Facial Acupuncture Services Edmonton

Cosmetic facial acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive, natural, and effective alternative to cosmetic injectable fillers. It takes skin care and facial rejuvenation to another level without the use of drugs, toxins, or surgery. 

How Facial Acupuncture Works

No matter your age, cosmetic facial acupuncture can be highly beneficial and effective. This sought-after treatment naturally increases blood flow and collagen production in the face, improving overall complexion, and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. 

One of the main benefits of facial acupuncture, and part of the reason our patients find it to be particularly effective, is because it directly impacts the facial tissues and indirectly, by treating the person as a whole (body, mind, and spirit). So, even though the service is labeled as a “facial treatment”, a number of important body treatment points are included as well. Doing so allows the practitioner to restore balance to the body, treat the symptoms, and simultaneously address any underlying imbalances and conditions including those that contribute to the aging process, such as stress, anxiety, insomnia, poor digestion and circulation, and headaches. By identifying and treating the root cause, instead of just the symptoms, we are able to provide you with a full-rounded approach for better results. 

What to Expect with Facial Acupuncture 

First, you’ll want to come to your appointment with a clean, makeup-free face. This ensures a safe, sanitary treatment that isn’t pushing makeup or any dirt deeper into your skin. Moisturizers and pure oils alone are, however, fine to use before your appointment. If you forget to remove your makeup or don’t have a chance to, before your appointment, we do have wipes available. 

During treatment, the tiniest of acupuncture needles are used on the face. This means that they insert painlessly, fitting right between your cells to stimulate all the right points, for the best results. 

In addition to the stimulation of acupoints, these sessions will continue with some gentle facial cupping and gua sha. Then the relaxing and rejuvenating treatment will finish off with an all-natural facial oil and mist by Essential by Nature. The oil helps further renew skin’s elasticity and provide added nourishment and hydration, while the facial mist soothes and seals in moisture, while conditioning and clarifying for a beautiful, healthy glow. 

The facial cupping that is used is different than traditional cupping, which has a stronger suction and is used on the body. The specialized smaller facial cups are gentler and do not bruise or mark the face. They instead increase local circulation, relax facial muscles, and promote collagen production.

Why gua sha? Because this ancient Chinese practice used for energy flow and blood circulation, is incredibly effective in reducing wrinkles, encouraging lymphatic drainage, decreasing puffiness, improving skin quality, and more!

These techniques work together to help bring a younger vitality to your neck and face, helping you to feel healthier, more vibrant, radiant, and energetic.

Benefits of Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture

Treatments are beneficial in both prevention and reversing the effects of aging and sun damage. What does this translate to?

• Giving your skin an overall younger appearance
• Tightening pores and brightening the face
• Firming skin, improving muscle tone, reducing sag
• Increasing collagen production and skin elasticity
• Rejuvenating both your face and your neck, plumping for a smoother texture
• Decreasing “crepey” skin and waking up your facial muscles
• Revitalize skin tone and texture, leveling pigmentation and discolouration
• Decreasing discolourations or age spots
• Decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Diminishing blemishes
• Softening scarring left from acne or trauma
• Reducing facial edema, bags, puffiness under the eyes, and droopy eyelids

Additional Full Body Benefits:

• Improves acne (caused by hormonal imbalance)
• Supports hormone balance (Ex. menopause, perimenopause, PMS, and thyroid function)
• Helps sinus congestion and headaches (except severe migraines)
• Reduces symptoms of toothache, TMJ, and Bell’s palsy
• Reduces dizziness
• Improves sleep
• Helps depression and promotes self-esteem
• Slows down hair loss and hair greying
• Treats diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive issues
• Improves metabolism
• Reduces stress and promotes relaxation

Contraindications of Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture 

People who:

• Bruise or bleed easily (hemophiliacs, etc.)
• Are on certain medications that thin the blood (Ex. aspirin, Coumadin, warfarin, flavex)
• Have high blood pressure (unless it’s under control)
• Have a pacemaker
• Experience severe migraines
• Have had cosmetic surgery in the last 6 months and/or the scars haven’t healed yet
• Have had laser resurfacing in the last 3 weeks
• Had microdermabrasion or a chemical peel in the last 2 weeks
• Have had cosmetic injectable fillers in the last 4 weeks
• Have had fillers recently and the healing time has yet to pass.
• Have a cold or flu
• Are pregnant

Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture FAQs:

Do You Do Micro-Needling During Treatments?

Micro-needling is generally done during facials and involves many small, quick needle pricks all over the face. Cosmetic acupuncture or facial rejuvenation acupuncture is different. With cosmetic facial acupuncture, your practitioner will gently tap in tiny acupuncture needles that stay in place for the duration of your treatment. This method of application is less painful and has additional benefits than micro-needling alone.

It is, however, possible to do a less invasive and less painful, at home version of micro-needling to yourself between treatments with the use of a derma-roller. They are available for purchase at Red Leaf Wellness and your practitioner will be happy to coach you through its use, so you may continue to stimulate collagen production between appointments. 

Does It Hurt?

Generally, no. The needles that are used for facial acupuncture are incredibly tiny and most patients find the process to be painless. However, if a more sensitive spot is being used, arnica gel may be applied by your practitioner to numb the area. We want to ensure your comfort and relaxation during your treatments.

How Many Treatments Do I Need? 

The recommended number of treatments varies from person to person and case to case. 

In general, for best results, we recommend you start off with weekly visits for 6-8 weeks or until desired results are achieved. From there, regular maintenance appointments every 2-3 months to keep it going. This will result in stronger improvements that last longer. 

If you’re wondering about single treatments, they will still give your skin a boost and feel great. So, if you’re wanting to treat yourself or someone you love to an appointment, go for it! 

Interested in saving a little money on your treatments? Contact us today, to ask us about our packages!

How Successful is Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture?

The International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture published a study showing that 90% of the 300 people in the study saw marked effects with just one cosmetic facial acupuncture treatment. How long your results will last will depend on your lifestyle and other factors such as nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and continuing with maintenance treatments.

Is There Anything I Can Do In-Between Treatments?

Red Leaf Wellness is proud to partner with several leading local and Canadian companies who provide products that are completely natural, plant-based, and free of any undesirable ingredients that shouldn’t be absorbed into your body, and which can be of questionable benefit to you.

Gua sha tools, facial rollers, derma-rollers, and facial cups are also easy to use on your own at home. 

If you’re interested in any of these options, they are available for purchase at the clinic. Ask your practitioner about them today and let them help you choose the best option(s) for you and how to use the tools effectively.

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