Vania Bailey – Award Winning Make Up Artist from Hawkes Bay receiving Cosmetic Acupuncture.
(Photograph copyright Tim Whittaker Photography)
The earliest textbooks on acupuncture dating back over 2000 years discussed the cause of wrinkles according to traditional Chinese medical theory. The body has energy lines known as meridians that flow from the fingers and toes and connect with internal organs as well as flowing up into the head. Some meridians travel to the back of the head and others to the face. As we age, less energy flows in the meridians and hence less nourishment reaches the face. In particular the stomach and large intestine meridians need to be treated.
This is because as we age, the stomach loses its ability to digest nutrients and the large intestine loses its ability to eliminate toxins. The combination of these two organs becoming weaker, leads to the deterioration of the skin.
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat constipation, digestive problems and appetite imbalances. In addition constipation and diarrhea can be treated by stimulating the appropriate stomach and large intestine acupuncture points. These acupuncture points can also be stimulated to send more energy to the face which in turn improves blood circulation and hence provides more nutrition for the face.
Many of the acupuncture points chosen for cosmetic acupuncture purposes are actually on the arms and legs because there is more energy and blood in the meridians stored there. This energy and blood is then directed by the acupuncture to travel to the face. Additional acupuncture points on the face are then selected to help accumulate the energy in specific facial wrinkled areas to promote rejuvenation.
There have been many text books in Chinese medical literature on cosmetic acupuncture, but treatment was only reserved for the rich. Since the rising middle class in modern China, there are now many clinics specializing in cosmetic acupuncture and weight loss. One advantage of having acupuncture for facial rejuvenation is that during the same treatment, you can have acupuncture for weight loss.
Sandra Bullock openly says she opts for acupuncture for maintaining her youthful appearance and won’t take any chemicals like Botox. In fact Head of Medsafe in New Zealald, Dr Stewart Jessamine stated in regards to botox that
We don’t actually know if there are long term side-effects. This is a relatively new Medicine, and it is a potent poison. It’s not been used for prolonged periods.
Sandra Bullock and Gwyneth Paltrow are one of the many screen personalities using acupuncture for a variety of health reasons including acupuncture for facial rejuvenation.
Heiko Lade, of The Acupuncture Clinic – Hastings, is a lecturer in cosmetic acupuncture and can refer you to other practitioners throughout New Zealand who have attended his courses.
For more information about cosmetic acupuncture and acupuncture for facial rejuvenation please go the Frequently Asked Questions FAQ section. There is also a very good article about acupuncture and botox here.
