We love facial acupuncture; you may recall our article about microcurrent and facial acupuncture. Well, now Dr. Briglia discusses facial acupuncture and skincare.
Ancient Knowledge Comes to Contemporary Aesthetics
In today’s dynamic world of skincare, professionals are always on the lookout for holistic, efficient, and eco-friendly treatments. Facial acupuncture is such a modality that is growing in popularity in esthetics spas all over the world. Based in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), facial acupuncture not only addresses outer-layer concerns but also stimulates healing and renewal from the inside out.

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What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient practice from China dating back more than 2,500 years. It is based upon inserting very fine, sterile needles at specific points along the body to balance energy flow, or “qi” (pronounced “chee”). These points correspond to pathways referred to as meridians, which map to internal organs and functions. Stimulating these points, through acupuncture, can restore balance, decrease inflammation, ease pain, and bring general health.
How Acupuncture Works
In TCM, blocked or unbalanced qi is said to manifest either as physical or emotional symptoms. The smooth flow of qi is promoted by acupuncture, which in turn reinforces the body’s inherent capacity to recover. Scientifically, stimulation of the nervous system, increased blood flow, and release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters conducive to overall wellness are said to be encouraged by acupuncture.

Contribution by Dr. Krystal Briglia
Dr. Krystal Briglia is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in aesthetic dermatology, integrative medicine, and wellness. She has an extensive and diverse background in healthcare, with over a decade of experience working in emergency, critical care, trauma, aesthetics, healthcare administration, and healthcare education. Krystal holds multiple board certifications, including family practice, emergency, and critical care. Her educational background includes two undergraduate degrees, a degree in health sciences, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Delaware. She holds four graduate-level degrees, including a master’s degree in nursing leadership, a master’s degree in business administration, and completed her nurse practitioner education at the University of Massachusetts. In 2016, Krystal completed her clinical doctorate in nursing practice. Dr. Briglia is an entrepreneur and specializes in organizational process improvement. She is a Lean Six Sigma master black belt, a certified Six Sigma champion, and a certified Kaizen facilitator. She also has a passion for education and spent 6 years teaching health profession graduate-level courses. During that time, she held a lead faculty position and helped the university develop a family nurse practitioner program from inception to credentialing and first graduates.
Beyond Beauty: Facial Acupuncture
Facial acupuncture is based on the principles of traditional acupuncture but uses these principles to work with the face and neck. This treatment is more than skin-deep, however. The face is also home to meridians that are linked to the body’s internal organs. If needled, these points can reflect and affect overall health. Facial acupuncture increases circulation, supports collagen levels, and tones facial muscle tissue — all of which work to give you a glowing complexion.

Advantages of Facial Acupuncture and Traditional Acupuncture
Facial acupuncture can minimize fine lines, restore skin tone, and enhance elasticity. It can also aid in lymphatic drainage to help depuff. On an overall level, acupuncture can treat issues such as stress, digestive problems, hormonal imbalance, and pain. Acupuncture is an empowering complementary modality that can be used to provide clients with an integrated way of improving health.
Blending Facial Acupuncture with Skincare Regimens
Used in conjunction with other therapies such as microcurrent facials, LED Light Therapy treatments, or massage, facial acupuncture can be used to heighten results. A series of sessions is more likely to provide dramatic results since the effect is cumulative. Partnering with an acupuncturist or adding acupuncture-related techniques to your spa menu can stimulate new possibilities for client care.
A Systemic Approach to Healthy Skin
Facial acupuncture is an elegant fusion of ancient healing with modern dermatological science. Through treating internal imbalances that present externally, it enables skincare professionals to add depth to their practice. For estheticians looking to add an edge to their treatments from a holistic perspective, recommending facial acupuncture is a needle’s-point accurate path to glowing outcomes.
