You’ve Never Heard About Cosmetic Acupuncture, But It’s Better Than Botox Without The Side-Effects.

We all reach a time in our lives when we notice our skin is catching up to us; our under-eyes darken, our cheeks begins to sag, those years of frown and smile lines are starting to emerge. But as you refuse to accept time’s gravity, you flirt with expensive creams, vitamin supplements, and maybe even the possibility of Botox. But with the ease of a Botox procedure comes a host of adverse side effects. Luckily, there is a new alternative form of cosmetic rejuvenation that is starting to overtake Botox in the beauty industry.

Cosmetic Acupuncture: Does it Really Beat Botox?

Botulinum toxin is injected into the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The toxin blocks signals to nerve cells. When the muscle can no longer contract, wrinkles tend to relax and soften in appearance. However, wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity do not respond to Botox. Botox lasts 3-6 months, so it is not a permanent procedure. (1)

Of the 13.4 million minimally invasive procedures performed in 2013, the most common was Botox, with 6.3 million injections. Botox injections had increased 700% since the year 2000, and the annual revenue for Botox injections is over $2.5 billion. (2)

In 2015, a Botox procedure averaged at a price of $340, with an average age of consumer at 49-54 years old, although many get the procedure in their 20s and 30s. There are currently 4.25 million patients of Botox in the US. (3)

However, there are adverse side effects to Botox injections that range from muscle weakness to allergic reaction. Rash, itching, and headache can occur after a Botox injection, as well as bruising, bleeding, redness and external swelling. Dizziness, difficulty swallowing, ear-ringing, dry mouth and respiratory and urinary tract infection can also occur. Other common side effects are a droopy eyelid, cornea inflammation, and dry or itchy eyes. (3)

The Alternative to Botox

So, those effects sound pretty damning for Botox, not to mention it isn’t the most natural approach to “aging gracefully.” Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese alternative medicine with a wide variety of benefits for muscles, which comprises thin needles inserted in different parts of the body. Cosmetic acupuncture is a form of facial rejuvenation where wrinkles and fine lines that come with aging are minimized. Skin color and texture are also reported to be improved. (4)

“We put needles in at vortex points where energy is traveling to and from organs along lines we call meridians,” Samar Reid, a facial acupuncturist explained to a Daily Mail reporter. “When energy flows more efficiently, circulation is improved, helping the body rejuvenate. Traumatizing the skin by inserting tiny needles will also encourage the production of healing collagen, the protein which the body uses to keep the skin youthful and elastic.”

Although there is no scientific basis or explanation for the effects of acupuncture, men and women alike have flocked to this form of alternative treatment for centuries, and many have reported favorable results.

Along with wrinkles and texture, other skin blemishes such as deep cystic acne can be addressed by cosmetic acupuncture. These kinds of ailments are usually more so internal and cannot be treated topically through cream or a mask. Hormonal imbalances, diet, and genetics play a large role in the growth of deep facial cysts, and a reported 50 million Americans are affected by acne every year. (5)

Acupunctures’ claimed effects on acne and aging are also due in part to the promotion of blood circulation to the face. An additional benefit that has consistently been reported is overall bodily rejuvenation; better digestion reduced muscle inflammation and improved sleep.

What You Need to Know

So where can you find it? Many clinics offer and specialize in cosmetic acupuncture, as well as holistic rejuvenation clinics. If you choose to get cosmetic acupuncture, an average of 5-10 sessions are recommended weekly or bi-weekly. It is then recommended that you receive maintenance treatments every 4-6 weeks. The procedure takes about 45 minutes, which takes a little longer than a Botox procedure, which is 30 minutes.(6)

SKN Clinic offers a price of $100 per session, which is in the normal range. Usually, the procedure is offered with other treatments such as microdermabrasion, peels, and other facials at prices that can be upward of $300. (6) Therefore, maintenance can be quite costly, but the reviews seem to agree that the benefits outweigh the costs.

Possible Side Effects

The advantages of cosmetic acupuncture are not without their side effects; some have reported bruising, light-headedness, soreness, fatigue and muscle switching after a procedure. Emotional instability and mood swings are also common side effects of acupuncture. (7) If acupuncture is performed in moderation by a trained professional in a safe environment, it will decrease your likelihood of experiencing these side effects.

Conclusion

It sometimes seems that we live in an era of vanity, with people going to sometimes drastic measures to look younger, fitter and fresher. But with more resources at our fingertips than ever before, it’s hard to resist a quick fix to our insecurities. We don’t always need to go under the knife or result to synthetic toxins to revitalize our skin. Cosmetic acupuncture, although requiring scientific evidence, provides a cheaper and more natural minimally invasive alternative to Botox.