ACUPUNCTURE FACIAL REJUVENATION

Charles Yarborough, L.Ac.

     For many centuries, Chinese Medicine has successfully treated a wide variety of illnesses.  In America, its recent widespread acceptance has allowed patients to overcome disease, pain and even psychological disorders. Chinese Medicine can also be used to rejuvenate one’s facial features, although Westerners have been largely unaware of such a benefit.  This, however, is changing.  With continuing media exposure, Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation—an extension of Chinese Medicine--is quickly growing in popularity.  The appeal of Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation (AFR) is twofold: it allows patients to avoid invasive procedures and it fortifies the whole body. 

     AFR can produce a surprising amount of improvement.  Erasure of fine lines and mitigation of wrinkles can often be observed after the first several AFR sessions (normally, ten sessions are suggested, with monthly tune-ups).  Puffiness and bags under the eyes can be lessened and jowls firmed.  How is this achieved?  There are various approaches.  Some practitioners work primarily on the face, using acu-points that bring Qi and blood into the area.  They will also stimulate acu-points on the body, points that activate specific internal organs.  These organs, in turn, influence specific areas of the face and have the effect of lifting muscle, reducing edema, moisturizing skin and enhancing overall circulation. 

     Another AFR technique involves supplementing the above-mentioned acupuncture points with ones that stimulate facial muscle tonicity, thereby combining Eastern and Western therapeutic modalities.  In both cases the AFR practitioner will probably insert super-thin needles into the wrinkled area and may even introduce an imperceptible electrical current.  Facial massage and herbal cosmetic products are often included in AFR treatments, which last an hour or more. 

     While Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation requires an extended commitment on the part of the patient, it promises a healthier body as well as a glowing face.  Lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys are all fortified in an effort to invigorate the skin and its underlying structures.  Consequently, patients often report feeling more energetic after their treatments.  The process of AFR is one of inner transformation.  During the course of treatments, patients will have learned about skin care, about their body’s nutritional requirements and, best of all, will have established a commitment to living more healthfully.  

     Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation is not a sudden, drastic fix-all.  The patient’s skin will be toned but not stretched and their history won’t be erased from their face.  Is this a drawback?  Perhaps not.  As Dr. Susan Obagi, director of the Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center at the University Pittsburgh Medical Center says, “Gone are the days of those tight face lifts and brow lifts.  People don’t want to have that operated-on look.”*

*Alana Samuels,“What’s New in Cosmetic Surgery?”, www.Post-Gazette.com (Jan 18, 2005)