There is something I have been noticing more and more often in recent years: most women prepare themselves for hot flashes, sleep disturbances, or hormonal changes when they approach menopause. What many do not expect is that one day they may begin to feel unfamiliar in their own skin. It rarely happens overnight, more often, the changes appear gradually, almost unnoticed at first. A favorite skincare product no longer seems to work the same way. The skin feels drier, the reflection in the mirror looks more tired, even on days when a woman feels perfectly fine. Small changes begin to appear—difficult to describe, yet impossible to ignore.

Many women simply assume they are getting older. And of course, that is partly true, yet in my experience, the skin changes associated with menopause are often about much more than a few new wrinkles or a gradual decline in collagen production.

The skin does not function as an isolated organ. It is in constant communication with the hormonal system, the immune system, the nervous system, and ultimately with the body’s overall state of health. This is one reason why the skin may begin to change at the same time that menstrual cycles become irregular or come to an end. Modern science has identified one of the most important factors behind these changes: the gradual decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a role far beyond reproduction. It contributes to collagen production, skin hydration, blood circulation, wound healing, and the maintenance of connective tissue. It is therefore not surprising that research suggests women may experience significant collagen loss during the first years after menopause, contributing to thinner skin, reduced elasticity, and the gradual appearance of wrinkles.

The more I work in women’s health, however, the more I feel that hormones alone do not explain the whole story. For many women, the menopausal years are not only a hormonal transition but rather a time of responsibility and change. Career demands, caring for family members, supporting aging parents, disrupted sleep, and years of accumulated stress may all be present at the same time. And this is where the role of the nervous system becomes particularly interesting. Growing research suggests that chronic stress and long-term nervous system overload influence skin regeneration, inflammation, collagen production, and even the speed of wound healing.

In other words, the skin often reflects more than age alone. It also reflect years of adaptation, stress, recovery, and many demands placed on the body. Perhaps this is why I believe that healthy aging should be viewed through a wider lens. Beyond wrinkles, it also involves emotional health, sleep, stress, physical activities, understand the changes in our bodies with time and how to support it.

This is one reason why cosmetic acupuncture has always interested me as more than simply an aesthetic treatment. It is known that acupuncture  supports local blood circulation, tissue repair, collagen produce. But what I find equally interesting is that many patients describe changes that go beyond their appearance: they sleep more deeply, wake up feeling more rested, feel calmer, less tense, and less overwhelmed by everyday stress. Some describe a feeling that their body has become quieter, others simply say, “I don’t know exactly what changed, but I feel more like myself again.” Of course, these experiences are subjective and vary from person to person, yet they are observations that I hear often enough that I find them difficult to ignore. This does not mean that cosmetic acupuncture can “switch off” stress or stop the aging process. Life is far more complex than that. However, if acupuncture can help support better sleep, improve relaxation, it also help create conditions in which the body is better able to repair and maintain itself.

Perhaps one of the most important things to remember is that the skin changes associated with menopause are not simply cosmetic problems. They are often visible signs of deeper hormonal, neurological, and physiological changes taking place throughout the body. For this reason, supporting skin health during menopause is rarely about finding the “perfect” cream or the latest beauty treatment. Sleep quality, stress regulation, physical activity, nutrition, hormonal balance, and overall wellbeing all play important roles. Cosmetic acupuncture may be one useful piece of that puzzle. By supporting circulation, connective tissue health, nervous system regulation, and the body’s natural regenerative processes, it may help both the skin and the body adapt more gracefully to the changes that accompany menopause..

When people think about skin health, they usually think about skincare products, collagen supplements, aesthetic treatments, or nutrition. These factors certainly matter. However, there is another important system that often receives far less attention: the nervous system.

In clinical practice, I often notice that patients who are concerned about skin aging are frequently dealing with much more than wrinkles or loss of elasticity. Many are sleeping poorly, feeling constantly stressed, recovering from burnout, or simply trying to keep up with the demands of modern life. Over time, these experiences seem to affect not only how they feel, but also how their skin looks.

This observation is increasingly supported by scientific research.

The skin and the nervous system are closely connected. In fact, both originate from the same embryological layer during fetal development. Modern research describes the skin as a “neuro-endocrine organ” that constantly communicates with the brain, hormones, immune system, and stress-response pathways. When the body experiences chronic stress, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis becomes activated, leading to increased production of cortisol and other stress hormones. While this response is useful in short-term situations, prolonged activation may negatively affect processes that are essential for healthy skin. Research suggests that chronic stress can impair skin barrier function, increase inflammation, slow wound healing, reduce collagen synthesis, and contribute to premature skin aging. Studies have also shown that psychological stress may alter immune responses within the skin and delay tissue repair.

Sleep appears to be another important piece of the puzzle. During deep sleep, the body performs many of its regenerative and repair processes. Poor sleep quality has been associated with increased signs of skin aging, reduced skin barrier recovery, and slower healing. One study published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology found that individuals with poor sleep quality showed more visible signs of aging and slower recovery after environmental stress.

This does not mean that stress alone causes wrinkles, nor does it mean that regulating the nervous system can reverse aging. Skin health remains influenced by genetics, sun exposure, hormones, nutrition, smoking, physical activity, and overall health status. However, the nervous system may be one of the most overlooked factors influencing how the skin repairs and maintains itself over time.

Cosmetic Acupuncture and Nervous System Regulation

This perspective is one reason why cosmetic acupuncture interests me.

Many people come for cosmetic acupuncture hoping to improve skin tone, elasticity, or the appearance of fine lines. These are reasonable goals, and there is growing evidence that acupuncture may support local circulation, collagen remodeling, and connective tissue health.

What I find equally interesting, however, is that many patients describe changes that go beyond the skin itself. They often report sleeping better, feeling calmer, experiencing less tension, or simply feeling more balanced after a course of treatment.

Modern research may help explain why. Studies suggest that acupuncture influence autonomic nervous system activity by promoting parasympathetic (“rest-and-repair”) responses and reducing excessive sympathetic activation. Researchers have also observed potential effects on heart rate variability, cortisol regulation, stress perception, and physiological markers associated with nervous system balance.

From a skin-health perspective, this is particularly interesting because better nervous system regulation may indirectly support healthier circulation, improved sleep quality, lower inflammatory burden, and more efficient tissue recovery. These are not dramatic overnight changes, but they may help create a more favorable internal environment for long-term skin health.

This does not mean that cosmetic acupuncture is a direct anti-aging treatment or a replacement for healthy lifestyle habits. Rather, it may be one piece of a larger picture. I believe that healthy aging is not only about producing more collagen or reducing wrinkles, but rather about creating conditions in which the body feels safe enough to repair itself. The nervous system is involved in nearly every recovery process within the body, the skin simply be one of the places where that story becomes visible.

References:

Slominski A, Zmijewski MA, Skobowiat C et al. Sensing the Environment: Regulation of Local and Global Homeostasis by the Skin’s Neuroendocrine System. Advances in Anatomy, Embryology and Cell Biology. 2012.

Altemus M, Rao B, Dhabhar FS et al. Stress-Induced Changes in Skin Barrier Function in Healthy Women. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2001.

Oyetakin-White P, Suggs A, Koo B et al. Does Poor Sleep Quality Affect Skin Ageing? Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 2015.

Garg A, Chren MM, Sands LP et al. Psychological Stress Perturbs Epidermal Permeability Barrier Homeostasis. Archives of Dermatology. 2001.

In a world of quick fixes and instant beauty trends, cosmetic acupuncture offers something much slower — and often much more honest. At Vietkimhong Clinic, we see it not as a shortcut to beauty, but as a gradual process of supporting the skin’s own ability to regenerate and age more gracefully over time.

Unlike treatments promising dramatic overnight changes, cosmetic acupuncture works by gently stimulating the body’s natural repair processes. Very fine sterile needles create tiny controlled micro-stimulations in the deeper layers of the skin and connective tissue. This may support collagen production, improve circulation, and help the skin receive more oxygen and nutrients. Research suggests that cosmetic acupuncture may positively influence skin elasticity, hydration, circulation, and overall skin appearance. However, meaningful changes usually happen gradually through consistency and long-term care — much like exercise or healthy lifestyle habits.

One of the most important things we explain to patients is that cosmetic acupuncture works far better as prevention than correction. Starting earlier — even before visible aging appears — may help maintain healthier circulation, stronger connective tissue support, and better skin resilience over time. At the same time, it is important to remain realistic. Cosmetic acupuncture is not designed for dramatic lifting or instant wrinkle removal after one or two sessions. It is better suited for people who value natural methods, gradual improvement, and the body’s own regenerative capacity.

Beautiful skin is also never the result of one single treatment alone. Sleep, stress levels, nutrition, exercise, hormonal health, and everyday lifestyle patterns all influence how the skin ages. For this reason, cosmetic acupuncture is not simply a “beauty treatment.” At Vietkimhong Clinic, we see it as part of a holistic approach to well-aging, nervous system balance, and long-term skin health.

In conclusion, cosmetic acupuncture is not magic nor an instant beauty hack but rather a slower, natural, body-centered approach that supports the skin from within over time.

At Vietkimhong Clinic, one of the most common questions we receive is when acupuncture should ideally be started to support a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycle.

Unfortunately, many patients contact us only a few days or 1–2 weeks before embryo transfer. At this stage, acupuncture may still help reduce stress, support relaxation, and help patients arrive at transfer day in a calmer state. However, it is important to see this realistically: if the goal is to support the hormonal system, prepare the endometrium, and improve the body’s overall balance, then the body usually needs more time.

Recommended Treatment Timeline

Ideally, acupuncture treatment should begin at least 2 months before the planned embryo transfer.

• During the 2 months before FET and throughout hormonal preparation: 2 implant acupuncture treatments per month
• Around the day of embryo transfer: pre-transfer acupuncture treatment. Post transfer acupuncture is optional.

Why is this important? The effects of acupuncture usually develop gradually, just like regular exercise or healthy lifestyle changes do not transform the body overnight, supporting the body’s regulatory systems also takes time.

Obviously every patient’s situation is unique: age, hormonal status, endometrial quality, previous IVF/FET experiences, and overall health all play important roles. This is why each treatment plan at our clinic is individualized.

How Can Acupuncture Support the FET Process?

Based on current research and clinical experience, acupuncture may support the body in several ways:

• improving pelvic and uterine blood circulation
• supporting endometrial quality and thickness
• helping nervous system regulation
• supporting hormonal balance
• reducing stress and physical tension

Current studies suggest that acupuncture positively influence uterine blood flow, endometrial condition, nervous system regulation, and stress reduction during IVF treatment. From our clinical experience, these changes usually do not develop within only a few days, which is why a longer and more conscious preparation period may be more beneficial than having only a few treatments immediately before embryo transfer.

Many women feel that the success of embryo transfer depends only on “the last few days.” In reality, however, the body’s preparation often begins much earlier. Sleep quality, stress management, circulation, nervous system regulation, and hormonal balance may all play a role in this process. For this reason, if you are preparing for frozen embryo transfer, it is worth beginning supportive care as early as possible — not only during the week of transfer itself.

TREATMENT PRICE AND PACKAGES

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Vietkimhong Clinic provides professional support for women’s health and fertility in a safe and calm environment.

Vietkimhong Clinic
1051 Budapest, Arany János street.33, 1.floor.2 door, 127-es doorbell. Opening hours: Thursday 9:30- 17:00. Dr. Nguyen Hong, Tel: +36 70 943 1878, Email: hongnbcc@gmail.com

“Hormonal balance” has become one of the most commonly used phrases in women’s health: it appears everywhere — on social media, supplement advertisements, fertility forums, and wellness websites. But despite how often we hear it, many women are still left wondering what it actually means.

Is hormonal balance simply having “normal” blood test results?
Does it mean regular periods?
Or feeling calm, sleeping better, and having more energy?

In reality, hormonal balance is much more complex than a single laboratory value. Hormones are part of a highly interconnected communication system between the brain, ovaries, adrenal glands, thyroid, pancreas, gut, and nervous system. They constantly influence one another, and even small changes in one area may affect many others.

This is one reason why hormonal symptoms often do not appear in isolation. A woman may initially come to the clinic because of irregular cycles, but over time she may also notice fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, digestive problems, low mood, acne, headaches, or difficulty conceiving. These symptoms may seem unrelated, yet they are often connected through broader regulatory systems inside the body.

Hormones are not static

One of the biggest misunderstandings is the idea that hormones should remain perfectly stable all the time.However, the female endocrine system is naturally dynamic. Hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, during periods of stress, with aging, changes in sleep, nutrition, physical activity, inflammation, and emotional state. For example, estrogen and progesterone naturally rise and fall across the cycle, cortisol levels change throughout the day depending on stress and circadian rhythm. Insulin sensitivity is also closely linked to diet, exercises, sleep quality and nervous system regulation.

This means hormonal “balance” does not necessarily mean perfection or symmetry, it rather it refers to the body’s ability to regulate and adapt appropriately to the changing inside and outside environment.

The nervous system plays a major role

This key scientific fact is shown throughout uptil now researches, and modern research increasingly shows that the nervous system and endocrine system are deeply interconnected.

The hypothalamus in the brain acts as a bridge between the nervous system and hormonal regulation. Through pathways such as the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, stress has clearly influence on ovulation, cortisol production, reproductive hormones, and menstrual regularity. Although chronic stress does not automatically “cause” infertility or hormonal disorders, in long-term nervous system overload does contribute to dysregulation over time. Studies also suggest that prolonged activation of stress pathways affect sleep quality, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and reproductive hormone signaling. This may help explain why many women with hormonal symptoms often describe feeling physically and emotionally exhausted long before laboratory values become severely abnormal.

Hormonal symptoms are often multifactorial

It is showed that conditions such as PCOS, hypothalamic amenorrhea, thyroid dysfunction, endometriosis, or cycle irregularities rarely have a single cause. Family history, genetics, metabolism, inflammation, nutrition, sleep, emotional stress, insulin regulation, and lifestyle patterns may all interact together. This is why many women become frustrated after hearing: “Your blood tests are normal.”,  because sometimes the body can still feel unwell even when standard laboratory ranges appear acceptable. At the same time, it is also important not to oversimplify hormonal health into vague wellness trends or internet myths :not every symptom is caused by “hormone imbalance,” and not every problem can be solved by supplements alone.

So what does supporting hormonal balance actually involve?

In clinical practice, supporting hormonal health is usually less about “fixing” one hormone and more about helping the body regulate its own hormonsystem function more effectively overall. So supporting hormon balance mean that these conditions are achievable:

• improving sleep quality
• stabilizing blood sugar regulation
• supporting nervous system regulation
• reducing chronic inflammation
• addressing nutritional deficiencies
• improving stress coping capacity
• encouraging sustainable lifestyle patterns

In some cases, medical treatment is essential if the problems are serious enough and cannot reversable by other methods. In other cases, supportive approaches such as nutrition, psychotherapy, movement, mindfulness, or acupuncture are already enough to bring back the hormon balance. But it is important that these supporting approaches also play a very helpful complementary role beside medical treatment. It was scientifically demonstrated that acupuncture can influence autonomic nervous system activity, cortisol regulation, and blood circulation, while also helping some patients experience reduced stress and improved wellbeing.

Still, it is important to notice that hormonal balance is rarely transformed overnight. The endocrine system is deeply connected to our sleep status, stress regulation, metabolism, imflammation, and daily life patterns, which means that any meaningful changes in hormon function often take time. Many of us can become frustrated or disappointed because we expect the body to respond quickly, especially after long time of feeling unwell, but in reality, hormon regulation is a gradual process of helping the body feel safer, more stable, less overloaded – rather than „fixing”one hormon instantly.

From my clinical experience, I saw many women spend years feeling that their body is somehow “working against them.” They try to control food more strictly, do exercises, work with physical therapies, psychological therapies, buying more food complementaries, or anything in the internet that are told to be helpful.. And still over time, their relationship with the body itself may still the same or worse case, become increasingly tense. Sometimes hormonal support is not only about laboratory values or cycle length, or sleeping, or digesting. It is rather about helping the body move out of constant survival mode — little by little. Not perfectly. Not immediately. But gently and patiently enough that the hormon system can begin to regulate itself again.

References:

Berga SL, Loucks TL. Stress-induced anovulation. Human Reproduction Update, 2005.

Ranabir S, Reetu K. Stress and hormones. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2011.

Pilkington K et al. Acupuncture and the autonomic nervous system. Autonomic Neuroscience, 2010.

Rahman MA et al. Next-Generation Dietary Antioxidants in Women’s Reproductive Health. Antioxidants, 2026.

Maqsood S et al. Gut-brain axis therapies and reproductive health. Microbial Pathogenesis, 2025.

When we talk about fertility, the focus is often on hormones, egg quality, sperm quality, or IVF and IUI protocols. Much less attention is given to the nervous system — even though the body’s stress response can directly influence hormonal regulation, ovulation, and reproductive health. This does not mean infertility is “just caused by stress.” Fertility is far more complex than that. However, we also cannot ignore the growing evidence showing that long-term nervous system overload may negatively affect reproductive function in multiple ways.

How are the nervous system and hormones connected?

Science has shown that the nervous system and the reproductive system are closely connected through the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis. This system regulates:

• ovulation
• the menstrual cycle
• estrogen and progesterone production

During prolonged stress, another system called the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis becomes activated, increasing cortisol and other stress hormones. Research suggests that chronically elevated cortisol levels may interfere with GnRH secretion, a key hormone involved in ovulation regulation. This may contribute to cycle irregularities and ovulatory dysfunction.

The relationship between stress and fertility is complex

Coping with stress is not something most people are truly taught. Many women feel frustrated when they hear phrases like “just relax.” Not only is this oversimplified — it can also feel deeply invalidating. In reality, many patients are told to reduce stress, but very few are actually guided on how to do that while going through fertility treatment. Current evidence does not suggest that stress alone directly causes infertility. However, chronic stress may influence:

• sleep quality
• insulin sensitivity
• inflammatory pathways
• hormonal regulation
• mental wellbeing and quality of life

A 2011 study published in Human Reproduction followed women across multiple menstrual cycles and measured both perceived stress levels and biological stress markers. Researchers found that women with higher stress biomarker levels were significantly less likely to conceive during their fertile window compared to women with lower levels. (Louis et al., Human Reproduction, 2011)

Why does this matter during IVF?

IVF can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Constant monitoring, appointments, medications, timing, waiting, and uncertainty may place the body under prolonged pressure. During this process, many women experience:

• constant hypervigilance
• anxiety
• sleep disturbances
• increased physical tension

While reducing stress does not guarantee implantation success, supporting the nervous system may help reduce chronic overload during treatment and improve overall wellbeing throughout the process. This is one reason why many women explore supportive approaches such as:

• mindfulness
• psychological support
• yoga
• acupuncture

Research suggests that acupuncture may positively influence autonomic nervous system regulation and support parasympathetic (“rest-and-repair”) activity. Some studies indicate acupuncture helps reduce perceived stress, improve sleep, influence cortisol levels and support relaxation (Pilkington et al., Autonomic Neuroscience, 2010). At the same time, it is important to remain realistic: acupuncture does not “switch off” stress, nor does it replace medical fertility treatment. Rather, it may serve as a supportive complementary approach that helps restore a sense of balance in the nervous system and body. Supporting the nervous system is not simply a “wellness luxury.” Sometimes, it is about helping the body feel calmer, safer, and less overwhelmed again.

Scientific references

1. Berga SL, Loucks TL: Stress-induced anovulation https://booksite.elsevier.com/brochures/stress/PDFs/berga.pdf
2. Louis et al.: Perceived Stress and Ovulatory Function https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25643098/
3. Karen C et al, Perceived stress, reproductive hormones, and ovulatory function https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25643098/
4. Pilkington et al.: Anxiety, depression and acupuncture https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20451469/
5. Hu et al. (2024): Impact of psychological stress on ovarian function https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39704226/

Acupuncture has been an important part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands years, and in recent decades it has increasingly found its way into Western medicine. But how exactly does it affect the female reproductive system? A 2010 study by a Swedish-Chinese research team led by Elisabet Stener-Victorin and Xiaoke Wu examined this question in detail.

How does acupuncture affect the body?

When acupuncture needles penetrate the skin and muscle tissue, they activate mechanoreceptors and send signals to the nervous system in the A-δ and C-type fibers. This signal travels through the spinal cord to the brain and affects a number of organs, including the ovaries, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. Low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA, 1–15 Hz) is particularly effective because it triggers physiological processes similar to those of physical exercise: it releases endorphins and neuropeptides, which have effects throughout the body.

The HPO axis and the hormonal system

One of the most important findings of the research is that acupuncture directly affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis: It increases the production of β-endorphin in the hypothalamus, which regulates GnRH and, through it, the levels of LH and FSH – the two key hormones of ovulation. It reduces the sympathetic nervous activity of the ovaries, improving blood supply and ovarian function. It reduces the levels of stress hormones (cortisol), which have a detrimental effect on fertility.

PCOS – the most common hormonal disorder

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine-metabolic disease in women of reproductive age. It is characterized by elevated androgen levels, insulin resistance and irregular ovulation. Women with PCOS have been shown to have higher levels of β-endorphin, increased sympathetic nervous system activity, and disrupted GnRH/LH secretion. Low-frequency electroacupuncture can bring measurable improvements in all three areas:

It reduces androgen levels (testosterone), normalizes the LH/FSH ratio, improves insulin sensitivity, and – perhaps most surprisingly – has been clinically proven to help trigger ovulation.

In a clinical trial, 9 out of 11 women with anovulatory PCOS began ovulating after electroacupuncture treatment. The ovulation rate increased from 0.15 to 0.66 – a statistically significant result.

Assisting in assisted reproduction

The research also suggests that acupuncture can complement in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols. A single treatment – ​​in combination with hCG – can induce ovulation equivalent to conventional hormonal treatment, while reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a serious side effect of IVF.

Through the research, it is showed that acupuncture – especially low-frequency electroacupuncture – is not a “mystical” remedy, but it is an intervention with measurable, documented physiological effects. Its effects are exerted through the nervous system, the hormonal system and the neuroendocrine axis. Obviously further clinical trials with standardized protocols are needed int he future. However, based on the existing evidence, acupuncture is shown to be a well-established adjunct option in the treatment of PCOS, infertility and hormonal disorders – without side effects.

Source: Stener-Victorin E, Wu X. “Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in the reproductive system.” Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical 157 (2010) 46–51.

Endometriosis is a complex, chronic condition that can significantly affect a woman’s life — not only physically, but emotionally as well. Many patients continue to experience pain even after conventional treatments such as hormonal therapy or surgery, or the symptoms may return over time. In my practice, I often see that at this point it is not only the body that is tired, but the nervous system as well. This is why more and more women start looking for supportive approaches that can help reduce symptoms.

Acupuncture can be one of these options.

In this article, I would like to share what current research suggests, and how acupuncture may be used as a complementary approach in the management of endometriosis — especially after surgery.

What is endometriosis and why is it difficult to treat?

In endometriosis, tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, which can lead to inflammation and pain. The common symptoms include:

– severe menstrual pain
– chronic pelvic pain
– pain during intercourse
– fertility-related challenges

Even with treatment:

– pain often does not disappear completely
– the condition may recur

This is why a long-term, comprehensive approach is important.

How can acupuncture help?

1. Pain relief – supported by research

Several clinical studies and meta-analyses suggest that acupuncture can reduce pain associated with endometriosis. Research indicates that it may:

– reduce the intensity of menstrual pain
– shorten the duration of pain
– improve overall quality of life

In practice, this often means that the pain does not disappear completely, but becomes more manageable — which, for many patients, already represents a meaningful change.

2. Regulation of the nervous system

Acupuncture has an effect on the central nervous system:

– it can increase the release of endorphins (the body’s natural pain-relieving substances)
– reduce pain sensitivity
– support relaxation

In many patients with endometriosis, chronic pain is accompanied by increased stress and nervous system overload — an area where acupuncture may offer particular support.

3. Reduction of inflammation

Chronic inflammation plays a key role in endometriosis. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may:

– influence inflammatory processes
– help restore internal balance within the body

This does not mean it “cures” the condition, but it may contribute to reducing symptoms.

Acupuncture after surgery – does it make sense?

Many patients undergo surgery (such as laparoscopy), but this does not always mean the end of symptoms. Statistics show that:

– endometriosis may recur
– pain may return

In my practice, I often meet patients who feel that after surgery, “something is still not quite in balance.”

The role of acupuncture after surgery

1. Supporting recovery

– may help the body recover more efficiently
– may reduce post-surgical discomfort

2. Supporting cycle and hormonal balance

– may help regulate the menstrual cycle
– support the body’s natural rhythms

3. Reducing the risk of recurrence?

Current research shows:

– promising results
– but not enough strong evidence to confirm that acupuncture alone can prevent recurrence

Therefore, it is important to be realistic: Acupuncture does not replace medical treatment — it works as a complementary approach.

When might it be helpful?

Acupuncture may be particularly useful if:

– pain persists despite treatment
– you are recovering after surgery
– you are preparing for IVF
– you would like to reduce medication use
– you want to better understand and support your body

It is important to know that acupuncture is not a “quick fix”. It does not cure endometriosis. However, it does help:

– reduce pain
– improve quality of life
– support the body’s internal balance

Managing endometriosis is often a long journey, requiring different approaches over time. Acupuncture can be a safe, supportive option within this process — particularly for pain management and post-surgical recovery. For me, this is not about a quick solution, but about supporting the body in a way that allows it to move toward a more stable state.

If you would like to learn more

If you have questions or would like to explore whether acupuncture may support you in your situation, we would be happy to work with you in a personalised and thoughtful way.

Many patients come to me wanting to support their IVF treatment with acupuncture.
And quite often, I notice that the time given for preparation is simply too short.

Many believe that a few weeks, a few acupuncture sessions, might already improve the outcome of the next stimulation. And this is often reinforced by clinics: start the next IVF cycle as soon as possible, because “there is no time to wait!”

At this point, I usually pause for a moment. Because the body doesn’t follow the same rhythm as the calendar.

Egg development is a longer process — it can take around 3 months or even longer. This is the period when we can gently support the body and truly influence egg quality. From my experience, having at least 3 months for preparing for the next cycle of IVF allows us enought time to:

– improve egg quality
– support the endometrium
– bring the hormonal system into better balance
– reduce the impact of stress on the body

+ months is not wasted time. It is a conscious preparation for the next step.

Of course, there are no guarantees for the success of an IVF after the preparation by acupuncture. Age, underlying conditions, and many other factors all play a role in the final result. But one thing is important to understand: when there is time to prepare, the next step often begins on a more stable foundation. And for me, that already means a lot in increasing the chance of success.

In recent years, there has been a clear shift in aesthetic medicine. More and more people — including public figures and celebrities — are moving away from aggressive, invasive procedures and toward approaches that support natural beauty and long-term skin health. Cosmetic acupuncture is part of this shift.

Why is it gaining attention?

Modern aesthetic treatments often focus on quick results. However, they may involve:

• injections or invasive procedures
• synthetic substances
• temporary effects

In contrast, acupuncture offers:

• a non-invasive approach
• gradual, natural improvement
• support for the body’s own regenerative processes

Scientific perspective

Research suggests several potential mechanisms:

• improvement of facial muscle tone and elasticity  (1)
• reduction in wrinkle depth and visible signs of aging  (2)
• stimulation of collagen and elastin production  (3)
• measurable changes in skin structure and elasticity (4)  
• potential benefits of thread embedding techniques for skin firmness (5)

How does it work?

The insertion of fine needles creates controlled micro-stimulation in the skin, which can:

• enhance blood circulation
• support tissue regeneration
• activate natural repair processes

Rather than altering the face artificially, acupuncture works by supporting physiological balance.

More than skin-deep

Patients often report:

• reduced stress
• improved sleep
• overall sense of balance

Skin health is closely connected to the nervous and hormonal systems — and this is where acupuncture offers a broader perspective.

Sustainable beauty

Sustainable beauty is not about fast transformation. It is about:

• supporting long-term skin health
• maintaining natural expression
• working with the body, not against it

Final thought

Acupuncture is not a quick fix.But it offers something different: a way to reconnect with the body’s own capacity to regenerate. And sometimes, that is where real change begins.

TREATMENT PRICE/PACKAGE

The price of cosmetic and anti-aging acupuncture treatment: 58 EUR/ session (30 minutes), or available in PACKAGES, which serve continuity and efficiency.

BOOKING APPOINTMENT

Vietkimhong Clinic provides professional services in a safe, calm environment.

Vietkimhong Clinic, 1051 Budapest, Arany János u.33, 1.em.2, doorbell 127, Opening hours: Thursday 9:30 – 17:00. 1184 Budapest, Lakatos út 3/E, 3/13, doorbell 13. Opening hours: Monday 9:30 – 17:00. Tel: +36 70 943 1878, Email: hongnbcc@gmail.com.

References

1. Effect of Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture on Facial Elasticity: An Open-Label, Single-Arm Pilot Study

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3745857

2. Is Acupuncture Effective in Diminishing Frown Lines? Evidence From a Randomized Controlled Trial

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11975151

3. The science behind cosmetic acupuncture

https://calvertrejuvenations.com/the-science-behind-cosmetic-acupuncture-in-herndon-virginia

4. Non-Traditional and Non-Invasive Approaches in Facial Rejuvenation: A Brief Review

https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/7/1/10?utm_source=chatgpt.com

5. Effect of thread embedding acupuncture for facial wrinkles and laxity: a single-arm, prospective, open-label study

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213422017301270

6. https://www.theacupunctureclinic.co.nz/jennifer-lopez-uses-acupuncture-for-weight-loss/

7. https://scottsdaleintegrativeacupuncture.com/blog//blog/celebrities-love-acupuncture

8. https://www.ellecanada.com/culture/celebrity/jennifer-aniston-is-into-acupuncture-and-3-step-skincare

9. https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/fashion/2020/0704/1151205-what-is-facial-acupuncture-and-why-do-celebs-swear-by-it/