In a world that bombards our bodies with stressors, chemicals, toxins, and quick fixes, Cosmetic Acupuncture offers you a simple and healthy way to bring out your youthful vibrancy. Cosmetic Acupuncture is a great, all-natural alternative to the typical cosmetic enhancements currently available to women (and men!). Although improvements to the face may not be as visually dramatic as surgical procedures, injections or acid peels, Cosmetic Acupuncture actually has a much more impressive overall effect. Improving the body’s comprehensive health and vitality can in itself slow down the aging process, and you can expect Cosmetic Acupuncture to erase 5-15 years off your face.
Sometimes called “facial rejuvenation acupuncture” or an “acupuncture facelift,” Cosmetic Acupuncture was originally developed for patients with facial paralysis as a result of Bell’s palsy or stroke. The treatment results were so pronounced over time that it was transformed into a program for anti-aging.
How Does It Work? Your cosmetic acupuncture treatment will start with a health history and evaluation, which includes a tongue and pulse diagnosis, and a discussion about what areas of your face you wish to focus on. I'll then place tiny disposal needles at the temples, forehead, jaw and smile lines, and other areas of the body (such as hands and legs). I may also choose to pass a mild, painless current through the needles. Afterwards, I'll give the muscles of the face a gentle massage using a special "gua sha" tool. Most people drift off to sleep during the treatment.
The needles and electrical stimulation revitalize and awaken the natural energy of the body to:
- Increase collagen production and elasticity of the skin
- Improve muscle tone to reduce sagging
- Increase circulation of blood and fluids in the face, thereby moisturizing the skin and improving facial color
- Reduce under-eye bags and brighten the eyes
- Eliminate puffiness by improving metabolism
- Balance hormones, thereby clearing up hormonal acne
- Mobilize the immune system for overall wellness
Besides benefiting your appearance, patients report many healthy “side effects,” such as:
- Improved digestion
- Better quality sleep
- Reduction in PMS/or and peri-menopausal symptoms
- Elimination of mild depression, stress or anxiety
- Improved energy
- Increased sex drive
Facial Acupuncture Is Becoming a Popular Cosmetic Procedure This system has a lengthy history in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used for centuries in Asia to restore innate health and a beautiful complexion. Cosmetic Acupuncture is becoming very popular in certain regions of the United States, and has been featured more and more in the mainstream media (see ABC’s “Good Morning America”). The Telegraph UK even reported that Madonna has chosen acupuncture over cosmetic surgery to keep her looking foxy.
In terms of scientific results, the International Journal of Acupuncture reported in 1996* that, among 300 patients treated with facial acupuncture, 90% had marked benefits with one course of 10 treatments. These patients demonstrated improvement in the elasticity of facial muscles, smoother skin, fewer wrinkles, and a healthier complexion and constitution.
Recommended Number of Treatments I recommend twice-weekly treatments for 3 weeks, then once weekly for another 6 weeks (12 treatments total, taking 9 weeks to complete). Positive results may be seen as early as the 2nd or 3rd session, but the effects become most noticeable and lasting on or about the 10th treatment. Monthly maintenance care is advised to prolong the results and slow the aging process as much as possible. The number of treatments needed will vary according to the location and depth of wrinkles and lines and how long they’ve been present; lifestyle habits; sun exposure; nutritional support; and underlying health conditions.
If you’ve thought of getting Botox, chemical peels or even face-lift surgery, why not try Cosmetic Acupuncture first and avoid any unnecessary complications and side effects. Call now to schedule an initial evaluation with me at (323) 570-1060.
*Zhang Qi and Zhu Lan-xiu (1996). Meridional Cosmetology: Report of 300 Cases with Discussion of Underlying Mechanism. International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, Vol 7, No 4.