COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE
Improve the Appearance of Your Skin, Naturally
by Tracy Malone, ND - Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Your skin is alive! It has a rhythm, an inhalation and an exhalation. It takes in nutrients, light and color. It exhales gases, sloughs off dead skin cells and rhythmically renews itself every 28 days. The sheath of protective covering we call skin is remarkable. It is not only an organ of perception; it also interacts with other organs such as digestion and is the on-site manufacturer of roughly 50% of our immune cells. The skin is an unbelievably flexible and resilient fabric providing shape to the skeletal, muscular body. It is in a constant state of renewal and regeneration. The skin has exceptional healing and adaptive properties.

The quest for beautiful skin has been documented across many cultures and generations. In modern day society this quest has become more of an obsession employing many radical, invasive procedures. Many of you may wonder if there is a more natural approach to slow and repair the aging process we all experience.  In this issue several natural treatments aimed at reducing the signs of aging skin will be discussed.

Cosmetic Acupuncture has attracted great attention in the last few years, especially in the big cities like New York City and Los Angeles. It used to be a treatment that was only available in exclusive areas. This treatment is now widely available to anyone who wants natural rejuvenating effects for their skin.

What Is Facial Rejuvenation Cosmetic Acupuncture?

Facial Rejuvenation Cosmetic Acupuncture is an effective, non-surgical treatment to reduce the signs of aging. It is based on the principles of Chinese Medicine, which involves the insertion of very thin disposable needles into acupuncture points on the face & body where needed.

This superficial insertion will increase the local circulation to the face and stimulate collagen production, which will fill out the lines and give firmness to the skin for a healthy, glowing complexion.

“A 1996 report in the international journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that among 300 cases treated with Cosmetic Acupuncture (Facial Rejuvenation Cosmetic Acupuncture), 90% had marked affects with one course of treatment.”

What Are The Benefits Of Facial Rejuvenation Cosmetic Acupuncture?

Facial Rejuvenation Cosmetic Acupuncture may take up to 5-10 years off your face. It helps to eliminate fine lines and makes the deeper lines look softer. It can also help to minimize dark circles, puffy eyes, double chin, sagging skin, and drooping eyelids. Other benefits include:

  • Regulates muscle tone
  • Increases circulation, thereby oxygenating the skin
  • Tightens the pores and brightens the eyes
  • Keeps acne under control
  • Nourishes the skin, resulting in a healthy complexion
  • Moisturises skin from the inside
  • Helps minimize or eliminate fine lines
  • Helps reduce frown lines
  • Increases collagen production
  • Evens facial colour and tone
  • Increases blood, energy and lymph circulation
  • Leaves you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and rejuvenated!

 

Here are a few skin care tips to promote healthy radiant skin.

  1. An ideal resting position for a line-free face is to lie on the back with the knees elevated.
  2. Clean your face with warm water then splash with cooler water on a daily basis. You don’t have to use soap every day.
  3. Moisturize the skin to protect it from dryness, pollution and wind.
  4. Exfoliation removes dead skin, makes skin feel good and refreshed. Use a scrub that is gentle to skin (e.g. clay) and with the help of your first and middle finger, apply the scrub using circular movements (slow & gentle). Don’t forget your neck, back and hands.
  5. Exfoliate not more than 1-2 times a week as excessive exfoliation can cause damage to the skin’s acid mantel, which is essential for protection against premature aging.
  6. Use an herbal moisturizing mask (avocado and honey) or a few drops of Rosehip seed oil or vitamin E after exfoliation to the face and let it soak in overnight.

  7. The skin around the eyes is very delicate and there are no oil glands to condition, leading to wrinkles. Use a gentle eye cream and apply with a light patting movement every day.
  8. Add vitamin C to your daily cream for an antioxidant effect.
  9. Once or twice a week add Ginseng powder to your daily cream (ask your herbalist for details).
  10. For acne prone skin splash your face with diluted apple cider vinegar 2-3 times a week.
  11. Follow a healthy diet and drink plenty of clean filtered water.
  12. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from sun exposure. Sunscreens and sun blocks can arguably be classified as true “anti-aging” cosmetics. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that the sun can damage the skin, causing premature wrinkling and actinic (solar) keratoses.

Drugs and herbs that may make your skin sun-sensitive include:

Rentin A, birth control pills, AHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids), antibiotics, Dong quai, St. John’s Wort, Fennel.

Use them with care, consult a qualified expert.

Remember that healthy skin is a reflection of a healthy internal processes. There are many individual reasons and many types of skin afflictions. Consult a professional to address the underlying cause in order to achieve long term resolution.