Look Better, Feel Great!

I often receive questions about Cosmetic Acupuncture- What is it?  Does it really work?  How does it work?  How many treatments will I need and how will I maintain the results?  So, here it is.  Everything you might want to know about using Cosmetic Acupuncture to look your best.

What is it?
Mei Zen, or Cosmetic Acupuncture, is a relatively non-invasive procedure that is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and is good medicine from the inside out.  Treating imbalances inside the body and using needles to increase the balance of Qi and blood to the face is the best "anti-aging" medicine available.  It brings about results that are more than skin deep.  What you see on your face is indeed, at least in part, due to the state of your overall health.  For example, dark circles under your eyes indicate an imbalance in a particular organ system.  By balancing this system, not only will you see a reduction in dark circles, but overall health will be improved.

Does it really work?
 The most common benefits include having softer, more vibrant, and firmer skin; reduction of deeper wrinkles; possible elimination of finer wrinkles, a clearer complexion and improvement in jowl lines.  Although not visually as dramatic as a surgical procedure, Cosmetic Acupuncture has farther reaching health benefits.  Besides the visual changes, patients have reported improved digestion, better quality of sleep, reduction of hot flashes, reduction of anxiety and depression, improved energy and an overall sense of well-being.  Of course, there are poor habits that could minimize the results of treatments, such as smoking, excessive drinking, sun exposure and poor nutrition.  Nutrition and habits are are addressed and recommendations are made based individual life styles.

How does it work?
From a TCM perspective, the treatment balances overall Qi and blood, thereby improving general health.  Qi and blood are brought to the face, Qi is lifted and the body's energetic systems are balanced.    From a western medical standpoint, Cosmetic Acupuncture works because the needling causes micro-traumas in the skin to which the body can respond by increasing blood flow and the production of collagen and elastin for wound healing.  The needling, which is done at the level of the dermis, also may stimulate neurotransmitter production.  

How many treatments will I need and how will I maintain the results?
The course of treatment is twice a week for 5 weeks.  Sessions take approximately 75 minutes.  To maintain good results, I recommend getting two treatments quarterly; with a minimum of at least two treatments every six months.


Other considerations:
Cosmetic acupuncture is not for everyone.  It is contraindicated for patients who have a history of certain conditions and it is best for patients with overall good health. Candidacy is determined during the initial consultation.  Bruising is a possibility, and should be taken into consideration before proceeding.

The Huffington Post: Acupuncture Q&A

Jamie Frevele, from the Huffington Post, sits down with her acupuncturist for a two part dialogue on acupuncture.  Erin Hessel does a great job of providing easy to understand explanations for basic questions that many patients have.  Click to view her interview.

Pregnancy Related Nausea Relief

Pregnancy is a joyful time in a woman's life, but it isn't always comfortable.  While "morning sickness" is normal, the first trimester especially can be a veritable roller coaster of hormones, leaving a pregnant woman feeling exhausted, nauseated and in some cases, huddled in the bathroom.  Luckily, acupressure can help. Of the 365 traditional acupuncture points, Pericardium 6 (P6) is the premiere point for vomiting and nausea in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Several western controlled studies have been conducted to test its efficacy. 

P6 is located on the anterior aspect of the forearm, approximately two fingerbreadths superior to the transverse wrist crease, and between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles. 

As with most acupuncture locations, you should feel slight tenderness with pressure.  To stimulate P6, press firmly and hold for several minutes on one arm, followed by the other arm.  Repeat several times a day.  Alternatively, inexpensive arm bands (Seabands) have the same effect and can be purchased and worn throughout the day.  In addition to P6, ginger can help calm the stomach.  Make ginger tea by steeping a slice of ginger in hot water for several minutes.  Add lemon and honey for flavor.  Sip, and daydream about that little person growing healthfully inside you!

Spring Detox from GOOP

Another great post on GOOP:  Spring Allergy and Detox Remedies- Chinese Medicine Style, by Adele Reising, L.Ac.  Check it out for more tips on helping your body with the seasonal transition.

Root of Heaven

Check out this clip from ABC news featuring "The Hunt for Wild Ginseng," a rare herb that fetches upward of $33,000.  Ginseng is a tonic, or longevity herb, long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its many health benefits.

Acupuncture in the WSJ- Bridging the Gap

How does acupuncture work?  From a western medical perspective (one that doesn't recognize the basis of acupuncture- energy, or Qi), that question has been difficult to quantify.  On Tuesday, The Wall Street Journal had an excellent article addressing exactly this question.  Using neuroimaging, thermal imaging and doppler ultrasound, scientists are now able to document the physical effects of acupuncture treatments.  Not all in the western medical community are on board of course, but studies like those highlighted in the article are bridging the gap between this ancient, enigmatic Eastern medicine and its scientific, contemporary counterpart.  Please read the full article HERE.

Put a Needle Where Your Money Is

According to Money Magazine and Hewitt Associates, the 2009 flexible spending account that you didn't fully use may still be available until March 15th.  Acupuncture just might be on the list of qualifying expenses, so its worth looking into.  Ask your human resources department if an extension exists for you.

Year of the Tiger

February 14th calls for a double celebration this year!  As we honor the sweet ones in our lives, we can also welcome Chinese New Year- the year of the Tiger.  The Tiger represents courage, honesty, strength, patience and at times, unpredictability.  According to Chinese astrology, 2010 will be a year focused on family, hard work and wealth. 

Chinese New Year starts on the new moon of the new year, and ends on the full moon 15 days later.  The new year is celebrated all 15 days, and it is believed that whatever you bring into the new year during those 15 days will stay with you the rest of the year.  One should stay positive and refrain from arguments, and it's a good time to spend with family.  Traditionally people clean out their homes before the new year, decluttering to allow the free flow of energy to circulate and improve Feng Shui.  It's also good luck to eat long noodles for a long life, and mandarins for wealth. 

Happy New Year!  Wishing you health and prosperity.

Word of Mouth-Dr Maoshing Ni

Words of wisdom from my former teacher, Dr. Maoshing Ni - author, and cofounder of Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine:

"There is an old Chinese saying:  Most disease comes from things that enter the mouth, most trouble comes from words that leave it.  The first part is easy to understand:  eat wholesome, natural food and you'll have a healthy body and a clear mind.  But how many people take as much care with their thoughts before they emerge as words?  Most of us have experienced regret for things we have said or did not say.  Be honest when you convey your feelings, be kind when you criticize something or someone, be positive when expressing your ideas, be receptive when hearing criticism, and be humble on the subject of your own virtues.  By wise management of the food that enters your body and the words that leave your mouth, you will have physical vitality and peace in your heart." (Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to be 100.)

Acupuncture Tubes=Jewelry!

Thanks to Alix Mikesell, the talented silversmith behind Alix Mikesell Design, my discarded acupuncture guide tubes live on in beautiful, one-of-a-kind bracelets and earrings.  Alix specializes in reuse, creating fun jewelry from such disparate materials as swizzle sticks, Formica samples, smashed headlights and old bicycle chains.  For her Longevity line, she stuffs acupuncture tubes with turf grass, glass beads, paper, crystals, and other inconsequential materials, then caps the tubes with pieces of used bamboo place mats.  The results are lovely. Check out the full Longevity line, and be sure to browse the rest of her wares.

How Pure Is Your Water?

Probably not as clean as you would expect.  The Environmental Working Group has identified more than 300 chemicals in water systems nationwide, most of which aren't even regulated.  Contaminants vary with each water system.  Luckily, the EWG has created a user-friendly database, which allows you to search your city and view its detailed report.  It also provides information on filter options based on the contaminants found.  If you live in an old house and you're not at least using a BRITA filter (or its equivalent), it's time to get one-especially if you have children.  Even small amounts of lead have been shown to effect IQ levels.  

Can't Sleep? Acupuncture Can Help

A recent review of 46 randomized controlled trials involving 3,811 acupuncture patients revealed what acupuncturists, and most acupuncture patients, already know: acupuncture can help you sleep better. The results showed that acupuncture was superior to medications regarding the number of patients with a greater than three hour increase in sleep duration. In addition, herbs with the addition of acupuncture was found to be superior to herbs alone for increased sleep rates.

Because acupuncture is part of a holistic medicine that treats not only the symptom, but the root of imbalance, patients who are treated for insomnia usually see improvement in their overall health. Another bonus: better sleep without the side effects or addictive nature of medication. If you are suffering from insomnia, I encourage you to give acupuncture a try.

GOOP: On Meditation

GOOP, the lifestyle blog developed by Gwyneth Paltrow, asked three longtime meditators  for their views on how to achieve bliss through meditation.  Their responses were thoughtful and practical.  I particularly liked Mark Epstein's interpretation of Tibetan Buddhist meditation, and the idea that meditation is like "setting up spy-consciousness in the corner of the mind, eavesdropping on whatever is going on."  It's true.  Meditation trains your mind to act as a silent observer, watching the emotions around you, and within you, in a spirit of non-judgment.  Read all three interviews here, and and embark on your journey within!  

Cupping: What Is It?

Cupping is a method of treatment that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. It has the function of warming and promoting the free flow of energy along the meridians. It's used to dispel cold dampness and has the effect of diminishing pain, such as back, shoulder and leg pain. It is also used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, lung issues such as coughing and asthma, and the common cold.

You may have seen the telltale cupping marks on Gwyneth Paltrow a few years ago, or on the back of a Chinese swimmer at the 2008 summer olympics. These circular bruises are the result of a partial vacuum that is created with glass jars via either heat or manual suction. The most common method of cupping is "fire cupping." An alcohol soaked cotton swab is lit, and the flame is held under the jar for a moment before placing the jar on the skin, creating a partial vacuum. The tissue is pulled up into the jar, creating local stagnation, and drawing "old blood" and toxins to the surface. When the jar is removed, smooth energy flow is returned to the meridians. Cupping can be used locally, on specific acupuncture points and sore muscles, or the cups can be moved along meridians while maintaing a vacuum.

While the circular marks left by cupping are visible for several days, cupping is not painful. Most people feel only a slight tug on the skin, and the heat used in fire cupping is not felt at all. It is similar to a very deep tissue massage, which improves circulation and breaks up stagnation. Cupping can be used alone or in conjunction with an acupuncture treatment and can improve healing time.