The Qi to youthful beauty

We associate needles in cosmetic medicine with dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxant injections. But for thousands of years needles have been used quite differently to balance energy, rejuvenate the face and body and treat a variety of health concerns.

The ancient Chinese modality of acupuncture has become an established form of alternative treatment in Australia, addressing issues from aches and pain, fatigue, menopausal discomfort to fertility problems.

It works via the manipulation of the body’s meridians or energy pathway to balance and remove blockages in the channels of blood and energy, thus helping to prevent illness.

The International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture has reported that, of 300 cases treated with cosmetic acupuncture, 90 percent saw a marked improvement in the overall appearance of their skin with just one course of treatment.

While many Australians have already heard of and enjoyed the benefits of acupuncture, what is less well known about acupuncture is its application in facial rejuvenation. Cosmetic acupuncture has become so popular in New York and London that some advocates refer to it as the ‘needle facelift’.

It is the only anti-ageing procedure that actually improves your health and doesn’t inhibit facial mobility.

Cosmetic acupuncture is a non-surgical, relatively painless treatment that effectively reduces the signs of ageing. It works on the principle that beauty radiates from the inside out. If the inner body is nourished and the Qi (energy; pronounced `key’) are flowing smoothly, then the external body will reveal this radiance.

Hair-thin stainless steel needles are inserted into specific meridians on the face and body to improve the flow of Qi. As the movement of energy improves, a greater amount of energy and blood are circulated to the face.

This has the effect of nourishing, hydrating, toning and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles. It increases the elasticity of the skin and underlying muscles. The result is a firmer, healthier and glowing complexion. Claire explains that, at the same time, additional acupuncture points are used on the arms, legs or torso to work on internal problems that accelerate the ageing process, thus creating beauty from the inside out.

A course of treatment consists of 10 to 12 sessions. For best results, Claire suggests 1-3 treatments a week. The response varies, depending on the client’s age and lifestyle. Visible results are noticeable after 6-8 sessions. Treatments are cumulative, with each session taking about 45 to 60 minutes. The therapeutic effect does not cease once the needles are removed, for a change is initiated within the body.

`Cosmetic acupuncture is a true rejuvenation of the skin,’ adds Tanya Wilson, a doctor of Chinese medicine, who runs Melbourne’s White Peony Chinese Medicine clinic.

‘It helps break down scars and reorganise and regenerate collagen fibres. It greatly improves blood circulation and oxygenation of the tissues.’

`Additional acupuncture points on the arms, legs, or torso are also used to address the internal disharmonies that accelerate the ageing process. This improves our health and beauty from the inside out.’

Cosmetic acupuncture will complement the host of nonsurgical rejuvenation techniques now on offer and is fast becoming the next buzzword in facial rejuvenation.