This week I decided to be adventurous and get acupuncture. It was new in a sense that I was a total acupuncture virgin. It’s embarrassing to say but even my friend’s dog Stella had acupuncture done before I did. Nonetheless, this was my time and I went for it. I wasn’t sure what to expect but went in with an open mind, ready to say goodbye to stress and feel new and refreshed.

My appointment was with Cara Frank, the owner of a cozy center city practice called Six Fish Chinese Medicine. She came highly recommended and her online reviews couldn’t have sung her more praises. I was intrigued to say the least, making my decision to get poked with tiny needles much easier. Her office was immaculate, which is especially important when needles are involved and they’re aimed at your delicate skin. But all that I heard about the healing powers of acupuncture outweighed the fear I had of pain. I couldn’t wait to experience Eastern Medicine, needles and all.

A Little History…

Wіth a history older thаn most Western civilizations, acupuncture іѕ аn ancient component οf traditional Asian medicine. In Cara’s case, she not only performs acupuncture but prescribes Chinese herbs and reads the surface of your tongue for health answers. If you choose to get acupuncture and go anywhere else, just make sure that the acupuncturist is licensed and uses sterile disposable needles. Other than that, you are in for a relaxing treat.

In case you were wondering, the needles are only a little uncomfortable when they first prick your skin. I actually anticipated the feeling by tensing up my entire body each time a needle was about to go in. Cara laughed, asking me if she was really hurting me. She wasn’t.

So, the way that it works is that these hair-thin needles are inserted just under the skin to facilitate a natural flow οf energy іn thе body. The needles are then left to work their magic for 20-40 minutes. For many, this is the only peace and quiet they get in a day. I know this was the case for me. Acupuncture works to unblock energy to restore it’s flow in your body, aiding in a number of ailments and helping with a number of cosmetic procedures. I’m guessing that not everyone has heard of its effectiveness in lifting of the skin. I never gave it much thought until my date with the needles.

The “Facelift”

Let’s face it, no matter how well you take care of your skin or how blessed your might be with good genes, there comes a time in every woman’s life, when she wishes she looked younger, more rejuvenated. Nobody likes saggy skin and wrinkles so many woman opt for the painful process of plastic surgery. But what if there was another way?

Acupuncture is the ultimate alternative. You just have to find an acupuncturist trained in facial rejuvenation in your neck of the woods. You wouldn’t want a family doctor to perform plastic surgery on you? Well, this is the same type of a deal. What cosmetic acupuncture does is revive the energy flow in your body, similar to regular acupuncture.  Moving energy through the body, with needles not only in the face but also other body parts to stimulate collagen production and bring blood to the face.

These needles also restore electrical impulses tο hold muscles аnԁ skin tight, making you look younger and more rested. They’re effective at smoothing out lines and softening deeper furrows. Of course the results depend on age and ethnicity.  Similar to surgery it really depends on what you are starting with and what preventative measures you have taken. Many cosmetic acupuncturists recommend that you start treatments in your 30′s to give you a head start on maintaining a youthful look. Here are some images of the before and afters by age group. See the improvements for yourself:

But know that one session will not cut it. A course for the best results lasts as long as 12-16 weeks with monthly followup maintenance. But if you think about it, there will be no scars or recovery time, no bruising or nerve damage and you will feel and look better with each session. Check with your insurance and see if your policy covers this procedure. Stay young with the help of acupuncture.

-Biana

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