Facial Acupuncture
Facial acupuncture uses very fine needles placed in the skin of the face to encourage the skin’s natural repair response and support circulation, as a gentle, natural approach to a fresher-looking complexion.
Book an appointment →Understanding Facial Acupuncture
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Traditional Background
Fine needles placed across the face during facial acupuncture How Did Facial Acupuncture Develop?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the face is seen as a reflection of the body’s inner health. A bright, even complexion is linked to a good supply of Qi and Blood, while dullness, puffiness or early lines are thought to reflect imbalances elsewhere in the body.
Cosmetic or facial acupuncture builds on this idea. Alongside fine needles in the face, practitioners often add points on the body to support overall balance, digestion, sleep and stress, which TCM sees as closely connected to the skin.
Nourishesthe face with Qi and BloodMovescirculation to dull or puffy areasBalancesthe whole body, not just the faceBrightensthe overall complexionFigure 1. Traditional aims of facial acupuncture in TCM theory.
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Modern Scientific Perspective
How Does Facial Acupuncture Work?
The modern explanation centres on the skin’s own repair process. Each fine needle creates a tiny, controlled micro-injury in the skin. Just as when you scrape yourself, the body’s natural healing response is triggered and repair cells are sent to the area.
Fine needles
in areas of collagen lossRepair responseTiny micro-injuries prompt the skin’s natural healing process.Collagen supportThe repair process is thought to encourage new collagen to form.CirculationNeedling and warmth may increase local blood flow to the skin.Figure 2. How facial acupuncture is thought to work.
Research on facial acupuncture is still at an early stage. A small pilot study without a control group reported improvements in measured facial elasticity after a short course of treatment[1], but larger controlled trials are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed.
Acupuncture by trained practitioners has a good safety record: in a large UK survey of traditional acupuncturists, no serious adverse events were reported in over 34,000 treatments[2]. Minor bruising is the most likely side effect on the face.
References
- Yun Y, Kim S, Kim M, Kim K, Park JS, Choi I. Effect of facial cosmetic acupuncture on facial elasticity: an open-label, single-arm pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013;2013:424313. doi.org/10.1155/2013/424313
- MacPherson H, Thomas K, Walters S, Fitter M. The York acupuncture safety study: prospective survey of 34 000 treatments by traditional acupuncturists. BMJ. 2001;323(7311):486–487. doi.org/10.1136/bmj.323.7311.486
What you need to know
- 1Before your treatment
What to Prepare
Ideally, come without make-up. If you do wear some, please keep it light.
Please let your practitioner know if you are pregnant, take blood-thinning medication, bruise easily, have a skin condition or active breakout on your face, or have had recent cosmetic treatments such as fillers or injectables.
- 2During your treatment
What to Expect
- Your practitioner will first discuss your concerns and look at your skin.
- Around 30–50 very fine needles are placed in the areas of concern, sometimes with additional points on the body.
- An infrared lamp is positioned above the core of your body for comfort and warmth.
- The needles stay in place for around 40 minutes while you rest.
- Most people feel only a tiny prick or a mild tingling and find the session very relaxing.
- 3After your treatment
Aftercare
- There is a small chance of minor bruising. You are welcome to use make-up to cover it.
- Keep your skin clean and avoid harsh products or heavy exfoliation for the rest of the day.
- Keep hydrated.
Facial acupuncture works gradually, so a course of treatments is usually recommended rather than a single session.
Who facial acupuncture is for
Facial acupuncture is a gentle, non-surgical option for people who would like to look after their skin naturally. These are some of the most common reasons our patients choose it.
Fine lines & wrinkles
Many patients choose facial acupuncture to soften the look of fine lines as part of a natural skincare routine.
Learn more →Dull or tired-looking skin
Often used to support circulation for a fresher, brighter-looking complexion.
Loss of firmness
Some people use it to support the skin’s natural collagen as it changes with age.
Puffiness
A puffy-looking face is often linked in TCM to sluggish circulation and digestion, which facial and body points aim to address.
Acne-prone skin
Some patients choose acupuncture as a complementary approach alongside their usual skincare or medical advice.
Learn more →
Stress showing on the face
Many people find the session deeply relaxing, and TCM links stress and poor sleep to the look of the skin.
Learn more →
Menopausal skin changes
Often chosen during menopause, when skin can become drier and less firm.
Learn more →Your practitioner will assess whether facial acupuncture is right for you at your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does facial acupuncture cause bleeding or bruising?
Does it hurt?
Who is facial acupuncture suitable for?
How often should I have facial acupuncture?
When will I see results?
Still have a question? Ask our practitioners.
What our patients say on Google
I had acupuncture and cupping with Emma, and she truly worked wonders on my back and neck. I came in barely able to turn my head, and now I feel so much better relaxed, pain-free, and mobile again. I’d had a bad experience elsewhere before, but Emma completely turned things around. Highly recommend!
I am very satisfied with the herbal remedies for perimenopause. I don't have hot flashes after the medication. And electric acupuncture soothes my plantar fascists on both feet. The capsules for bowel movement are working very well.
The staff specially Yao meng did an excellent job. In addition she is very kind and explain to the patients what to expect. Thank you very much.
I highly recommend Acupro. They are very professional and take the time to tailor your treatment for you.
More acupuncture treatments
Ready to try Facial Acupuncture?
Not sure what to book? Just choose the initial treatment closest to your concern: Women's Health, Pain, Skin Condition or General Wellness. Your practitioner will recommend whether Facial Acupuncture suits you during your consultation, so there's no need to decide now.
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