What to Expect at Your First Cosmetic Acupuncture Session in San Francisco
If you’re curious about cosmetic acupuncture, you probably have a lot of questions. What happens during a session at Soraluna? does it hurt? How does it differ than a typical facial?
As an acupuncturist specializing in holistic dermatology here in San Francisco, I love guiding patients through their first treatment. Cosmetic acupuncture is one of my favorite offerings because it doesn’t just improve how your skin looks, it also supports your whole body’s health.
Here’s what you can expect at your very first session at Soraluna:
1. A Full-Body Approach
Cosmetic acupuncture treatments are rarely just about your face. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, your skin reflects what’s happening inside your body. Digestion, stress, hormones, and sleep all affect your glow. At your first visit, I’ll go over your health history and skincare concerns so we can create a treatment plan that supports you both internally and externally.
2. Gentle Needling
I have a gentle hand, and use the finest needles possible on the face—they’re much finer than needles you might see for medical injections. The face is more sensitive than other areas of the body, but after a few pinches, people feel quite relaxed, and drift into a nice, meditative state. I’m always paying attention to how many needles might be appropriate for your constitution…for example, if you’re currently having your menstrual cycle, I will use fewer needles, as people tend to be more sensitive during that time.
3. Collagen-Boosting Facial Points
Tiny, hair-thin needles are placed in specific points on the face to stimulate circulation, increase collagen and elastin production, and encourage your skin to naturally firm and smooth. Over time, this helps soften fine lines, lift the skin, and improve tone and texture.
4. Body Points for Balance
To address the root causes of your skin concerns, I’ll also include body acupuncture points. These might support digestion, balance hormones, or calm stress — all of which show up on the skin. Patients often tell me they feel lighter, calmer, and more energized after a session.
5. Holistic Skincare Products
During your session, I use products from Laurel Skin, which are organic and produced locally. They’re super gentle, and people love the results they provide!
6. A Natural, Holistic Glow
After I remove the needles, you’ll see glowier skin—after all, the needles really encourage circulation in the tissues of your face.
7. Aftercare and Results
There’s no downtime after a cosmetic acupuncture treatment—so you can return to your day, relaxed and glowing!
How are you different from other cosmetic acupuncturists?
First of all, I only see one client at a time, so I’m not bouncing between rooms. This means you get more attention, and there’s more time for things like facial massage, cupping, gua sha, etc. It also means I really pay attention to your skin, listen to your concerns, and can put together a customized plan for you.
Furthermore, I have specialized training in TCM dermatology, and not only love helping people cosmetically, but can also support you with conditions like acne, rosacea, and melasma.
Third, Soraluna is a really special, spa-like clinic space, with cozy linen sheets, organic blankets, and a really chill vibe. People don’t want to leave!
Why Try Cosmetic Acupuncture in San Francisco?
Let’s be real—San Francisco is a beautiful place to live, but it’s also stressful. I’ve also noticed that people in San Francisco want to look their best, but don’t want to look like they’ve had injections or fillers. Cosmetic acupuncture is a wonderful way to support your skin, without looking like you’ve had work done. Plus—it’s not just a cosmetic treatment, you’re also getting the total health benefits of acupuncture.
If you’re curious about cosmetic acupuncture and are in the Bay Area, I’d love to support you!