Q & A
What is Acupuncture?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the human body consists of approximately 365 acupuncture points on the human body that connects with 12 meridians. These meridians create an energy flow and conduct energy or Qi (pronounced chee) between the surface of the body and internal organs, and is responsible for overall health.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice of removing blockages in the body’s energy system by inserting hair thin needles into specific acupuncture points to enhance the flow of Qi. Releasing these blockages allows energy and blood to circulate smoothly and in harmony throughout the body. This allows the body to heal itself naturally without hindering the body’s natural processes.
Treatments are intended to improve the flow of Qi
When you are healthy, Qi flows smoothly and the body is balanced.
Does it hurt?
The acupuncture needles are very thin, 10 to 15 acupuncture needles can be placed in one hypodermic (injection) needle. The sensation that is expected from acupuncture is not painful (not like a hypodermic needle injection).
The sensation that is felt is called “De Qi” and it can include:
Numbness, Aching, Tingling, Warmth, Distention, Heaviness or lightness
The sensation can be local or it may radiate. Many people find acupuncture very relaxing and most patients fall asleep during treatment.
Acupuncture Benefits:
Acupuncture is effective in treating a wide range of complaints and ailments including but not limited to:
Anxiety, Depression, Stress and neurological issues
Injuries and pain management, low back pain, musculo-skeletal disorders
Headaches & Migraines
Arthritis and osteoarthritis, postoperative pain, dental pain
Muscle irregularities including soreness, tightness and aching
Menstrual, fertility and pregnancy conditions
Insomnia
Nausea & Vomiting, gastroenterology
Immunity conditions
Allergies & Asthma
Digestive problems
Chronic fatigue
Fibromyalgia
Gynecological issues, menses, menopause symptoms
TCM can also be used to maintain optimal health in the absence of illness
How long is treatment?
The frequency for treatment is dependent on a number of factors including health history, age, severity of concerns and how your body responds to the first 1-3 treatments. The response to Acupuncture varies greatly from one another. Receiving acupuncture is an accumulative process that is closely dependent on treatment frequency as well as lifestyle, stress levels, relationships, diet, exercise, sleep and hormones etc.
Things to know when choosing an Acupuncturist…
A Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) has 3 years (1,900 hours) of in-depth training in TCM medical theory, diagnosis, acupuncture point location and needling techniques.
Today, as acupuncture continues to be more popular, more medical practitioners are studying acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, and employing it in their practice. However, the amount of training in both theory and practice can vary. Some examples are MD’s and Physiotherapists trained in IMS technique (50hours) or under the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (285 hours) and Naturopathic physicians trained in basic TCM within their ND schooling (250 hours).
In the Province of BC, Canada where I went to school and became licensed with the local governing body (CTCMA), the requirements for licensing were more stringent than other provinces and required Acupuncturist’s to have an additional 2 years of Post-Secondary education prior to Chinese Medicine School. I chose to take a diploma in Sport Science Kinesiology as my prerequisite education.
What is Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture?
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a centuries old practice. It is a gentle, effective, and a safe way to combat the signs of aging and erase years from your face without the risk or downtime of surgery or injections. Acupuncture offers many benefits to those who want to revitalize the look and feel of their skin. It builds collagen, tones muscle, improves circulation, and stimulates blood flow with no risk of scars, infections, rashes, or toxic build-up of chemicals.
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is much more than a cosmetic procedure. Acupuncture changes the energy flow within the body and initiates the process for constitutional rejuvenation. If energy is not flowing freely throughout your body then your organs, muscles and lymphatic system cannotfu nction properly, which can contribute to puffiness, bags and premature aging.
Chinese medicine is based on the principle that health is manifested from the inside out. Using this Holistic approach, not only do your frown lines disappear, you feel better overall, sleep better, have more energy and better digestion. As you age, the 57 muscles in your face gradually lose their tone and mass. Loss of tone and mass causes the sagging, deep wrinkling and tired look associated with aging. Acupuncture stimulates the muscle function, and the face lifts itself via the acupuncture points. Thus, returning the face to a healthier, revitalized, youthful appearance. Hair thin needles are placed in the outside of the ear to induce relaxation, and body points are used which correspond the individual’s specific needs. There is a sense of well being as a flood of endorphins is released throughout the body. Once you are in a state of deep relaxation, needles are placed on the face in acupuncture points as well as wrinkles. The needles
placed in the wrinkles create a micro trauma, which causes collagen to be produced.
Eastern medicine is based on a system of wellness and prevention. Acupuncture has its basis in keeping the flow of energy flowing throughout the body, therefore nourishing all of the organs including the LARGEST organ in our body… the skin.
How is Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture Different than other facial treatments?
Acupuncture facial rejuvenation is not just for wrinkles, sagging skin and dark spots. As a part of an overall program of skin health for individuals of any age, you can have treatments much in the same way you would get a facial. The difference being that an Acupuncturist is specially trained in facial rejuvenation acupuncture and can diagnose imbalances in your organs such as your liver which may cause Melasma or dark spots, in your kidneys which can result in dark circles or premature aging, your large intestine or lungs which can contribute to acne or your spleen which can contribute greatly to sagging and or puffiness.
Facial Acupuncture, done as part of a regular program of skin care can prevent the appearance of crows’ feet, sagging jowls, droopy eyelids and turkey neck before they happen. Once these signs of aging do begin to appear, needles can be used to increase collagen production, stimulate blood flow, relax atrophied muscles and brighten a dull complexion.
Techniques such as facial cupping, facial Gua Sha and micro-needle dermal rollers are also used to further enhance the effects of the treatments. Treatments are very relaxing and you will look forward to the refreshed, rested appearance you attain from each and every session.
Is this a new trendy procedure?
No. As early as the Sung Dynasty (960AD-1270AD)
Acupuncture Rejuvenation practices were employed for the Empress and the
Emperors.
Is there any proof that it works?
A 1996 report in the International Journal of Clinical
Acupuncture reported that in 300 cases treated with Facial Acupuncture, 90% had marked effects
with one course of treatment (10-20 sessions).
We all look better when we are less stressed, better rested and in good physical health
Consider all the benefits of having all of you tended to…not just your face!
A series of Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation Treatments Can:
Erase fine lines, deeper wrinkles diminished
Lift sagging eye lids, reduce bags/circles
Firm jowls and minimize double chin
Improve muscle tone and increase collagen production
Eliminate puffiness by improving metabolism and eliminating excess fluids
Improve hormonal balance, benefits acne
Increase circulation of blood and lymph to the face and improves facial color
Moisturize the skin and tighten pores
Significantly reduce the appearance of scars and age spots
Slow the aging process from within
Reduce stress evident in the face
Promote overall health and well being
Is Facial Acupuncture for Everyone?
For the majority of prospective clients, it is a safe and beneficial treatment, not only for prevention of wrinkles but also the reversal of the customary lines of aging. However, there are a few contraindications for facial acupuncture.
Contraindications:
Severe High Blood Pressure (ok if blood pressure is under control and patient is monitored by medical doctor)
Severe Migraines
Microdermabrasion (takes 3 weeks to heal from laser resurfacing, wait a week after procedure)
Pregnancy
Diabetes, current cancer, AIDS, hemophilia, a pituitary tumor, seizures, epilepsy, tinnitus, dizziness and an acute bout of cold, flu, allergies, and herpes outbreaks (facial acupuncture may inadvisable however, regular body acupuncture would be helpful).
If you have had in the past or are having currently; Botox injections, fillers, lasers, chemical peels, facial surgery or any other allopathic cosmetic procedures please tell us immediately when you had it so we can determine the suitability of needling in that area. This is to protect you from any undesirable effects from procedure.