Facial Rejuvenation
Try as we might to fight it, time marks its passage on every face. Each line is a lifetime of expression and while every face is beautiful, we all have a wrinkle here or there we would rather be free of. Today there are skin bleaching techniques, chemical injections and surgical procedures that we have developed to turn back the clock. However, these sometimes come with pronounced risk.
Acupuncture and oriental medicine is a system that utilizes what the body already has to best effect. The aim is to create a holistic path to wellness with as little intervention as possible. As early as the second century BC this system was used to improve upon one’s appearance with widespread use among the Empress and concubines. Through consistent treatment patients enjoy healthier skin, a more even tone, reduced wrinkles and reduced blemishes.
It sounds like magic which, speaking personally, always makes me suspicious. But the science supports acupuncture and herbal medicine as safe and effective. Like all things in our system of medicine the method is beautifully ordinary.
No cutting or chemicals? How does it work?
The effects of acupuncture are widespread. Increased blood and lymph circulation bring nutrients to the skin and eliminate accumulated waste. Modulation of smooth muscle functions benefit digestion which is often a source of facial blemishes. Other synergistic influences on the brain and thyroid are well documented and contribute to overall health which is reflected in our countenance.
Aside from the general benefits of acupuncture, research suggests more direct biochemical advantages for cosmetic use. Adjustments to hormone levels can reverse acne outbreaks, or promote estrogen release to arrest skin aging. In addition, over a course of several treatments the water content and surface oils of the patient’s skin become better balanced.
Furthermore cosmetic acupuncture has been shown to improve skin elasticity. By toning the underlying mimetic muscles of the face, fine lines can be eliminated and deeper wrinkles reduced. This is supported by the release of collagen into the tissue as a result of microdamage from needle insertion.
How is it done?
Cosmetic acupuncture techniques vary, but they all involve using very small filiform needles around the face and neck. These needles are as thin as possible to reduce the chances of pain and bruising, resulting in a virtually pain-free experience. The number of needles used is dependent on the severity of lines, but can range anywhere from 15 to 30 needles.
After the practitioner places the needle, patients are left to lie comfortably for around half an hour. This allows the mild irritation to facial tissue to persist, eliciting a stronger reaction. This treatment may be augmented by heat lamps, ultraviolet light, aromatherapy and other modalities. Once the treatment is finished the needles are removed and the patient can go one with their day without concern.
In addition to the time in the treatment room, your practitioner may also educate you on lifestyle and dietary choices to help the process along. By making these adjustments, the efficacy of a treatment can be greatly enhanced and extend beyond the treatment room.
Can I do cosmetic acupuncture with other things?
In general it is perfectly safe to do acupuncture with your ordinary skin care regimen. In fact, it works best with the addition of collagen face masks, derma rollers and other methods. There are some instances when cosmetic acupuncture would be contraindicated, however. A patient who has had Botox or other fillers in the past two weeks present a higher risk of infection so it is best to wait until the introduced fluids are cleared out. Those who suffer from chronic headaches or migraines may have their symptoms exacerbated by so many needles in the head. Finally, in an abundance of safety it is recommended not to do cosmetic acupuncture if you are pregnant or planning to be. It is also important to note that for people taking blood thinners, there may be bruising after a treatment.
A cosmetic treatment doesn’t just involve the face, either. Needles will be placed in the body to support the effects of treatment by improving blood flow, brightening the skin, toning underlying muscle and hydrating tissue.
How long does it take?
How long it takes to see results depends on the frequency of visits and the intensity of the areas worked on. Typically within ten visits finer lines will vanish, while deeper ones will be reduced. Areas of hyperpigmentation may lighten and persistent bags under the eyes will resolve. The effects of cosmetic acupuncture will persist anywhere from six to eight months.
With consistent care and the right lifestyle adjustments, a lot can be done to arrest the damage of aging. The results won’t be as dramatic as surgery, for instance, however you can take years off your face at a fraction of the cost. Once those troublesome lines and baggy eyes have been managed, upkeep is easy. Maintenance visits twice a month or so will ensure that those wrinkles stay away longer.
So how do I get started?
If you want to know how facial rejuvenation can benefit you, set up a consultation with Miami Acupuncture and Herbal Solutions. Our physician will discuss your options and how we can help, all at no cost to you. We look forward to seeing you!
Sources:
Barrett, John B. “Acupuncture and Facial Rejuvenation.” OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 1 July 2005, academic.oup.com/asj/article/25/4/419/190569.
Doran, Virginia. “An Introduction to Facial Revitalisation Acupuncture.” The European Journal of Oriental Medicine - Back Issues, www.ejom.co.uk/vol-5-no-5/featured-articles/.
Donoyama, Nozomi. “Cosmetic Acupuncture to Enhance Facial Skin Appearance: a Preliminary Study.” CiteSeerX, 2012, citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.991.265.
Yun, Younghee, et al. “Effect of Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture on Facial Elasticity: An Open-Label, Single-Arm Pilot Study.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Hindawi, 28 July 2013, www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/424313/.
Kim, Tae Yeon. “Trend Analysis of Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture Study Based on the Korean Traditional Medicine.” Journal of Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Society, Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine Society, 20 Dec. 2013, www.e-jar.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.13045%2Facupunct.2013052.
Thambirajah, Radha. “Cosmetic Acupuncture.” ScienceDirect, 2009, www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780443069543/cosmetic-acupuncture.