What? Is it even possible to combat the signs of aging with the ancient art of acupuncture? Yes, absolutely.
Facial acupuncture is very relaxing, especially for those high-achieving, highly stressed, type-A overachievers, who are also often jaw-clenchers and teeth-grinders. I personally love the feel of acupuncture needles in my face. The light and tingly “high” of this sensation and healing brings me bliss and total relaxation. And while feeling great on the inside is critical, feeling confident about what’s on the outside is another benefit of some acupuncture treatments.
Everyone wants to look and feel younger. While cosmetic procedures can be pricey and scary, natural approaches to health and youth are equally available, more affordable and take advantage of our own bodies’ natural resources, rather than external chemicals or procedures. Eating wholesome organic foods, drinking adequate water and getting plenty of exercise are keys to good health both inside and out. But, frankly, we have often ignored the completely cosmetic applications of natural wellness practices.
For sustaining a youthful glow and tight skin, hundreds of creams and potions promise to diminish wrinkles and fine lines, to lift and tone, and to lighten spots. Just how beneficial these products may be is debatable though and many of them are full of potentially harmful chemicals. More and more people are turning to acupuncture for facial rejuvenation, cosmetic sculpting and lifting. Style and beauty magazines list numerous celebrities—Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna, Kate Moss, and Angelina Jolie—who may use cosmetic acupuncture techniques. They ought to know, right?
Cosmetic acupuncture actually dates back to the Sung Dynasty (960-1279AD), and specialist teachers, including Mary Elizabeth Wakefield and Virginia Doran, have offered cosmetic acupuncture classes focusing on facial rejuvenation for the last decade. The desire for youth and beauty seems ageless. Now where exactly do we find that Fountain of Youth?
For cosmetic acupuncture (also called facelift acupuncture or facial rejuvenation) delicate, hair-thin needles are used on acupuncture points to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, lift and tone the skin, increase collagen production, help decrease darkness and puffiness under the eyes, revive drooping eyelids, and brighten the eyes. Cosmetic acupuncture can also help restore vitality and youth and decrease facial tension and stress.
The needles are inserted throughout the face and head, depending on the areas of individual concern. Acupuncture points on the body can also include the hands, feet, legs, arms and stomach. For best results with facial rejuvenation/cosmetic acupuncture, acupuncturists typically recommend 10 to 12 treatments, once or twice a week.*
Besides improving the body’s natural energy flow and vitality, the medical reasoning behind facial acupuncture is sound. The tiny, almost imperceptible micro-trauma triggers the body’s natural immune system, increasing blood flow locally, lymphatic drainage, and a biochemical response leading to increased collagen production to local areas that were needled on the face. Other points affect hormones and the overall balance of the individual.
Not only can a cosmetic acupuncture session act on the face, but it can trigger an increase in balance and relaxation throughout the body, affecting mood, stress and hormones. Getting “poked” takes on an entire new, healthful meaning—way beyond the Facebook definition of that term!
Our current 2021 price is $200 for an initial appointment and $150 for follow-ups.