What happens when an aesthetician turned acupuncturist brings ancient healing techniques into the modern beauty space? You get Kacie of Silk & Palm, a Toronto-based boutique wellness studio that’s redefining what it means to glow from the inside out.
On this episode of the Healthspan Collective, Nicole sits down with Kacie, a registered acupuncturist and former medical aesthetician, for a deep dive into the power of facial acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and how internal balance reflects outward beauty. From reversing PCOS symptoms to finding hormonal harmony, Kacie shares her holistic approach to skin and women’s health.
From Hormonal Chaos to Healing
Kacie’s story starts with a personal health crisis: after coming off hormonal birth control, she was hit with cystic acne, digestive dysfunction, and irregular cycles. As a skincare professional at the time, the acne wasn’t just physically painful, it was emotionally and professionally devastating.
In searching for a root-cause approach, she discovered acupuncture. The results were life-changing—and led her to four years of TCM schooling and a full career pivot. Today, her thriving practice offers a fusion of traditional acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, and integrative women’s health support.
“I looked at skin very externally… I realized there was a big internal component I wasn’t paying attention to.”
What Is Facial Acupuncture and How Does It Work?
Facial acupuncture is more than a beauty treatment—it’s a cellular reset. Kacie describes it as a natural form of collagen induction therapy, similar to microneedling, that promotes blood flow, boosts oxygen to skin cells, and supports deep regeneration.
Unlike microneedling or lasers, facial acupuncture has no downtime. It can be done on a lunch break, and often includes LED red light therapy and Gua Sha massage for enhanced results.
“We’re not just treating the face. We’re always looking at the full system. Your skin is a mirror of your internal health.”
Internal Balance for External Radiance
Whether you’re struggling with acne, PCOS, or simply want a more balanced cycle, Kacie’s practice is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine principles like meridian mapping, pulse diagnosis, and energy (Qi) flow. Her treatments help move stagnation, reduce inflammation, and support nervous system regulation.
Many of her clients work with naturopaths or functional medicine doctors, and she emphasizes a less-is-more approach when it comes to supplements. Her priority is calming the nervous system, often the missing link in hormonal and skin health.
“If someone comes in stressed 10/10, I’m not adding five new things to their routine. The goal is to get the body into rest and digest, where real healing can begin.”
What Is Dampness and Why It Might Be Affecting Your Skin
In TCM, imbalances like “dampness” and “heat” are used to describe common issues like cystic acne, bloating, mucus buildup, and even histamine intolerance. Kacie explains how dampness often stems from weak digestion, poor food choices, or hormonal imbalance and how it can manifest on the skin.
Her go-to dampness culprits? Dairy, sugar, alcohol, and sometimes gluten. But she’s careful not to make strict or forever food rules, just temporary adjustments to help the body come back into balance.
Acupuncture for PCOS, PMS, and Menopause
From reversing her own PCOS to supporting clients through perimenopause and fertility journeys, Kacie treats women across all life stages. She breaks down how different phases of the menstrual cycle benefit from different acupuncture approaches and why treating the root (not just the symptom) is key.
“I wish we were taught this in school – how our menstrual cycle actually works. So many women are just now learning that their birth control bleed wasn’t a real period.”
Aging Gracefully, Not Fearfully
While many of her clients are interested in facial acupuncture as an alternative to Botox, Kacie is quick to clarify: it’s not about anti-aging, it’s about supporting aging well. Facial acupuncture can work alongside injectables or as a stand-alone therapy, but either way, internal health has to come first. Kacie explains “You’re going to age no matter what. You can’t stop the process, but you can slow it with practices that truly support your skin and body.”
The Silk & Palm Approach: Beauty With Balance
What sets Kacie apart is her grounded, holistic approach. “The health of your cells is the health of your skin. Everything is connected.” She’s not here to overwhelm you with a 12-step routine or dozens of supplements. She’s here to help you tune into your body, regulate your nervous system, and support your skin from the inside out.
Whether it’s facial acupuncture, Gua Sha, cupping, or simply learning how to rest after a stressful week, her message is clear: healing doesn’t have to be extreme to be effective.
Learn More
You can find Kacie at Silk & Palm, located in Yorkville, Toronto. For those outside Canada, she shares valuable tips and practices via Instagram, and may be available for virtual consultations.
Interested in supporting your hormonal health, mitochondria, or aging process with regenerative medicine? Schedule a consultation with one of our providers.
