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Article Cosmetic Acupuncturist’s 5 Anti-Ageing Secrets

Dr Vivian Tam, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Cosmetic Acupuncturist and Founder of Cosmetic Acupuncture Melbourne.
August 21, 2025

20 Comments

Ageing gracefully isn’t just about good genes or pricey creams – it’s also about the everyday habits we choose. We asked a cosmetic acupuncturist to share the simple rituals she swears by to keep skin glowing and youthful.

Expert banner for Dr Vivian Tam.

Dr Vivian Tam (CM) is a Melbourne-based Doctor of Chinese Medicine and cosmetic acupuncturist, and the founder of Cosmetic Acupuncture Melbourne. A renowned industry leader and educator, she trains other practitioners in advanced cosmetic acupuncture techniques and is also the founder of Zilch Formulas, a range of herbal supplements for acne and wellness. With a special focus on skin health, anti-ageing, dermatology and acne, Dr Tam combines traditional Chinese Medicine with a modern, results-driven approach that addresses the root causes of skin concerns.

Woman with clear skin.
Younthful skin involves the whole body, inside and out. Image: Canva

As a cosmetic acupuncturist and Doctor of Chinese Medicine, my approach to anti-ageing is the low and slow game, looking internally rather than focusing only on external and skin-related treatments.

It’s about building habits that keep skin healthy, vibrant and supported over time, and heroing wellness as much as skin health.

These are five things I personally do to look after my skin and slow down the ageing process.

Keep inflammation and stress low

Woman meditating.
Find your best way to de-stress. Image: Canva

Inflammation is a key driver of premature ageing. The higher the inflammation, the faster the breakdown of healthy collagen, which speeds up the ageing process. So I make sure I manage my stress levels, eat whole nutrient-rich foods and use acupuncture, Chinese herbs and adaptogens to support balance and reduce cortisol and inflammation.

High cortisol from chronic stress not only affects mood but also slows skin healing and can make it appear dull or puffy. Simple daily practices like exercise, meditation, walking and time outdoors help keep both my mind and skin healthy.

Gua sha for circulation and lymphatic flow

Woman using a gua sha.
Gua sha stimulates circulation. Image: Canva

Gua sha is one of my favourite home rituals. I use it a few times a week to encourage blood flow in the face, move the fluid retention that shows up as puffiness, and bring back that glow.

The key is to use gentle but firm strokes starting from the centre of the face and moving outwards, then guiding the fluid down the neck to the lymph nodes. It only takes a few minutes and leaves my skin looking fresher straight away.

I suggest using a natural oil to lubricate the skin before you start and doing it on clean skin, right after you shower.

Eat warm, nourishing foods

Bowl of hot soup.
Consider swapping some salads for soups. Image: Canva

In Chinese Medicine, we believe digestion is like a cooking pot that works best when it’s kept warm. Eating too many cold or raw foods can weaken digestion, which in turn affects nutrient absorption and ultimately skin health.

Wherever I can, my diet includes cooked vegetables, soups, stews and warm drinks, especially in cooler months, and I avoid cold and raw foods where possible. Supporting digestion helps the body build strong, healthy qi and blood, which is essential for vibrant skin.

Follow the CM body clock for rest and repair

Woman sleeping.
Sleep is essential, especially at the right time. Image: Canva

The timing of your sleep is just as important as the number of hours you get. The Chinese Medicine body clock shows us when different organs are most active. Sleep before 11 pm is important because that’s when yin – the nourishing aspect of the body responsible for producing fluids, oils and lubrication – is replenished.

Staying up too late can disrupt this process, leading to dull or tired-looking skin. I therefore try to sleep and wake in line with these natural rhythms so my body can restore itself properly overnight.

Have regular facial acupuncture

Woman getting facial acupuncture.
Facial acupuncture can help you achieve a bright complexion. Image: Cosmetic Acupuncture Melbourne

I practice what I preach. Facial acupuncture helps stimulate collagen, boosts blood flow and encourages lymphatic drainage for skin that looks brighter and healthier. Over time, it can soften fine lines, even out skin tone, keep facial muscles toned and relax tight muscles.

Because it works with the body’s own healing response, the results are natural and long-lasting. I have a treatment once a month, or more often when my skin is looking dull or dry.

Anti-ageing is not a quick fix, but rather a collection of consistent habits that support the body from the inside out and work in harmony with it.

Wellness and ageing are deeply connected. By combining Chinese Medicine principles with targeted skincare, you can keep your skin looking its best at every age.

Have you ever tried facial acupuncture? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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Comments

  • Im yet to try it but i definitely want to! I hear so many amazing things about it and i think with consistent visits to address certain issues, it can definitely be helpful. People often think its a one stop visit to cure but it takes time and commitment like most things

  • I do not believe in acupuncture, but there is definitely some good advice in there. Stress is bad on so many different levels, including mental health. I find the more time I spend outdoors (especially hiking) the happier I feel. As much as I find it tiring, I do also enjoy getting out for a run.

  • Acupuncture in general is not something i know a great deal of, but everyone that i know that has tried it for whatever their reason, always speak highly of it and i never hear anything bad. Its definitely something i believe could work hearing personal stories myself, id be keen to look into this a bit more!

  • I have never tried acupuncture in any form as I have a bit of a fear of needles and I don’t think I could ever have the courage to get it on my face. I do however go to bed most nights well before 11 and I am working on reducing stress and adding more relaxation practices into my daily life.

  • Well, I think it is good to know what to avoid, but I would really love to know what to actually use to help my hair with dandruff, dry scalp, help to get some volume and prevent it from being greasy too fast, what to use to make it silky and shiny and how to prevent frizzy hair and tangled hair.
    I reckon if you know what to use exactly you’d not use anything else.

  • It’s interesting what this Doctor of Chinese medicine writes about warm foods being better for your digestion. Being a great fan of salads I eat quite a lot of cold and raw foods, although I ca appreciate warm drinks. I never heard of the tern Gua Sha, but this seems easy enough to implement for all of us.

  • No I have never tried facial or any other type of Chinese Acupuncture. I’m not far off 62 year and yeah I have certainly an aging skin. Personally I don’t feel I have to fight my lines. I always had quite a dry skin (inherited from my father) and feel it’s just part of life, in fact lines can be beautiful

  • No I haven’t but I am curious to try

  • I have been manifesting to try Electric facial massager to reduce my double chin simce years but haven’t got chance to get it anf try

  • Gah. I tried acupuncture once (not facial acupuncture) and it just freaked me out so much. The fact that little needles were sticking out of me… it was supposed to relieve stress but I think it just increased it. So I wouldn’t even try facial acupuncture because I suspect it would be even worse.

  • I have never thought of facial acupuncture for anti ageing, but I would certainly choose it over some other treatments.

  • Eating warm foods for good skin is something I have not heard of before reading this article. It is amazing how much we are learning about digestion and how it affects so many aspects of our wellbeing.

  • Interesting article. I didn’t realise eating cold or raw food can weaken digestion. I’ve never tried facial acupuncture but I used to work for an acupuncturist decades ago and part of my job other than receptionist was pulling out the needles. Patients swore that acupuncture really helped them. That was 20 + years ago. I’m sure it’s more popular nowadays. I would definitely consider it.

  • Also… the warm food! So interesting and I definitely beleive it! I’ve had gut troubles for the past few years and my skin has gone down hill with it! Recently my gut has been repairing and slowly getting better with soft warm gently foods and I’ve definitely seen improvement in my skin! Definitely connected and inner beauty is a thing

  • Wow wow wow!
    This was so awesome! I’m really interested in beauty and anti ageing as naturally as I can.
    I have never heard of doing acupuncture in the face?! I never thought I would do acupuncture but I was having severe headaches for a month and so did the acupuncture and it did help. I would have a go at doing it on my face now that I am a believer

  • This was quite insightful! Never heard of having acupuncture in the face before to help with aging but i can see how it would make complete sense to help with blood flow and drainage! There is so much to learn about chinese medicine and its benefits -without always depending on just skincare alone.

  • I have never been sold on acupuncture, but there is a lot of good advice in this article. It is very important to minimise stress, eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep. Exercise is also very important and as a general rule exercising regularly helps with the stress levels too.

  • Im not so sure about acupuncture for me as I have a phobia of needles so it wouldnt sit very well with me and would actually cause me major stress.
    I love the idea of regular facials but my bank balance wouldnt be very happy at all. I am lucky to go once a year

  • I’ve never heard of facial acupuncture until now. I’m all for trying out new things and I love that it works with the body’s own healing response, ie making my skin work harder. I have a gua shua but have never used it as I’ve not really known how to. Might have to look into it. Great article!

  • I remember seeing someone use a Gua Sha on YouTube yonkies ago when I was a tween and being memorized by it. It’s one of my favourite tools to use on my face. It’s a nice part of my skin routine, and I also use it a few times a week. And these days, with a toddler in the house, I can’t possibly push myself to stay up even close to 11pm, so I’m good there haha. I’ve never had facial acupuncture before but am really curious to try it now. It sounds like it is incredible.

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All content on Beauty Truth is created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or qualified health professional regarding any questions or concerns you have regarding your health or a medical condition before making any decisions.

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