Nurturing radiance from within - an interview with Helena, cosmetic acupuncturist by Chloé Machin

At the core of I Am Beauty, I believe that true beauty radiates from within, and it’s not about erasing the lines of life but embracing the journey that brought them. Today, I am excited to share a special conversation with Helena, an incredible practitioner who shares my passion for holistic, pro-ageing skincare. Together, we are redefining beauty as something deeper than the surface—something that nourishes the body, mind, and soul.

Helena's path to Chinese Medicine is a testament to the profound healing power of alternative therapies. Having faced severe health challenges herself, including auto-immune disease and chronic fatigue, she tried everything from conventional to alternative medicine. Yet, it was through Chinese Medicine and Taoist life practices that she found true healing. Her journey not only transformed her life but also ignited a passion for helping others discover their own healing through this ancient, complex system.

This shared love for holistic wellness is what brought Helena and me together.  We met whilst studying at the same course and our connection was instant, like meeting a long-lost sister.  We share a deep belief in pro-ageing, nervous system healing and skin treatments that go beyond the surface. It's a collaboration born from pure inspiration and a partnership that feels magical and

Helena will officially join I Am Beauty as of Monday December 2nd. To register your interest and for more information please leave your details here.

To give you a deeper insight into her incredible expertise, here’s a little Q&A from our recent chat.

 __________________________________________________________________

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Helena: I’m a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, focusing on acupuncture, herbs, and bodywork. I’ve also studied cranio-sacral therapy, nutrition, and Taoist life-cultivation for over 12 years. I’m always learning, travelling overseas for further training, and integrating it all back into my practice. I guess you could say I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to the human body—I’m forever fascinated by how we work!

What inspired you to get into Chinese Medicine?
Helena: That’s a long story, but in short, I was very sick for a long time with an auto-immune disease, severe adrenal burn-out, and chronic fatigue. I tried everything, from conventional medicine to alternative therapies, but it was Chinese Medicine and Taoist practices that finally shifted my health. It’s the most profound medical system I’ve ever come across. You could study it your whole life and still only scratch the surface.

What sparked your special interest in cosmetic acupuncture?
Helena: It’s just so much fun! I love seeing people feel comfortable in their own skin, glowing with radiant, healthy skin. Cosmetic acupuncture allows me to work on the deeper aspects of health—like mood, hormones, digestion, and energy—while also improving the skin. It’s such a lovely balance of depth and lightness. The face is where we express who we are, and working with that complexity is incredibly rewarding.

What exactly is cosmetic acupuncture?
Helena: Cosmetic acupuncture is essentially a combination of body and facial acupuncture. The health of your skin is deeply connected to your overall health, so this treatment works on restoring balance to the whole body. The facial needles are much finer than the ones used on the body, allowing for a more refined and gentle approach.

What are the benefits of cosmetic acupuncture?
Helena: After a session, you feel like you’ve just come back from a deeply relaxing holiday. Your skin is glowing, and you feel more at peace. The treatment improves circulation, tightens and lifts the skin, and helps reduce fine lines and soften deeper wrinkles. It also promotes collagen production, sculpts the face, and releases tension and trauma held in the facial muscles. The results are not just visible but also deeply felt.

How does cosmetic acupuncture work?
Helena: By needling the face, we create a microtrauma that stimulates collagen production and boosts blood and lymphatic circulation. The facial muscles are unique in that they attach directly to the skin, so any tension in these muscles immediately affects the skin, causing wrinkles or sagging. Releasing these muscles allows the skin to smooth and lift. The treatment also has a profound effect on the nervous system, helping the body shift into a deeply restorative state.

What makes your style of cosmetic acupuncture unique?
Helena: I’ve undergone special training in pulse diagnosis and Korean facial acupuncture techniques. I’m the only person in Australia trained in this specific technique, which works directly with the facial muscles for maximum results. I also incorporate craniosacral therapy at the end of the treatment to enhance the nervous system reset. Every treatment is one-on-one, with my full attention on the client, ensuring a truly tailored experience.

Who would benefit most from cosmetic acupuncture?
Helena: This treatment is perfect for anyone looking to avoid botox or fillers and wanting a more natural approach to skincare. It’s also great for people dealing with facial tension, stress, or trauma. Even those with injectables can benefit from this treatment between sessions—it helps reset the skin and boosts overall skin health. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as those with adult acne or acne scarring, will also see great results.

We are thrilled to have Helena joining the I Am Beauty team. Her approach to skincare aligns perfectly with our mission of celebrating natural beauty and embracing ageing. If you’re interested in experiencing her incredible work, make sure to book your spot for October—it’s a rare opportunity before she officially starts in December!

With warmth and care,
Chloé
Founder of I Am Beauty