Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can provide a safe, effective, natural, and drug-free approach to reducing the signs of aging.

Facial rejuvenation has a long history in TCM and was popular with Chinese emperors’ wives a millennium ago. The past ten years have seen increasing interest in this country with celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie, Sean Connery, and Madonna enjoying the benefits.

Whether it is called facial rejuvenation, an acupuncture face-lift, or cosmetic acupuncture, the aim is to tackle wrinkles, improve the muscle tone of the face and neck and reduce the tension that can cause unsightly lines. It also addresses systemic issues and underlying imbalances that may contribute to the aging process and stand between you and glowing skin.

Acupuncture can deliver face lift benefits naturally

According to TCM, wrinkles begin internally from a constitutional imbalance and fundamental weakness of Qi (‘chi’). Qi flows through the body in a series of pathways called meridians providing nourishment, support, and energy to every cell, tissue, muscle, and organ. As we get older, it becomes more difficult for Qi to flow upwards to “lift” the face. This leads to inadequate muscle tone, and over time, wrinkles and sagging skin. A variety of factors can contribute to this—poor diet, digestion and circulation, or emotional and environmental stresses, and genetic factors.

A facial rejuvenation using acupuncture tightens pores, improves muscle tone and dermal contraction, and can enhance and increase the elasticity of the skin. Acupuncture can reduce signs of aging by strengthening and stimulating the circulation of Qi within the meridian pathways, especially those of the face. You will look and feel more energetic, calm, vibrant and healthy.

To maximize results, the TCM approach often combines acupuncture treatments with herbal supplements, micro current stimulators and ionizers, facial exercise, and self-acupressure.

Try these simple self-care techniques. Gently massage your face daily using either your fingertips or a special jade roller made for this purpose. As always, stay hydrated— drink plenty of fresh spring or reverse osmosis water. This can keep the muscles and skin hydrated to prevent drying. There are also some excellent herbal based pre-made and proprietary crèmes and formulas that your practitioner can provide to help tighten skin and remove wrinkles.

Before using drugs or surgery to improve your appearance, consider this safe, non-surgical method to reduce the signs of aging; one that can also help your whole body look and feel younger.

Diane Sheppard of AcQpoint Wellness Center in La Quinta is a licensed acupuncturist with a Ph.D. in Oriental Medicine. She will be conducting free demonstrations of facial acupuncture and facial self-massage techniques at AcQpoint on Feb 22 at 4 pm. For more information: (760) 775.7900 www.AcQPoint.com.