Acupuncture Treatment
Dr. Jyothi Rao, MD
Acupuncture Services
Dr. Jyothi Rao, MD
acupuncture services
What Is Facial Acupuncture?
How We Use Acupuncture For Skin Care
Acupuncture is an Ancient Chinese practice commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This ancient practice involves inserting tiny needles into the upper layers of the skin along meridian points that correspond to energy centers. Focusing on these centers helps clear any energy blocks, and restore the balance between energy, emotion, and environment, thus promoting health (1) Along with acupuncture, acupressure is also beneficial for skin care, and involves applying pressure to the same meridian points.
Facial acupuncture- an extension of the traditional practice- has many benefits for facial rejuvenation and addressing skin issues. However, these benefits wouldn’t be possible if you didn’t balance them across the whole body.
At Shakthi Health, we understand that internal health is just as important as external wellness, which means the appearance of your skin matters!
In addition to acupuncture for health issues, such as arthritis, headaches/migraines, and allergies. So, whether your goal is to smooth wrinkles or finally address rosacea once and for all, Dr. Rao will take the time to fully explore your concerns before formulating a plan that addresses both the root (cause) and the branch (symptoms).
How Treatment Works
How Treatment Works
Like acupuncture on the body, facial acupuncture includes the therapist placing tiny, painless needles (40 to 70) in various spots on the face that correspond to different organs in the body. Similar to, but less intense than, microneedling- these small “microtraumas” in the skin activate the body’s natural defense system.
This response leads to extra nutrients and oxygen going to the skin on the face to repair it- resulting in fresher, clearer, and youthful skin. However, one important thing to note is that while acupuncture is a safer alternative to Botox and fillers, results are not as immediate. While your body will respond as highlighted above, since much of what is happening is from the inside out, it will take some time to show. (2)
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and digestive issues. It can also be helpful in managing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. The needles used are very thin, and the risk of infection or injury is low.
Does acupuncture hurt
Most people experience little to no pain during an acupuncture treatment. Some people may feel a slight pinching or tingling sensation when the needle is inserted, but this is typically very brief.
How long does an acupuncture treatment take?
Acupuncture treatments usually last between 30 and 60 minutes. The length of the treatment will depend on the condition being treated and the practitioner's approach.
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Facial acupuncture is more than just cosmetic
While the benefits of facial acupuncture are great for youthful, fresh skin, it turns out that acupuncture is also great for skin issues. Since skin issues, such as acne, eczema, and discoloration are often due to a lack of blood circulation and dampness (a build-up of fluids), acupuncture is an excellent treatment option since increased blood and fluid circulation is just one way that acupuncture produces healthier skin. (3) In addition to acne, eczema, and discoloration, acupuncture is also beneficial for conditions, such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and urticaria (hives).
Dr. Rao uses acupuncture to treat the following conditions:
- Photo damage from sun exposure
- Inflammatory diseases, such as those highlighted above
- Pigmentation disorders, such as melasma
- Signs of aging
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Impetigo- a skin infection that produces red sores and usually affects the area around the nose and lips (4)
While the exact mechanism of how acupuncture works is still not entirely known, evidence shows that acupuncture is more effective in treating various skin issues when compared to placebos and non-treatment. (5)
To help you reach your skincare goals, Shakthi Health also offers other skin treatments, such as microneedling, LED therapy, peels, microdermabrasion, and mask therapy. And because what you put on your face matters- Dr. Rao has paired up with Toma- an all-natural skincare line that focuses on battling the effects of aging and addresses various skin conditions with sustainably-sourced ingredients.
What to expect as a Patient?
Before you get started, Dr. Rao will sit down with you to discuss your concerns and plan for treatment. During the session, she will place tiny needles of varying lengths into different areas of your face, depending on your particular health needs. While some people experience a dull sensation at the end of the needle, this should go away. Acupuncture is a safe and low-risk treatment; however, some people will have bruising and minor bleeding following the session. People who take blood thinners should tell the doctor beforehand.
Acupuncture is an excellent treatment choice for a multitude of health concerns, and now it can also help you restore the youthful appearance of your skin. If you’re interested in learning more about acupuncture for skin care and how it can help you- call us at (301) 703-5067.
Meet Dr. Jyothi Rao
Dr. Rao believes in functional medicine. This approach treats the root cause of chronic illness, not just the symptoms. By combining conventional, holistic, and alternative treatments like acupuncture, we can help patients achieve full body health and wellness.
Related Treatments
Treatments we offer that are often used alongside Acupuncture.
Conditions Treated
Common conditions treated by Acupuncture.