RESUMEN
[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the awareness and perceptions of cosmetic acupuncture among ordinary women.[Method] A questionnaire method was adopted, with a target population of 1,000 ordinary women living in Shizuoka prefecture, which is considered a suitable location for test marketing in Japan.Questionnaires were distributed through the Chambers of Commerce in the prefecture by age group, according to the population ratio, and responses were obtained. The items included (1) basic information; (2) presence and type of facial cosmetic concerns; (3) experience of acupuncture, awareness of cosmetic acupuncture, the medium through which they learned of it, perception of effects, and experience of cosmetic acupuncture; (4) effects and types of cosmetic acupuncture, presence or absence of adverse effects, current treatment status, desired treatment outcomes and reasons for seeking treatment, wishes from treatment clinics, and wishes from practitioners; and (5) 1 month's investment in beauty.[Result] The response rate was 56.2%, and 91.8% of the participants perceived that they had facial cosmetic concerns; 28.8% had experience with acupuncture, whereas 42.0% had knowledge regarding cosmetic acupuncture. Television (45.3%) was the primary source of information regarding this. The most prevalent perception of the effects of cosmetic acupuncture was lifting (44.8%), and 43.2% of the 521 participants inexperienced with cosmetic acupuncture consented to treatment. Participants mostly reported being somewhat interested in the procedure as their reason for wanting to receive treatment (45.3%). The most common reason for opting out of treatment was due to pain (52.6%). Of those who experienced cosmetic acupuncture, 60.0% said they experienced positive effects, and lifting (62.5%) is the most frequently perceived outcome, which matched the commonly held perception. However, among the participants, 45.0% reported negative effects, while 47.5% received the treatment two or more times in the past but did not continue. Participants mainly wanted clean treatment centers and skilled practitioners. The most common monthly investment in beauty was between 3,000 yen and 5,000 yen (28.5%).[Discussion/Conclusion] The results suggest that many women have cosmetic concerns regarding their faces and expect lifting from cosmetic acupuncture. The low treatment rate among women and their reasons for not seeking re-treatment were elucidated in this study, despite their degree of awareness. Further, the problems associated with the development of cosmetic acupuncture were clarified.
RESUMEN
Recently, cosmetic acupuncture has converged on the acupuncture industry currently, cosmetic acupuncture is in strong demand in clinical scenes every day, and it is a part of classes at training institutions or universities of acupuncture.<BR>Only ten years ago, it was taboo to use acupuncture cosmetically except for special occasions, and acupuncturists and moxa-cauterizers did not have much interest in it. However, against the background of its being required for the "beauty"field, it is seen off and for the wish for youth and beauty of us hoping for a higher quality of life. In June 2010, the 59th annual meeting of Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion held the International Conference Centre in Osaka Nakanoshima. This acupuncture congress came up with a great topic, and the extension of practical skills for cosmetic acupuncture took place for the first time. We got a high response at the congress. The hall capacity was 350 people and was full. People were even standing in the back because there were no seats left. Therefore, we would like to request you, professors teaching people exhibiting some practical skills at the congress, to write about your thoughts for cosmetic acupuncture and the practice of it, which we hope will be future prospects for cosmetic acupuncture.