What Is Cosmetic Acupuncture?

Cosmetic acupuncture is a non-invasive treatment that utilises Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques to address signs of aging and enhance skin health, and so much more.

It is often compared to Botox, but unlike Botox, it doesn't involve paralysing facial muscles. In fact, far from it! Hence why it is considered a natural and holistic approach to reducing the signs of aging, with results that are more gradual and long-lasting. 

It involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the face, and generally I will needle a few specific points on the body too to stimulate the body's natural healing response, which in turn can help to address underlying health imbalances that may contribute to skin issues e.g. digestion, stress etc. Thus treating the body as a whole. 

When inserting the needles, it creates micro-traumas to enable the body to stimulate the production of collagen, which helps plump and firm the skin. However, there are a number of other benefits to having Cosmetic Acupuncture too, sometimes referred to as Facial Acupuncture or Facial Rejuvenation, although the latter is usually complemented with Gua Sha and/or Facial Cupping, such as: 

~  Stimulates blood flow and aids lymphatic drainage, which in turn can help reduce puffiness and/or dark circles. 
~ Can help improve skin tone and eliminate toxins from the body. 
~ Relax facial muscles, which in turn can help soften expression lines, giving the face a more relaxed appearance.
~ Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. 
~ Firmer, more lifted facial contours.
~ Can result in a more radiant, youthful complexion.
~ Can help treat skin conditions such as acne or rosacea. 

For visible results, a course is required with approximately 10-12 sessions, because as mentioned earlier, results are gradual and subtle, and once completed you can have regular maintenance sessions.
So, whether you're just curious about new skincare, exploring new wellness options, or just want a glow-up without going down the aesthetic/botox route, cosmetic acupuncture might be worth a closer look! And, the beauty of it is - pardon the pun - you can further enhance the results if you wish to by using a Gua Sha tool yourself at home, even just using a jade or rose quartz roller will help and are really simple to use! 

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Neal's Yard Remedies Organic news and updates. November 2025

Those of you who've followed me for a while now, know I'm a huge advocate of Neal's Yard Remedies. They are a British brand who's ethos I respected and which sat firmly in line with mine, so, when choosing a product range to use when treating clients after closing my salon a number of years ago, for me it was a 'no brainer'. I wanted a high end, ethical product that would give effective results that my clients had become accustomed too. And that it did and more. 

It appears to have been a busy old time for NYRO, navigating many changes along the way in the last few years like so many businesses impacted by the economic climate! 

And with that, 2025 has been exciting so far! 

So, what's new?! 

~ Vegan Wild Rose Beauty Balm. A great addition to the Wild Rose Skincare range. It's very own vegan version of the classic favourite. It is both certified vegan and organic. 

RRP £43 

~ Oat & Ceramide Barrier Repair Cream 50ml. A barrier-repairing cream, designed to provide lasting hydration, day and night. Inspired by cutting edge microbiome science. Powered by prebiotics, it instantly comforts, moisturises and builds long-term skin resilience.

RRP £38

Why not make organic beauty and wellbeing your business. And, if you're a therapist like me, you'd have an excellent product range to treat your clients, as well as retail for their continual aftercare and to further enhance results.

You can join the Neal's Yard Remedies Organic Consultant Community today and two kits are available.

STANDARD KIT: A curated edit of some of the NYRO most popular products; everything you need to get your business started quickly. £50 / €52.50

PREMIUM KIT: A more comprehensive introduction to NYRO product categories, featuring customer favourites across skincare, aromatherapy and body care.

You will also receive a personalised web-shop and business materials to help welcome you to the team and support you on your blue bottle journey.

You can join my team today by clicking the link:

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/andreagough/area/join-us/

If you are a therapist, click here for useful information and/or to join: 

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/andreagough/area/become-a-therapist/

Also, now available, a beautiful range of Christmas Gift Sets:

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/andreagough/area/shop-online/category/gifts-filled-with-wonder/ and more are available too, of you browse even further!

Bespoke Gifts: 

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/andreagough/area/shop-online/category/bespoke-gifts/ 

AND Christmas Gift Wrap: 

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/andreagough/area/shop-online/category/christmas-gift-wrap/

For all Neal's Yard Remedies Organic products, e-catalogue, sustainability stories and much more, browse away using nay of the above links.

Here's to your wellness journey! 

What is Acupuncture?

What is Acupuncture? 

My journey with Acupuncture began a number of years ago from a personal perspective and my own health. It absolutely fascinated me, to the point, the more I discovered and experienced via treatments, the more I wanted to learn myself. Based on this, four years ago I began my training in Clinical Acupuncture - to also include Cosmetic Acupuncture - and I absolutely loved every part of it. So much so, I added a number of other Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities to my skill set, including Gua Sha and Cupping. 

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) our health is dependent on the free flow of Qi (energy) in the body and if there are blockages or disturbances this can then cause stagnation (lack of qi and blood flow) leading to health issues, such as pain or an ailment.

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body and/or face which, in turn, helps create homeostasis (balance) by regulating the two energies in the body; yin and yang. Acupuncture aids the release of said blockages, therefore, stimulating the natural healing response of the body. When there is balance, the body is healthy. 

Acupuncture can help many conditions including: pain, headaches, migraine, anxiety, depression, digestive disorders, perimenopause / menopause, grief, insomnia, to name but a few.

One of the most commonly asked questions I am asked is "How many Acupuncture sessions will I need?". The honest answer is every person is different, therefore, it is very personalised when you begin your wellness journey as to how Acupuncture will work for you. Your treatment plan could begin with a short course of sessions, followed by maintenance sessions possibly bi-monthly or monthly, to fit in with your lifestyle ensuring the results continue. Acupuncture works cumulatively, so one-off appointments are rare as you may not necessarily see instantaneous or longer-term results depending on your condition/s and it's severity without a number of sessions initially, but again that will be an individual response.

Acupuncture is used for both therapeutic reasons and as a preventative measure to ensure good health and longevity. 

Find me, Althea Wellness on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/althea_wellness/

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Find me, Althea Wellness on Twitter: @AltheaUK_

About me...

 

Who Am I?
I'm aware that many who 'like' and follow my Social Media pages and my blog don't know the 'face' behind Tranquility Therapies.
So, it's about time I introduced myself!
This is me, Andrea, back in December 2017 after winning my award for 'Top Beauty & Wellbeing Tutor'. 

I am a fully qualified and insured beauty therapist of 26 years, holding full NVQ certification.
Holistic / Complementary Therapist.
Reiki Master / Teacher.

I am also a fully qualified Lecturer /Tutor / Trainer, after studying for 2 years via LJMU achieving my Certificate In Education (Post 16). I am an Assessor and IQA.

Throughout my lengthy career, in both teaching and as a therapist, I've added many hours of CPD and qualifications, mainly in holistic/complementary therapies as that's where my passion is, for all things wellness- too many to mention here maybe lol - including in recent years Clinical Acupuncture, Cosmetic Acupuncture, Cupping and Gua Sha.

I also use in my treatments, the ethical and British range Neal's Yard Remedies Organic, as well as retail their products alongside also for your use at home..

Thankyou for reading!
Sending love and light 
Andrea 

What's Your Skin Type?

It's a question that a lot of you may ask yourself, but do you really know the answer? It's a question I always asked my students during the Facial unit of their studies too, to which most were unsure of theirs, and in most cases actually did not know, and that's ok! 

During the many skincare consultations I have carried out over the years in industry I never asked this question to my client, after all, isn't that my job to determine that for you as a therapist? The point is, if you don't know your skin type, and trust me, many people don't, you may potentially be using incorrect products (or a mismatch of brands) which in turn can cause your skin to either react, breakout, or become flaky etc, potentially causing more issues than when you began your quest for a good skin care regime. Therefore, by using the correct skin care products for your correct skin type, you will see positive results occur. Your skin will become brighter, radiant, firmer and more! Also, even if you have an oily or problematic skin type, seeing changes here too, through regulating of sebum levels causing less breakouts etc will make you so happy. Let's face it, there's nothing nicer than someone saying "ooh, your skin looks amazing!". 

So, how do you get to know your skin type? 

A skin care consultation from a qualified therapist is key, be it prior to a facial or even a just a 1 - 1 discussion, as this allows the therapist to discover any concerns or issues you may have, what you would like to achieve, as well as what your current regime is - if you have one at all - then advise ways to address them for you individually, creating a skincare prescription to suit your needs, as well as offer guidance on the best facial treatments - should you wish - which will further enhance the effects of the results for you.

There are so many products available nowadays, that it can be tricky to navigate what brands would suit you, what products are best for you etc. Personally, as a consumer, I am not someone who taps into the latest 'fad' or supposed 'wonder product'. I've been fortunate in my 26 years as a Beauty Therapist to be trained in - and worked with - high end brands such as Clarins, E'spa, Guinot and in recent years, Neal's Yard Remedies Organic. 

I tend to stick to what I know and what I love when it comes to products that suit my skin and those that give very good results. It is important to point out also, that as a professional, I would never use on you or promote to you, a product range that I do not truly believe in, so rest assured, if I was to give you advice and guidance it would be what best suits you! 

Should you wish to identify your skin type, get skin care tips, advice or guidance please do contact me via email altheawellness@outlook.com or visit my website:

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/andreagough

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping Therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine whereby, through a cup attached to the skin using a vacuum suction, a range of health issues can be treated through the movement of blood and lymph - which in layman's terms - can aid an abundance of ailments of the body in itself.
It can however, result in skin pigmentation reaction, which is perfectly normal, and can at times be used as the basis for diagnosis of conditions by certain practitioners.

photo credit - Pinterest
Skin Reactions after Cupping

Varying methods of cupping has been used for many thousands of years in the East and has become more popular in the West in recent times, thanks to likes of elite athletes such as Michael Phelps, as well as Hollywood actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston, to name but a few.

Cupping Therapy, as part of Traditional East Asian Medicine, is one of approximately 70 adjunctive therapies to Acupuncture and Moxibustion and can help with 60-70% of all diseases in the arms, legs, shoulders, waist and muscles - except internal organ disease.

So, why have Cupping Therapy?
The benefits of this incredible therapy are overwhelming to say the least, some of which are:

* aids relaxation and wellbeing
* deep tissue work without discomfort
* relieves inflammation
* aids pain
* increases blood and lymphatic flow
* releases tension / knots
* relieves stagnation of blood (stagnation causes various issues within the body)
* can aid with relief from headaches
* strengthens the immune system
* helps aid the flow of qi and blood, systemically and locally

As mentioned there are varying methods of Cupping Therapy - Dry Cupping, Fire Cupping, Wet Cupping and Cupping Massage - as a therapist I currently offer Dry Cupping Therapy and Cupping Massage.

Dry Cupping Kit
photo credit - Medikore 

An alternate method to Dry Cupping, with similar benefits, would be that of Fire Cupping (coming soon) which incorporates heat from a flame and suction. Wet Cupping involves vacuum and blood letting, which is not widely used within the UK mainly due to health and safety reasons and insurance purposes regarding the release of blood into the cup used, despite being very popular and effective in the East.

Cupping Massage is the combination of massage movements and pressure with the use of the suction device on the skin. A cup is positioned on the area to be treated, a vacuum is created, which draws the skin into the said cup, the massage then increases blood and lymphatic circulation - systemically and locally - relaxes muscles, draws stagnation, pathogenic factors and toxins out of the body which in turn releases a great number of pain causing factors. The appearance of the skin will become reddened, similar to that of Body Gua Sha, called 'petechiae', however, this will vary from person to person.