Back to facial rejuvenation page

"Best Bets in Beauty"
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Can you smooth wrinkles with Chinese therapy?

As a healing technique, acupuncture boasts an impressive track record. By inserting tiny needles into various areas of the blood pressure. Now, acupuncturists say that their services can also erase signs of aging.
Cosmetic acupuncture works in a variety of ways, says licensed acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Phyllis Olson, Lac. First, inserting a needle into the skin causes oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to rush to that spot. This promotes circulation and healing. Second, facial muscles relax during the treatment. Olson says, which lessens the appearance of wrinkles. Finally, acupuncturists believe that the body's energy, or chi, takes certain pathways. By using needles to access points on those pathways, an acupuncturist can move the energy where it's needed to speed healing or eliminate damage.
While there's no scientific evidence to back up these claims, cosmetic acupuncture may have some benefits, says Barney Kenet, MD, a dermatologic surgeon at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan.
"Next to the sun, contraction of facial muscles is the major cause of wrinkling, that's why we get smile lines and crow's feet," says Dr. Kenet. "If acupuncture relaxes the muscles, it might reduce wrinkling temporarily." As for the increased blood flow, at most it will probably give you a temporary rosy complexion - something you don't want if you have an inflammatory condition such as acne or rosacea, he warns. Otherwise, cosmetic acupuncture is relatively harmless.
If you're interested in trying it, keep expectations in check, and enjoy the experience. Aside from the light, momentary stings, acupuncture is really quite relaxing, say Olson.