Facial Acupuncture: The Beauty Trend That’s On Point

Is The Mask You’re Wearing Dulling Your Face? Rejuvenate With Facial Acupuncture.Our facial expressions are our personal signatures. They’re how others recognize us. Sometimes our inner dialogue shows up on our faces through habits that we sustain for the sake of “saving face” or holding it all together. This can come at the expense of our skin’s natural radiance.As summer approaches and we trade our more quiet yin for warm, active yang layers, what masks or facades are we ready to let go of that may dull us?That furrow in your brow need tending to? Smile lines need softening? Simplify summer glamour by accessing health from your core with facial rejuvenation acupuncture.Where Qi Flows, Blood GoesQi | CHē/ nounThe circulating life force whose existence and properties are the basis of much Chinese philosophy and medicine. Used for thousands of years now, at the heart of all acupuncture treatments is the concept, “Where qi flows, blood goes.” Translated simply: Once acupuncture needles are inserted along the skin’s surface, circulation of blood and nutrients is activated to promote intended healing and whole-person rejuvenation. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture or Mei Rong, as it is referred to in traditional Chinese medicine, was developed to target tissues of the complexion by accessing this deep level of the body’s inner wisdom to renew.Our longing to shine brightly today is no different than when facial rejuvenation practice was developed centuries ago. Traditional stories tell us that facial acupuncture, dating back to 475-221 BC was reserved for the Empresses and royal concubines as a luxurious treatment to promote longevity. The Nei Jing, a classical text on Chinese medicine discusses the practice of facial rejuvenation acupuncture techniques along with the accompaniment of a healthy diet and food therapies, much like our view today.Throughout the 1990s, Mei Rong treatment was re-popularized when acupuncture  practitioners noticed after treating conditions such as facial tics and Bell’s palsy that the facial tissues surrounding the predominantly affected areas visibly improved the mimetic musculature of the face. Practitioners observed brighter skin tone color, improved elasticity, reduced sebaceous activity and perhaps most surprising of all, reduction in the size and depth of wrinkles.Because treatments are individualized and related to one’s overall constitutional wellness, these types of treatments may also help you sleep better, stress less, experience enhanced enduring energy throughout the day, feel decreased body tension and improve digestion. As a bonus, healthy side-effect, headache sufferers often report diminished signs and symptoms.Ready For Your First Session? Here’s What To ExpectIf it’s your first visit with the acupuncturist, you will be asked a series of questions about your overall health from exercise routines, the types of foods you consume, what your relationships are like, how well you sleep and so on. Although this may sound irrelevant to improving your complexion, a thorough understanding of who you are and your wellness practices offers your practitioner the essentials to individualize your experience.Next you will be invited to relax into a comfortable position either lying down face up or sitting back in a comfy chair. Facial rejuvenation is not just about having needles inserted into the facial skin either. At first, several needles will be placed into acupuncture points along the body to wake up sluggish organs getting that qi flowing. Once those needles are buzzing with qi, your practitioner will gently administer needles along your facial tissue.  While not necessary for a successful session, in some cases low frequency electrical stimulation will be administered along the shaft of the needle to encourage new collagen and elastin to fill in the potential “problem” area.Santa Monica-based doctor of Chinese medicine and acupuncture, Angela Huber, says “although patients report seeing subtle improvements right away, after 8-12 treatments improvements in firmness, skin elasticity, sagging, discoloration and wrinkle reduction are noticeable.”The skin benefits don’t stop at the surface though.“Also, because of the collagen-stimulating effect of the needles, acupuncture [in general] can help firm and sculpt other areas of the body as well.”Wondering if it’s painful? Most people using facial rejuvenation acupuncture report little to no pain, but rather relaxed sensations. In a study published by the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, only one of 28 participants reported experiencing any pain at all.Not all acupuncturists offer facial rejuvenation so find one that specializes!Want to keep your skin revved up between sessions? Try these at home:1 | Jade facial roller. The gemstone that gently detoxifies and feels like a mini-massage all at once. With your roller, create a circular pattern around the face and neck to encourage collagen and elastic production. Bonus: It’s a killer way to depuff facial and under-eye skin. As an alternative, try the quartz crystal ball facial massager by Aquarian Soul Designs. It’s tiny and fits in the palm of your hand.2 | Add cilantro and parsley to your juicing routine to help carry metabolic waste from the body after your facial rejuvenation session and jade rolling. 3 | Flip upside down and take advantage of gravity. Hang from the monkey bars or start practicing yoga inversions. Get blood flowing directly to your face to deliver nutrients that help stimulate collagen and elastin production.Christine has dedicated her career to helping others understand the science of happiness and its powerful effects on everyday human health by harnessing the power of the epigenetic landscape. She is available for both private and professionals consultations. Please contact her here.