A fundamental belief of Chinese medicine is that health begins on the inside. How you treat your body, what you eat, how you feel, the way you think…all of this plays a factor into your health. The root of wellbeing is an internal balance. However, that’s not to say that it’s not visible on the outside. You can get a healthy glow from eating right or working out, and studies have shown that there are many Chinese medicine tips that can defy signs of aging. See some of them here:
8 Natural Anti-aging Secrets from Asia
But did you know that acupuncture can also be used as a natural alternative to chemical anti-wrinkle treatments, such as botox? Acupuncture has been cited by the World Health Organization to treat over forty-three conditions including allergies, asthma, back pain, carpal tunnel, depression, and infertility. A less-known course of acupuncture treatment is facial rejuvenation.
Chinese medicine holds the belief that every living being has what’s known as “qi” (pronounced ‘chee’), which is a kind of life force or energy. Acupuncture works by targeting the points on the body that are believed to have blockages of qi. These blockages cause illness and specific points of blockages relate to specific conditions.
The Process and Benefits of Facial Acupuncture
Facial acupuncture works in the same way that other acupuncture treatments do—it focuses on balancing a person’s qi and clearing blockages. But it also enhances healthy cell growth, creates an appealing facial glow, and promotes the production of collagen in the skin. Collagen is naturally produced by the body and reduces fine lines and wrinkles by cushioning skin cells, making skin soft and more flexible. Chrysso Neophytou-Tsimis, LAc, MSTOM owns a private practice and teaches facial acupuncture at Pacific College, New York. “Facial acupuncture different from mainstream cosmetic treatments in that it works from the inside out to harmonize internal imbalances that contribute to aging and wrinkle formation”, Neophytou-Tsimis says.
When asked what the most common conditions are that facial acupuncture is used to treat, Neophytou-Tsimis explains, “Quite often patients come in with puffy eyes or dark circles under the eyes, sagging of the neck/double chin, smile lines, crows feet, lines between the eyebrows, lines on the forehead, hyper-pigmentation, acne rosacea and acne.”
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The needles used in facial acupuncture are even thinner than typical acupuncture needles. These tiny, bendable, and ultra fine needles cause a tiny irritation just under the skin after being inserted. This irritation alerts your cells to pay attention to the area, providing more collagen and repair, resulting in a reduction of fine lines. “Facial acupuncture is a natural alternative to surgery, Botox, restulane and other fillers. It is an option for those who want a softer look, nothing drastic or too dramatic, who are willing to go through a slow, progressive toning of the facial muscles and softening of wrinkles,” says Neophytou-Tsimis.
The best results are achieved when acupuncture is a consistent treatment, as opposed to a one-time effort. For facial acupuncture, it’s recommended that a patient schedule ten consecutive treatments in fairly close succession (about 3 days apart, or twice a week). While it may take consistent sessions to diminish wrinkles, your face will look revitalized and have a healthy glow after just one treatment. “Some subtle changes like improved skin tone and texture can be seen after the first session, while more noticeable changes like contouring of the face and reduction of fine lines is seen after a few sessions, usually 2-4, while more dramatic results require a few more frequent treatments, 8-15,” Neophytou-Tsimis adds.
Integrating Facial Acupuncture with Holistic Treatments
Facial acupuncture can be combined with other holistic treatments for anti-aging benefits. Neophytou-Tsimis says, “I usually recommend taking Chinese herbs, Neutraceuticals or Cosmeceuticals, as well as nutritional recommendations like loading up on foods rich in antioxidants, that have antinflammatory and anti-aging properties.” Chinese medicine believes food can be medicine, so incorporating things like berries, salmon, and nuts into a diet plan can add antioxidants and improve cell health.
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, New York performs facial acupuncture in its clinic, and offers facial acupuncture classes for acupuncture students. The Pacific College clinic is a wonderful place to be treated by high quality professionals at an affordable price, often a significant amount more affordable than a private practice. Interested in getting that healthy glow and naturally preventing signs of aging? Give us a visit today!
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, New York
915 Broadway
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10010
Clinic Phone: 212-982-4600
Check out facial acupuncture in the news:
Esquire Magazine: Should You Ever Considered Facial Acupuncture?
The Acupuncture Clinic: Jennifer Lopez Uses Acupuncture for Weight Loss and Anti-Aging
Pacific College: Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
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