Your Cosmetic Acupuncture Questions, Answered by WY
Managing Director and Registered Nurse Anna Silsby of WY answers all your questions about cosmetic acupuncture and WY’s Natural Lifting Facial skin treatment.
When it comes to thinking of ways to relax your body and mind, one treatment you may not have considered is cosmetic acupuncture. More than a skin treatment, this therapy is deeply healing on a physical and mental level – but if you don’t know much about cosmetic acupuncture, it can seem a mystifying approach to wellness and self-care.
Here, WY’s Managing Director and Registered Nurse Anna Silsby answers the most frequently asked questions about cosmetic acupuncture and the role this therapy plays in our clinic’s Natural Lifting Facial.
What is cosmetic acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy that uses thin needles, strategically placed into specific points of the body, to help individuals heal and regulate their body’s natural functions.
During cosmetic acupuncture, needles are placed into the face and ears. Both of these areas are microsystems of the body, meaning that depending on where the needles are placed, different organs will be affected. The pressure applied to these microsystems delivers benefits to the body, which can be tailored to each individual.
What are the benefits of cosmetic acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture is remarkably beneficial for both the body and the mind. In terms of skincare, the treatment stimulates collagen, brightens skin tone, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and lifts skin that is losing its elasticity.
Traditionally, acupuncture is believed to align the body’s energy flow and redistribute it to achieve balance. Depending on the patient’s needs, cosmetic acupuncture can offer healing effects to systems of the body besides the skin, as well. Digestion, detoxification, hormonal balance, sleep and more can all be improved through cosmetic acupuncture.
Cosmetic acupuncture also has a calming effect on the mind. As a form of self-care, it offers patients the opportunity to take some time for themselves to de-stress and prioritise their mental and physical health. I find that this mindful rejuvenation ends up being many patients’ favourite benefit in addition to their glowing skin, as it gives them real time to deeply relax and reset.
Does it hurt?
No, as cosmetic acupuncture is performed by delicately placing small, thin needles into different parts of the body, including the face, ears (auriculotherapy) and neck, the feeling of the treatment is described by many as a light scratch, if anything. However, it is important to note that pain can be perceived differently by each individual. At WY, we do all we can to ensure a soothing, comfortable experience during treatment.
How does cosmetic acupuncture work at WY?
At our London skin clinic, our latest treatment is the Natural Lifting Facial, which incorporates cosmetic acupuncture with other restorative techniques.
I begin each Natural Lifting Facial with an assessment of the patient through their tongue. Though it may sound peculiar, observing the tongue is a time-honoured method of understanding an individual’s health. I also discuss any health or skin concerns the patient may have. This allows me to shape the treatment to the patient’s needs.
The face is then gently cleansed before I insert needles into the ears, face and body depending on the specific needs of the patient. I will then apply a brightening or nourishing collagen mask, followed by a jade roller to further stimulate blood flow & circulation. The treatment is completed with facial cupping and a natural lifting facial massage technique that refreshes the skin and relaxes the mind.
I’ve heard that cupping leaves marks on the body. Is facial cupping the same?
If you’ve been following the wellness movement, you’re likely to have seen striking photos of people after back cupping treatments with dark, circular marks on their skin. Facial cupping does NOT leave any marks on the body, and it is a pain-free process. It is simply a light cupping that feels like a soothing massage – plus, it has the added benefit of stimulating lymphatic drainage to detoxify the body. We also adjust the pressure according to your comfort levels.
Is cosmetic acupuncture right for me?
Cosmetic acupuncture is suitable for anyone who would like to receive a little more from a treatment as it works on your entire system: the mind, body and soul as well as rejuvenating your skin. The Natural Lifting Facial can truly be tailored to the individual, targeting specific needs depending on what you seek from the treatment.
As someone who has been practicing mindfulness for a few years now, I was drawn to acupuncture and its ability to help individuals find balance by adjusting energy flow. I undertook intensive training with Amanda Shayle at Acuregen to bring this unique treatment to WY and to provide our patients with its exceptional rejuvenating qualities. I’m particularly excited about how universally healing cosmetic acupuncture can be – it fits right in with WY’s philosophy of bespoke care.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed depends on what you would like to achieve from the Natural Lifting Facial. You will be able to see results after one treatment, which we recommend for self-care and visible rejuvenation. If there are specific ageing concerns that you would like to address, I will be able to recommend a tailored course of treatments to leave you looking and feeling better than ever.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from £200 for a single treatment.
I hope that this FAQ has helped to clarify many of the details of cosmetic acupuncture for you. There is so much to discover about this revitalising therapy and so many benefits to be had from it. Book an appointment with me today to learn more about how to step up your self-care with cosmetic acupuncture and the Natural Lifting Facial.
