by Dr. Alex Heyne Contributor

Facial Acupuncture: Points and Benefits

In recent years, there has been more interest in holistic skincare, reflecting a shift towards more natural and comprehensive approaches to achieving healthy skin. Among various holistic skincare practices, facial acupuncture is a time-honored and traditional method rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

This ancient practice views the skin as a reflection of the body’s internal balance and energy flow, and it uses carefully selected acupuncture points to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and enhance overall well-being. This blog will help you better understand facial acupuncture and its benefits, plus it will cover major facial acupuncture points and their purposes.

Understanding Facial Acupuncture

Facial acupuncture operates on the fundamental principle that the skin’s health is intricately connected to the body’s internal balance. TCM posits that the face is a map reflecting the body’s energy flow, and by carefully applying acupuncture to specific facial points, practitioners aim to restore harmony and stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Distinct from traditional acupuncture, facial acupuncture focuses on points directly related to skin health and facial function. Moreover, facial acupuncture is capable of enhancing blood circulation to the facial region, promoting collagen production, and balancing the body’s energy (Qi). Beyond the physical benefits for skin appearance and texture, individuals who receive facial acupuncture often report a sense of relaxation and emotional balance.

Major Facial Acupuncture Points

Facial acupuncture points are areas on the face corresponding to specific meridians in TCM. Each point serves a distinct purpose, influencing energy flow and promoting holistic well-being. By stimulating these points, facial acupuncture not only offers aesthetic benefits but also contributes to emotional balance, releasing tension, and revitalizing the overall appearance of the face. These points include:

Yin Tang (Third Eye Point): Located between the eyebrows, Yin Tang is a crucial facial acupuncture point known for its ability to calm the mind and reduce stress. This point is often targeted to alleviate tension, promote relaxation, and improve overall emotional well-being. It is also commonly used when people have insomnia and sleep issues.
Taiyang (Great Yang) – Temporal Region: Positioned in the temporal area, Taiyang is associated with the gall bladder meridian and is frequently used in facial acupuncture to address issues such as headaches, jaw tension, and eye strain. Stimulating this point may contribute to improved circulation and relief from facial discomfort.
Sizhukong (Four Whites) – Eye Area: Sizhukong is a set of four acupuncture points surrounding the eyes. These points are utilized to address eye strain, reduce puffiness, and enhance the overall appearance of the eyes. Activation of Sizhukong promotes better energy flow in the eye region.
Jiache (Stabilizing Cheek) – Cheekbones: Positioned along the cheekbones, Jiache is targeted to address issues related to facial muscle tension and promote relaxation in the cheek area. This acupuncture point is often chosen to enhance the tone and symmetry of the cheeks while contributing to an overall sense of facial balance.
Renzhong (Philtrum) – Upper Lip Region: Located in the upper lip region, Renzhong is associated with the conception vessel and is frequently used to alleviate issues like lip asymmetry and promote a harmonious balance in the upper facial region. Stimulating Renzhong is believed to enhance overall facial vitality and appearance.

Read More: This is Your Brain on Acupuncture

Watch: 4 Acupuncture Points to Calm Your Mind and Body

Facial Acupuncture Benefits

Complexion Boost

Facial acupuncture has a remarkable ability to improve skin appearance and texture. By strategically stimulating specific acupuncture points, facial acupuncture prompts the body to maintain its density of collagen, a key protein vital for skin elasticity and firmness.

Moreover, the treatment enhances blood circulation, ensuring a nutrient-rich blood supply to facial tissues. This holistic synergy contributes to a rejuvenated complexion, offering individuals not only visible improvements in skin quality but also a natural glow that emanates from the benefits of improved collagen and blood circulation.

Stimulating certain acupuncture points can also contribute to the restoration of skin affected by sun damage, aiding in the reduction of pigmentation, fine lines, and overall rejuvenation. In a 2015 study on skin exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation, Thread Embedding Acupuncture (TEA) treatment reduced wrinkles and skin thickness compared to UVB-exposed skin. It also significantly inhibited UVB-induced activation of cellular enzymes that respond to stress signals and subsequently lead to collagen fiber degradation. These results suggest that TEA treatment may have anti-photoaging effects, safeguarding against UVB-induced skin damage by maintaining collagen density.

In the case of skin conditions such as rosacea, marked by facial redness and inflammation, facial acupuncture can help improve symptoms by regulating blood flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting a balanced energy flow in the skin. A 2018 report discussed the case of a 52-year-old woman diagnosed with rosacea, who found limited relief with conventional treatments.

Acupuncture was administered three times a week, resulting in significant improvements around the nose within the first week and a six-month relapse-free period. Laser Doppler measurements showed blood flow changes during and after acupuncture, and the patient’s quality of life, assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index, substantially improved. The findings suggest that acupuncture could be an alternative and cost-effective therapy for localized facial rosacea, warranting further controlled studies.

Watch: Here’s Why Dark Circles Under Your Eyes Won’t Go Away

Pain Reduction and Paralysis Improvement

Facial acupuncture has also demonstrated efficacy in addressing facial pain and tension issues. By strategically targeting specific acupuncture points associated with facial nerves and muscles, the practice stimulates blood circulation, enhances Qi flow, and promotes the release of endorphins. The gentle insertion of needles encourages muscle relaxation, alleviating tension and promoting a harmonious balance in the facial muscles.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) are chronic conditions causing facial pain with unknown underlying causes and limited treatment options. A 2017 report presented cases of two women with facial pain who received acupuncture treatment twice a week. After 29 and 60 acupuncture sessions, respectively, both patients experienced complete relief from facial pain.

Facial acupuncture can also help improve facial paralysis symptoms. By strategically targeting acupuncture points associated with facial nerves and muscles, this practice can promote nerve regeneration. Consistent sessions may lead to improved muscle tone, reduced spasms, and a gradual restoration of facial movement.

A 2019 study aimed to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating Bell’s palsy sequelae, partial paralysis to one side of the face. Forty patients were randomly assigned to either the acupuncture or control group. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using facial nerve compound motor action potential, House-Brackmann (HB), and Sunnybrook (SB) grading scales.

The acupuncture group showed a significant improvement in compound motor action potential values. Both SB and HB scores significantly improved in both groups, with a higher significance level in the acupuncture group. The study concluded that acupuncture is effective in improving Bell’s palsy sequelae, providing a safe treatment option.

Holistic Skincare

Complementing facial acupuncture with mindful lifestyle choices and a nourishing diet forms the cornerstone of maintaining healthy skin. Adequate hydration, a diet rich in antioxidants, and stress management contribute to the skin’s vitality from within. A synergistic skincare routine enhances the effects of facial acupuncture, emphasizing the importance of using products that align with the body’s natural balance.

A recommended skincare routine to accompany facial acupuncture involves gentle cleansing, hydrating toners, and serums infused with natural ingredients. Prioritizing sun protection, choosing products suitable for one’s skin type, and indulging in occasional facial massages further fortify the benefits of acupuncture.

Holistic beauty extends beyond external practices; fostering overall well-being involves mindfulness, self-care rituals, and embracing the profound connection between inner and outer radiance.

Watch: 3 Proven Remedies for Hair Loss and Regrowth

Conclusion

In conclusion, facial acupuncture stands as a transformative and holistic approach to skin revitalization. The practice has many benefits, from improved skin appearance to emotional balance, and it can have a profound impact on overall wellness. I encourage you to integrate TCM into your skincare and embrace facial acupuncture. You can discover a path to radiant skin and a sense of well-being that goes beyond the surface, diving into the interconnected realms of mind, body, and spirit.