Response varies from person to person. Most clients are reviewed over 4–6 sessions, so the plan can be adjusted as your skin responds. Your first session includes a full skin and TCM health assessment, which gives us a baseline to work from.

This protocol is designed for skin that reacts. No fragrance, no essential oils, no acids or actives are used during treatment. Before anything is applied, your skin’s current state is assessed — if your barrier is compromised, we work more gently and build from there.

Most rosacea treatments work on the surface, reducing visible redness without addressing what’s driving it. Chinese medicine starts with the pattern underneath — inflammation, digestion, circulation and stress all influence how reactive your skin is. That’s not a guarantee of an outcome. It’s a different question to ask.

The needles are very fine — considerably finer than those used for injections or blood tests. Most people describe a dull ache or a feeling of warmth at the point, and many find the session deeply relaxing. If you’re needle-averse, say so at your assessment and the treatment can be adapted.

Not before your first appointment. Bring what you’re using, or a photo of the labels. Part of the assessment is understanding what’s on your skin now and identifying anything that may be contributing to the reactivity. Any changes are discussed with you, not imposed.

Sixty minutes. It begins with a full skin and TCM health assessment — your skin history, your triggers, and the internal factors that may be involved. Treatment may then include body and face acupuncture, a herbal mask, gua sha and lymphatic massage, and LED light therapy. Where Chinese herbs are appropriate, these are prescribed to your individual pattern, following traditional use.