'Cosmetic acupuncture' latest natural beauty craze promising 'Botox' like effects

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Beauty enthusiasts are turning to an all-natural version of cosmetic procedures
Facial acupuncture is a non-toxic, painless version of Botox and fillers
The treatment stimulates the production of collagen and new skin cell growth
It also improves circulation, muscle tone and enhances radiance from inside out

By Alice Murphy For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 20:09 EST, 13 November 2018 | Updated: 20:42 EST, 13 November 2018

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For centuries, Chinese medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture have been the go-to health bibles of those who shun Western medicine.

With a wealth of widely accepted benefits ranging from the alleviation of headaches and nausea to improved fertility and general pain reduction, there is little doubt alternative therapies play an important role in modern well-being.

But while these health-enriching effects were once confined to internal wellness, in recent years one particular alternative practice has transitioned into the aesthetic beauty industry.

Enter cosmetic acupuncture, an all-natural, non-toxic and painless treatment which promises to smooth, refine and enhance skin's radiance while also reducing signs of ageing.

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Cosmetic or facial acupuncture is an all-natural, non-toxic and painless treatment which smooths skin, enhances radiance and reduces the signs of ageing from the inside out

Facial acupuncture has been credited with reducing blemishes and scarring, alleviating acne and tightening pores (pictured, before and after cosmetic acupuncture treatment)

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN FACIAL ACUPUNCTURE HELP WITH?

* Fine lines and wrinkles

* Crows feet

* Sagging skin

* Droopy eyelids and under-eye bags

* Dry, sun damaged skin

* Pigmentation

* Acne and scarring

* Open pores

Source: Acupuncture and Beauty Centre Sydney

Eli Huang, a Sydney-based practitioner of Chinese Medicine and beauty therapist, described the process and benefits of the procedure.

'Cosmetic acupuncture is a natural alternative to Botox for those looking at treatments to assist with reducing fine lines and wrinkles,' she said.

'It also counteracts uneven skin tone, puffiness, acne or blemishes and sagging skin.'

'Using very fine sterile needles which are inserted at specific areas around the face and body, cosmetic acupuncture aims to address skin concerns without the chemical or toxic side effects of Botox.

'With regular sessions patient's should see an improvement in their skin as well as experiencing a sense of relaxation overall calm.'

Cosmetic acupuncture aims to address skin concerns without the chemical or toxic side effects of Botox (pictured, before and after photos show a visible improvement in skin texture and tone)

Patients reportedly notice visible results after eight to 10 treatments, the effects of which last for years.

Unlike other procedures, facial acupuncture works from the inside out to give you a healthy, radiant glow by improving skin tone and texture naturally.

Benefits of cosmetic acupuncture include increased collagen production, creation of new skin cells, improved circulation, tighter muscle tone and enhanced radiance.

It is often combined with infrared light therapy, micro-needling and cupping to boost the effects of treatment.

HOW DOES COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

Like Botox and fillers, cosmetic acupuncture aims to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as dealing with the underlying causes of these facial blemishes.

Acupuncture specifically addresses the primary factor for premature ageing, namely the reduction in collagen production.

Cosmetic acupuncture stimulates the production of collagen by painlessly inserting fine needles into specific trigger points on the face, neck and head to promote circulation and increase the volume of elastin.

It also improves local blood supply to the face which reduces the appearance if fine lines and creates better muscle tone, tighter pores and healthier facial colour.

Gwyneth Paltrow (left, in a July 2018 Instagram post) is a long-time advocate of facial acupuncture, as is newly minted royal Meghan Markle (right)

Newly minted royal Meghan Markle is a long time devotee of facial acupuncture, and credits the Chinese practice for maintaining her radiant complexion.

In the run up to their May 2018 wedding, both the Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry had regular appointments with celebrity acupuncturist Ross Barr whose treatments have been lauded as 'better than Botox'.

Gwyneth Paltrow is also an advocate of facial acupuncture and took to Instagram in July to share a photo from one of her hour-long weekly sessions.

Paltrow's go-to practitioner, New York City-based Paul Kempisty, told Glamour that facial treatments focus on 'supporting connective tissue, circulation and detoxification of the face'.

The efficacy and safety of acupuncture is recognised by the World Health Organisation.