The beauty of Facial RejuvenationAcupuncture
A safe and balanced approach
By Rebecca Rice, L.Ac., MSAOM and Christopher Reilly, L.Ac., MSA, CCHM
Skin is not only an indispensable organ for warmth, protection and sensation, it is also a good indicator of how healthy we are on the inside. It’s important to take the time to examine our complexion and skin tone.
Before denying any value in the appearance of our skin, it helps to remember a few important details that help put our largest organ into perspective. It is made of very specialized cells and tissues that are our first defense against infectious diseases, secretes fluid in order to expel waste and keep us cool, helps keep us warm in the winter and contains the nerve receptors responsible for our sense of touch. Healthy skin isn’t just beautiful, it’s vital to our overall well-being.
The internal experiences we have throughout life are revealed on our face. Worry causes the brows to furrow and the face to be set in a state of concern. Poor diet causes the skin to produce too much or too little natural oils, resulting in acne or dry skin, puffiness and a blotchy complexion. Overwork and chronic stress cause the skin to appear lusterless and rough and give rise to bags under the eyes and sagging skin. Sun damage causes pigment changes and wrinkles.
In dealing with the skin of the face, the 2,000-plus year-old systems of Ayurvedic Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine both contain systems of “facial diagnosis.” This means that a traditional physician would examine the facial complexion of a patient in order to help determine which systems within the body were dysfunctional.
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture takes into account both the importance of treating the health of the whole body, as well as promoting beauty for beauty’s sake. Internal imbalances both physical and emotional are addressed with acupuncture and herbal formulas. An increase in our health and well–being naturally brings a brighter shine to our complexion and brightness to our eyes. Needles placed in the facial area work directly to reduce small wrinkles, increase blood circulation and clear or even out the complexion.
If you are considering any technique to shed years off of your appearance, consider the importance of balancing internal health and external appearance. Acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative to modern cosmetic beautification techniques such as surgery or Botox injections. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is suitable for those individuals who are seeking to brighten their complexion, smooth wrinkles, reduce sagging, have an even skin tone, decrease pore size, reduce acne and dry skin and reduce puffiness.
Origin
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture has been popularized in the United States by pioneer Virginia Doran, L.Ac., LMT. Her specialized technique has been documented on CBS, FOX, and UPN networks and in magazines such as Shape, Latina and Health for Life.
The origins of acupuncture beautification can be traced back to its use by imperial concubines in China’s Song dynasty. This special style of acupuncture is administered with very fine, hair-thin needles placed around the face and throughout the body. Unlike hypodermic needles used for injections, these needles are so thin that they are rarely felt as painful. Ms. Doran reports that within 10 to 15 treatments the patient can appear 5-15 years younger. Cost is approximately $100 per treatment and one maintenance treatment is recommended seasonally. In comparison, Botox injects cost about $350 per injection site.
New trend
ication of timeless healing techniques, such as acupuncture, to the area of beauty enhancement is a trend that seems to be taking the country by storm. Instead of stretching our skin tight around our cheek bones, we’re beginning to look more at what we’re eating, if we’re getting enough rest, what our emotional life’s like and how our appearance can be affected by all these factors. It is in this vein that Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture has placed itself, and it’s growing popularity indicates that the quest for health and the quest for beauty are converging towards a unified quest for wholeness and well-being. n
Christopher Reilly, L.Ac, MSA, CCHM and Rebecca Rice, L.Ac, MSAOM practice Traditional Chinese Medicine including acupuncture and Chinese Herbal therapies at the Center for Integrative Health and Healing in Delmar. They have been trained and certified in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture by world-renowned pioneer, Virginia Doran, L.Ac, LMT. For more information call 689.2244 or visit www.cihh.net.