I first learned about the cosmetic benefits of facial?acupuncture several years ago, in aesthetics school, then again in a course I took about Traditional Chinese Medicine, which included reflexology and acupressure. I first saw microneedling (also referred to as “derma-rolling) demonstrated live on stage at the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa show in Philadelphia. I was intrigued, but I’m not gonna lie–I was concerned, because the presenter suggested that people should get microneedling treatments from an aesthetician or doctor, but they should also pick up a device and do it at home. She assured the audience that the microneedling devices intended for home use are rollers with needles only .25mm long, which is not long enough to reach the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin), and that they were only able to be sold by professionals, so clients would be educated on safe home use.
Unfortunately that’s not true. Microneedling devices are available everywhere.
When I got home from that show, I did an Internet search and found that microneedling devices with needles ranging from .25mm to a whopping 1.5mm are widely available online–to ANYONE. No training or proof of licensure required. To purchase a medical device. Yes folks, that’s e-commerce.?Of course my online search was accompanied by gruesome images of bloody faces and scars caused by improper use of these devices.
From that point forward, anytime anyone asked me my thoughts on microneedling, I quickly responded that I don’t think it’s?safe and that I don’t recommend it for anyone.
Imagine my surprise years later when I saw an acupuncturist use microneedling as part of a facial rejuvenating demonstration!
I’ve always considered acupuncture to be a safe and effective mind-body-spirit healing modality. After all, it’s part of the ancient tradition of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which dates back thousands of years and is still used successfully today. So when a highly regarded acupuncturist not only used a microneedling device on a model–but gave it to her to use at?home–during a demonstrating at a holistic skincare event, I was again, concerned. I was less concerned this time though, because the acupuncturist gave the model a device that was .25mm and also instructed her how and when to use it.
But I still wasn’t convinced that microneedling is?safe.
Today I bring you part 1?of my interview with the lovely and wonderful?Sarica Cernohous, L.Ac., MSTOM, BSBA; a nationally-certified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Herbal Medicine, who practices?Japanese-style acupuncture, including cosmetic acupuncture.
Sarica is also?an instructor on traditional food preparation methods, through her program, “Fresh, Fun and Flavorful in The Funky Kitchen“, and is the author of The Funky Kitchen: One Soccer Mom’s Favorite Traditional Food Techniques and Recipes. She is also a coach for Metabolic Balance of Germany, a chapter leader for the Weston A. Price Foundation and serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. ?She resides in northern Arizona with her husband and two children. Yep, she’s kind of a rock star!
Get Sarica’s free guide: 10 Excellent Things to Do for Yourself and Your Families’ Health!
So of course, I had to ask her about microneedling in our interview! Some of what she said surprised me! Did you know that acupuncture itself isn’t even safe for everyone??Watch what Sarica says about the safety–or not–of microneedling and facial acupuncture in part 1 of our interview.
Don’t miss part 2 of my interview with Sarica!
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Do you use microneedling on yourself or in your practice??
Please share your thoughts about it and your experiences in the comments below!
