Acupuncture

Acupuncture is based upon the Eastern philosophy of chi (also spelled qi), which is the Chinese term for the supposed life force or vital energy that animates living things.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) chi flows through pathways in the body known as meridians. Illness results from the flow of chi through the meridians being blocked, or by the two types of chi (yin and yang) being out of balance.

Acupuncture is the practice of placing thin needles at specific points or applying various other techniques to the acupuncture points, which can release blocked chi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems.

Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain and improve Emotional conditions, sleep, Musculoskeletal disorders, Neurological issues, Digestive function, and sense of well-being.

Acupuncture is used for a wide range of conditions like:

      • Mental-Emotional, like Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia
      • Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders: Headache and migraine, Trigeminal neuralgia (TMJ), Facial palsy (early stage, i.e. within six months), Pareses following a stroke, Intercostal neuralgia, Post-operative convalescence, Spine pain, Stiff neck, Back and neck pain, Sprains, Tennis elbow, “Frozen shoulder”, Sciatica, Osteoarthritis
      • Respiratory System: Acute sinusitis, Acute rhinitis, Common Cold, Acute Tonsillitis, Acute bronchitis, Bronchial asthma (most effective in children and in patients without complicating diseases)
      • Toothache, post-extraction pain
      • Gastro-intestinal disorders: Constipation, Diarrhea
      • Blood pressure problems
      • Infertility
      • Painful periods
      • Allergic rhinitis
      • Morning sickness
      • Rheumatoid arthritis
      • Dental pain
      • Reducing the risk of stroke
      • Fibromyalgia

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced practitioner using sterile needles.

A typical treatment usually includes acupuncture needles. Generally, between two and ten needles (sometimes more) are inserted for each treatment, depending on the nature of the condition being treated. The following may also be used: Moxibustion (warming of the acupuncture point with moxa, a Chinese herb called Artemisia vulgaris) acupressure, electrostimulation of the acupuncture needles, cups, laser stimulation of the points etc. The needles will stay in place for between 5 and 30 minutes.

The number of treatments needed depends on the individual. A person with a chronic condition may need one to two treatments a week over several months. An acute problem usually improves after 8 to 12 sessions.

Cosmetic acupuncture

Cosmetic acupuncture (Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture) is an effective, holistic, non-surgical treatment to reduce the signs of aging with registered Acupuncture practitioner.

The treatment involves insertion of very fine and sterile needles on key points and areas on the face and body.

Benefits of Cosmetic Acupuncture

      • Improves muscle tone and elasticity, especially in the face and neck
      • Bags and sagging around the eyes, face and neck can be significantly reduced and toned
      • Firms the skin tone and fills out wrinkles and fine lines by increasing collagen production and distribution
      • Helps to eliminate puffiness by improving metabolism and boosting the elimination of excess fluids, along with tightening pores
      • Improves hormonal balance making it very helpful in treating hormonally-induced dry skin or acne
      • Moisturizes the skin by increasing local circulation of blood and lymph to the face
      • Improves facial color by increasing peripheral circulation, and slows the aging process from within by boosting the circulation of energy throughout the entire body

A typical session will start with a consultation. It is advisable to come for the treatment without any makeup. The needles are inserted gently into the facial regions at specific points so as to improve blood circulation stimulate collagen production when treating wrinkles or lines. The needles used for the face are of a much smaller gauge than those used for the body.

The entire process takes roughly 1 hour. You will start to see the results from the treatment in 4-5 weeks. I recommend 10-12 sessions at least for an optimal treatment. Ideally twice a week, however it can be tailored to once a week as well.

Who should NOT have Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture?

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is contraindicated for some pituitary disorders, heart disorders, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, and individuals who have a pacemaker, or who have a problem with bleeding or bruising. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture should not be done during pregnancy, during a bout with a cold or flu, during an allergic attack or during an acute herpes outbreak.