cosmetic acupuncture: Benefits and risks

What is it?

Cosmetic acupuncture is a full body treatment, needles go into your face and may also be inserted elsewhere in the body to stimulate healing energy in the body. This procedure can make the skin look healthier and brighter with a decrease in appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. 

Benefits: 

There are many benefits to cosmetic acupuncture. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Improved circulation: The needles when inserted into various points on the face have been found to increase blood circulation to the face. More circulation implies improved oxygenation to your skin cells. 

• Increased collagen production: With improved blood circulation comes more collagen production, as inserting very thin needles into the face induces a trauma response from the body, which then tells the brain to produce more collagen for repair. This can reduce fine lines and the look of wrinkles.

• Improved skin elasticity: Over time, the increased production of collagen will also make your skin more elastic, reducing skin sagging.

Side effects: 

Most of the side effects are minimal and go away within a few days. These include soreness or pain, slight bruising and/or redness at the site(s) of insertion, and possibly pain during the session as well.

Contraindications: you should not come for cosmetic acupuncture if you have the following:

• Having a pacemaker might make it dangerous when considering acupuncture because some forms of acupuncture treatment now incorporate sending electrical impulses to the body via the needles. These impulses may alter the performance of the pacemaker in some ways.

• If you are a type 2 diabetic, you should be weary of receiving acupuncture as the needles can cause bruising that may not heal as fast or well for you.

• If you have any kind of bleeding disorder i.e., you are on blood thinners, you will have a greater chance of increased bleeding and bruising.

• Cosmetic acupuncture is not recommended for pregnant people, as the procedure can be stimulating and cause premature contractions.