We are pleased to be able to offer this unique and specialized service to patients. Along with very few Acupuncture practitioners in Australia, or practitioners were lucky enough to undergo intensive training with Cosmetic Acupuncture field leader, Mary Elizabeth Wakefield from the USA. Mary Elizabeth is widely known throughout the US for her Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments; to the extent of being asked to provide Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles. For more information on Mary Elizabeth and her systems please visit www.chiakra.com
What is involved?
Simple:
Cosmetic Acupuncture is a full constitutional treatment that views the face as an extension of the meridians (energy pathways) of the body, which flow from the soles of the feet to the crown of the head. When the face is needled, Blood Flow and Qi carries nutrients to the cells; the body interpets the insertion of the needle as a ‘positive’ injury (microtrauma), which in turn, through stimulation of Fibroblasts, can increase collagen output
Detail:
An acupuncture facial treatment involves the insertion of very fine acupuncture needles into fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck in order to reduce the visible signs of ageing. In oriental medicine, the meridians, or pathways of Qi (energy) flow throughout the entire body from the soles of the feet up to the face and head; consequently, a facial acupuncture treatment addresses the entire body constitutionally, and is not merely “cosmetic.” It’s easy to see in many people that emotions are displayed on the face, and over time if emotions are chronically displayed, certain areas of the face can change; to a wrinkle or as puffiness, sagging etc. Therefore it makes sense to treat the body as a whole, including the emotions, in order to affect the facial features. An acupuncture facial involves the patient in an organic, gradual process that is customised for each individual. It is no way a substitute for a surgical “Face Lift.”
What are the benefits?
The Facial Acupuncture component can be beneficial in the following areas:
- Increase Facial Muscle tone through improving collagen production
- Decrease Puffiness and Sagging around the Eyes, as well as bringing more firmness the sagging skin
- Enhance the radiance of the complexion
- Flesh out Sunken areas
- TMJ (Jaw) problems or stiffness
- Bells Palsy and Stroke recovery
- Tone sagging areas of the face
- Reduces symptoms of Neuropathy
- Eliminate Fine Lines and Diminish Larger Wrinkles
- Reduce Double Chin, Sagging Neck and Lift Drooping Mouth and Eyelids
- Tightens Pores and Brightens Eyes
- Reduces Stress and Promotes total health and wellbeing
As a result of these effects, fine wrinkles will disappear and deeper ones will be reduced. This treatment is not merely confined to the face, but also incorporates the entire body and constitutional issues of health from Digestive Issues and Lack of Energy, through to Stress, Depression and much more.
What happens in a treatment?
After completing the intake form and determining which areas you would like worked on, your face and hands will be assessed to determine possible tendencies within you body and personality. After this, the tongue, pulse & stomach will be assessed for important signs reflecting the energy balance of the internal organs and meridians (pathways) within the body. Once we have determined your pattern and found the imbalanced organs or pathways, a Goats Milk facial cleanser and Almond/Oat Facial Scrub is applied, followed by a herbal face mask to either cool and moisten hotter, drier areas of the face and neck, or warm and nourish more deficient and sagging areas. This is left in place while constitutional acupuncture points are needled on the body, hands and feet on order to treat the body as a whole. The second part to the treatment involves removing the face mask and gently inserting fine needles to various points on the face depending on what areas are to be worked on. Thirdly, a herbal egg white mask is applied to the skin in order to soften and astringe the skin of the entire face. Once removed, the skin is massaged with ‘Crème Vital Moisturizer’ and essential oils, and then cooled with specialised Jade Stone rollers, which brings forth moisture to the face. Lastly the skin is hydrated with Rose, Lavender or Geranium floral water.
What is it an Alternative to?
Improvement of sagging skin, wrinkles and fatty deposits may be attempted by other treatments or surgery such as a surgical facelift, chemical face peels or liposuction. Risk and potential complications are associated with these other forms of treatment, but are very minimal with facial acupuncture
This procedure is not comparable to a ‘Facial,’ such as that from a Beauty Therapist; instead it uses elements of a ‘Facial’ procedure to nourish the skin in order to enhance the results of Facial Needling.
Who is Facial Acupuncture for?
Facial acupuncture is suitable for everyone. Women may prefer to use it for erasing fine lines or wrinkles, drooping cheeks or puffy eyes, while Men can benefit in reducing Facial or Neck Scars, Pigmentation TMJ problems.
How long does the course of treatment take?
Depending on your condition and the areas you want worked on, the course of treatment can range from 10 to 15 sessions for younger people with more youthful skin, and 15 to 20 treatments for those with skin a little more aged. These estimates are given as an average guide; some may require fewer or greater sessions depending on the condition and it’s history. Weekly sessions are usually advised, but in some instances bi-weekly treatments may be required. Intensive treatment packages are also available for upcoming special events. Each session takes 90 mins on a weekly basis or 45 to 60 mins on a bi-weekly basis. Maintenance treatments are advised on a fortnightly to monthly basis after satisfactory results are reached, depending on the condition. Final results can generally last up to 2 years with variable intermittent treatment, but the above maintenance treatments are recommended for the results to stay.
What are the risks of Facial Acupuncture?
Every procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it’s important that you understand the potential risks involved with an acupuncture facial, however small they may be. Although the majority of patients don’t experience the following complications, you should discuss each of them with your acupuncturist if you have any concerns about the potential complications – Bleeding, Infection, Damage to Deeper Structure, Asymmetry, Bruising and Puffiness, Nerve Injury, Allergic Reactions, Delayed Healing, Long Term Effects
There are many variable conditions in addition to risk and potential complications that may influence the long term result from acupuncture facial treatments. Even though risks and complications occur infrequently, the risks cited are the ones that are particularly associated with an acupuncture facial treatment. Other complications and risks can occur but are even more uncommon. Should complications occur, other treatments may be necessary. The practice of acupuncture isn’t an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty, either expressed or implied, on the results that may be obtained
The cost of an acupuncture facial involves several charges for the services provided. The total includes fees charged by the acupuncturist, the cost of acupuncture supplies, and topical preparations. Private health insurance rebates are applied to the total cost of the treatment, leaving the patient to pay the gap payment.
- 90min Consult (not part of package) $120.00
- 60min Consult (not part of package) $100.00
- 10 Treatment Package @ 75–90min each $1000.00
- 15 Treatment Package @ 75–90min each $1500.00
- 20 Treatment Package @ 75–90min each $2000.00
**Informational content extracted and summarised from ‘Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal’ lecture booklet, provided by Mary Elizabeth Wakefield
We are pleased to be able to offer this unique and specialized service to patients. Along with very few Acupuncture practitioners in Australia, or practitioners were lucky enough to undergo intensive training with Cosmetic Acupuncture field leader, Mary Elizabeth Wakefield from the USA. Mary Elizabeth is widely known throughout the US for her Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments; to the extent of being asked to provide Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles. For more information on Mary Elizabeth and her systems please visit www.chiakra.com
