When you think of acupuncture what springs to mind? A stiff neck? Back pain? Or a woo woo way to relax? But did you ever consider it as a treatment to help your complexion? Well, that's exactly what thousands of people are using acupuncture for to create a glowing visage more naturally.
Originating in China around 6000 BCE, the ancient practice uses fine needles to stimulate points under the skin that release the flow of energy, or qi, in the body. As a result, it can reduce inflammation within our organs and help balance the myriad of functions our body carries out every day. During an acupuncture treatment, your practitioner will use your pulse and tongue health to determine any weaknesses within the body and devise an appropriate course of treatment. As our largest organ, it makes sense that our skin isn't exempt from its own catalogue of flaws. From digestion and stress to hormones and intolerances, what is happening to our body on the inside, will often show up on the outside on our skin, therefore acupuncture can treat the cause, not just the symptoms.
Boost collagen
While we look to topical creams and digestible supplements to boost the collagen in our skin, accupuncture is also an effective way to maintain the health of our skin as we age. By stimulating specific pressure points on the face, it can increase our body's natural collagen production and bring fresh blood to our visage.
Improve skin tone
Stress is an everyday occurrence and one we feel throughout our body. But prolonged periods of stress can significantly impair our skin's barrier function, leaving it open to the elements, leading to acne, dryness and sensitivity. But through acupuncture, the nervous system can be rebalanced, calmed and supported, alleviating stress, reducing cortisol levels and leaving your skin stronger than ever.
De-puff
Hands up who have cursed that salty meal the night before when you see your puffy reflection in the morning. We thought so. A swollen face could be down to a poor night's sleep, alcohol or a salty meal, but if it's ongoing it could be a sign of poor lymphatic drainage, leaky gut or digestive issues. Acupuncture needles are great at triggering a healing response in the body and by targeting a few points in the stomach, it can de-puff your face in an instant.
Banish blemishes
By correcting imbalances through acupuncture and planning your treatments around your cycle, it can bring your hormones into synergy, helping to prevent adult acne and clearing up your skin as a result. It may take a couple of months to correct but you should see results.
Get the glow
A dewy complexion that radiates health is the beauty holy grail. Although our skincare regime certainly helps bring a glowy visage to life, acupuncture can make sure it's sustainable. By clearing blocked qi, balancing hormones and increasing our bloodflow around the body, we get a fresh batch of oxygen-laden blood to our face giving it a brighter, smoother appearance.
Calm sensitivity
Winter skin is a force to be reckoned with. From rosacea and eczema to dryness and a lacklustre finish, fighting against cold weather and dry central heating can sometimes feel like a losing battle. But, did you know that a lot of skin sensitivity is actually bred from our gut? If we have inflammation in our gut caused by a poor diet, stress, illness or food allergies, it can cause proteins to leak into the body, causing inflammation and irritate the skin. By targeting the digestive system, acupuncture can heal gut issues, strengthen the intestinal barrier and ease the side effects to your skin as a result. Win-win!
Article by Jessica Harris
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