Aesthetic acupuncture, the “natural Botox,” is growing in popularity

Basic foods:

• Clients are drawn to facial rejuvenation acupuncture as an affordable and less invasive alternative to conventional cosmetic treatments.
• The procedure can minimize fine lines, wrinkles, acne and rosacea.

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a low-risk, non-invasive treatment that can achieve modern beauty goals with traditional Chinese practices. It has gained traction as an alternative to cosmetic procedures such as Botox.

Gudrun Wu Snyder, DAc, an East Asian acupuncturist and founder of Moon Rabbit Acupuncture, a business that has two Chicago-area locations and wants to open a third, says she’s loved seeing the buzz online about facial rejuvenation acupuncture.

“I think people are looking for natural alternatives to cosmetic surgery,” Snyder said. “It’s also more affordable, as many people can’t afford cosmetic procedures.”

Healio spoke with Snyder about cosmetic acupuncture to get her take on the trend and discuss how it compares to procedures like microneedling that dermatologists use.

Healio: What do you think attracts people to facial rejuvenation acupuncture over other cosmetic treatments?

Snyder: Many people are looking for natural alternatives with less chemicals. They are looking for ways to look and feel young. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture has become fashionable now that people are realizing that you can get great results without having to go through more expensive procedures.

Healio: How do cosmetic procedures applied by dermatologists, like microneedling, are they different from facial rejuvenation acupuncture?

Snyder: Microneedling is a much more intense experience. It involves numbing your face and results in more microtraumas to the skin. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture, also known as cosmetic acupuncture, involves fewer needles and the needles go very shallow into the skin. You can leave your acupuncture appointment treatment and get on with your day.

Healio: What results do recipients of facial acupuncture treatments see;

Snyder: Usually, you’ll look like you had your best night’s sleep. We call it your ‘acu glow’. The results will be subtle, with a noticeable difference in fine lines and wrinkles, but this is no facelift, botox or fillers. There is a subtle change that you will notice if you take before and after pictures. Those who have the procedure will be able to say that they look more youthful and rested.

Healio: What hectare standard protocols for needle placement, depth and sterilization in facial acupuncture?

Snyder: All licensed, board-certified acupuncturists use a clean needle technique that is regulated by our governing body in the United States, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). All the needles we use are disposable and sterile.

In terms of technique, each acupuncture treatment will be different because acupuncture heals the individual. With facial acupuncture, the acupuncturist treats the entire body, taking into account the client’s aesthetic and physical goals. Maybe they don’t sleep well, or maybe their digestion is bad, and so each acupuncture treatment will vary. There is no one size fits all, but that is one of the benefits of acupuncture.

Healio: Are there any potential risks or complications associated with the procedure?

Snyder: The risks are small. It may result in a tiny bruise. Sometimes there may be a sting of blood, but for the most part, there is no bleeding. Customers can return to work or go out the same night.

In general, acupuncture is low risk unless someone has a bleeding disorder or is immunocompromised. Always talk to your doctor before getting acupuncture. But if you go to a licensed and experienced acupuncturist, the worst you can expect to see is a small bruise on your face.

Healio: In what cases is the cost of acupuncture treatments covered by health insurance?

Snyder: Insurance often covers acupuncture treatment, although it does not cover cosmetic acupuncture. If someone comes in for something like back pain and they have insurance coverage, we’re able to handle it.

Healio: How is the training of acupuncturists regulated? Wwas your certification process?

Snyder: I completed my undergrad at Vanderbilt University and earned a master’s in science and math at UCLA and trained as an EMT at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. I then went to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine — now known as the Pacific College of Health and Science — where I had to complete 3,000 hours of clinical training over a 4-year program. I have my masters and doctorate in acupuncture.

I also had to be certified and licensed in my state, so I took the NCCAOM board exam. There are four different tests. They include acupoint acupuncture, foundations of Eastern medicine, Chinese herbalism and a biomedical section on anatomy and physiology. Once you pass them, you are certified and can obtain a license within your state.

Healio: WDo you encounter misconceptions about facial acupuncture treatments?

Snyder: One is that it hurts. Although aesthetic acupuncture isn’t as comfortable as a general acupuncture treatment that will make someone feel Zen and sleepy – there are more needles used on the face – it’s still not the level of a microneedling session, which requires numbing.

Another misconception about facial acupuncture is that it gives you the results of a facelift. That’s not what we do. We provide an “acu glow”. Fine lines and wrinkles will look better. We can even deal with things like acne and rosacea. However, this is an anti-inflammatory, small, subtle change.

Healio: What are the prospects for dermatologists and other health professionals? you‘ve Have you come across acupuncture facial rejuvenation?

Snyder: It varies widely, depending on their own experience with acupuncture and other alternative medicines. Many people who come to me for acupuncture treatments are doctors themselves. But I also have people who don’t think acupuncture is a real thing. They haven’t had the moment to experience facial acupuncture for themselves.

Healio: Ithere is something else you‘hey wanted to add about facial rejuvenation acupuncture?

Snyder: It is important to find someone who is licensed and certified in your state. For facial rejuvenation acupuncture specifically, seek additional certification. For example, I did additional coursework where I spent weeks training to become certified in esthetic acupuncture. Find someone to be with you, just like when you’re looking for your doctor, hairdresser or dentist. Find the person you feel comfortable and safe with and who will give you the results you deserve.

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For more information:

Gudrun Wu Snyder, DAc, by Moon Rabbit Acupuncture, can be reached at frontdesk@moonrabbitacupuncture.com.