About the Facial Acupuncture service

Facial Acupuncture is a sub-specialty of Acupuncture focused on treatment of the face. It is most commonly known for its cosmetic applications but may be considered for any disorders affecting the face. Typically, Facial Acupuncture is applied alongside Facial Tuina, Facial Cupping and Facial Guasha as a complete system. Treatment may involve any of these elements according to your needs and preferences.

About the Facial Acupuncture service in Cambridge About the Facial Acupuncture service in Norwich

Hi, I'm Alan

Acupuncturist, Manual Therapist, Herbalist

I practise Facial Acupuncture with a neuromuscular approach to treating the face. My training comprises of Facial Acupuncture, Facial Cupping, Facial Guasha and Facial Tuina. These techniques may be used individually or together as a complete system according to individual needs. Facial Acupuncture may also be integrated with holistic acupuncture treatment and Chinese Medicine care, or applied as a standalone modality.

About the Facial Acupuncture service in Cambridge About the Facial Acupuncture service in Norwich
Teal icon of a person’s head gently held by two hands from sideways view, on a transparent background

Facial Acupuncture

Facial Acupuncture involves the application of Acupuncture to the facial muscles to affect tension, laxity and symmetry. The technique has further effects on collagen production, lymphatic flow and localised inflammation.
Teal icon of a single Facial Cupping cup, on a transparent background

Facial Cupping

Facial Cupping involves the application of suction. This suction is passed across the skin to provide a dynamic stretch to the face to affect muscular tension and facilitate movement between the skin and the muscle layer. The technique has further effects on microcirculation, collagen production and lymphatic flow.
Teal guasha tool icon on a transparent background

Facial Guasha

Facial Guasha involves the application of a smooth tool to manipulate the soft tissue of the face to affect tension. The technique has further effects on microcirculation, collagen production and lymphatic flow.
Teal icon of a person’s head turned to the side, the face supported by hands, on a transparent background

Facial Tuina

Facial Tuina involves the manipulation of the facial muscles to affect tension and promote relaxation. The technique has further effects on lymphatic flow.

About Facial Acupuncture

Comprehensive Facial Acupuncture treatment

Facial Acupuncture is a sub-specialty of Acupuncture treatment focused on the face. It is most commonly known for its cosmetic applications but may be considered by anybody affected by disorders of the face. Typically, Facial Acupuncture is applied alongside Facial Cupping, Facial Guasha and Facial Tuina as a complete system. Your treatment may involve any of these elements according to your needs and preferences to affect the appearance of the face, the function of the face or the expression of the face.

Treatment of the face with Facial Acupuncture

It’s easy to dismiss Facial Acupuncture as a purely cosmetic modality, limited to affecting the appearance of the face. This view would be at complete odds to the traditional roots of facial acupuncture. There are 43 muscles in the face that control and co-ordinate movement of the facial structures including the cheek, lip, eyelid, jaw and eyebrow. Muscular tension and laxity affect the appearance of the face, function of the face and expression of the face.  

Applications

Applications of Facial Acupuncture
Teal icon of a face gently supported by two hands, on a transparent background

Appearance of the face

From infancy, continuous expressions give rise to muscular tension and laxity in the face. These contribute to facial tension, sagging and asymmetry. Facial Acupuncture is applied to affect muscular tension and laxity to address the appearance of the face. Furthermore, superficial application of Acupuncture to the skin may stimulate collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Coloured anatomical illustration of a side profile head showing facial nerve pathways highlighted in red, on a transparent background

Function of the face

Where neuromuscular disorders inhibit the control and co-ordination of facial structures, acupuncture may restore normal function and reduce the appearance of muscular asymmetry. There is some evidence that Acupuncture may reduce pain, improve spasm and restore natural function in the management of Bell’s Palsy or stroke, but much more research is needed in these areas.
Teal icon of a side profile head highlighting the facial and neck muscle structure, on a transparent background

Expression of the face

While it is well-established that Acupuncture may improve mental and emotional wellbeing, Facial Acupuncture is traditionally applied to address the ‘marks’ on the face which are the product of continuous expressions, associated with our emotions. This area of Facial Acupuncture is not researched but it is believed in the traditional roots of the practice that facilitating facial expression may further improve wellbeing in a similar vein to how the practice of conscious smiling may improve mood.

Benefits of Facial Acupuncture

A natural, chemical-free approach to skincare

Whereas facial creams and products aim to improve the appearance of the face by nourishing and toning the skin, Facial Acupuncture aims to enhance the natural function of the face. Consider Facial Acupuncture as a comprehensive solution to facial tension, sagging or asymmetry.

Alternative to facial cosmetic procedures

Whereas facial cosmetic procedures aim to improve the appearance of the face by inhibiting facial expressions, Facial Acupuncture aims to respect and enhance the natural expressions of the face. Consider Facial Acupuncture as a mindful alternative to irreversible facial cosmetic procedures.

Facial Acupuncture training and consultations

Always seek a qualified practitioner for Facial Acupuncture treatment

While the practice of Facial Acupuncture has become increasingly popular amongst aestheticians and cosmetic practitioners in recent years, it is essential that Facial Acupuncture is practised by a qualified Acupuncturist. Facial Acupuncture is a complex sub-specialty of acupuncture which presents risks when improperly applied. I welcome the current government consultation around regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The Professional Standards Authority of Health and Social Care and my regulator, the British Acupuncture Council, have contributed to this consultation recommending that Facial Acupuncture should be subject to more stringent regulation.

My training in Facial Acupuncture

I have been in practice as an Acupuncturist since 2016 after qualifying with a Lic. Ac diploma and BSc. (hons) degree in acupuncture, practising as a member of the British Acupuncture Council. In 2018 I became interested in Facial Acupuncture after experiencing changes to my own face when receiving acupuncture treatment which wasn’t focused to the treatment of the face. Upon exploring available training options in Facial Acupuncture, I sought out Michelle Gellis who is an internationally-recognised expert in the practice of Facial Acupuncture. I was eager to undertake a Facial Acupuncture certification course with the same high standard as in all other modalities I have studied. Michelle has actively practised, promoted, taught and published numerous research articles on the topic for more than thirty years and her training course is reputed as one of the world’s most comprehensive training programmes in the practice of facial acupuncture. After a little bit of pestering (in a nice way!), I was thrilled when Michelle agreed to travel to the UK in 2020 to run her Facial Acupuncture training course here for the very first time. Due to travel restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, this course was postponed and I was delighted to finally complete the Facial Acupuncture certification course in 2023. My training comprises Facial Acupuncture, Facial Cupping, Facial Guasha and Facial Tuina, individually or together as a complete system according to individual needs.

Getting Started with Facial Acupuncture treatment

New patient Facial Acupuncture appointment

During your first Facial Acupuncture appointment, we'll talk through your priorities from Facial Acupuncture treatment, any health issues and underlying health picture so that we can agree a comprehensive treatment plan according to your individual needs. I value person-centred and person-lead care so you’ll always be involved in how your care is planned. To get started with Facial Acupuncture treatment, schedule an appointment or a course of treatment below.

Starting Facial Acupuncture treatment

There may be some assessment and palpation carried out when you come in for your first Facial Acupuncture session, as well as some paperwork. You'll be introduced to the clinic and the process of treatment, and we'll make sure you're comfortable before commencing any treatment. There is never any obligation to undress beyond your comfort level. Typically, access will be needed to the head and face, arms and legs, up to the mid-thigh and upper arm, or to the abdomen or back. Some patients prefer to bring shorts and a sleeveless vest to attend treatments, but any loose clothing is fine. 

Getting started with Facial Acupuncture treatment

Central Cambridge and central Norwich locations

for a healthier world