Botox injections to erase facial lines are commonplace today but facial acupuncture, a treatment that’s been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is becoming increasingly popular as a natural alternative to plastic surgery and Botox. Acupuncture needles are a well-accepted treatment in the West for migraines or stress but facial acupuncture for aesthetic purposes is a more recent phenomenon. However, there are already dozens of clinics offering this service in London alone. Dr John Tsagaris, a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was one of the first in the UK to offer facial acupuncture and is now one of London’s top practitioners in non-invasive aesthetic techniques. He combines the ancient traditions of Chinese medicine with new scientific medical insights to promote what he describes as “ageing well.” Dr Tsagaris’s methods have been praised by his loyal customers, including celebrity ones. Penelope Cruz in London’s Evening Standard recently described Dr John Tsagaris as “one of the best acupuncturists in the world.”
Cosmetic acupuncture by Dr. John Tsagaris
Dr. John Tsagaris
Using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dr John Tsagaris uses acupuncture, specific bodywork, as well as herbal, supplement and lifestyle recommendations to help clients “age well” rather than to try to artificially hold back time. His signature treatment, “beauty acupuncture,” combines acupuncture with traditional facial treatments. Before the dozens of fine needles are applied to the face, the skin is prepared using Dr Tsaagaris’s own SkinPointEight products that cleanse and gently exfoliate. After the acupuncture, a SkinPointEight mask is applied and facial acupressure/shiatsu plus a derma-roller Chinese tool (that doesn’t include needles) is used to enable the ingredients in the mask to penetrate deep
So how does facial acupuncture actually work and does having at least 50 tiny needles inserted across the face hurt? The needles are incredibly fine so they make the slightest of painless pricks but what these tiny punctures do is cause the body to go into repair mode, increasing circulation and oxygen supply to the skin. The technique, inspired from traditional acupuncture, encourages production of newer, stronger collagen and elastin fibres resulting in improved firmness, elasticity, reduced fine lines and a healthier complexion and texture overall. This micro-wound healing response, unlike Botox, can influence the longterm health of the skin, working on more than just the superficial signs of ageing.
The main result people experience from facial acupuncture is a brighter, plumper complexion. The treatment does help to smooth lines and improve the firmness and volume of skin. But unlike Botox or dermal fillers, or a more extreme procedure like a facelift, facial acupuncture isn’t a quick, instant fix and more than one treatment is advised. An initial course of four treatments is suggested, once or twice a month with follow-up sessions to ensure maximum efficacy and long term results. Keeping in mind that a Botox treatment is an ongoing treatment as it only lasts a few months and involves injecting Botulinum toxin, it’s not surprising that a more natural treatment like facial acupuncture is becoming more popular.
In addition to facial acupuncture, Dr Tsagaris uses 20 minutes of LED (Light Emitting Diode) light therapy, backed up by NASA research, to activate skin cells and focus on skin’s cellular performance, to further enhance the acupuncture results. The treatment concludes with a short lymphatic facial massage with a special sonic device, followed by facial cupping to maximise the skin’s microcirculation and plumpness. The eye area is also gently treated with an eye massage tool and various serums and creams.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to Botox or seeking a treatment that will ensure you leave with a healthy glow and less fine lines (and who doesn’t want that?) Dr Tsagaris’s signature acupuncture facial is definitely worth considering. Dr Tsagaris moved his practice this year to the Harrod’s Wellness Clinic.