Constitutional Facial Acupuncture
Facial Acupuncture dates back to the Sang Dynasty (960-1279 AD), where it was used on Emperors concubines as an anti-aging technique. Today, facial acupuncture is a natural alternative to botox and more invasive cosmetic surgeries. Treatment results include reducing and diminishing deep and fine lines, bags around the eyes, sagging skin and wrinkles. Constitutional Facial Acupuncture is extremely beneficial for people with Bell’s Palsy, TMJ, neuropathies, and stroke patients.
Very fine thread-like needles are gently inserted at various acupuncture points on the face, creating a positive micro-trauma to the area. Red and White blood cells, as well as collagen and elastin rush to the area. Certain facial muscle groups are focused upon, causing them to tone and lift themselves. Increased blood flow and Qi (pronounced ‘chee,’ the body’s natural energies) to the face will also result in a glowing complexion and improved facial colour.
Research published in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, in 1996, states that 90 percent of 300 cases treated with facial acupuncture had remarkable results with the first treatment. Most noticeable results included fewer wrinkles, greater elasticity and greater tone of facial muscles.
At Squamish Therapeutics, the Constitutional Facial Acupuncture treatment works with the whole body and will address any conditions or health concerns that may be experienced.
Constitutional Benefits:
- Improves acne (caused by hormonal imbalance)
- Helps menopause, perimenopause, PMS and other gynecological issues
- Helps sinus congestion and headache
- Improves hyper- and hypothyroidism
- Reduces symptoms of toothache, TMJ, trigeminal neuralgia, and Bell’s palsy
- Helps headaches (except severe migraine)
- Treats diarrhea and constipation (most digestive issues)
- Helps to eliminate edema and puffiness
- Benefits eyes, ears and brain
- Can help insomnia and dizziness
- Helps depression and aids self-esteem
Facial Benefits:
- Improves collagen production and muscle tone
- Helps reduce bags and sagging tendencies
- Helps eliminate fine lines and diminish larger wrinkles
- Improves metabolism
- Tightens pores and brightens eyes
- Increases local blood and lymph circulation
- Improves facial color
- Reduces stress and promotes total health and well-being
A treatment will include an evaluation that will take into consideration lifestyle, stress, diet, genetic inheritance, proper digestion and elimination, sleep, emotional balance, and age. Depending upon various factors, the following durations of treatment are customarily recommended:
- Usually 12-15 treatments to experience maximum benefits;
- 20 treatments for smokers or people whose skin tends to sag, i.e., who manifest jowls, “turkey wattles,” droopy eyes, etc.
It should be noted that age is not as crucial as might be estimated; an older patient with a healthy lifestyle may in fact have a better prognosis than a younger person who is prone to dissipate themselves.
Ideally treatments will occur 2 times per week for 60 minutes. Follow up maintenance sessions are recommended once every 2 to 4 weeks after the duration of the treatments have been completed.
Contra- Indications:
- Laser treatments/resurfacing must wait 21 days before treatment
- Pregnancy
- Problems with bleeding (hemophiliacs, Warfarin treatment)
- Serious health conditions such as Cancer, AIDS, seizures, acute hepatitis, and coronary disease
Constitutional Facial Acupuncture is non-invasive, less costly than surgical procedures, and draws upon the ancient Chinese wisdom related to longevity, beauty and balance.