From the Vail Daily September 11, 2006

Present a Younger Face to the World With Cosmetic Acupuncture 

     Maybe you have seen or heard about Cosmetic Acupuncture, sometimes referred to as Facial Rejuvenation, in the media recently.  The Today Show, Vogue magazine, The View, The Wall Street Journal and the Denver Post are just a few of the more recent shows and publications to do stories about this treatment as a natural, non-surgical option in our endless search for the fountain of youth.
      Even after hearing the term, how many of you can say you understand what it is? Cosmetic Acupuncture is technically the painless insertion of extremely fine (thickness of a few hairs) needles into specific points on the face and body and/or local areas of concern, tailored to the individual and their constitutional needs.  The purpose is to clear blockages that may have left a map of fine lines or wrinkles, age spots, sagging or dull skin, bags under the eyes, or even small amounts of cellulite.  Cosmetic Acupuncture is able to address and treat the underlying imbalances that lead to the creation of these aging road maps on our face and body.
      As a true branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and not simply an external procedure, Cosmetic Acupuncture involves not only acupuncture, but herbal medicine, dietary recommendations and topical treatments as well.  Once reserved for Empresses, Emperors and their concubines, this ancient practice satisfying the dual pursuit of longevity and beauty and is now available in the West by specifically trained acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners.           
Some of the most observable benefits include:

• Eliminates fine lines (in most cases) and diminishes deeper lines

• Reduces, tightens, or eliminates double chins & “turkey necks”

• Lifts drooping eyelids

• Reduces/firms bags and dark circles under the eyes

• Improves collagen production, muscle tone & facial color

• Improves skin texture and moisture

• Brightens eyes

• Reduces edema and puffiness

• Improves acne

• Improves metabolism and most digestive issues

      I have seen both subtle and dramatic changes to a person’s face and body. 
More significant, though, are the improvements that happen almost as a side-effect, including:

• Stress reduction

• Better sleep

• Weight loss

• Lifting or lessening of depressions

• Lessening of menopausal symptoms and PMS symptoms

• Relief from headache and/or toothache

• Increased energy, overall rejuvenation

     Returning you to your best sense of balance will be apparent in both your outward appearance as well as your internal well-being.  It really brings authenticity to the cliché that “When you look good, you feel good.”If you have ever wished you could turn back the proverbial clock on aging, but aren’t comfortable with the idea of surgery, why not give Cosmetic Acupuncture a try?  A standard course of treatment is 10-15 sessions, spaced at intervals of once or twice per week for 2-4 months.In my experience, many people do see noticeable results after their 3^rd or 4^th treatment, although expect to have weekly treatments for about 3 months before seeing dramatic differences.  One thing most everyone has in common is the experience of people telling them how great they look and then asking if they are doing something different.
      A few cautions.  Cosmetic Acupuncture should not be used by everyone.  If you are pregnant or experiencing: acute allergic reactions, herpes outbreaks, or colds or flu, please wait until these conditions have passed… then facial treatments are fine.  It is also contraindicated in cases of:

• Severe migraines

• Severe high blood pressure

• Use of anticoagulants (blood thinners)

• Recent laser resurfacing

• Allow 3 months for face to heal before trying facial acupuncture

• Microdermabrasion

• Allow 1 month for face to heal before trying facial acupuncture

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