Is Cosmetic Acupuncture Right for You?
By Toby Helmstetter, LAc
Cosmetic acupuncture is a virtually painless, non-surgical method of reducing the signs of the aging process. The technique uses acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to erase years off of the face. Based on the principles of Oriental Medicine, it helps the whole body look and feel younger by addressing the physical, mental and emotional patterns that cause disease and contribute to the aging process.
The use of acupuncture to slow the visible effects of aging began in China in the Song Dynasty (960-1279AD) and has since evolved into a specialized practice in the field of acupuncture. In traditional Chinese medicine, it was known as “Chinese Medical Cosmetology." Used for centuries, it reduces or eliminates fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, sagging and discoloration of the face while simultaneously supporting overall health. In general, it may erase as many as five to fifteen years from the face, with results after just a few treatments. Fine lines may be eliminated and deeper wrinkles reduced. Bags under the eyes can be diminished; drooping eyelids, brow lines, sagging jowls and double chins lifted. It helps to eliminate puffiness by eliminating excess fluids and improving metabolism. Treatments tighten pores, improve muscle tone and dermal contraction, increase collagen production and affect its distribution. Moisture in the skin and evenness of skin color will be balanced by increasing local circulation of blood and lymph to the face. Any stress that is evident in the face will be reduced.
Treatment involves the insertion of tiny acupuncture needles into specific areas of the face, ears, neck, hands, feet, and legs to affect changes in the face as well as the whole body. On your first visit, we discuss your overall health history, including any physical, mental or emotional issues in your life that you feel you want to work on. We will evaluate what changes you would like to see in your face and skin, and then you receive an acupuncture treatment. The needles are inserted while you are relaxing and lying down on a massage table. Once the needles are in, you rest for 20-30 minutes. In general, the treatments are very relaxing and take about 1 ½ hours. In order to attain desired effects, a series of 10 to 15 weekly Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture treatments are required. 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.
It may sound too good to be true, but it's not. The principle of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is that beauty comes from within. If you are aging in a way that looks and feels unhealthy then it is possible that there is a fundamental, constitutional imbalance that is causing you to age in the ways that you are. When balance is restored, you will feel and look more radiant. And, the effects of Facial Rejuvenation acupuncture are not confined to the face. Throughout treatment, other physical symptoms you may be experiencing will also improve. 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. Heres a link to a great article about it on webmd.
Each cosmetic 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 diagnosis according to the principles of Chinese medicine. A diagnosis is reached by examining constitutional health issues and any symptoms you may be having. Thus, the treatment is an overall rejuvenation of your health as well as your appearance. On a physiological level, acupuncture has been shown to increase circulation of blood and lymph throughout the body. Increased blood flow can balance out skin color and can help to maintain healthy skin and muscle tone. By increasing lymph flow, buildup of noxious elements in the skin can be eliminated by the body. Acupuncture has also been proven to strengthen the immune system, and our skin is an essential part of our immune system. The needles inserted into the face affect collagen and elastin production and its dispersal. 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. Though Facial Rejuvenation acupuncture can sometimes be referred to as an “Acupuncture Facelift,” it is more than just a cosmetic procedure; it brings out your innate beauty and radiance.