An overview of Japanese cosmetic acupuncture

ABSTRACT Objective: To provide an overview of Japanese cosmetic acupuncture and promote its development. Methods: The study retrieved original and conference papers on cosmetic acupuncture published in the Japana Centra Revuo Medicina and summarized relevant operation techniques, indications, and other pertinent information. Results: A total of 163 related papers were retrieved, which focused on the treatment of 12 dermatological conditions including wrinkles and pigmentation. Treatment not only utilized acupuncture, but also incorporated other techniques, including cupping therapy, scraping therapy, pulse therapy, aromatherapy, exercise, and diet. All the treatments were guided either by Chinese medicine or western medicine theories. Conclusion: Cosmetic acupuncture has progressed rapidly in Japan in the past two decades and shows promising future developmental prospects.