“Botox is so passé. Cosmetic acupuncture is where it’s at,” says a woman interviewed three years ago in the Daily Mail. What? Apparently it’s the latest weapon in anti-aging with several A-list stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth and Angelina. Like them or not, these women look great. This growing movement is the result of women being afraid of fillers and Botox, according
Photo facial therapy is another cosmetic procedure, using intense pulses of light to penetrate deep into the skin.
to facial acupuncturist, Samara Reid, who’s been in the business for 20 years. This non-painful, non-toxic technique takes roughly 45 minutes with effects lasting approximately 3 months. What’s not to like? Read on…
Following upon the heels of my recent Botox post I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this alternative therapy that many women are turning to. Most of us spend a fair amount of time seeking out the latest anti-aging protocols, whether in products or services. Many people (men and women) are using Botox. In the quest to keep the ravages of time and elements away, we exfoliate, use masks, steam, get facials, peels, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, Vitamin C serums, fractional laser procedures, derma fillers and yes, Botox injections. Oh my!
So How Does it Work?
Gentle acupuncture has been shown to help with boosting circulation and brightness.
As described by one patient, the acupuncturist gently taps super-fine needles into the face and other areas of the body. “It doesn’t hurt, there’s just a slight tingle as each of the 25 needles sinks in.” I can personally attest to that as I have had acupuncture for sinus relief over a period of 25 years. The acupuncturist also describes the importance of working on the entire body, not just the face as hands and feet are the areas with calming and cleansing meridians. These meridians must be activated first. Many notice immediate results in more blood flow to the face with a brightening effect. The patient/author interviewed noted that after 3 sessions her skin was “rosier, clearer and her cheeks plumper” along with “lines around the mouth and forehead much less visible.” The cost of a single session, at around $85-$100, is significantly less than most of the other procedures, even if you need to do a few sessions at the beginning, followed by quarterly maintenance.
Acupuncture needles are very tiny and not painful when properly inserted by a professional.
In doing my due diligence to research, I was pleasantly surprised to find several licensed cosmetic acupuncturists here in Denver. Apparently cosmetic acupuncture has been used for centuries with great success. While not widely publicized, it does appear to be gaining steam as an alternative to invasive techniques like plastic surgery or injections. I’ll be in there for jowls and droopy eyelids!
Practitioners and patients alike swear by this technique in claiming results such as smoothed foreheads, tummies tucked, double chins being improved and even breasts lifted. Whoa! I’ll be doing more follow-up research for sure! A fabulous bonus is that following a session you walk away with more energy, better digestion and you’ll sleep better. What’s not to like?
As with most health related issues, the key to feeling and looking our best comes with preventive measures. Pass this along to all of your younger friends J
I’m looking forward to checking this out for myself. While not totally vain, I’m interested in the claims so that I can report back on this really fascinating technique. My hope is that more people will check out the many benefits of acupuncture The needles are so very fine and there should be no pain, just a slight pinch here and there. I have gone to see my acupuncturist with total sinus congestion, and after 20 minutes am able to breathe clearly, all without the side effects of medication.
Cosmetic acupuncture can help us all GLOW!
For those of you afraid of some of the invasive treatments and wanting affordable results, how about checking out a cosmetic acupuncturist in your area? (Always look for a certified one, of course!) Do some research and schedule a consultation. Ask about package plans at reduced costs. Let me know how it goes, and I’ll do the same! Isn’t it wonderful to have yet another alternative technique available to us without chemicals and pain!
Peace and Good Health!
Sources:
Dr. Martha Lucas, Ph.D, L.Ac., Cosmetic Acupuncturist National Instructor, interviewed by the NY Times, USA Today and others. (For her website, click here.)
Olivia Barker, USA Today “Acupuncture gets a face lift and much more” 2004
Frances Childs, The Daily Mail “Cosmetic acupuncture is the newest weapon in the anti-aging war”, June 2013
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JAN
