Let's face it...pun intended....we all want to age gracefully and beautifully. Even those of us that are accepting of our fine lines, wrinkles, and want to age naturally are trying to be and look healthy, fresh, and vibrant. There are also a ton of reasons that you may be seeking support for your skin that doesn't involve the use of harsh chemicals, injectables, and fillers but provides results not just visible in your skin, but internally as well.
So that brings us to cosmetic acupuncture, what is it and will it help your skin look its best?
There are several different systems and options for cosmetic acupuncture, but at its root, it's the utilization of tiny needles in acupuncture points on the face and neck that promote cell turnover, reduce inflammation, increase capillary blood flow to bring oxygen rich blood to the face, and encourage the production of facial collagen and elastin. So let's break that down.
Promote cell turnover - As we age, our skin cells "turnover" less often, this is triggered by a reduction in elastin and a decrease in collagen synthesis. This reduction can reduce skin vibrancy, making skin appear duller and flatter. It is also the cause of many fine lines and wrinkles. The facial acupuncture protocol used triggers the body to increase collagen and elastin synthesis to help increase vibrancy, fullness, and brightness in the skin of the face and neck. It also helps to encourage the "filling" of fine lines and gentle lifting of facial muscles.
Reduce inflammation - inflammation in the face can come from a lot of sources and can be the cause of unevenness, redness, breakouts, and dryness. This cosmetic protocol includes holistic full body acupuncture to help identify and treat the root cause of systemic inflammation that can be affecting the appearance of the skin on the face and neck. By using full body acupuncture with the facial or neck protocol, your general internal environment becomes more balanced to support health and wellness.
Increase capillary blood flow - by inserting the needles into the dermis, blood is called to the tiny vessels under the surface of the skin, called capillaries. This encourages smoother flow through these little vessels, increasing the oxygenation of the skin and helping the skin to flush out stagnancy. This improves brightness, helps to smooth out and even the complexion, and encourages the gentle lifting effect of this protocol.
The exact protocol used here at Balanced Stone Acupuncture and Wellness is called Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture. There are 3 separate protocols, one for face, one for neck and one for the abdomen. Dr. Martha Lucas developed this protocol and has been using and teaching it successfully for years and years. Her extensive education and experience in traditional Chinese medicine theory and research have led to this protocol being the most sought after and successful cosmetic acupuncture protocol. This is also one of the only ways to achieve lifting and smoothing of the neck as there aren't currently a lot of conventional options for cosmetic support to this area of the body.
The face and neck protocols are each completed as a 5 week course of 10 treatments. To get the best results, 2 treatments are completed in a 5 week period. You can choose just the face or just the neck, they are not both required. Follow-up rejuvenation treatments are recommended at 1-2 month intervals for best maintenance and the results can range from subtle to dramatic based on your age, your skin's constitution and the skincare routines you utilize at home. It is suggested that the entire 5 week protocol be repeated every 5-10 years.
This protocol is designed to support and encourage natural, healthy aging as an alternative to injectables and fillers. It is not intended to be utilized in addition to Botox or surgical face lifts, but if you are looking to leave Botox behind, this protocol can support the re-invigoration and re-toning of your facial muscles.
All new patients interested in Mei Zen will be required to come in for an initial consultation, and foundational treatment first. Existing patients, feel free to book your first Mei Zen appointment here! If you have more questions about how Mei Zen cosmetic acupuncture and facial rejuvenation can work for your specific skin, shoot me a message!
I'm Amy! I'm an acupuncturist, herbalist, registered nurse, and expert in women's health, anxiety, and stress relief.
If you are looking for acupuncture, herbal medicine, or cupping in Denver, Lakewood, or Golden Colorado, get more info here.
**All information and resources found on balancedstonewellness.com are based on the opinions, experience and research of the author unless otherwise noted. All information is intended to motivate readers to make their own nutrition and health decisions after consulting with their health care provider...even if that provider may be the author ;)