What’s the difference between facial acupuncture and cosmetic acupuncture?

Truthfully, facial acupuncture and cosmetic acupuncture are two terms that describe something very similar:

Using acupuncture needles on points on the face for improving blood flow and reducing muscle tension.

But somebody might come into the clinic with different requests.

Often people who are looking for facial acupuncture are looking to correct function, whether they’re experiencing jaw pain, chronic facial tension, sinus issues, bruxism, TMJ, Bell’s Palsy, numbness, and other facial concerns. I’ll work with targeted facial needles (and occasionally gua sha and/or massage techniques) to help the muscles relax and restore function to the face. Constitutional acupuncture points on the body (such as hands and feet) are often included to complement the facial needles.

People looking for cosmetic acupuncture are often looking to reverse signs of aging, diminish wrinkles, soften age spots, and and renew a sense of vitality in their facial features. People who come for cosmetic acupuncture often ask for help with their neck as well. During these treatments, I also take a comprehensive look at your facial structures and muscles to determine where we can relax tension, increase blood flow, and reduce stagnation in the tissues. I’ll often use both facial acupuncture points and body acupuncture points to enhance your treatment, as well as providing gua sha and/or massage as needed to really relax the body. During cosmetic acupuncture treatments, I pay much more attention to the neck and shoulder tension as well, for poor posture, tech neck, and tension in the neck and shoulders can really impact the individual’s profile, neck appearance, and the overall blood flow to the face.

At the end of the day, both facial acupuncture and cosmetic acupuncture are similar treatments. During your initial session, I’ll listen to what help you’re seeking and customize your treatments for you.

Depending on the results you’re looking for, I’ll offer a treatment plan. Most facial and cosmetic acupuncture sessions involve a series of twelve treatments to really offer the results you’re looking for. For pain or Bell’s Palsy cases, I’ve also seen cases resolve in much less time (sometimes even 2 sessions!). It really depends on your body and what you’re experiencing at the time, and I’ll always be honest and open with you about how long I think it will take for you to see results!

If you’re interested in working together, I’d love to see you for facial and cosmetic acupuncture services in San Francisco. Cosmetic and facial acupuncture are two of my favorite modalities, and it’s always an honor to help you reach your health goals.