People who are seeking an alternative to surgery to remove facial wrinkles are turning to an ancient Chinese treatment: facial acupuncture, or acupuncture face-lift.

The principles of the acupuncture face-lift techniques are based on the placement of sterile, hair-thin needles into selected points to increase natural collagen production, to tighten tone and regain the firmness and natural colour of the skin.

Acupuncture face-lift uses acupuncture, tui na (massage), micro-current stimulation, and herbs. Manual lymph drainage is done to rid the body of harmful toxins that affect the face and upper body.

The popularity of acupuncture as a facial treatment is on the rise but it is important to follow a course of treatment with scheduled booster treatments for best and lasting results.

Facial acupuncture balances the body’s basic constitutional needs while rejuvenating the face. Facial muscles will be re-educated, tightened and lifted; fine lines may be entirely erased while deeper lines may be reduced; sagging eye and neck areas may be firmed and toned. Circulation is enhanced to provide a more healthy and vibrant appearance.

Each individual is personally assessed on which meridians in the body will be involved during the aging process. There will be an acupuncture point selection for conditions such as acne, dry skin, sagging skin, wrinkles, scars, puffiness, double chins, bags and dark circles under the eyes. Chinese herbal formulas may be used in combination with Acupuncture.

Sometimes, but not often, there is local bruising which disappears within three to seven days.

The benefits resulting from a facial rejuvenating series are many and varied and may include one or many of the following:

• promotes overall health and well being while helping to reduce sinus congestion.
• reduces the symptoms of toothache, TMJ, trigeminal neuralgia or Bell’s palsy.
• helps to relieve headaches, stress, depression, insomnia and dizziness while it aids in self-esteem.
• improves muscle tone and collagen production and has an effect on its dispersal.
• helps to reduce double chin, lifts drooping eyelids and reduces jowls.
• tightens pores and brightens eyes.
• increases local blood and lymph circulation and moisturizes the skin.
• tightens the underlying facial muscles and improves facial colour.
• helps to firm and reduce bags around the eyes and sagginess at the neck.
• helps to eliminate puffiness and edema by improving metabolism and thus eliminating excess fluids.
• helps to release toxins.
• helps to eliminate fine lines and has a diminishing effect on deeper face wrinkles.
• improves hormonal balance therefore decreasing hormonal acne.
• brings out the inner beauty and radiance while slowing down the aging process.
• retards hair loss and hair graying.

Be as well rested before your acupuncture treatment as possible. Avoid alcohol, sedatives or pain killers for at least 4 hours prior to the treatment. Avoid eating heavy meal before or after a session.

• bleeding and bruising disorders
• high blood pressure (can be treated with cosmetic acupuncture blood pressure is under control or if the condition is treated first)
• diabetes (can be treated with cosmetic acupuncture if diabetes is under control or if the condition is treated first)
• severe migraines (facial acupuncture can be administered after the conditions is treated)
• patients with pacemakers who have experienced problems with them.
• former cosmetic surgery (if the patient intends to have more in the future)

• pregnancy
• flu and colds
• acute herpes outbreaks
• acute allergic reactions

The sensations you feel from the insertion of the needles can vary from nothing to light pin pricks resembling mosquito bites. You may also feel a radiating sensation or numbness but this may only last for a fraction of a second.

You may also feel a state of deep relaxation following your treatment.