Acupuncture Gets a Facelift

By Michelle Gellis

People are turning to their acupuncturist to erase years from their face. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a gentle, effective, and safe way to combat the signs of aging. Acupuncture offers many benefits to those who want to revitalize the look and feel of their skin. It builds collagen, tones muscles, improves circulation, and stimulates blood flow with no risk of scars, infections, rashes, or toxic build-up of chemicals. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is much more than a cosmetic procedure. Acupuncture changes the energy flow within the body and initiates the process for constitutional rejuvenation. If energy is not flowing freely throughout your body then your organs, muscles and lymphatic system cannot function properly, which can contribute to puffiness, bags and premature aging.

Chinese medicine is based on the principle that health is manifested from the inside out. Using this Holistic approach, not only do your frown lines disappear, but you feel better overall, sleep better, have more energy and better digestion.  As you age, the 57 muscles in your face gradually lose their tone and mass. Loss of tone and mass causes the sagging, deep wrinkling and tired look associated with aging. Acupuncture stimulates the muscle function, and the face lifts itself via the acupuncture points thus returning the face to a healthier, revitalized, youthful appearance. Hair thin needles are placed in the outside of the ear to induce relaxation, and body points are used which correspond the individual’s specific needs. There is a sense of well being as a flood of endorphins are released throughout the body. Once you are in a state of deep relaxation, needles are placed on the face in acupuncture points as well as wrinkles. The needles placed in the wrinkles create a micro trauma which causes collagen to be produced.

Is this a new trendy procedure? No. As early as the Sung Dynasty (960 AD - 1270 AD) Acupuncture Rejuvenation practices were employed for the Empress and the Emperors.

Is there any proof that it works? A 1996 report in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that in 300 cases treated with Facial Acupuncture, 90% had marked effects with one course of treatment (12-20 sessions).

Make sure your practitioner is credentialed. All licensed acupuncturists should be board certified (NCCAOM).

BIO

Michelle Gellis is a licensed, Board Certified, Acupuncturist. She is a faculty member and clinic supervisor at the TAI Sophia Institute in North Laurel. Michelle also teaches Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation classes to acupuncturists. She has offices in Fulton and at TAI Sophia. She can be reached at 301-725-8927 or seaofchi@aol.com.