Founded by qualified acupuncturist Hannah Johnstone, GLOWbody is a beautiful Ponsonby studio which transforms into a luxury acupuncture clinic when stepping into the treatment room. We caught up with Hannah to learn more about cosmetic acupuncture and the benefits.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to get into cosmetic acupuncture?
My name is Hannah and I am a qualified acupuncturist. I started looking into cosmetic acupuncture last year during lockdown and the more I researched the more I couldn’t get over the amazing results. I couldn’t understand why it isn’t well-known in NZ! Knowing that there is a natural alternative option to anti-ageing, reducing fine lines, acne reduction and brightening your complexion – I just knew there are so many like minded people that would love to try this treatment and love their results!
What is cosmetic acupuncture and what are the benefits?
Cosmetic acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s natural production of collagen. When you break the body’s skin barrier, it triggers the body’s healing response, sending red blood cells and white blood cells to the area. When we use needles to do so, the ‘micro trauma’ created also requires a protein to repair the ‘damage’, and that protein is collagen.
The benefits of cosmetic acupuncture include:
- being 100% natural
- anti-ageing — reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- promotes collagen to the face naturally
- evens out skin tone
- brightens your complexion
- helps clear acne and scarring
- tighter skin and more contoured jawline and neck
What does it feel like? Does it hurt?
It’s okay to feel some anxiety or nervousness about needles, and we are able to discuss this with you. You may feel a tiny prick from one of two needles, however most go in with no feeling! My goal is to always make you feel comfortable and relaxed, and wants your experience to be as enjoyable and as pain-free as possible.
On average, an acupuncture needle is around 0.25mm in thickness; this is four times thinner than a sewing needle and over 100 times thinner than a medical syringe.
Do you offer other treatments?
I do! I have a special interest in treating women’s health issues; this can be anything from fertility, pregnancy (including morning sickness and inducing labour) as well as mental or internal health. I’m also ACC registered and can treat injuries.
How many sessions do I need?
When it comes to acupuncture, it has accumulating effects which means, the more treatments you have, the better your results! However, it really does depend what your treatment goals are, and these are tailored to the individual.
Do I need to know any important information before I book an appointment?
Yes, a few things: Firstly, make sure you eat before your appointment as it can be quite stimulating and we don’t want you feeling faint or light-headed.
If you do want to have cosmetic acupuncture before a big event please make sure you come in five days prior to the event. This is to leave space in case of any bruising that needs to fully heal (this is very rare). Also, please be aware that you shouldn’t touch up your makeup for up to four hours after a session.
Lastly, clients can have cosmetic acupuncture anytime prior to Botox injections, however, should wait four weeks post-Botox if they are wanting cosmetic acupuncture in the area Botox was injected. Clients can also have cosmetic acupuncture after facial surgery as it can help encourage and support healing of the skin post-surgery.
