Cosmetic Acupuncture: Does it really work?
Looking ten years younger doesn’t have to involve Botox or plastic surgery. As Wellness coach Tamra Mercieca discovers, the restoration of our youthful appearance could be just a few pin pricks away.
Having experienced problem skin for much of my life, I decided to follow in the footsteps of Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow and give Cosmetic Acupuncture a try. Mostly used to iron out wrinkles and fine lines, even Cher has been spiked with disposable, hair-thin needles, in an effort to turn back time.
For me however, the lure of healthy vanity was more about combating acne as opposed to scoring a natural facelift. Knowing that Chinese physicians have practised this form or dermatology for some 5,000 years, I felt confident that if they could fix skin conditions such as broken capillaries and rosacea, then my face could easily be restored to optimal health.
What to expect?
As I lay down on the table, I knew I was in capable hands. My practitioner Vivian Tam had learnt her skills from the best, Oriential Medicine trainer Mary Elizabeth Wakefield. Vivian began the treatment with Jade rollers to enhance my blood circulation, before placing fine needles in my face and around my eyes.
She explained how the face lifts itself, via the acupuncture points, through the muscles’ toning and tightening action. “The needles wake up muscles that have loosened and sagged, and relax muscles that are overly tight, causing pulling of the delicate facial skin.”
The needles are finer than those used in traditional acupuncture treatments, are more gentle and cause virtually no pain. Wakefield says she takes the ‘less is more’ approach. “We do not stick hundreds of needles into the face; each treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs.”
Once the needles were removed, I enjoyed a series of Chinese herbal masks, poultices and moisturisers, just as you would, if you were having a facial. Within a couple of sessions, I saw a remarkable difference in my skin. The acne had almost completely disappeared, my skin was softer and more vibrant, and friends commented on my youthful glow.
Tam says clients usually have ten to fifteen sessions that last between 60 and 90 minutes. “People with sagging tendencies, such as double chin and jowls, may require up to 20 sessions, by which time the patient should look and feel five to 15 years younger.”
“If properly maintained with a healthy lifestyle, the results of Cosmetic Acupuncture can last a few years. Botox on the other hand, is only a temporary fix, with the botulinum toxin the most virulent poison known to mankind.”
Part of the beauty of cosmetic acupuncture facelifts is their accessibility; they take about as long as a manicure. Afterwards, there is no scar and no permanently surprised expression. It simply makes you look young and bursting with health. So if it was good enough for the Emperors and Empresses of China, why shouldn’t it work for us?
Where to: (all of these places have the appropriate qualifications and accreditation)
NSW: Acupuncture Health and Beauty, Eli Huang. (02) 9728 6176
She has two clinics – 62A Smart St. Fairfield and 118/8 Quay St, Sydney
VIC: Centre of Health Ivanhoe, Vivian Tam. (03) 9441 0088
201 Banksia St, Ivanhoe
www.centreofhealthivanhoe.com.au
QLD: Mind, Body, Synergy, Simone Stolmack. 0434 419 708
The Golden Door Spa and Health Club, 73 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach.
WA: Holistic Wellness Clinic, Ann Firth. 0419 861 417
Ambiance, 38 Canns Rd, Bedfordale
She also works from Natural Vitality, 17/17 Tribute St. Shelly (08) 9259 6288