SHARE

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have been used for about 5,000 years to maintain health. This included more than treating disease but also promoting rejuvenation and vitality. There is recorded evidence of cosmetic acupuncture (also known as facial rejuvenation, or acupuncture face-lift) being used as early as the Sung Dynasty (960AD-1270AD) by the Chinese empress and the Emperor’s concubines. Acupuncture techniques have evolved since then. Though it may seem pure vanity, our outer appearance is an indicator of our internal health. Cosmetic Acupuncture is a comprehensive treatment that rejuvenates from the inside out.

Modern applications of Cosmetic Acupuncture are often paired with more modern treatments such as corrective peels, microcurrent, and light therapy, but always begins with the root cause. An acupuncturist will give lifestyle and nutritional advice to support the treatments.

The Role of Digestion

In TCM, the skin is governed by the Lungs and Large Intestines. This means that when these organs are not functioning optimally there will likely be an effect on the skin. The first step when a patient comes in complaining of a skin condition, particularly an inflammatory one such as acne or rosacea, the first question is, “How are your bowel movements?” If you are not evacuating daily, then toxins are building up in your system that need to be eliminated somehow.

Besides the issue of toxin buildup, digestion is main producer of qi, or vital energy, in the body. Proper assimilation of nutrients is the foundation of healthy skin and poor digestion must be addressed in order to achieve resolution of skin issues and in order to prevent premature aging.
During any rejuvenation treatment it is necessary to consume adequate protein. We are asking the body to regenerate itself and this requires a great deal of energy. A protein deficient person will not get the results of increased taughtness in the skin.

Stress and Overwork

This combination is a major cause of most modern ailments. Stress and overwork imbalance the hormones and proper digestion. In TCM terms, stress causes Liver Qi Stagnation and overwork leads to Kidney Deficiency. Herbs and acupuncture can detox the Liver and strengthen the Kidneys, but lifestyle changes are also necessary. Often qigong and meditation exercises are given to patients to help manage their stress.

A Typical Treatment

Many practitioners suggest a series of 12 treatments, performed twice a week. However, postmenopausal women may require more to reach desired results. The results are more lasting because the treatment seeks to resolve the underlying cause while treating the more superficial symptoms.