Someday soon, the masks will be coming off. Right? Regardless, we love skincare and cultivating a healthy, radiant complexion. Facial acupuncture also has more than just cosmetic applications, such as for sinus congestion, tension headache and jaw pain. It is especially effective when combined with another modality like facial cupping. These treatments are so relaxing. The face can be overlooked by other manual therapies, but it is full of sensory experience! The face is where many acupuncture channels start or end, so like the hands and feet, it is good to work on these areas often. Learn more about these treatments.
Facial Acupuncture
A protocol that includes body points and face points to increase the flow of Qi and blood to the head. This protocol can be adapted to specific complaints and involves the stimulation of underlying muscles responsible for lifting the tissues of the face and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Wrinkles and scars can also be addressed directly with tiny intradermal needles. And tight muscles like those responsible for the creases between the brow or jaw tension, can be released. Puffiness and inflammation are reduced by stimulating blood flow and lymphatic movement. Gentle seirin needles make this treatment more comfortable and less likely to cause bruising (though sometimes small bruises do occur).
Meizen Acupuncture
Another acupuncture protocol, Meizen, uses a specific set of face and body points that is applied universally. In the facial portion of treatment, 3 needles are placed in many of the points for a strongly stimulating treatment.
Facial Cupping
If you have had cupping before, you may be envisioning circular bruises, but facial cupping is not like body cupping. Cups are applied using suction, but it is much more gentle and the cups are always being moved, guiding the flow of blood and lymph. This treatment is great for relaxing tension, reducing puffiness, and stimulating circulation. It is a great treatment for congestion in the sinuses including ear congestion and pain. You will definitely enjoy this part of the treatment!
Facial Gua Sha
Gua sha is often included with facial cupping but it is also something to consider doing at home with a roller. A gua sha tool, classically made from jade, is glided or scraped along the skin. It has many of the same benefits of cupping with a greater ability to work with deeper structures of the face. It is great for lymphatic movement and releasing tension, along with contouring.
Thai Herbal Compresses
Herbal compresses combine the many benefits of herbs with moist heat and massage. These compresses are made in Thailand from local sustainably harvested herbs. There are 6 facial formulas for everything from acne to aging skin. These compresses can be reheated and used up to 10 times, so you can take them home following your treatment and continue to absorb the wonderful benefits of this technique. Herbal compresses are used in a way similar to Gua Sha, sculpting the tissues of the face and stimulating blood flow and lymph. The moist heat is great for unblocking the pores and sinuses too. This treatment feels amazing.
By Amber Hincks LAc FABORM