I have been giving cosmetic acupuncture treatments to help eliminate sagging, lines and wrinkles for 20 years now and, in fact, taught it to other practitioners. In preparing to write this article I did a Google search on cosmetic acupuncture. I was astounded at how many articles are out there discussing cosmetic acupuncture! It’s become a very popular natural alternative to cosmetic surgery. It seems that the world is catching on to what I’ve known for years: acupuncture works wonders!
While acupuncture has become very popular among celebrities such as Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cher, it is also becoming very popular among regular people just like you. Cosmetic surgery and injections can be dangerous, expensive and painful. Acupuncture is a much more natural solution with excellent results. That being said, don’t expect the results to be as dramatic as getting a facelift.
While the results of cosmetic acupuncture are not as dramatic as surgery, people generally start noticing a difference immediately. Generally, the first thing noticed is the skin emits a new healthy glow. Often times, after an initial treatment, friends and family ask patients why they look so good. Over the course of a series of treatments, fine lines begin to disappear and deeper ones are less noticeable. Any puffiness or discoloration under the eyes begins to disappear, droopy eyelids are lifted, bags under the eyes are reduced, sagging is smoothed away and a clearing or reduction of age spots is often experienced. A recent research study, found that out of 300 test subjects, over 90% showed significant improvements after one series of treatments. This method of improving the physical appearance has been used for at least 800 years. It is reported that the emperor of the Sun Dynasty’s concubines used cosmetic acupuncture to maintain a youthful appearance.
So, how does it work? First of all, within Chinese Medicine we recognize that a person’s face reflects the health of their internal organs. In fact, facial diagnosis was part of the training I received in the process of getting my doctorate in Oriental Medicine. Your face reveals more than you think about your health!
Through a comprehensive treatment program utilizing a variety of modalities such as acupuncture, nutritional supplementation, dietary modification, detoxification, exercise and lifestyle coaching we are able to address the underlying imbalances in the body that are reflected in your face. Once those imbalances are addressed you will look and feel so much better than you have in a very long time. We are addressing the underlying causes of aging, which is much better than invasive procedures that simply mask the symptoms. One acupuncturist said the following, and I concur: “I liken cosmetic acupuncture treatment to a gardener tending the soil of a plant to produce a healthy flower, rather than superficially trying to polish a petal.”
In addition to addressing the underlying imbalances in the body, hair-thin acupuncture needles are placed strategically in “problem areas” of the face and neck. These stimulate circulation to the face, boost collagen production, plump fine facial wrinkles and relax muscles which helps with sagging in facial areas. Long term benefits include better moisture and elasticity in the skin, tighter pores, better tone and more definition in the jaw line.
If you look in the mirror and want to improve what you see, naturally, consider cosmetic acupuncture. You will be glad you did.
© 2009 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
