Acupuncture For a Natural Beauty Boost

By Becky Smith, MAc, LAc

Acupuncture is one of the few traditional medicines that has survived into the modern day because it really works. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 28 diseases, conditions and symptoms that acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment for. The WHO has also identified 63 more conditions, diseases and symptoms that acupuncture has some level of therapeutic effect on. Another lesser known benefit of acupuncture is that it can provide a beauty boost that is experienced from the inside-out.

In acupuncture the complexion is seen as a reflection of what is going on internally. For example, the skin’s texture is connected with the energetic systems of the lungs and large intestine. The color of red or lack of red (paleness) in the face is connected with sufficient blood circulation, which is a function of the energetic system of the heart.

Studying the face helps the acupuncturist make a diagnosis and decide where to place needles. Treatments work to achieve glowing skin by improving the body’s constitution and adjusting the internal environment, which leads to improvement in your complexion externally.

Here are a few different ways acupuncture can help help your complexion.

Brighten Dull Skin

Acupuncture can brighten dull skin directly and indirectly by stimulating points on the face as well as by rebalancing the body’s systems. Placing needles in the skin increases circulation and improves lymphatic flow. Dullness can also indicate a lack of Qi or energy flowing properly through the body, so needles placed elsewhere in the body would work to increase and improve the flow of Qi.

End Breakouts, Rosacea and Rashes

Acupuncture for acne, rosacea and rashes is all about balancing the insides to achieve results outside. Often in cases of acne or chronic rashes, there are hormonal or digestive imbalances resulting in a condition called internal heat, which is similar to inflammation in conventional terms. Balancing the digestive processes and hormones leads to better digestion, easier menstrual cycles as well as fewer and less severe breakouts, redness and itchy rashes on the skin.

Depuff

A puffy face indicates something is going on with the internal landscape, weather it’s digestive issues, a virus, allergies or poor lymphatic drainage. Treatments to improve digestive function, and encourage the body to process excess fluids would be used, restoring the body’s natural functions resulting in improved drainage with decreased swelling and puffiness.