By Michael Walter BScHons LicAc MBAcC- Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (FRA), some times known as Facial Revitalisation Acupuncture or cosmetic acupuncture is a virtually pain free technique for reducing the signs of aging. It has been proven through studies and trials to yield noticeably positive results. This article sheds some light on what is attracting celebrities such as Madonna, Cher and Gwyneth Paltrow to this increasingly popular form of cosmetic treatment.
We are becoming familiar with the idea that our lifestyle and routine have a marked effect on our appearance, particularly our complexion. For example, eating freshly prepared food adds lustre to our skin while smoking and drinking leaves it dry and looking pasty. Yet still this knowledge is often insufficient to stave off the signs of aging that the years bring upon each of us.
According to Chinese Medicine, when we age our vital energy weakens. This energy (or qi) that nourishes the skin starts to find it harder to pass through the natural contours and lines on our face. As a result, over time lines start to deepen and the surrounding skin loses its vitality, becoming dry or oily. FRA is quite different from going to the beautician, who uses creams and makeup to hide the signs of aging. An acupuncturist is able to influence these signs at a much deeper level and for this reason the effects can last longer.
What happens during a session?
To prepare for a session, remove any make-up before and leave it off at least a few hours after the session to allow the pores to breathe. Drink plenty of water prior to treatment, avoiding coffee or alcohol, to ensure that your skin is hydrated and therefore the most responsive. Be prepared to remove jewellery around the face, neck and wrists.
As I work from a holistic perspective, I take the same full medical history as I would for a normal acupuncture session at the start of a course of treatment. This combines pulse taking, tongue and body diagnosis to create a picture of your health. Working from this enables me to achieve the best, long lasting results.
Treatment begins with a gentle and invigorating facial massage. Here we are tapping your skin's natural ability to regenerate itself. The skin's response to therapeutic touch is remarkable. During facial massage, qi and blood flow is stimulated to rise to the surface of the skin. The increased circulation begins to flush out accumulated toxins and muscular tension from beneath the skin, thus paving the way for collagen to be produced.
The next phase of the session involves a refinement and focusing of the results gained from the massage. Now we begin activating the healing response in a deeper, more accurate way, utilising knowledge of the energy pathways, or meridians, and acupuncture points. Ultra fine needles are applied to the acupuncture points on the face. This clears blockages in the flow of qi and encourages it to circulate smoothly throughout the face. In studies, the needles have been proven to stimulate blood flow and collagen production beneath the skin.
Along with points on the face, other points on the body are needled, which act to support the body's healing and rejuvenation process. These other points relate to your individual needs and galvanise the internal organs into action to restore the balance needed for a bright and clear complexion. The needles are left in place for about 20 minutes while you lie on the couch relaxing. Some FRA practitioners use electro-acupuncture, which passes a current between the needles. I personally find it too invasive and do not use it.
The effects are as follows and have been verified by academic research:
As a direct result of FRA, people have reported improved skin colour, complexion, and elasticity. Muscle tone improves while drooping eyelids and brows may lift. Sebaceous secretions become balanced and skin appears moisturised. In terms of wrinkles, fine lines can fade away while deeper lines may soften and lessen. Eye bags and dark circles tend to disperse and the eyes brighten. Puffiness reduces as circulation improves and features fill out more due to increased collagen and elastin production.
An additional benefit is that the stress that has been held in the face is gradually released and the outward signs of holding on to emotions are lessened. As you are being treated holistically, results can include increased energy levels, normalised digestion, hormonal balance and improved circulation. The cumulative effect is that your whole body looks and feels younger and healthier.
Finding a practitioner:
There are many approaches to acupuncture and likewise each FRA practitioner will have their own approach. FRA practitioners should be licensed acupuncturists. Make sure that your FRA practitioner has a degree level or equivalent training in acupuncture and oriental medicine and is registered with a regulating body such as the British acupuncture council. (Many GPs and physiotherapists call themselves acupuncturists after attending weekend courses.) By checking, you will be able to ensure that they are qualified to treat you according to your health needs as well as cosmetic.
Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of having needles near their face. This is perfectly understandable. This raises an important question. Can one improve the complexion using face massage and acupuncture away from the face? The simple answer is yes. Though needling the face provides a focus to the treatment, points away from the face can be used to improve the complexion.
One's true complexion depends not only on the qi circulation in the face, but on the free circulation of qi throughout the entire body. So many times after a session of ‘normal' non-facial acupuncture or massage, my patients come out with a much more calm expression and a radiant clarity to their complexion. In most of these cases it hadn't been my focus to improve their complexion. However the results of promoting the function of the internal organs and energy flow as prescribed by Chinese medicine are noticeable in more radiant appearance.
In some cases FRA is contraindicated, particularly in certain medical conditions, pregnancy and after some cosmetic work. The only side effect is occasionally slight bruising may appear but this is rare and quickly fades. I always recommend for my patients to come for a free consultation to discuss your needs along with possible results and length of treatment. People who will most benefit are males and females in their middle age when the signs of aging become visible. Younger people may benefit if they want to maintain their youthful look for longer, though results won't be as dramatic.
FRA is a serious alternative to the mainstream cosmetic procedures that are available today. It is far less costly than some procedures and doesn't require a lengthy and often painful recovery period.
Michael treats from the Hale Clinic on Saturdays. To contact Michael directly, please call: 020 8743 1084 or 07870 371 925. Alternately send an email to michaeljwalter@hotmail.co.uk.
