In magazines and television these days, most images of women portray flawless, unlined skin. With beauty ads selling creams that can instantly help erase lines, it’s hard not to wonder what are the options for aging gracefully and fighting the hands of time.
As I get older, I realize that aging doesn’t have to involve injections or major surgery and that looking refreshed can be achieved using natural treatments and a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of my skin using the correct products has always been important to me, however lowering stress levels, eating a healthy diet, proper supplementation and having a passion such as a hobby I love to do have been equally important in my anti-aging regime.
I know I’m not the only one worrying about laugh lines and radiant skin which is why I am passionate about using cosmetic acupuncture in my practice to help women look and feel their best.
What is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture is a holistic alternative to botox with a focus on naturally stimulating the epidermis, muscles and nerves of the face. This is done in conjunction with considering your state of overall health and wellness. (In comparison, botox is a neurotoxin that paralyzes muscles so they don’t move.)
This specialized form of acupuncture targets common skin worries such as fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and muscle tone, and scarring. It helps to improve muscle tone by stimulating motor points of facial muscles while sedating muscles that we might be overusing that cause skin concerns such as frown lines or crow’s feet.
With the help of acupuncture needles to increase the flow of blood and qi to these areas, the facial muscles are innervated and nourished. The result is a vitality (in TCM) or a “lit from within” glow.
BENEFITS OF COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE
The benefits of cosmetic acupuncture are many and plentiful. Cosmetic acupuncture may help in the following ways:
- Makes your skin glow
- Improves skin texture
- Calms skin conditions such as acne and rosacea
- Erases fine lines and softens deeper lines
- Lifts cheeks
- Minimizes double chin
- Builds collagen
- Learn about your health by facial diagnosis
- Great for those that get tension headaches
- Great for those suffering with facial numbness or paralysis
- Great for those that have TMJ or clench their jaw for any reason
- Improves digestion, sleep, immunity, mood, hormones
- Decreases stress
WHAT TO EXPECT AT AN APPOINTMENT
So what can you expect at a cosmetic acupuncture session?
- Discussion of main concerns
- Health assessment: You will be asked questions about your health. As well an investigation of the skin will be done to see what types of imbalances are present
- Acupuncture for the face to target areas of concern as well as body acupuncture to help address imbalances
- Gua sha and cupping massage
- Optional Mini Dermaviduals Professional Facial
EXPRESSION IS HEALTHY AND YOUR BODY WANTS TO FEEL THE SAME WAY
Let me start by saying that there is no judgment on people who get botox. I work with individuals who would like to preserve their radiance as well as individuals who would like to once again obtain their glow they once had.
It’s important to remember that expression is healthy. Studies have found that people feel less happy when they can’t properly express themselves. And other studies have found that the likelihood of having an adverse reaction after botox increases with each subsequent injection.
One of my favorite things to see in my patients after a cosmetic acupuncture session with me is that they see themselves — maybe it’s for the first time in a long time. But there is always a recognition and loving acceptance. There’s a softness, compassion, and femininity. And that’s beautiful.