
• It's safe.
• It does not hurt.
• It's affordable compared to some other beauty treatments. • Could be covered by insurance.
• It works for premature aging.
• A good chance to address some health problems at once / p>
Disadvantages
• There is no evidence that it works for most skin problems.
• Other treatments are probably more effective.
So in my opinion? If your insurance does not cover it, you will save money and time and choose proven skin care solutions to fix your skin problems.
Have you tried cosmetic acupuncture and think I've completely missed the sign? Are there alternative healing practices that you consider to be beauty treatments? Let us know!
Photos via @jacinaacpuncture, @karelleiralle
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