Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, An Alternative to Botox
As a centuries-old tradition, Facial Rejuvenation, sometimes called Cosmetic Acupuncture, is a safe and gentle alternative to care for the skin without the risks associated with surgery or injections. Acupuncture already offers a way to nourish the body from the inside out and balance out the skin. The addition of Facial Rejuvenation helps build collagen, improve micro-circulation, and tones muscles to offer a more radiant appearance.
Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare and balances the body to improve sleep, digestion, energy levels, and emotional equilibrium and reduce inflammation and pain in the body. Whenever anything happens to your body - stress, what you eat, trauma, a bad night of sleep, whatever it is - all body systems can quickly be thrown out of balance. Acupuncture taps into the body's nervous system and brain waves to balance out whatever is causing your symptoms. Once the nervous system and brain waves are in harmony, the body can properly function and heal itself. If energy is not flowing freely, the body cannot correctly restore and heal, including your skin.
When you receive Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, you receive treatment to improve your skin's condition, and your whole body also undergoes a nourishing treatment. Acupuncture stimulates muscle function, and the face lifts itself through specific Facial Acupuncture points, Guasha and Cupping. Cosmetic Acupuncture brings nutrients to cells, which stimulates collagen and elastin production.
Here are some fun facts on Facial Rejuvenation and Botox:
It takes 28 days to produce collagen.
When we age, circulation, digestion, and hormone functions diminish.
Botox (botulinum neurotoxin) is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that prevents the release of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters), causing flaccid paralysis.
In Chinese Medicine, Botox "freezes your muscles," which prevents you from expressing certain emotions depending on where the Botox was injected. So, those emotions can become more severe when the Botox wears off.
Chinese Medicine Facial Reading
Facial Reading is a diagnostic tool that Acupuncturists use to determine areas in the body needing treatment. Diagnostic tools look at the complexion, color, lines, wrinkles, sclera of the eyes, and the brightness or "Shen/Spirit" of the eyes. For example, "crow's feet" lines on the outer edges of the eyes that appear in an upwards line indicate the emotion of joy. You may be skeptical if there are horizontal lines above the eyebrows. If there are dark circles under the eyes, your Acupuncturist may look into the Kidney Channel to see what is out of balance.
A series of Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation Treatments Can:
Erase fine lines and diminish deeper wrinkles
Improve muscle tone and increase collagen production
Lift sagging eyelids, reduce bags/circles
Firm jowls and minimize a double chin
Eliminate puffiness by improving metabolism and eliminating excess fluids
Increase circulation of blood and lymph to the face and improve complexion
Improve hormonal balance and benefits acne
Moisturize the skin and tighten the pores
Reduce the appearance of scars and age spots
Slow the aging process from within
Reduce stress evident in the face
Promote overall health and well being
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a Series of Treatments:
Just as Acupuncture is done in a series of treatments, Cosmetic Acupuncture is done in 6-10 treatments—then maintenance sessions and home care in-between visits to maintain all the progress made.
Contraindications and Cautions:
As with any specified treatment, some cautions with Cosmetic Acupuncture are worth mentioning. A few contraindications are:
High Blood Pressure
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Migraines or Migraine history
Seizures/Epilepsy
Hepatitis
Coronary Disease
Recent Botox, fillers, or facial procedures
Always consult your Acupuncturist and Doctor with any concerns.
For me, Facial Guasha and Rejuvenation is not about looking "youthful" or being 50 and looking 20, rather, about liking what you see in the mirror, a form of self care, and having healthy, glowing skin to showcase your true nature, or what in Daoism is called your "Original Face." Facial Rejuvenation nourishes the skin on a deep level, and does naturally reduce fine lines as a side effect, but most importantly, supports YOU and what you would like to see in the mirror each morning.
Taking care of our skin and appearance encourages us to also care for our bodies, mind, and spirit. Acupuncture offers a safe, non-toxic, and affordable way to care for our skin and appearance while receiving a complete body acupuncture treatment.
If you are interested in learning more about Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture or if you are a candidate, don't hesitate to contact Dr. Jen.
Cheers to feeling good and looking good, Sarasota.