Cosmetic Acupuncture & Facial rejuvenation in Oakhurst
Frequently asked questions about facial acupuncture
What is Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation?
Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation is a non-surgical method of reducing the signs of the aging process. Acupuncture techniques as well as a variety of Chinese medical treatments and Chinese herbal supplements are used to erase years off of your face. Based on the differentiated diagnoses of Oriental Medicine, the whole body looks and feels younger by addressing the physical, mental and emotional patterns that cause disease and contribute to the aging process. It is also called Cosmetic Acupuncture.
How does Cosmetic Acupuncture Work?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory beauty comes from within. When you start to age in a way that looks and feels unhealthy then it is possible the flow of Qi, Blood, and Essence are not balance within your body. When balance is restored, you will feel and look more radiant. On a physiological level, acupuncture has been shown to increase circulation of blood and life energy throughout the body. Increased blood flow can help us to maintain healthy skin and muscle tone by sending nourishment, moisture, and "lifting" energy to the skin and muscles of the face. By increasing lymph flow using my facial tui na massage and combined with acupuncture I can help strengthen the immune system; our skin is an essential part of our immune system. The needles inserted into the face affect collagen and elastin production which will help tone the skin. Collagen is a protein produced by our bodies that is responsible for our skin's durability and resilience. Elastin is responsible for the elasticity of our skin. Sun exposure and aging degrade and decrease the production of our collagen and elastin. Acupuncture helps to stimulate the body's natural processes of cell reproduction and growth. Needles are placed in the muscle motor points to re-educate the muscles back to their original placement, thus the face looks more sculpted, more youthful and lifted. Cosmetic Acupuncture is also known as facial acupuncture and facial rejuvenation acupucture.
Why not get Botox?
Botox cannot treat wrinkles due to aging or sun exposure or reduce the fine lines (only works on dynamic wrinkles – smile lines, frown lines)
Risk of paralysis of surrounding muscles & upper eyelid droop
Only temporary results. The more you get, the more you need to achieve same effect
Cost is at least $600.00 every 3-4 months!
May not be able to raise eyebrows and have other expressions
Long term effects of botox are still unknown
What if I've had Botox?
Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation actually is recommended for patients who have previously had botox injections in the face. Cosmetic Acupuncture keeps the botox effective for a longer period of time and most people find they only need to upkeep the botox every 8 to 12 months rather than every 3 to 6 months!
I have had a facelift. Do I need Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation?
Yes. Overall facial muscle tone, circulation, collagen and elastin stimulation and the glow from within are not benefits of a facelift. If you wish, I can do scar reduction therapy. I use the needles to break down the scar tissue for a smoother more natural appearance as well as re-establishing the energy and blood flow through the scarred areas. Also, gravity is still working everyday after the surgery, so you can prevent further surgeries.
What is Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation?
Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation is a non-surgical method of reducing the signs of the aging process. Acupuncture techniques as well as a variety of Chinese medical treatments and Chinese herbal supplements are used to erase years off of your face. Based on the differentiated diagnoses of Oriental Medicine, the whole body looks and feels younger by addressing the physical, mental and emotional patterns that cause disease and contribute to the aging process.
Why get Cosmetic Acupuncture over other cosmetic procedures?
Total cost of a series of treatments is closer to $1000 than many thousands!
Are the effects of Cosmetic Acupuncture proven?
Research Study “A 1996 report in the international Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that among 300 cases treated with Cosmetic Acupuncture, 98% had marked effects with one course of treatment.
The effects included:
What are the effects of Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic Acupuncture may erase as many as 5 to 15 years from the face, with results apparent after a course of treatments.
Fine lines may be eliminated and wrinkles diminished. Bags under the eyes can be reduced, jowls firmed, puffiness eliminated, droopy eyelids lifted and double chins minimized. Other likely results include: moisturizing of the skin with increased local circulation of blood and lymph to the face; increased collagen production, muscle tone, and dermal contraction; tightening of the pores; brightening of the eyes; improvement of hormonal balance to help acne and the reduction of stress. This brings out your innate beauty and radiance.
While it does not produce the dramatic results of some of invasive procedures, it does help the face look younger, healthier and more radiant without dangerous side effects.
Since the body/mind/spirit are all connected, negative emotions reflect in the face and change the appearance of skin texture, color and tension. Acupuncture can eliminate stress and bring out innate strength, vitality and health. You will not only look younger but also most certainly feel younger. Studies show that stress is the number one killer in the world. It leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, and all kinds of other ailments. Have you ever considered how STRESS can affect your face? And certainly, stress causes one to age more rapidly (including in the face). Acupuncture is a great stress reliever.
What is Scar Reduction Therapy and who is a candidate?
Needles are used to break down the scar tissue, which reduce it in size and thickness for a smoother more natural appearance. Also, the energy and blood flow through the scarred areas is re-established. Women with Hysterectomy scars benefit greatly. Anyone who has had body piercing scars, surgery scars, scars from trauma, especially keloid scars, benefit greatly from scar therapy. Facial scars are especially important to reduced in size. Redness, unevenness, sensitivity, numbness, tingling are all indications that the scar should be worked on. I have successfully stopped lower abdominal pain lasting 35 years of from my work on Hysterectomy scars.
How many Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments do I need?
A typical course of treatment consists of 10-14 consecutive treatments to see desired results. Twice per week for 5-7 weeks. While results are often noticeable after just a few sessions, a full course allows deeper, more lasting results to occur. After completing a course of treatment, maintenance sessions can prolong the results. Maintenance sessions usually occur monthly for 2 to 3 months and then seasonally for as long as you wish to maintain results depending on the reaction of the patient. For some difficult cases, for example if the patient is older with deeper lines, they may need to repeat another 10 sessions. Why maintenance? Because the two best friends of aging, gravity and the sun are still with us; We need to combat that.
How long does the visible improvement last?
The effects of Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation are cumulative and last up to 3-5 years after a course of 10 treatments, with maintenance.
Each patient will be different, but usually each patient will need maintenance treatments once per month or once per season. Cosmetic Acupuncture diminishes the fine lines already existing on the skin and prevents the skin from aging.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory beauty comes from within. When you start to age in a way that looks and feels unhealthy then it is possible the flow of Qi, Blood, and Essence are not balance within your body. When balance is restored, you will feel and look more radiant. On a physiological level, acupuncture has been shown to increase circulation of blood and life energy throughout the body. Increased blood flow can help us to maintain healthy skin and muscle tone by sending nourishment, moisture, and "lifting" energy to the skin and muscles of the face. By increasing lymph flow using my facial tui na massage and combined with acupuncture I can help strengthen the immune system; our skin is an essential part of our immune system. The needles inserted into the face affect collagen and elastin production which will help tone the skin. Collagen is a protein produced by our bodies that is responsible for our skin's durability and resilience. Elastin is responsible for the elasticity of our skin. Sun exposure and aging degrade and decrease the production of our collagen and elastin. Acupuncture helps to stimulate the body's natural processes of cell reproduction and growth. Needles are placed in the muscle motor points to re-educate the muscles back to their original placement, thus the face looks more sculpted, more youthful and lifted. Cosmetic Acupuncture is also known as facial acupuncture and facial rejuvenation acupucture.
Why not get Botox?
Botox cannot treat wrinkles due to aging or sun exposure or reduce the fine lines (only works on dynamic wrinkles – smile lines, frown lines)
Risk of paralysis of surrounding muscles & upper eyelid droop
Only temporary results. The more you get, the more you need to achieve same effect
Cost is at least $600.00 every 3-4 months!
May not be able to raise eyebrows and have other expressions
Long term effects of botox are still unknown
What if I've had Botox?
Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation actually is recommended for patients who have previously had botox injections in the face. Cosmetic Acupuncture keeps the botox effective for a longer period of time and most people find they only need to upkeep the botox every 8 to 12 months rather than every 3 to 6 months!
I have had a facelift. Do I need Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation?
Yes. Overall facial muscle tone, circulation, collagen and elastin stimulation and the glow from within are not benefits of a facelift. If you wish, I can do scar reduction therapy. I use the needles to break down the scar tissue for a smoother more natural appearance as well as re-establishing the energy and blood flow through the scarred areas. Also, gravity is still working everyday after the surgery, so you can prevent further surgeries.
What is Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation?
Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation is a non-surgical method of reducing the signs of the aging process. Acupuncture techniques as well as a variety of Chinese medical treatments and Chinese herbal supplements are used to erase years off of your face. Based on the differentiated diagnoses of Oriental Medicine, the whole body looks and feels younger by addressing the physical, mental and emotional patterns that cause disease and contribute to the aging process.
Why get Cosmetic Acupuncture over other cosmetic procedures?
Total cost of a series of treatments is closer to $1000 than many thousands!
- No risks involved
- No negative side effects
- No recovery time needed
- Requires no drugs or injections
- Look like yourself but better! A very natural process
Are the effects of Cosmetic Acupuncture proven?
Research Study “A 1996 report in the international Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that among 300 cases treated with Cosmetic Acupuncture, 98% had marked effects with one course of treatment.
The effects included:
- Skin becoming more delicate and fair
- Improvement of the elasticity of facial muscles
- Diminished wrinkles
- Healthier/brighter complexion
- Overall rejuvenation not confined to the face
What are the effects of Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic Acupuncture may erase as many as 5 to 15 years from the face, with results apparent after a course of treatments.
Fine lines may be eliminated and wrinkles diminished. Bags under the eyes can be reduced, jowls firmed, puffiness eliminated, droopy eyelids lifted and double chins minimized. Other likely results include: moisturizing of the skin with increased local circulation of blood and lymph to the face; increased collagen production, muscle tone, and dermal contraction; tightening of the pores; brightening of the eyes; improvement of hormonal balance to help acne and the reduction of stress. This brings out your innate beauty and radiance.
While it does not produce the dramatic results of some of invasive procedures, it does help the face look younger, healthier and more radiant without dangerous side effects.
Since the body/mind/spirit are all connected, negative emotions reflect in the face and change the appearance of skin texture, color and tension. Acupuncture can eliminate stress and bring out innate strength, vitality and health. You will not only look younger but also most certainly feel younger. Studies show that stress is the number one killer in the world. It leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, and all kinds of other ailments. Have you ever considered how STRESS can affect your face? And certainly, stress causes one to age more rapidly (including in the face). Acupuncture is a great stress reliever.
What is Scar Reduction Therapy and who is a candidate?
Needles are used to break down the scar tissue, which reduce it in size and thickness for a smoother more natural appearance. Also, the energy and blood flow through the scarred areas is re-established. Women with Hysterectomy scars benefit greatly. Anyone who has had body piercing scars, surgery scars, scars from trauma, especially keloid scars, benefit greatly from scar therapy. Facial scars are especially important to reduced in size. Redness, unevenness, sensitivity, numbness, tingling are all indications that the scar should be worked on. I have successfully stopped lower abdominal pain lasting 35 years of from my work on Hysterectomy scars.
How many Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments do I need?
A typical course of treatment consists of 10-14 consecutive treatments to see desired results. Twice per week for 5-7 weeks. While results are often noticeable after just a few sessions, a full course allows deeper, more lasting results to occur. After completing a course of treatment, maintenance sessions can prolong the results. Maintenance sessions usually occur monthly for 2 to 3 months and then seasonally for as long as you wish to maintain results depending on the reaction of the patient. For some difficult cases, for example if the patient is older with deeper lines, they may need to repeat another 10 sessions. Why maintenance? Because the two best friends of aging, gravity and the sun are still with us; We need to combat that.
How long does the visible improvement last?
The effects of Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation are cumulative and last up to 3-5 years after a course of 10 treatments, with maintenance.
Each patient will be different, but usually each patient will need maintenance treatments once per month or once per season. Cosmetic Acupuncture diminishes the fine lines already existing on the skin and prevents the skin from aging.
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At what age should I start Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Skin elasticity starts to decline at the age of 21. So, it is never too early to start. Typically, best results are seen in patients before the age of 55. The best age range is between 20 to 55 years old. Even younger youthful skin will benefit from cosmetic acupuncture to delay the aging process and keep the skin glowing.
If a patient has the following disorders, they will not be treated with Cosmetic Acupuncture:
How long does the visible improvement last?
The effects of Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation are cumulative and last up to 3-5 years after a course of 10 treatments, with maintenance.
Each patient will be different, but usually each patient will need maintenance treatments once per month or once per season. Cosmetic Acupuncture diminishes the fine lines already existing on the skin and prevents the skin from aging.
What is the Cosmetic Acupuncture procedure?
On your first treatment, we discuss your health history, including any physical, mental or emotional issues in your daily life that need to be balance and work on. We will evaluate what changes you would like to see in your face and skin and what kind of treatment plan best fits your needs. Each treatment involves the insertion of tiny acupuncture needles, finer than a strand of hair, into specific areas through out the whole body. I insert the needles throughout your body while you are relaxing and lying down on my treatment table (clothes on). During acupuncture, full attention will be given to help you relax and receive the most value from the treatment. After each needle is inserted, you may feel nothing, or sometimes a vague numbness, heaviness, or slight tingling. However, the treatment is effective whether these feelings are sensed or not. The needles will be left in for 20-30 minutes while you relax with soothing music. In general, the treatments are very relaxing. Many patients fall asleep. After the treatment, you may experience a relaxing euphoric feeling. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
How long are Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments?
How should I prepare for my Cosmetic Acupuncture treatment?
Patients should eat (but not overeat) before an acupuncture treatment and should wear comfortable clothes. I may need to raise the pant legs to the knee, or get at the belly so dress accordingly. Refrain from rigorous exercise for at least two hours before and after treatment. Alcohol consumption is not advised. An evening Facial Acupuncture session may keep you awake at night, so I recommend a session earlier in the day if possible.
Why treat the body as well and not just the face only?
The effects of Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation are not confined to the face. Each acupuncture treatment is individualized according to how each person is aging. No two people receive the same treatments because each person's aging process is unique. Acupuncture points are chosen based on an individualized differential diagnosis according to the Theory of Chinese medicine. A diagnosis is reached by examining constitutional health issues and any symptoms you may be having. If you have other complaints such as digestive problems, acute or chronic pain, stress, insomnia, fatigue etc., these symptoms will be addressed in the session and specific points chosen accordingly. Thus, the treatment is an overall balance of your health as well as your appearance. Beauty from within. The wrinkles disappear and your health improves at the same time!
Throughout the course of treatment, other physical symptoms you may be experiencing will also improve, even if we don’t actively address them. Treatments can improve hormonal balance; delay the graying of hair and hair loss associated with aging. You may notice you have a better quality of sleep and increased energy. It will improve your digestion and metabolism and strengthen your immune system. You can also address and treat any chronic or recurring pain.
Are these new and unproven trendy techniques?
In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. For thousands of years, the Chinese have known that beauty comes from the inside. At least as early as the Sung Dynasty (960 AD-1270 AD) Acupuncture rejuvenation practices were employed for the Empress and the Emperor's concubines to enhance beauty. The Chinese discovered and utilized ways to change the energy flow within the body to initiate the healing process for rejuvenation. According to a famous Chinese axiom, "Where qi goes, blood flows." Even for those unfamiliar with the principles of Chinese Medicine, it is known that increased circulation helps the body to look and feel better. Common sense would tell us that treating the underlying cause of why someone is aging is preferable to masking the outward symptoms and allowing further decline and dysfunction to continue within the body.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. Licensed Acupuncturists know the human anatomy well, and insert needles in a safe fashion. The instruments used to penetrate the skin are pre-sterilized and disposable after a single use. I am well aware of the concern over infectious diseases, and take every measure to insure cleanliness as all health care professional do. Bleeding rarely occurs, and if it did the amount is minimal like a drop and in no way dangerous.
The average acupuncturist’s malpractice insurance is 100 times less than that of an MD general practitioner. My malpractice insurance is less than $300 per year. If you count the amount of time it takes someone making $45,000 per year (about $20.00 per hour) to process my application, check on my licensure, update the companies client database, print out and send notification of my coverage, my yearly fee has been charged as overhead. The reason is that you truly have to go out of your way to hurt someone with acupuncture. The most common “injury” is a bruise at the site of needling which occurs in patients taking blood thinning medications.
In a Japanese survey of 55,291 acupuncture treatments given over five years by 73 acupuncturists, 99.8% of them were performed with no significant minor adverse effects and zero major adverse incidents (Hitoshi Yamashita, Bac, Hiroshi Tsukayama, BA, Yasuo Tanno, MD, PhD. Kazushi Nishijo, PhD, JAMA). Two combined studies in the UK of 66,229 acupuncture treatments yielded only 134 minor adverse events. (British Medical Journal 2001 Sep 1). The total of 121,520 treatments with acupuncture therapy were given with no major adverse incidents (for comparison, a single such event would have indicated a 0.0008% incidence).
According to wikipedia “A recent study by Healthgrades found that an average of 195,000 hospital deaths in each of the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 in the U.S. were due to potentially preventable medical errors. (By Physicians and hospital personnel)
Do you reuse needles?
Never! Needles are only used one time and disposed of in sterile sealed containers after every treatment. I use disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments. The needles are sterile and sealed in individual packages. Apart from being an unforgivable ethical violation, an Acupuncturist could lose their license among other things. Being a Healthcare Professional entails huge responsibility.
What if I fear needles? Do the needles hurt?
The experience of having acupuncture is pleasant, relaxing and energizing. The needles are hair thin, sterile and generally painless and never used twice.
Some first-time patients have an understandable fear of the unknown. My experience in working with new patients is that respecting this fear and educating the individual about the acupuncture process allays these legitimate concerns and enlists his or her energies toward treatment and healing.
Acupuncture needles are hair thin and solid and are made from the finest quality stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a thick hollow needle.
I am known as an incredibly conscientious needle inserter. I myself fear the pain of needle insertion so I am extremely sensitive to my patients comfort and fears. As such, non-needle sessions are available upon request.
Acupuncturists can attain a high level of skill in gently placing these tiny needles and often the insertion is barely perceptible. I use a special Japanese technique of painless needling on the face. The needles are usually inserted only several millimeters in depth—also very unlike hypodermic injections. As such, patients generally do not feel the painful piercing or pricking sensation typically associated with an injection, blood sample, or other medical needle procedure.
There may be a brief soreness or pulling sensation which means that your qi has connected with the needle.
There should be no pain. Inform me immediately if this is the case. Some people pluck hairs from their body others believe it is a great amount of pain to endure, thus they dont pluck. Acupuncture is the same idea, but the benefits are so astonishing in some cases, that a tiny bit of pain like plucking an eyelash would be seen as a small price to pay for such great gain!
Most people who have had acupuncture would describe it as virtually painless or far less painful than plucking out a hair and liken the needles to 'cat whiskers'..
Some people are frightened by the thought of acupuncture and may feel that it takes a great deal of courage. The first, and probably the most important fact to understand about acupuncture, is that it is not a frightening experience. It does involve the insertion of fine needles through the skin, and most acupuncturists use between six and eight acupuncture needles at each treatment session. The needles used are smaller than injection needles, in fact an acupuncture needle fits into the central hole of a normal injection needle. Acupuncture needles have a doweled end, not a cutting end like most hypodermic needles, and therefore are far less likely to cause tissue damage or bruising when inserted.
You are made comfortable and draped appropriately. A good treatment feels like being in “the zone” or a deep meditation as your body moves back into balance.
How do Chinese Herbs contribute to the treatment?
Chinese herbs are an important part of the Facial Rejuvenation protocol. Herbal formulas are created specifically for you and herbs are selected based on your constitutional diagnosis. Again, the principle is that if the body is in balance and your organ systems are functioning properly, the negative signs of aging are reduced. Chinese herbs help to restore balance on a daily basis. They help to continue the effects of the acupuncture between treatments. Also, sometimes more severe symptoms—for instance hot flashes, night sweating, hair loss or even bloating and indigestion—are more effectively treated with herbal supplement, rather than by acupuncture alone.
How do you use Chinese Medicine to diagnose my health?
I will ask a variety of questions regarding your specific complaint and general health. I will use Traditional Chinese diagnostic methods including radial pulse reading and tongue diagnosis. I use a standard health history not unlike at a medical doctor’s office. On the initial visit you will need to fill out a few forms that I provide you. I need to determine optimum needle selection based on the information provided to me via the diagnostic tools. (Even in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture since we are working on the whole body to cultivate ‘Beauty From Within’).
How do I know my practitioner is qualified to do Acupuncture and Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation (Cosmetic Acupuncture)?
Make sure that the Acupuncturist/TCM Doctor is a registered Acupuncturist with the California Acupuncture Board and certified in Facial Acupuncture.
What else can I do to prolong my result?
Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for me to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem.
Herbal supplements, diet and lifestyle changes, and facial exercise can enhance the effects of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture and further improve your health, well-being, and youthful appearance. As part of your overall Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture treatment such complementary therapies may be recommended.
Chinese herbs are known to have been used for longevity and beauty, as well as many other health conditions, since the first century.
Addressing diet and lifestyle factors that impact our beauty can help to enhance the effectiveness of Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation sessions. Adequate protein, for example is essential for collagen production and overall energy. Sufficient sleep and proactive stress management also have a positive effect on our appearance. As a holistic approach to health and beauty, Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation includes an overall evaluation of your needs in order to develop a specific, personal course of treatment for each individual.
Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.
Does Health Insurance cover the costs?
You will have to ask your health insurance plan and if so, save your receipts so they will reimburse you.
Skin elasticity starts to decline at the age of 21. So, it is never too early to start. Typically, best results are seen in patients before the age of 55. The best age range is between 20 to 55 years old. Even younger youthful skin will benefit from cosmetic acupuncture to delay the aging process and keep the skin glowing.
If a patient has the following disorders, they will not be treated with Cosmetic Acupuncture:
- Hemophiliacs
- Pacemakers
- Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Severe Migraines within the last 3 months
- Pregnant Women
How long does the visible improvement last?
The effects of Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation are cumulative and last up to 3-5 years after a course of 10 treatments, with maintenance.
Each patient will be different, but usually each patient will need maintenance treatments once per month or once per season. Cosmetic Acupuncture diminishes the fine lines already existing on the skin and prevents the skin from aging.
What is the Cosmetic Acupuncture procedure?
On your first treatment, we discuss your health history, including any physical, mental or emotional issues in your daily life that need to be balance and work on. We will evaluate what changes you would like to see in your face and skin and what kind of treatment plan best fits your needs. Each treatment involves the insertion of tiny acupuncture needles, finer than a strand of hair, into specific areas through out the whole body. I insert the needles throughout your body while you are relaxing and lying down on my treatment table (clothes on). During acupuncture, full attention will be given to help you relax and receive the most value from the treatment. After each needle is inserted, you may feel nothing, or sometimes a vague numbness, heaviness, or slight tingling. However, the treatment is effective whether these feelings are sensed or not. The needles will be left in for 20-30 minutes while you relax with soothing music. In general, the treatments are very relaxing. Many patients fall asleep. After the treatment, you may experience a relaxing euphoric feeling. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
How long are Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments?
- Cosmetic Acupuncture takes over 1 hour
- Cosmetic Acupuncture with Facial Treatments takes over 1 1/2 hours
- The first visit takes longer because of the initial intake form
How should I prepare for my Cosmetic Acupuncture treatment?
Patients should eat (but not overeat) before an acupuncture treatment and should wear comfortable clothes. I may need to raise the pant legs to the knee, or get at the belly so dress accordingly. Refrain from rigorous exercise for at least two hours before and after treatment. Alcohol consumption is not advised. An evening Facial Acupuncture session may keep you awake at night, so I recommend a session earlier in the day if possible.
Why treat the body as well and not just the face only?
The effects of Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation are not confined to the face. Each acupuncture treatment is individualized according to how each person is aging. No two people receive the same treatments because each person's aging process is unique. Acupuncture points are chosen based on an individualized differential diagnosis according to the Theory of Chinese medicine. A diagnosis is reached by examining constitutional health issues and any symptoms you may be having. If you have other complaints such as digestive problems, acute or chronic pain, stress, insomnia, fatigue etc., these symptoms will be addressed in the session and specific points chosen accordingly. Thus, the treatment is an overall balance of your health as well as your appearance. Beauty from within. The wrinkles disappear and your health improves at the same time!
Throughout the course of treatment, other physical symptoms you may be experiencing will also improve, even if we don’t actively address them. Treatments can improve hormonal balance; delay the graying of hair and hair loss associated with aging. You may notice you have a better quality of sleep and increased energy. It will improve your digestion and metabolism and strengthen your immune system. You can also address and treat any chronic or recurring pain.
Are these new and unproven trendy techniques?
In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. For thousands of years, the Chinese have known that beauty comes from the inside. At least as early as the Sung Dynasty (960 AD-1270 AD) Acupuncture rejuvenation practices were employed for the Empress and the Emperor's concubines to enhance beauty. The Chinese discovered and utilized ways to change the energy flow within the body to initiate the healing process for rejuvenation. According to a famous Chinese axiom, "Where qi goes, blood flows." Even for those unfamiliar with the principles of Chinese Medicine, it is known that increased circulation helps the body to look and feel better. Common sense would tell us that treating the underlying cause of why someone is aging is preferable to masking the outward symptoms and allowing further decline and dysfunction to continue within the body.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. Licensed Acupuncturists know the human anatomy well, and insert needles in a safe fashion. The instruments used to penetrate the skin are pre-sterilized and disposable after a single use. I am well aware of the concern over infectious diseases, and take every measure to insure cleanliness as all health care professional do. Bleeding rarely occurs, and if it did the amount is minimal like a drop and in no way dangerous.
The average acupuncturist’s malpractice insurance is 100 times less than that of an MD general practitioner. My malpractice insurance is less than $300 per year. If you count the amount of time it takes someone making $45,000 per year (about $20.00 per hour) to process my application, check on my licensure, update the companies client database, print out and send notification of my coverage, my yearly fee has been charged as overhead. The reason is that you truly have to go out of your way to hurt someone with acupuncture. The most common “injury” is a bruise at the site of needling which occurs in patients taking blood thinning medications.
In a Japanese survey of 55,291 acupuncture treatments given over five years by 73 acupuncturists, 99.8% of them were performed with no significant minor adverse effects and zero major adverse incidents (Hitoshi Yamashita, Bac, Hiroshi Tsukayama, BA, Yasuo Tanno, MD, PhD. Kazushi Nishijo, PhD, JAMA). Two combined studies in the UK of 66,229 acupuncture treatments yielded only 134 minor adverse events. (British Medical Journal 2001 Sep 1). The total of 121,520 treatments with acupuncture therapy were given with no major adverse incidents (for comparison, a single such event would have indicated a 0.0008% incidence).
According to wikipedia “A recent study by Healthgrades found that an average of 195,000 hospital deaths in each of the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 in the U.S. were due to potentially preventable medical errors. (By Physicians and hospital personnel)
Do you reuse needles?
Never! Needles are only used one time and disposed of in sterile sealed containers after every treatment. I use disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments. The needles are sterile and sealed in individual packages. Apart from being an unforgivable ethical violation, an Acupuncturist could lose their license among other things. Being a Healthcare Professional entails huge responsibility.
What if I fear needles? Do the needles hurt?
The experience of having acupuncture is pleasant, relaxing and energizing. The needles are hair thin, sterile and generally painless and never used twice.
Some first-time patients have an understandable fear of the unknown. My experience in working with new patients is that respecting this fear and educating the individual about the acupuncture process allays these legitimate concerns and enlists his or her energies toward treatment and healing.
Acupuncture needles are hair thin and solid and are made from the finest quality stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a thick hollow needle.
I am known as an incredibly conscientious needle inserter. I myself fear the pain of needle insertion so I am extremely sensitive to my patients comfort and fears. As such, non-needle sessions are available upon request.
Acupuncturists can attain a high level of skill in gently placing these tiny needles and often the insertion is barely perceptible. I use a special Japanese technique of painless needling on the face. The needles are usually inserted only several millimeters in depth—also very unlike hypodermic injections. As such, patients generally do not feel the painful piercing or pricking sensation typically associated with an injection, blood sample, or other medical needle procedure.
There may be a brief soreness or pulling sensation which means that your qi has connected with the needle.
There should be no pain. Inform me immediately if this is the case. Some people pluck hairs from their body others believe it is a great amount of pain to endure, thus they dont pluck. Acupuncture is the same idea, but the benefits are so astonishing in some cases, that a tiny bit of pain like plucking an eyelash would be seen as a small price to pay for such great gain!
Most people who have had acupuncture would describe it as virtually painless or far less painful than plucking out a hair and liken the needles to 'cat whiskers'..
Some people are frightened by the thought of acupuncture and may feel that it takes a great deal of courage. The first, and probably the most important fact to understand about acupuncture, is that it is not a frightening experience. It does involve the insertion of fine needles through the skin, and most acupuncturists use between six and eight acupuncture needles at each treatment session. The needles used are smaller than injection needles, in fact an acupuncture needle fits into the central hole of a normal injection needle. Acupuncture needles have a doweled end, not a cutting end like most hypodermic needles, and therefore are far less likely to cause tissue damage or bruising when inserted.
You are made comfortable and draped appropriately. A good treatment feels like being in “the zone” or a deep meditation as your body moves back into balance.
How do Chinese Herbs contribute to the treatment?
Chinese herbs are an important part of the Facial Rejuvenation protocol. Herbal formulas are created specifically for you and herbs are selected based on your constitutional diagnosis. Again, the principle is that if the body is in balance and your organ systems are functioning properly, the negative signs of aging are reduced. Chinese herbs help to restore balance on a daily basis. They help to continue the effects of the acupuncture between treatments. Also, sometimes more severe symptoms—for instance hot flashes, night sweating, hair loss or even bloating and indigestion—are more effectively treated with herbal supplement, rather than by acupuncture alone.
How do you use Chinese Medicine to diagnose my health?
I will ask a variety of questions regarding your specific complaint and general health. I will use Traditional Chinese diagnostic methods including radial pulse reading and tongue diagnosis. I use a standard health history not unlike at a medical doctor’s office. On the initial visit you will need to fill out a few forms that I provide you. I need to determine optimum needle selection based on the information provided to me via the diagnostic tools. (Even in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture since we are working on the whole body to cultivate ‘Beauty From Within’).
How do I know my practitioner is qualified to do Acupuncture and Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation (Cosmetic Acupuncture)?
Make sure that the Acupuncturist/TCM Doctor is a registered Acupuncturist with the California Acupuncture Board and certified in Facial Acupuncture.
What else can I do to prolong my result?
Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for me to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem.
Herbal supplements, diet and lifestyle changes, and facial exercise can enhance the effects of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture and further improve your health, well-being, and youthful appearance. As part of your overall Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture treatment such complementary therapies may be recommended.
Chinese herbs are known to have been used for longevity and beauty, as well as many other health conditions, since the first century.
Addressing diet and lifestyle factors that impact our beauty can help to enhance the effectiveness of Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation sessions. Adequate protein, for example is essential for collagen production and overall energy. Sufficient sleep and proactive stress management also have a positive effect on our appearance. As a holistic approach to health and beauty, Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation includes an overall evaluation of your needs in order to develop a specific, personal course of treatment for each individual.
Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.
Does Health Insurance cover the costs?
You will have to ask your health insurance plan and if so, save your receipts so they will reimburse you.
