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Facial Acupuncture for Anti-Aging & Skin Health

Facial acupuncture offers a natural, non-invasive and effective treatment to help smooth, lift, and tone skin. It uses principles rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help treat many types of skin concerns and rejuvenate skin. 


What You’ll Learn in This Article:


  • What is facial acupuncture

  • What are some of the benefits

  • Is it Right for you?

  • What does treatment include

  • How often do you need a treatment?

  • Any risks or contraindications?

  • Is it covered by insurance?



What Is Facial Acupuncture?


Facial acupuncture involves the insertion of ultrafine needles into specific points on the face. Facial acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese medicine, it incorporates a holistic approach to healthier skin.  



Benefits of Facial Acupuncture for Skin Health and Aging


Stimulates Collagen and Elastin Production


Collagen and elastin are proteins that support skin structure - especially firmness and elasticity.  By inserting needles, it creates a little bit of “microtrauma” so your body’s natural healing processes are engaged, increasing overall production of collagen and elastin. Over time, this will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (1, 2).

Woman in black shirt applies acupuncture needle to forehead of woman in red hoodie lying on bed. Calm setting with light walls and shelves.

Boosts Circulation and Lymphatic Flow


In a similar manner, it can promote blood flow to the face, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. This can help improve skin tone, texture, and help with concerns like acne, rosacea, and scarring. It can also support lymphatic drainage, as improved circulation moves excess fluid and toxins away. This can reduce facial puffiness and improve overall complexion with conditions like melasma  and pigmentation, acne and acne scarring (3).




Enhances Muscle Tone and Reduces Tension


Some acupuncture points can help improve face shape by lifting the muscles, firming jowls (1, 2). Other acupuncture points can release tension. This can help with other concerns such as stress (especially the Yintang point!) , TMJ (jaw) pain, and even facial paralysis (4, 5). 


A Holistic, Natural Approach


Facial acupuncture is founded on principles of TCM and does not use any things such as fillers. Unlike other facial procedures or treatments, facial acupuncture retains movement in your facial muscles and relies on your body’s ability to heal and circulate to improve appearance.



Who Should Consider Facial Acupuncture?


Facial acupuncture can support a wide range of skin and health concerns. It may be especially helpful if you’re dealing with:


  • Fine lines and wrinkles

  • Acne or acne scarring

  • TMJ pain (jaw tension or clenching)

  • Melasma or pigmentation

  • Uneven skin tone or texture

  • Skin texture concerns - dryness, pores, dark spots, redness

  • Facial puffiness or swelling



What to Expect During a Facial Acupuncture Treatment


The treatment involves the insertion of facial needles into specific points based on the head and face. Sometimes your practitioner may add body points for a holistic approach to healthier skin. Our facial acupuncture sessions may also include:


Add-On Therapies That May Be Included


  1. Gua sha and facial cupping to promote tissue detox through lymphatic drainage (6, 7)


  1. Electrostimulation of acupuncture – Mild electro-currents can be placed on the needles to help reduce inflammation by targeting nerve pathways and releasing endorphin release, encouraging muscles to relax and relieve tension, improve circulation and blood flow)


    Woman lying on her back with acupuncture needles on face and head, wearing gold necklace. Calm setting, neutral background.


How Many Sessions Are Needed for Visible Results?


Treatment success depends on the patient's skin type and skin goals. During your initial appointment, your ND will assess your skin and overall health to better understand any root causes for changes in skin health. 


A typical course of treatment includes:


  • 5–10 sessions, ideally spaced weekly or biweekly

  • Results are often visible after 3–4 sessions

  • Maintenance treatments monthly can help sustain and enhance long-term results


Longer treatment timelines may be required for more advanced skin concerns such as deep wrinkles, collagen loss, or complex hormonal imbalances.



How Long Do Results Last?


Depending on the patient’s age, skin health and other factors, results may last up to a few years. Maintenance treatments may be done monthly to prolong results and maximize. Treatment effects can be maximized with an effective skin care routine, lifestyle routine and supplements.



Risks, Side Effects, and Contraindications


Facial acupuncture is a low-risk treatment when performed by a trained professional.


However, some patients may experience:


  • Mild redness or swelling

  • Slight bruising at the needle site

  • Temporary tenderness or discomfort



When Facial Acupuncture May Not Be Recommended


Facial acupuncture should be avoided or modified in the following cases:


  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure

  • Severe migraines or active infections

  • Clotting disorders or blood thinners

  • History of seizures

  • Recent Botox, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion (within 3 months)

  • History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring



Covered by Insurance


Facial acupuncture performed by licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) may be covered under extended health benefits. Always check with your provider for details.



Book a Facial Acupuncture Consultation


Looking for a natural way to smooth fine lines, reduce puffiness, or restore your glow? Facial acupuncture at Peridot Wellness offers a science-backed, holistic way to support your skin health from the inside out.


Book your initial appointment today and take the first step toward radiant, lifted, and rejuvenated skin, naturally.



Citations

1.    Yun, Y., Kim, S., Kim, M., Kim, K., Park, J. S., & Choi, I. (2013). Effect of facial cosmetic acupuncture on facial elasticity: an open-label, single-arm pilot study. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 424313. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/424313

2.    Kingston, A. (2016). Facial cosmetic acupuncture --an alternative theory for the mechanisms behind its effectiveness. The Journal of Chinese Medicine, (112), 32+. 

3.    Barrett J. B. (2005). Acupuncture and facial rejuvenation. Aesthetic surgery journal, 25(4), 419–424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asj.2005.05.001

4.    Rerksuppaphol, L., Charoenpong, T., & Rerksuppaphol, S. (2016). Randomized clinical trial of facial acupuncture with or without body acupuncture for treatment of melasma. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 22, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.10.004

5.    Smith, P., Mosscrop, D., Davies, S., Sloan, P., & Al-Ani, Z. (2007). The efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of temporomandibular joint myofascial pain: a randomised controlled trial. Journal of dentistry, 35(3), 259–267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2006.09.004

6.    Domingues, A. L. B., Solinho, A. F. N., Sequeira, C. P. D. F. P., da Mota, D. F. R., da Mota, J. M. G., Campos, M. R. R., & Tavares, N. M. R. M. (2020). The Use of Gua Sha to Improve Facial Expression Lines and Wrinkles: A Case Study. The Journal of Chinese Medicine, (123), 38+. 

7.    Cao, H., Li, X., & Liu, J. (2012). An updated review of the efficacy of cupping therapy. PloS one, 7(2), e31793. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0031793

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