Facial fillers and Botox have become incredibly popular over the years, with millions of individuals undergoing each treatment. But there might be a natural alternative that can help treat the signs of aging and potentially help with other health issues.<\/p>\n
Enter facial acupuncture, a treatment that falls under the larger acupuncture umbrella, according to Amrit Singh, a registered acupuncturist and founder of 6 Babe Beauty in Toronto, Canada. Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that is a key aspect of traditional Chinese remedies; the treatment uses needles to stimulate balance and flow of chi, which is \u201cthe circulating life force whose existence and properties are the basis of much Chinese philosophy and medicine,\u201d according to the English Oxford Dictionary.<\/p>\n
Facial acupuncture, or \u201ccosmetic acupuncture,\u201d as it\u2019s sometimes called, is \u201ca little bit more beauty-focused in that we are putting needles in the face to stimulate collagen production, improve skin quality, help heal acne, help heal acne scars, but we are also still using body points,\u201d Singh said.<\/p>\n
A typical facial acupuncture treatment involves about 40 needles in the face and 12 needles on the body, though that can vary depending on an individual\u2019s skin goals. Needles are left in the skin for about 20 to 25 minutes. Singh added that the treatment is part of a holistic approach to healing, as it\u2019s said to be able to address skin concerns as well as things like digestive issues or anxiety.<\/p>\n
Like acupuncture, this treatment has been around for thousands of years, but in the past it was typically reserved for the upper echelons of Chinese society. Now it\u2019s becoming more widely accessible.<\/p>\n
Is facial acupuncture really a natural alternative to Botox?<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what the acupuncturists say:<\/p>\n
\u201cYes and no,\u201d Krecolowich said, noting facial acupuncture won\u2019t prevent muscle movement in your face. Botox, on the other hand, temporarily paralyzes muscles.<\/p>\n
\u201cI prefer the cosmetic acupuncture because you\u2019re getting the other health benefits as well from it, and again, you\u2019re boosting your own collagen production, which you aren\u2019t getting with the Botox,\u201d she said, adding that she\u2019s seen great results with some of her clients.<\/p>\n
Singh said that she agrees facial acupuncture can be \u201can excellent option if you don\u2019t want Botox\u201d but acknowledged that some individuals like (and might prefer) the effects of Botox.<\/p>\n