By: Jodi Hutchinson

Men and women do it. The vain and the rich do it. What is “it” they are doing? Cosmetic acupuncture, also known as facial rejuvenation acupuncture, has arrived from the Far East and is making its new home in the U.S.A. It is a natural technique, based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this method, very fine acupuncture needles are inserted into points on the face and other areas of the body to improve the flow of Qi, or energy, to the face, head and neck. When the Qi is blocked or stagnant from stress, environmental toxins or poor diet, it is reflected in our tired, sagging, puffy faces. The results, which occur over several treatments, include healthier looking skin, improved skin tone, a youthful glow and the shallowing of some age lines and wrinkles.

Recently, I was invited to experience this all-natural “facelift.” Without hesitation, I was on my way to another new venture. I asked the acupuncturist how does it differ from a facelift or botox? He explained that although facial rejuvenation acupuncture has been called the “acupuncture facelift,” the results are not as dramatic or long-lasting as a surgical facelift. Facial acupuncture does not involve actual surgery or alteration of the skin and underlying structures of the face. Facial acupuncture can, however, improve skin tone and give a healthy glow to your skin. With Botox injections, a patient has the botulinum toxin inserted directly into muscles of the face. The toxin temporarily paralyzes the facial muscles, which can then give the face a less wrinkled appearance.

The acupuncturist met with me for an initial consultation. He immediately placed me at ease with his gentle manner as he discussed the safety of facial acupuncture. The needles that are used are extremely thin, sterilized stainless steel needles that are discarded after a single use. Patients may feel a small pinch or skin prick when a needle is inserted, sometimes followed by an achy sensation that usually resolves after a few seconds. The main adverse effects, which tend to be rare, include bleeding (a drop or two of blood might appear after a needle is withdrawn, but this is considered normal). Other adverse effects may include infection, pain, and nerve damage. In the hands of an experienced acupuncturist, side effects are extremely rare.

During the initial consultation we decided upon a plan to free my laugh lines and “crinkles of wisdom” around my eyes from their blocked Qi, (pronounced chee). I was taken to a cozy room where the lights were soft, the air was sweet with jasmine, and the music was serene. Then came the needles! I felt a slight tingling sensation, but it was painless except for some light pressure. I relaxed as a calming warmth filled my body while I became one with the pincushion. Upon completion I was handed a mirror and my face was glowing with total beauty and I felt refreshed. The tiny lines were obviously diminished and there was no “surprised expression.”

A typical course consists of 12 treatments, and patients may want to come in for maintenance treatments every few months after the initial course of treatment. Many patients notice a positive change after the first treatment, and a youthful glow after two or three treatments. Age lines and wrinkles may start to fade after five or six treatments.

Remember: it took decades of living to create our lines of wisdom. As with all treatments, there are many factors that determine individual results. Make sure you choose an acupuncturist with excellent references and years of experience. My glowing experience was memorable and refreshing.

Shop at www.darshanbeauty.com or call 888-234-6538 to Order.

Testimonial:

Being an avid golfer in all kinds of weather conditions my hands get cracked and dry. After using Trinity for one week my hands became soft and the painful cracks disappeared. ~Rob Tompkins

Jodi Hutchinson, founder of Darshän LLC, has her B.S. degree in Physician Assistant and worked at Christiana Hospital on the Cardiac Surgery team. In 2001, she left her 18 year career to walk the world.