facial revitalisation acupuncture
Facial revitalisation acupuncture (FRA) is the use of acupuncture to rejuvenate and beautify. Fine acupuncture needles are inserted into the face, these are combined with traditional acupuncture points on the body for maximum effect. Acupuncture was probably first used for beauty and revitalisation in China in the Sung Dynasty (960AD - 1279AD). This type of treatment was used to satisfy the aesthetic needs of the empress, the emperor and his concubines.
Habitual stress reactions cause areas of tension and ageing lines on the face. Tension causes a decrease in the circulation of vital fluids and energy and can cause the face to look dull and lifeless or even hard and lined.
In Chinese understanding health and disease are reflected in one's face. Specific areas of the face correspond to particular organs and meridians. If the energy of a certain organ is out of balance the corresponding facial area will tend to reflect this showing certain colour or facial lines. This makes the face particularly important and useful diagnostically. FRA has the ability to improve not only the external appearance, but also the internal health as the two are intimately related.
Through addressing the underlying causes of ageing, and by helping to correct and improve the overall health and vitality, FRA helps to reveal one's innate inner beauty and radiance. FRA is safe having no side effects; it does not have the potentially damaging after effects of cosmetic surgery, yet is a viable natural alternative.
what happens during a facial revitalisation acupuncture treatment?
Firstly a case history investigating current and past symptoms and health is carried out. This enables the Acupuncturist to ascertain the strength of the person's health and to check that FRA is appropriate to them at that time. FRA is contraindicated in certain conditions (see FAQ's "Are there contraindications to FRA?"). Sometimes it is recommended that the person initially receives traditional acupuncture to overcome symptoms prior to FRA. For example in the case of migraines these can normally be relieved and the person's overall energy will be strengthened and more appropriate to FRA. It is possible to treat some conditions simultaneously during a course of FRA.
Various acupuncture needles are used in a FRA treatment. Usually a few auricular (ear) acupuncture needles are inserted initially. These are used to help relax the person, calm the nervous system and to help direct blood and qi to the face. Then a tailor-made combination of traditional body acupuncture points will be needled to enhance the facial treatment and benefit the health of the individual. About four to six needles are then inserted very superficially into the scalp. These have a correspondence with and a lifting effect on the cheek / jowl area of the face.
Extra fine acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the face. The needles are used to stimulate the flow of qi in the face thereby increasing blood flow and the supply of beneficial nutrients to the area. Also lymphatic drainage is increased which helps to remove toxins, and transform blocked qi which can accumulate as held stress and tension. A needle can be inserted directly into a contracted muscle enabling it to release its tension. Needles can be used to affect a specific acupuncture point to activate its innate functions and to energize the area of tissue locally.
Even smaller "interdermal" needles can be used subcutaneously along facial lines. These create collagen production locally, which in turn can soften lines and plump out depressions or sagginess of the tissue. Once all the acupuncture needles are in place the person relaxes quietly for about twenty minutes. Most people find this a deeply relaxing experience. After all the acupuncture needles are removed a derma-roller is used with a rolling motion over the face. This activates the circulation and moves the qi stimulated by the acupuncture. This gentle action is relaxing and can feel as if facial lines and tension are being 'ironed out'.
The last part of the treatment is a relaxing facial massage. This also stimulates the circulation, lymphatic drainage and increases the elasticity of the skin. Rejuvenating oils are used to nurture the condition of the skin to lessen and prevent scarring and lines. By this stage, at the end of the treatment the person is usually so relaxed that they can find it difficult to remove themselves from the treatment table! After the treatment the person can go about their day as usual. Often they feel relaxed, some feel more energized. During the course of treatment nutritional and lifestyle recommendations may be addressed.
