Cosmetic Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine and practiced for hundreds of years, has seen a renewed interest in the modern day, especially a type called cosmetic acupuncture. It also goes by other names including facial rejuvenation and facial acupuncture. Facial rejuvenation is a form of acupuncture that focuses upon the face and reducing the signs of aging - wrinkles, crow's feet, etc. It should be no surprise then that it is popular among women and celebrities. Yet does it actually work?

The verdict is still out on that all important subject. Proponents claim that the needles inserted into the face stimulate collagen production which clears up wrinkles. Others say that the needles relax the facial muscles and hence fight the aging process through reducing stress. The face is more relaxed so it clears up. Skeptics say it is all a placebo effect where one believes it works so it does. Few quality studies have been performed due to the challenges of creating a double blind environment. It ultimately comes down to the many personal claims people have made. The choice is for each individual to make, though one who chooses to go this route should make sure their acupuncturist is certified.

Putting aside the effectiveness of cosmetic acupuncture, the truth is acupuncture is safe. The needles pierce the upper levels of skin so one feels a prick from a needle being inserted. There is no pain and no chemicals injected into the body like in a Botox treatment. There is also no surgery or serious side effects involved that may result from a surgical facelift or Botox. The one downside to the treatment is that it can be pricey. Certified acupuncturists recommend about ten sessions and a true professional will offer a free consult. Each session can run a few hundred dollars. Then there is monthly or yearly maintenance and a fee for that. It also takes some time to perform the procedure as it is not a lunch break treatment. Taken all together if one wants to try an alternative medicinal treatment to look younger, cosmetic acupuncture is a safe gateway.