Cosmetic acupuncture versus surgical face lifts

Cosmetic acupuncture is a rejuvenation and revitalization process designed not only to reduce the signs of aging, but also to help the whole body look and feel younger.

by Dr. Sima Aidun — 

In today’s culture of nips, tucks and Botox injections, acupuncture offers a safer alternative. While not a replacement for cosmetic surgery, acupuncture facial rejuvenation is an excellent and reasonable therapy. It is far less costly than cosmetic surgery; it is safe and painless; and there are no side-effects or risk of disfigurement.

Unlike surgery, which may have an extended recovery period with swelling and discoloration, there is no trauma from cosmetic acupuncture. It is a more subtle rejuvenation that can take years off one’s face — safely and naturally — while improving overall health.

What is cosmetic acupuncture?

Cosmetic acupuncture is a rejuvenation and revitalization process designed not only to reduce the signs of aging, but also to help the whole body look and feel younger. The practice of acupuncture to enhance beauty dates back to China’s Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1279) when it was used by the Empress and the Emperor’s concubines.

Cosmetic acupuncture, or facial rejuvenation, is based on the principles of Oriental medicine and involves the insertion of thin needles into particular areas of the face, ears, neck, hands, trunk and legs along channels or meridians of energy known as qi (pronounced chee). The Chinese discovered that many meridians either begin or end on the face; have internal branches that go to the face which, in turn, influence specific areas of the face; and have the effect of lifting muscles, reducing edema, moisturizing the skin and enhancing overall circulation.

Effects of cosmetic acupuncture

Cosmetic acupuncture programs can produce a surprising number of positive results. Erasure of fine lines and the diminishing of wrinkles and stress lines can often be observed after the first several sessions through improved muscle tone and dermal contraction, increased circulation and collagen production, moistening of the skin and hormonal balancing for acne.

Acupuncture can also firm the jaws and cheeks, lift drooping eyelids, reduce bags under the eyes and puffiness in the face, tighten the pores, and reduce age spots to allow an emergence of one’s innate beauty and radiance.

Dr. Sima Aidun is a naturopathic physician in Scottsdale, Ariz., who focuses on female health issues from puberty to menopause, as well as bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. www.naturalsolutionsforwomen.net or 480-451-1602.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 27, Number 3, June/July 2008.