Lotus Bodycare products are created from organic cosmetic bases and contain no synthetics or toxins; they’re also rich in essential antioxidants. If you inspect the “ingredient explanations” of most cosmetic lines, you’ll likely be appalled by the amount of chemicals used. If, however, you click on the “ingredient explanation” pages at the Lotus Bodycare website, you’ll find each product to be a cornucopia of healthy, natural ingredients that you‘ll feel good about administering to your patients. On our test patient, we started with the facial toner, a refreshing and deliriously fragrant spray that immediately sends moisture deep into the skin. We followed with a butterscotch-hued facial serum (containing DMAE and Alpha Lipoic Acid) that left our patient’s skin smooth and the underlying musculature well cared-for. The DMAE eye gel was an excellent way to end the treatment. Applied sparingly, it produced a visible reduction in the puffiness around--and bags under--our patient‘s eyes. Facial acupuncture patients are, of course, a very savvy group of consumers and may ask the practitioner about DMAE, Alpha Lipoic Acid and vitamin C ester. As a practitioner, you can assure them these ingredients abound in Lotus Bodycare products.

A visit to http://www.lotusbodycare.com is worthwhile. There, you’ll find face and body serums and lotions along with detailed explanations--including functions--of ingredients. Keep in mind that, although you may spend a few dollars, they are highly concentrated and will be enjoyed for many treatments. Quality products like Lotus Bodycare are a good investment and will enhance your practice.

Here’s another product line you’ll want to know about! Facial acupuncture teacher Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, L.Ac, has created a new line of TCM-oriented cosmetics that has to be seen to be believed. While her Muse L’Herbal products can each be purchased separately, we’d suggest you splurge on “Le Big” Bag, an embroidered Chinese satchel containing the entire product line and accessories. The Muse L’Herbal line is unique in that it enhances your acupuncture protocol, no matter which technique you use. This is partly because the products are to be used sequentially and partly because some must be prepared onsite (not complicated) and are composed largely of Chinese herbs. Patients seeking authentic Chinese medicine will appreciate the customized mixing of herbs, oils and poultices. In addition to the fan brush, wooden scoop, dozen cotton masks, gel mask, two variously-sized jade eye rollers (delivered in embroidered boxes and colorful wrappings) and an herbal essence that is to be mixed into the products, here’s what you get in Le Big Bag:

-Oats “Ooo-la-Laver” --a gentle exfoliant containing lavender, French white clay and other ingredients

-Thé Nutritif --Soak a mask in this nourishing herbal mixture and apply it to the patient’s face. For dry, dehydrated skin.

-Thé Calme--Soak a mask in this herbal mixture for damp heat conditions (rosacea, acne, etc.) Follow with the warm gel mask.

-Masque Renewal --An astringent brush-on mask containing oyster shell, pearl powder and other delights

-Crème Vital --A fragrant non-greasy crème that combines Chinese herbs with state-of-the-art biological advancements.