|
(See the bottom of this page for helpful links in
association with this topic)
Many of us have heard
about using acupuncture for face-lifts. Many of us have
also thought that such a thing must be some modern
Americanization of ancient Eastern medicine. The concern
over physical appearance, however, is nothing new for
any culture. The tradition of facial rejuvenation with
the use of acupuncture dates back to the Sung Dynasty
(960 AD-1280 AD), and probably before that, for the
Empress and the Emperor's concubines.
Modern acupuncture face-lifts may include only needles.
Although many needles may be used, the needles used in
this application are as fine as hairs and often are not
even felt when inserted. Many practitioners like to add
to the traditional protocols, including features of
facials given in American spas today. There are some
significant differences, however. Mixtures of Chinese
herbs are used in the compresses, masks, creams and
steams. You may also receive electro-acupuncture and/or
tui-na (massage) with your session. A course of
treatment is 10-12 sessions, or 2-3 sessions per week
for 4-6 weeks. With continued maintenance after the
initial course of treatment (1-2 treatments per month),
the effects are much longer lasting.
The treatments serve to bring qi and blood to the face,
based on the traditional Chinese principal that blood
follows qi. Increased blood flow to the face serves to
minimize wrinkles and sagging, tonify the facial
muscles, and reduce or remove lines and acne. Scars may
also be softened and even reduced. A 1996 report in the
International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported
that among 300 cases treated with Facial Acupuncture,
90% had marked effects with one course of treatment.
The effects included the skin becoming smoother,
improvement of elasticity in the facial muscles,
leveling of wrinkles, a better complexion, and overall
rejuvenation in the body as well.
Acupuncture will not take the place of a surgical
face-lift, but there are many reasons that this therapy
is more inviting than conventional face-lifts. Treatment
with herbs and acupuncture is not only substantially
less expensive than a surgical face-lift, but much
safer. Why pay $5135 for a surgical face lift and take
2 weeks to recover, hoping not to get hematomas,
infection, and scarring? Botox injections, chemical
peels, and collagen injections every few months risk
causing serious allergic reactions, infection, scarring,
cold sore flare-ups, scarring, and possible permanent
skin color changes, swelling, redness, bruising,
numbness, and headaches. Facial toning with acupuncture
is free from dangerous side effects. In acupuncture the
most likely side effect is possible bruising, and this
rarely occurs. Another benefit to facial rejuvenation
with acupuncture is that other health or wellness issues
may be addressed at the same time with additional
acupuncture body points. This is an excellent way to
feel good and look great.
Acupuncture face-lifts should not be given to those with
low platelet counts, bleeding or bruising disorders, or
pregnant women. Only licensed acupuncturists should
perform acupuncture. Please be advised that many
doctors who practice acupuncture have as little as 30
hours of training in contrast to the four-year graduate
program most licensed acupuncturists attend.
Helpful Links
[ Back to
Top ] |
