The Secrets of Cosmetic Acupuncture

Cosmetic acupuncture combines the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine with specialized facial acupuncture to help you look and feel healthy and beautiful. It is the truest form of anti-aging medicine because it works internally to optimize your health while simultaneously enhancing the appearance of your skin. A practitioner specializing in cosmetic acupuncture uses the “meridians” that either end or begin in the face to stimulate and balance your energy, while also treating the underlying factors that contribute to the aging process.  The results leave your face glowing, with tighter skin and a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Cosmetic acupuncture is also used to reduce or eliminate puffy eyes, dark circles, dehydrated skin, acne, and rosacea. As an added benefit, cosmetic acupuncture can also increase your own natural energy, or “Chi” force, providing you with a complete sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. You can also expect such positive side effects as reduced stress, improved sleep and digestion, and a reduction in menopause symptoms.

Going ‘Under the Needle’

The treatment is customized to each client based on an initial health assessment to determine your internal health. Your practitioner then creates a treatment plan using acupuncture and, if needed, Chinese herbal medicine. You will also be given nutritional recommendations. It is important to remember that your face is a measure of your health; if you are healthy and balanced, this will be reflected in your skin.

During treatment, the insertion of tiny, painless needles stimulates the flow of blood, lymph, and oxygen, which nourishes the skin from the inside out. At the same time, a process called “positive micro-trauma” stimulates the production of collagen, creating even skin tone, a smooth complexion, and a natural, healthy glow.

Cosmetic acupuncture is both preventative and corrective, so you can begin at any age. Beginning these treatments in your late twenties or early thirties can literally slow down the aging process by boosting your collagen and improving the health of your skin and body.  If you are in your forties, fifties, or sixties, these treatments will turn back the hands of time by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in tighter and brighter skin. Be prepared to glow!

The Results are In…

While you can expect a brighter complexion after just one cosmetic acupuncture treatment, ten to twelve treatments are recommended for optimal results. The treatments should be performed twice a week, or no more than one week apart for the first series of treatments.  To maintain the results, it is recommended that you have a treatment every six weeks to keep you looking fresh. Your cosmetic acupuncturist will also educate you on proper skin care using natural but active cosmeceuticals. It is equally important that you feed your skin the same vitamins, minerals, and supplements that you give your internal body. After all, the skin is the largest organ – and the only visible organ – so it needs proper care!

Unlike a treatment such as botox injections, cosmetic acupuncture addresses the entire face. The aim of cosmetic acupuncture is not to eliminate lines and wrinkles immediately, but rather to increase the health of the skin, while tightening and brightening the complexion. Cosmetic acupuncture is a great option for those who are hesitant to undergo botox injections, but also a great option for those who have targeted botox treatments and want to boost the vitality of the rest of the face. Clients have reported a need for less botox injections due to the overall tightening of the skin.

Cosmetic acupuncture continues to gain popularity, and there is evidence that it works. A study published in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture showed that of 300 people who received facial acupuncture, 90 percent saw marked results after their first course of treatment.

One of the most attractive features of cosmetic acupuncture is that there is no downtime; plus, it is covered by most extended health plans. If you are looking to naturally boost the look and health of both your skin and body, than cosmetic acupuncture may be an excellent option for you. But don’t let just anyone touch your face! Do your research as not all practitioners are alike.

Your twenties and early thirties are primarily a time of preventive skincare and what you do during these years can positively or negatively affect the health of your skin and the rate at which it ages. In our forties, skincare is preventive and corrective; this is a time when we notice more dehydration and accentuated appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots. There are effective anti-aging treatments and products that can be used to address existing signs of aging as well as prevent further deterioration.

In our fifties, fine lines and wrinkles can become more prominent and can develop into folds. This is a time when estrogen is decreasing, resulting in reduced elasticity and plumpness of the skin. Your skin tone can become more uneven and jowls can begin to develop.

Luckily, age is not the only determining factor. Lifestyle, nutrition, stress, skincare, sun protection and genetics are key factors that play a role in the speed at which our skin will age. Look for a good quality physical sunscreen that uses zinc oxide and or titanium dioxide and avoid the chemical sunscreens. The sooner we start taking care of our skin the better the results, the healthier and more long-living our skin will be, and the less money will be needed for more invasive procedures down the road. Below are the top five ways to keep your skin looking tight, bright and healthy.

1. Skin Tyte
Skin Tyte is an advanced light energy system that delivers infrared heat to the deeper layer of the skin where the collagen resides. Once the heat is delivered, it contracts existing collagen for a tightening effect, while also stimulating the formation of fibroblasts that will create more collagen. The Skin Tyte treatment is safe for all skin types.
Most individuals require a series of two to six sessions depending on age and collagen loss. The best part is that there is no downtime and you can resume normal activities immediately after treatment. Visible results can be immediate, but your skin will achieve the desired optimal benefits gradually over two to three months, when new collagen has formed. We highly recommend beginning these treatments in your thirties when collagen is gradually declining, because you will obtain maximum results and stop aging in its tracks. Great results are still obtained in your forties and fifties.

2. Vitamin A Infusion Peel
The Vitamin A Infusion Peel is a one-of-a-kind peel that repairs and remodels your skin. It works at a deeper layer where the collagen and elastin reside, making it a powerful anti-aging treatment, but it is also great for acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. It boosts the cell turnover rate resulting in a healthier, more youthful complexion. It is extremely safe and tolerated by all skin types. We see mild to moderate exfoliation two to three days after the peel, which usually lasts for another two to three days. The peel is gentle but the results are significant!
Here’s what you can expect from a Vitamin A Infusion Peel:
• Increase fibroblast activity (fibroblast cells are what create collagen and elastin)
• Increase capillary flow to help increase food supply to the dermis and thicken the dermis
• Calm acne and rosacea symptoms
• Lift hyperpigmentation
• Reduce fine lines and improve skin tone and elasticity
• Normalize oil production
3. Chemical and Enzyme Peels
A chemical peel is a technique that involves the application of a variety of chemical solutions to remove the damaged outer layers of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. It is extremely beneficial for many skin conditions and the aging face. By removing the build-up of dead skin cells and stimulating the regenerative process, you will notice marked improvements in the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, texture and tone of the skin and hydration. You’ll also see reduced pore size, clearing of blemishes, more balanced oil production and an overall healthier skin appearance.
Some exciting advancements in chemical peels now include the blending of active natural ingredients with a variety of enzymes and acids which allows peels to be customized to specific skin needs and concerns. These treatments can really transform the look and health of the skin. They range from very mild peeling to deeper peeling depending on your preference and skin’s needs. Lactic acid is a beautiful peel that will polish and brighten up the skin by removing the dead layer on top. An added benefit is that there is no downtime or peeling.

4. Skin Needling and Needle Dermabrasion
Skin needling (roller) and needle dermabrasion (tattoo gun) are non-invasive, non- injectable skin rejuvenation treatments that target a diverse range of skin concerns. This procedure uses a roller with microscopic needles or an inkless tattoo gun to target specific lines, wrinkles or scars, cellulite, and stretch marks. It is derived from ancient acupuncture techniques and has minimal risk and long-term results. As the needles are rolled over the skin, tiny punctures are created within the epidermis and dermis that encourage the skin’s own natural healing response. There is minimal downtime and discomfort; the treatment is carried out using topical numbing cream.
Home treatment rollers are also available for use on a weekly basis. These have much shorter needles which only microscopically break the surface of the skin. When used with your regular skin care routine, this will assist with absorption of your serums. The homecare roller will also help break up the dead layer of your skin; the exfoliating effect helps prevent congestion from dead skin build-up and promotes vibrant skin.
Clinical skin needling and needle dermabrasion are used to:
• Stimulate the production of collagen
• Reduce the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage
• Treat acne scars and chicken pock scars
• Reduce the appearance of scarring, stretch marks
• Reduce the appearance of enlarged pores
4. Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic acupuncture is the ultimate anti-aging treatment because it balances our internal systems while simultaneously boosting the health and appearance of the skin. It is a non-surgical procedure that will help rejuvenate and revitalize your whole body. It will improve blood and energy circulation, nourish your skin and increase collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and dull skin.

5. Medi-Facials
A medi-facial is a results-driven treatment that uses concentrated clinical grade, natural ingredients that replenish and repair the skin. These ingredients include enzymes, acids, and vitamins, plus potent antioxidants. Medi-facials are great for all skin types and skin conditions because they are custom blended at the time of treatment. The infusion of nutrients, acids, and enzymes results in a deep cleaning and nutrient-rich feeding of the skin, and finally a smooth polishing, leaving skin looking refreshed, radiant and healthy.

Book a complimentary consultation today to learn more about these treatments and get started on a skin health program. Healthy skin is great looking, long-living skin. www.sknclinic.ca

It has played a very important role in the ancient Maori tribes of New Zealand. Often call Greenstone, it was considered to be a treasure. They also made tools, weapons and ornaments of it.

It was used in Mesoamerica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Grenada, Montagua valley of Guatemala among others. To the ancient Mayans it was considered to be an elite gem, and used in rituals. It was often inscribed with hieroglyphics, and made into figurines.

The largest piece of Jade known in the world is in India, where there is a 5 ft tall stature of Mahavira.

In ancient Egypt, Jade was admired as the stone of love, inner peace, harmony and balance.

However no other place on earth has honored the Jade stone like that of ancient china. Jade was placed in the tomb with buried royalty and became associated with high status and royalty ever since.

In ancient East Asian medicine, Jade was used to heal stressed organs and discharge toxins. Pumiced Jade was applied to the cheeks for beauty and absorbed into the skin for health.

In Modern times we now know that Jade helps to slow down the process of aging as it has the ability to strengthen the body’s natural defenses and healing abilities. It contains vital elements the human body needs for health and vitality such as calcium, magnesium and water.

Jade also transmits FIR (far infrared rays) in the same wavelength of the human body and emits negative ions, both necessary for ultimate health and vitality.

The FIR reaches the body the same as light does and heats the body, dilating the blood vessels, and increasing chi, which allows the red and white blood cells to carry nutrients and oxygen to circulate through the body faster. Helping to remove toxins, damaged cells and tissue faster. It then returns to the kidneys and lungs to regenerate and allow the filtration process to occur faster.

When heated Jade also emits negative Ions, also known as the vitamins of the air, and are essential for human health. All of nature, plants, trees, and the ocean all emit negative ions. Which is why we feel so rejuvenated when out in nature. Whereas objects such as computers, TVs, and most electronic equipment emit positive ions, which can often leave us feeling tired and drained. 85% of Negative ions are absorbed through the skin, whereas only 15% is absorbed through the lungs. Making Jade a perfect deliverer of skin health and general well being. It is no wonder that Jade has been valued and honored by almost every culture in the world for thousands of years.

Kirsty