The Story Behind LifeForce health solutions
LifeForce health solutions was originally created as an holistic physiotherapy practice, we are excited to have now expanded our range of complementary therapy services, as we felt it was evident our local community were in great need (and want) of this.
Moreover, we strongly believe that traditional musculoskeletal therapies can be further improved by using a combination of:
- Hands-on therapies (such as physio and massage)
- Holistic health treatments (such as acupuncture and naturopathy) and
- Participation in small, supervised group activities (such as yoga, pilates and functional movement classes).
Holistic services we offer here at the clinic include:
Cosmetic Acupuncture Versus Regular Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been a successful healing modality for 2,500 years. By using different techniques (needles, laser, moxa, pressure, etc.) on the skin at certain anatomical points of the body, it can help alleviate pain, improve sleep and optimise digestion. These anatomical points are otherwise known as meridian channels or passageways.
Acupuncture’s application is based on the theory that disease is caused by disruption in the body’s qi or vital force. When stimulated, acupuncture points are thought to restore normal circulation of qi to achieve balance and cure disease.
Cosmetic acupuncture treatment is becoming a popular, safe and natural alternative to Botox as age graces us with the “lines of wisdom” that many deem unattractive or embarrassing. This involves puncturing the facial skin with needles – but, unlike chemical injections, cosmetic acupuncture harnesses your body’s natural healing abilities, offering a subtle yet noticeable transformation over time.
How Cosmetic Acupuncture Can Address Your Skin Concerns
One of our more recent therapies, cosmetic acupuncture is considered the safer alternative to surgery or Botox. It can also help to even out your complexion, emphasise your skin’s glow and result in a more youthful appearance.
The treatment involves an acupuncturist inserting 40-70 tiny, painless needles. These needles puncture the skin and create wounds, which are called “positive microtraumas” that prompt your body to go into repair mode.
Your lymphatic and circulatory system are stimulated by these punctures. The combined role of these systems is to nourish your skin from the inside out by delivering nutrients and oxygen to your skin’s cells.
Collagen production is also stimulated by the positive microtraumas, which helps enhance elasticity in the facial skin, minimising wrinkles and fine lines and improving pigmentation and acne scars.
According to a systematic review of two randomised control trials and five prospective, single-armed studies, it appears there is high-quality evidence to suggest that cosmetic acupuncture is effective for facial cosmetic conditions[1].
The Lowdown On The Meridian Network & Qi
“Cosmetic acupuncture is not about beauty, but about health. If our interior is healthy and balanced and if we have inner tranquility and contentment… if we are well-nourished and exercise moderately.. our inner beauty will shine through.” – Radha Thambirajah[2].
Qi is the Chinese word for life energy. Qi in an organ can flow in many directions, but energy always flows from areas of high energy to areas of low energy (or where the blood is weakest).
The meridian system is comprised of 12 principle meridians, each of which connects to an organ system and extends to an extremity. By stimulating specific meridians, acupuncturists are able to remove blockages in the blood and assist in correcting various functional disorders[3].
The Role Of Cosmetic Acupuncture In Enhancing Skin Health
Specific skin concerns that cosmetic facial acupuncture addresses include:
- Facial ageing and wrinkles
- Acne and other scarring
- Skin pigmentation
- Dull, dry skin
- Drooping and sagging skin
- Oedema and puffiness beneath the eyes
- Sinus congestion and headaches.
The benefits of cosmetic acupuncture from an holistic perspective include:
- A smoother, more even complexion
- Pore tightening
- Improved skin firmness and elasticity
- Healthier skin tone
- Reduced redness
- Natural rejuvenation
- Increased production of collagen and elastin
- Better blood circulation.
Balance Your Lifestyle With Cosmetic Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a natural approach to health and wellness that is non-invasive and without dangerous side-effects (you may experience minor discomfort at the site of needling for a brief time afterwards, but this should subside quickly).
As well as healing your ailments, acupuncture in general can reduce stress, elicit a feeling of calm and bring balance to the mind and body. Cosmetic acupuncture takes this one step further, merging the wellness and beauty realms together to add an extra layer to your feel-good regime.
We all want to smile and feel content with our reflection when we look at ourselves in the mirror, but sometimes life can wear us down and make that challenging. When we are taking time out purely for ourselves to relax in the experienced hands of a trained acupuncturist, then we are truly nourishing every core of our being.
Choose LifeForce health solutions For Cosmetic Acupuncture
LifeForce health solutions is made up of a team of holistically-minded, well-qualified and experienced holistic health practitioners who take pride in offering a unique range of wellness services to the Golden Grove and wider community.
Our professional staff, highly-trained in the practice of cosmetic acupuncture, will answer all your pressing questions before you begin treatment and ensure your absolute comfort during the procedure.
FAQs
By starting with needles in other areas of the body, you are able to experience a full flow of energy that helps to support the facial component of the acupuncture.
This is necessary, as just putting a large number of needles in the face alone would result in energy congestion in the face, which may lead to headaches and discomfort.
Micro-needling uses the same method to get bright, anti-ageing results. However, acupuncture is a bit less intense, averaging about 50 punctures, whereas micro-needling applies hundreds of pricks to the skin through a special rolling device.
Although you may feel a sense of pressure at certain points, facial cosmetic acupuncture is not painful because the needles are so small.
In addition to this, all our cosmetic acupuncture therapists have been trained to insert the needles with the utmost care and precision and are committed to maximising your comfort.
According to a systematic review, a few trials with high-quality evidence suggest that the safety level of cosmetic acupuncture is high and the discomfort is tolerable[1].
While there are no significant side effects to cosmetic acupuncture, minor bruising can occur. This bruising can be treated with Arnica cream and usually subsides within 24 hours.
There is little downtime and after the session your skin may have some redness and a warm sensation, which should disappear in a few hours.
Usually you will be able to notice an improvement in skin tone and colour after just 1-2 sessions. However, more substantial and visible results may require 5-7 treatments. Regular maintenance sessions every 4-8 weeks after this will ensure the results last for many years.
Facial Acupuncture: The Next Breakthrough In Cosmetic Skincare!
A 1996 report in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture stated that, with just one course of treatment, 90% of the 300 individuals in the trial observed a noticeable effect.
This included levelling of wrinkles, elasticity of facial muscles and a healthy, glowing complexion. An overall rejuvenation and sense of wellbeing was also reported.
Come & Get Your Glow On!
Are you ready to witness the benefits of cosmetic acupuncture for yourself?
Book a consultation today with one of our friendly natural health practitioners at LifeForce health solutions for your very own personalised treatment plan!
Or simply reach out to us for more information on any of the other healing modalities we offer.
References
- Shin, B-C & Lim, K-T. (2018). Acupuncture for cosmetic use: a systematic review of prospective studies. file:///C:/Users/61434/Downloads/JCM002-02-03.pdf
- Thambirajah, R. (2016). Cosmetic Acupuncture – A Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach To Cosmetic and Dermatological Problems. https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=tJmDCgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP2&dq=cosmetic+acupuncture&ots=ScmKZHhb8d&sig=M5J0HZWN-tePA-LH6pLIssBxjtg#v=snippet&q=qimeridian&f=false
- Maurer et al. (2019). Anatomical Evidence Of Acupuncture Meridiens in the Human Extracellular Matrix: Results from a Macroscopic and Microscopic Interdisciplinary Multicentre Study on Human Corpses. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6448339/#:~:text=In%20TCM%2C%20meridians%20are%20strings,body%20%5B1%2C%202%5D
