Is Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture An Alternative To Botox?

I think it is safe to say that we are all a little interested in looking younger and feeling our best. One of the first signs of aging is our skin. We start to notice those little fine lines, some wrinkles here and there, the texture and luster of our skin may change. But what can we do to slow the hands of time? We can change our diets, drink more water and adopt skin care routines, all of which are very important for taking care of bodies largest organ, but what are our options for treating those areas that have already shown up?

One of the more popular options for treating lines and wrinkles is Botox injections. However more recently there is another treatment that is gaining recognition and growing in popularity and that is cosmetic facial acupuncture.

So what is the difference between Botox and cosmetic facial acupuncture? Does cosmetic acupuncture work and is it a viable alternative to Botox?

What is Botox?

Botox is an injection of Botulinum Toxin which is a naturally occurring neurotoxin. The neurotoxin is injected into the muscles that are causing the wrinkles effectively freezing these muscles.  In small doses, it’s thought to be safe but its use hasn’t been long enough to study on the long term effects. The results of Botox injections are instant and pretty drastic, and typically last 4 months on average.

What is Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture?

Treatment consist of placing very fine needles in various areas of the face to influence the dermis of the skin, where elastin and collagen are produced. The treatments can improve the appearance by promoting qi and blood circulation, reducing muscle tension, improving muscle tone, increasing skin elasticity and possibly increasing moisture by clearing heat i.e. inflammation. We are also affecting the dermis of the skin which is the layer where collagen and elastin are produced. By inserting the needles we are causing a micro trauma which then triggers the body to repair by producing more elastin and collagen. In addition to treating the face we also body points and constitutional diagnosis as a combined as part of the treatment, so you can think of it as two treatments in one. Threating both outward appearance and the internal causes of premature aging. So unlike Botox treatment which is a one a done treatment experience cosmetic acupuncture consistency is key to achieve longer last results. Treatments are cumulative with each appointment building on the next as collagen and blood flow return to the face again and again.

To see the best results, treatments are recommended 2 times a week for five or 1 time a week for ten weeks. This allows the body the correct amount of time to repair the dermis and give long-lasting results.

Cosmetic facial acupuncture is effective, how does it then compare to Botox?

Here are some of the differences to consider:

1. With facial acupuncture we’re not paralyzing the muscles that are causing the wrinkles but rather releasing the tension that caused those wrinkles and getting them to work optimally again. You can avoid the “frozen face” of Botox with facial acupuncture.

2. Botox is a known toxin. Even though it is thought to be safe many people believe that (I have to agree) that it hasn’t been in use long enough for us to confirm the safety of its long-term use.

3. Cosmetic facial acupuncture not only improves fine lines and wrinkles but it also has many other benefits. It can address sagging, puffiness and dullness of the complexion. It can help your skin regain its youthful glow and plumpness, lift and tone. It can even out skin tone and texture, improve acne as well as smooth the lines and complexion.

So a few questions to think about when deciding on which way to go are: How comfortable are you with toxins? How comfortable are you with freezing the muscles of your face? Would you like to address more than fine lines and wrinkles? It’s defiantly a personal decision. Its nice to know that you have alternatives.