Today, the Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture Program generally consists of 12 treatments. The effects become most noticeable and last on or about the seventh session. Each person responds differently, depending on his or her condition and lifestyle prior to treatment. Following the initial course of treatment, maintenance sessions can prolong the results for five to ten years. Acupuncturists often recommend supplements with the Facial Rejuvenation program with Facial Self-Massage and/or Acupressure, Facial Exercises, Herbal and Nutritional supplements, pure and authentic aromatherapy blends for the skin, and a healthy diet.
The acupuncture process lasts approximately 1½ hours and is virtually painless. The program is based on the principles of Oriental Medicine and involves the insertion of hair-thin needles into particular areas of the face, ears, neck, hands, trunk, and legs along channels or meridians of energy called Qi (pronounced chee). Specific points are chosen to manipulate the movement of energy in the body according to the individual's needs.
For example, according to Chinese Medicine puffiness of the face is indicative of a spleen Qi deficiency. Treating the cause of the puffiness, and not just the symptom, improves the condition, and its unwelcome physical side effect.
Thousands of years ago the Chinese discovered that many meridians either begin or end on the face while some have internal branches that go to the face. Thus, practitioners of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture know how to specifically effect the face while simultaneously treating the underlying factors that contribute to the aging process. A typical session includes inserting needles in key meridians in the hands, feet, ears and face and addition smaller, intradermal needles in the face. For most patients, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture may erase as many as five to 15 years from the face, with results apparent after just a few treatments.
While most individuals receive great results from the Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture process, it should not be administered during pregnancy, during a bout with a cold of flu, during an allergic attack, during an acute herpes outbreak or to men or women with high blood pressure. A brief telephone consultation with a licensed acupuncturist, with special training in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture will determine whether or not someone is a good candidate for the procedure. Also, it should be noted that only a small number of acupuncturists are specially trained in facial rejuvenation and a potential patient should ask about the Acupuncturist's training before treatment begins.
Eastern and Western health clinicians and physicians would agree that for the best results to live a longer and better life, everyone would do well to make improvements in their lifestyle such as protecting your skin from the sun, drinking plenty of pure water, eating a proper diet and exercising regularly. For an added bonus to those who want to look and feel younger, a weekly session of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture over three months time will help turn back the hands of time.
by Andrea Weiner, NMD and Sally Marks
