You may have seen or heard about Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture in the media recently. The New York Times (12/2007), The Today Show, Vogue, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times and the Denver Post are just a few of the more recent publications and shows to do stories about this natural, non-surgical treatment option available in our endless search for the fountain of youth. What with the FDA’s current safety review of Botox (http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/early_comm/botulinium_toxins.htm), due to reports of systemic adverse reactions, many are now turning to Cosmetic Acupuncture as a holistic alternative because it addresses the actual causes of skin aging & wrinkling versus simply masking the problem.
So what is Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture exactly?
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (aka Cosmetic Acupuncture) is technically the painless insertion of extremely fine needles (thickness of a few hairs) into specific points on the face and body and/or local areas of concern, tailored to each individual and their constitutional needs. The purpose is to clear blockages that may have left a map of fine lines or wrinkles, sagging jowls, age spots, dull skin, bags and circles under the eyes, or even small amounts of cellulite. Facial Acupuncture is able to address and treat the underlying imbalances that lead to the creation of these aging road maps on our face and body. At the end of the day, our face is a reflection of our internal and emotional wellbeing.
As a true branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and not simply an external procedure, Facial Rejuvenation involves not only acupuncture, but herbal medicine, dietary and lifestyle recommendations and topical treatments as well. High quality Pearl Cream, in particular, is fantastic for restoring natural moisture and radiance to tired skin. Once reserved for Empresses, Emperors and their concubines, this ancient practice satisfying the dual pursuit of longevity and beauty and is now available in the West by specifically trained acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners.
Most observable benefits include:
- Eliminates fine lines and diminishes deeper lines
- Reduces, tightens, or eliminates double chins & “turkey necks”
- Lifts drooping eyelids
- Reduces/firms bags and dark circles under the eyes
- Improves collagen production, muscle tone & facial color
- Improves skin texture and moisture
- Brightens eyes
- Reduces edema and puffiness
- Improves acne
- Improves metabolism and most digestive issues
Often more significant are the improvements that happen almost as a side-effect, including:
- Stress reduction
- Better sleep
- Weight loss
- Lifting or lessening of depressions
- Lessening of menopausal symptoms and PMS symptoms
- Relief from headache and/or toothache
- Increased energy and overall rejuvenation
Returning you to your best sense of balance will be apparent in both your outward appearance as well as your internal well-being. It really brings authenticity to the cliché that “When you look good, you feel good.”
Not comfortable with the idea of surgery or injecting foreign material into your skin? Why not give Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture a try? A standard course of treatment is 10-15 sessions, spaced at intervals of 1-2x/week for 2-4 months. Current or recent smokers should expect to double the number of sessions.
In my experience, many people do see noticeable results after their 3rd or 4th treatment. Most people, thought, should expect to have weekly treatments for about 3 months before seeing dramatic differences. One thing most everyone has in common is the experience of people telling them how great they look and wondering what it is they are doing different.
CAUTIONS: Facial Acupuncture should not be used by everyone. If you are pregnant or experiencing: acute allergic reactions, herpes outbreaks, or colds or flu, please wait until these conditions have passed… then facial treatments are fine. It is also contraindicated in cases of:
- Severe migraines
- Severe high blood pressure
- Diabetes (some exceptions)
- Use of anticoagulants, including Coumadin or daily aspirin
- Recent laser resurfacing
- Allow 3 months for face to heal before trying facial acupuncture
- Microdermabrasion
- Allow 1 month for face to heal before trying facial acupuncture
If you are looking to erase effects of days and years in the elements or simply interested in slowing the signs of aging, Cosmetic Acupuncture is your natural solution. This season of springtime – the time of renewal and rebirth – is the ideal time to get started. I look forward to helping you turn back the signs of stress and aging.
