Cromwell Facial Acupuncture experts | Natural revitalised skin

Unique benefits occur when the body is gently stimulated by fine needles. These tiny, controlled “microtraumas” prompt your body to respond and go into a natural repair mode — helping to restore balance and rejuvenate from within.

While “microtraumas” might sound a bit daunting, they’re actually how acupuncture supports your body’s natural healing processes. They boost your lymphatic and circulatory systems, increasing the flow of nutrients and oxygen to your skin and muscles. That’s why acupuncture works so well for both body and face.

When applied to the face, these gentle microtraumas help stimulate circulation, support collagen production, and deliver more nutrients to your skin. The result? Fine lines and wrinkles soften, skin appears more lifted and even, and your complexion takes on a healthy, natural glow — all thanks to your body’s own healing power, with nothing new introduced to your skin.

Facial acupuncture is incredibly popular in my home country, Japan, but it’s still relatively new here in New Zealand — especially in Central Otago. With our dry climate, many of us experience skin dryness that can lead to a range of concerns, from dullness and fine lines to irritation. Facial acupuncture offers a gentle, natural way to nourish and hydrate your skin, supporting both its health and appearance.

Improved skin elasticity
Softer fine lines and wrinkles
A brighter, more radiant complexion
Lifting of sagging skin
Minimized pores
Reduced puffiness and facial swelling
Less tension in the facial muscles and jaw
Less visible bags under the eyes

In addition to these aesthetic benefits, facial acupuncture can also support sinus health, ease headaches and migraines, soothe dry eyes, help with acne, and reduce tension-related pain in the jaw, ears, and teeth. Essentially, it’s a way to gently address concerns that come from poor circulation, lymphatic sluggishness, or tight muscles — giving you a natural, balanced glow that goes deeper than skin-deep.

Everyone responds differently to acupuncture, as it works with your body’s natural healing processes. Many people notice a feeling of ‘skin tightening’ and a brighter complexion after just one session. Research suggests that most people see clear improvements within about five sessions.

For best results, we recommend starting with a stimulation phase before moving into a maintenance phase:

Stimulation phase: 1 visit per week for 3 weeks
Maintenance phase: 1 visit per month (For women, this is best done after each monthly cycle; for men, any time monthly.)

Each session is carefully tailored, but typically includes:

Needle placement on the neck, back, and shoulders to help you fully relax
Gentle, deep exfoliation of the facial skin and décolletage (using the ageLOC® LumiSpaTM) to clear pores and smooth skin
Application of around 20 ultra-fine needles on the face, neck, and key points on the hands and feet to boost circulation and lymphatic flow
Removal of needles, followed by a biocellulose hydration mask (ageLOC® Galvanic PowerMask) for deep hydration
Use of a microcurrent device (ageLOC® Galvanic Spa®) over the mask to help lift facial muscles and push moisture deep into the skin
Gentle facial and décolletage massage with Gua sha, an ancient technique that encourages lymphatic drainage and relaxation

You’ll leave feeling refreshed, lifted, and deeply relaxed. Each appointment lasts about an hour, though exact steps may vary depending on your assessment that day.

The skincare world is overflowing with options — so I’ve taken the time to find and test products that deliver real results, not just empty promises. Here’s why I use them:

ageLOC® LumiSpaTM
Developed by scientists and dermatologists, this award-winning device gently exfoliates and supports skin’s natural brightness and tone.