Acupuncture For Beauty

Marathon plastic surgery sessions, bird poop facials, fish pedicures and bull-sperms hair treatments are just a few examples of the extreme lengths people often go to for beauty and to stop the progression of time.

Janet Humphrey, licensed acupuncturist and founder of New York City’s Giving Nature Center explains that acupunture may offer a better option for beauty and anti-aging treatments.

Humprey says there is a centuries-old method which not only reverses some of the most dreaded signs of aging, but improves overall health, as well.

The beauty-boosting qualities of cosmetic acupuncture have been enjoyed by Chinese women for centuries, and have begun to pick up steam among American women, including celebrities.

What Is Acupunture?

Acupuncture is an alternative medicine methodology originating in ancient China which treats patients by manipulating thin, solid needles that have been inserted into acupuncture points in the skin.

According to Traditional Chinese medicine, stimulating these points can correct imbalances in the flow of qi through channels known as meridians. Scientific research has not found any histological or physiological correlates for qi, meridians and acupuncture points and some contemporary practitioners needle the body without using the traditional theoretical framework.

Current scientific research indicates traditional forms of acupuncture are more effective than placebos in the relief of certain types of pains and post-operative nausea.

Acupuncture Endorsements

Acupuncture’s use for certain conditions has been endorsed by the United States National Institutes of Health, the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, the World Health Organization, and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Some scientists have criticized these endorsements as being unduly credulous and not including objections to or criticisms of the research used to support acupuncture’s effectiveness.

There is general agreement that acupuncture is safe when administered by well-trained practitioners using sterile needles and carries a very low risk of serious adverse effects.

Acupuncture For Beauty – Cosmetic Acupuncture

According to Janet, cosmetic acupuncture tightens sagging skin, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, improves skin tone and even reduces blemishes. An added benefit: just like traditional acupuncture, cosmetic acupuncture seeks to balance the body’s energy and create an overall sense of wellness.

 “Cosmetic acupuncture is a great option for those who are candidates for Botox or chemical peels, but prefer not to be injecting foreign substances into their body or who have sensitive skin,” says Janet Humphrey, adding that whether used to reverse or prevent signs of aging, cosmetic acupuncture provides noticeable, but subtle improvements.

She notes “the effects of cosmetic acupuncture are not as drastic as a facelift, which my patients appreciate; they love that they simply look like a younger version of themselves, rather than a different person entirely.”

Acupuncture For Beauty – Cosmetic Acupuncture 101 Tips

The best candidates for cosmetic acupuncture are in their 30s to early 50s.

Since there are no drugs or surgery involved, the risks of acupuncture are minimal.

Do your homework to ensure you only work with a trained professional. Look for a licensed acupuncturist certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and ask how experienced they are with cosmetic acupuncture.

Acupuncture For Beauty – Results Of  Cosmetic Acupuncture

The American Cosmetic Acupuncture Association recommends 10 sessions of up to 90 minutes each (three hours per week for five weeks), along with subsequent monthly maintenance sessions.

Results can be seen in as little as a single session and they include:

- Prevention and reduction of fine lines and wrinkle
- Clears up acne
- Plumps and tightens saggy skin
- Reduces pore size
- Brightens skin
- Improves skin color and texture
- Provides an overall sense of balance and increased sense of well-being

Summary - Acupuncture For Beauty

Cosmetic acupuncture – with its near complete lack of side effects and ability to not only enhance beauty, but also overall health – is more than just a trend.