What is Cosmetic Acupuncture AKA Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation?
Cosmetic Acupuncture is a non-surgical method of reducing the signs of the aging process. Acupuncture techniques as well as a variety of Chinese medical treatments and Chinese herbal supplements are used to erase years off of your face. Based on the differentiated diagnoses of Oriental Medicine, the whole body looks and feels younger by addressing the physical, mental and emotional patterns that cause disease and contribute to the aging process.
How does Cosmetic Acupuncture Work?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory beauty comes from within. When you start to age in a way that looks and feels unhealthy then it is possible the flow of Qi, Blood, and Essence are not balance within your body. When balance is restored, you will feel and look more radiant. On a physiological level, acupuncture has been shown to increase circulation of blood and life energy throughout the body. Increased blood flow can help us to maintain healthy skin and muscle tone by sending nourishment, moisture, and “lifting” energy to the skin and muscles of the face. By increasing lymph flow using my facial tui na massage and combined withacupuncture I can help strengthen the immune system; our skin is an essential part of our immune system. The needles inserted into the face affect collagen and elastin production which will help tone the skin. Collagen is a protein produced by our bodies that is responsible for our skin’s durability and resilience. Elastin is responsible for the elasticity of our skin. Sun exposure and aging degrade and decrease the production of our collagen and elastin. Acupuncture helps to stimulate the body’s natural processes of cell reproduction and growth. Needles are placed in the muscle motor points to re-educate the muscles back to their original placement, thus the face looks more sculpted, more youthful and lifted. Cosmetic Acupuncture is also known as facial acupuncture and facial rejuvenation acupucture.
What’s the difference between Cosmetic Acupuncture and Botox?
- Botox cannot treat wrinkles due to aging or sun exposure or reduce the fine lines (only works on dynamic wrinkles – smile lines, frown lines)
- Risk of paralysis of surrounding muscles & upper eyelid droop
- Botox only provides temporary results. The more you get, the more you need to achieve same effect
- Cost is at least $600.00 every 3-4 months!
- May not be able to raise eyebrows and have other expressions
- Long term effects of botox are still unknown
Are the effects of Cosmetic Acupuncture proven?
A 1996 research study report in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that among 300 cases treated with Cosmetic Acupuncture, 98% had marked effects with one course of treatment.
The effects included:
- Skin becoming more delicate and fair
- Improvement of the elasticity of facial muscles
- Diminished wrinkles
- Healthier/brighter complexion
- Overall rejuvenation not confined to the face
What are the effects of Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic Acupuncture may erase as many as 5 to 15 years from the face, with results apparent after a course of treatments.
Fine lines may be eliminated and wrinkles diminished. Bags under the eyes can be reduced, jowls firmed, puffiness eliminated, droopy eyelids lifted and double chins minimized. Other likely results include: moisturizing of the skin with increased local circulation of blood and lymph to the face; increased collagen production, muscle tone, and dermal contraction; tightening of the pores; brightening of the eyes; improvement of hormonal balance to help acne and the reduction of stress. This brings out your innate beauty and radiance.
While it does not produce the dramatic results of some of invasive procedures, it does help the face look younger, healthier and more radiant without dangerous side effects.
Since the body/mind/spirit are all connected, negative emotions reflect in the face and change the appearance of skin texture, color and tension. Acupuncture can eliminate stress and bring out innate strength, vitality and health. You will not only look younger but also most certainly feel younger. Studies show that stress is the number one killer in the world. It leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, and all kinds of other ailments. Have you ever considered how STRESS can affect your face? And certainly, stress causes one to age more rapidly (including in the face). Acupuncture is a great stress reliever.
What is Scar Reduction Therapy and who is a candidate?
Needles are used to break down the scar tissue, which reduce it in size and thickness for a smoother more natural appearance. Also, the energy and blood flow through the scarred areas is re-established. Women with Hysterectomy scars benefit greatly. Anyone who has had body piercing scars, surgery scars, scars from trauma, especially keloid scars, benefit greatly from scar therapy. Facial scars are especially important to reduced in size. Redness, unevenness, sensitivity, numbness, tingling are all indications that the scar should be worked on. I have successfully stopped lower abdominal pain lasting 35 years of from my work on Hysterectomy scars.
How many Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments do I need?
A typical course of treatment consists of 10-14 consecutive treatments to see desired results. Twice per week for 5-7 weeks. While results are often noticeable after just a few sessions, a full course allows deeper, more lasting results to occur. After completing a course of treatment, maintenance sessions can prolong the results. Maintenance sessions usually occur monthly for 2 to 3 months and then seasonally for as long as you wish to maintain results depending on the reaction of the patient. For some difficult cases, for example if the patient is older with deeper lines, they may need to repeat another 10 sessions. Why maintenance? Because the two best friends of aging, gravity and the sun are still with us; We need to combat that.
How long does the visible improvement last?
The effects of Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation are cumulative and last up to 3-5 years after a course of 10 treatments, with maintenance.
Each patient will be different, but usually each patient will need maintenance treatments once per month or once per season. Cosmetic Acupuncture diminishes the fine lines already existing on the skin and prevents the skin from aging.
At what age should I start Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Skin elasticity starts to decline at the age of 21. So, it is never too early to start. Typically, best results are seen in patients before the age of 55. The best age range is between 20 to 55 years old. Even younger youthful skin will benefit from cosmetic acupuncture to delay the aging process and keep the skin glowing.
If a patient has the following disorders, they will not be treated with Cosmetic Acupuncture:
- Hemophiliacs
- Pacemakers
- Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Severe Migraines within the last 3 months
- Pregnant Women
How long does the visible improvement last?
The effects of Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation are cumulative and last up to 3-5 years after a course of 10 treatments, with maintenance.
Each patient will be different, but usually each patient will need maintenance treatments once per month or once per season. Cosmetic Acupuncture diminishes the fine lines already existing on the skin and prevents the skin from aging.
What is the Cosmetic Acupuncture procedure?
On your first treatment, we discuss your health history, including any physical, mental or emotional issues in your daily life that need to be balance and work on. We will evaluate what changes you would like to see in your face and skin and what kind of treatment plan best fits your needs. Each treatment involves the insertion of tiny acupuncture needles, finer than a strand of hair, into specific areas through out the whole body. I insert the needles throughout your body while you are relaxing and lying down on my treatment table (clothes on). During acupuncture, full attention will be given to help you relax and receive the most value from the treatment. After each needle is inserted, you may feel nothing, or sometimes a vague numbness, heaviness, or slight tingling. However, the treatment is effective whether these feelings are sensed or not. The needles will be left in for 20-30 minutes while you relax with soothing music. In general, the treatments are very relaxing. Many patients fall asleep. After the treatment, you may experience a relaxing euphoric feeling. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
How long are Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments?
- Cosmetic Acupuncture takes over 1 hour
- Cosmetic Acupuncture with Facial Treatments takes over 1 1/2 hours
- The first visit takes longer because of the initial intake form
How should I prepare for my Cosmetic Acupuncture treatment?
Patients should eat (but not overeat) before an acupuncture treatment and should wear comfortable clothes. I may need to raise the pant legs to the knee, or get at the belly so dress accordingly. Refrain from rigorous exercise for at least two hours before and after treatment. Alcohol consumption is not advised. An evening Facial Acupuncture session may keep you awake at night, so I recommend a session earlier in the day if possible.
Why treat the body as well and not just the face only?
The effects of Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation are not confined to the face. Each acupuncture treatment is individualized according to how each person is aging. No two people receive the same treatments because each person’s aging process is unique. Acupuncture points are chosen based on an individualized differential diagnosis according to the Theory of Chinese medicine. A diagnosis is reached by examining constitutional health issues and any symptoms you may be having. If you have other complaints such as digestive problems, acute or chronic pain, stress, insomnia, fatigue etc., these symptoms will be addressed in the session and specific points chosen accordingly. Thus, the treatment is an overall balance of your health as well as your appearance. Beauty from within. The wrinkles disappear and your health improves at the same time!
Throughout the course of treatment, other physical symptoms you may be experiencing will also improve, even if we don’t actively address them. Treatments can improve hormonal balance; delay the graying of hair and hair loss associated with aging. You may notice you have a better quality of sleep and increased energy. It will improve your digestion and metabolism and strengthen your immune system. You can also address and treat any chronic or recurring pain.