What Is Cosmetic Acupuncture?

    Using acupuncture needles on specific points on the face to enhance beauty and preserve a youthful appearance
    has been done for centuries in China and other Asian countries, but it’s just started to become popular in the
    United States in the past decade or so, practitioners say. Cosmetic acupuncture is done in the same fashion as
    acupuncture done for general health and specific conditions, with the goal of creating collagen just under the skin
    to help fill in wrinkles and plump skin, similar to the results of Botox, Restylane or plastic surgery. Like
    traditional acupuncture, the cosmetic version also aims to balance the body’s energy and create a sense of well-
    being. Increasingly, patients are opting for needles over the knife. The “Mei Zen” method – literally translated as
    “beautiful person” is a Trademarked procedure.

    Benefits Of Cosmetic Acupuncture

    Cosmetic Acupuncture can improve the look of the entire face and not just certain spots, and it also appeals to
    many who balk at having foreign substances injected into their faces. It fills in wrinkles and increases the collagen
    production in areas that need it, like frown lines, smile lines and smoker’s lines around the mouth. In addition,
    the color and texture of the skin brightens and smoothes and sagging gets lifted in a natural way. It’s not like a
    surgical face lift because it’s not that drastic. While most patients seek out the procedure to improve their looks
    and erase some of the toll time takes on all our faces, they find an added bonus in the increased sense of well-
    being that comes along with acupuncture. It addresses the person’s overall health, whereas a lot of the Western
    techniques are just about the face.

Here is a Press Release from "Health News" dated October 19, 2007, published about Mei Zen Cosmetic
Acupuncture technique form inventor Martha Lucas, Ph.D., LA.c.    

Denver, Colo, - Cosmetic Acupuncture: it’s in the news more and more often as people are looking for healthful
alternatives when it comes to cosmetic procedures. "People want to look young but not take the risks that come with
procedures like plastic surgery, chemical peels, or some of the injectables that are available. There’s no need to take risks
when you have the Traditional Chinese Medicine alternative, Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture" says Denver Practitioner
of Chinese Medicine Martha Lucas, Ph.D, L.Ac.

Lucas was recently interviewed by Cosmetic Surgery Times to talk about Cosmetic Acupuncture and her comments are
published in the June 2007 issue. "Mei Zen means ‘beautiful person’ and that is what Traditional Chinese Medicine is all
about - treating the whole person. The Mei Zen Cosmetic procedure is based on Chinese Medicine, so your whole health
is addressed as you are receiving cosmetic results" says Lucas.

The Cosmetic Acupuncture Focus:

  • reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
  • leveling of deeper wrinkles
  • a more balanced, vibrant complexion
  • reduction of acne or rosacea
  • lifting of the beginnings of jowls
  • more elasticity in your skin
  • Additional health benefits can include:
  • reduction in hot flashes
  • reduction in mild anxiety or depression
  • better digestion (which is very important for lustrous skin)
  • more restful sleep, reduction in insomnia — plus more!

    Pins, Needles Or The Knife: How Does Cosmetic Acupuncture Compare to Other Procedures?
            Success of Cosmetic Acupuncture & Facial Rejuvenation: While most information surrounding the effective-
ness of the procedure is anecdotal, one
1996 study published in the International Journal of Acupuncture said that,
of
300 patients surveyed, 90 percent said they saw a lessening of lines, clearer skin tone and subtle tightening. Since
patients don’t take chemicals into their body or undergo anesthesia and surgery, there’s little if any controversy over the
safety of the procedure.
The worst that patients experience may be some pain during the treatment, and patients and practitioners alike say the
biggest drawback is the time commitment. It takes some time, because collagen takes some time to be permanent and
there are still people who want to get an injection on their lunch break and be done with it. Sessions take up to 90
minutes each, which means the 10-session initial treatment recommended by the American Cosmetic Acupuncture
Association requires a commitment of about 2 sessions per week for five weeks.

    The Benefits of Mei Zen Facial Rejuvenation

  • Promotes blood and lymph circulation; increased circulation dilates peripheral blood vessels for better
    distribution of oxygen and nutrients as well as cellular regeneration.

  • Re hydrates the skin's external layers through stimulation of the secretion of the sweat and sebaceous
    glands which encourages the regeneration of healthy skin cells.

  • Helps exfoliation, aids the proliferation of new skin cells, increases nutrition to the skin's surface,
    improves the quality of the skin and promotes a healthy glow.

  • Allows healthy "breathing" of the skin, increasing the skin's protective ability to ward off infections
    and clogged pores.

  • Increases oxygen consumption of the skin's external layer speeding up the release of carbon dioxide
    and nitrogen at the cellular level, helping to keep skin deeply clean; contributes to reducing the
    accumulation of excess grease on the skin's surface.

  • Stimulates the production of elastic and 4 collagen proteins in the skin to reduce and soften wrinkles.

  • Reduces and relaxes the tension in the nerves and muscles improving the integrity of the skin resulting
    in improved overall facial appearance.

  • Components of the Mei Zen Cosmetic Program
  • A complete Mei Zen cosmetic program is tailored to your individual needs and incorporates the
    following:

  • Acupuncture, facial and overall balancing
  • Herbal Tonic Therapy to restore balance and overall health  
  • Food Therapy to maximize results
  • Eastern Nutritional Counseling
  • Mind Body Therapies  
  • Facial Massages to increase circulation
  • Organic Skin Care products

       
How long your new look will last depends a lot on your lifestyle, and whether you are willing to address other areas that
may need attention such as exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction. But at a fraction of the cost of other procedures,
cosmetic acupunct
ure is a sound alternative that can restore your radiant glow both inside and out.

Mei Zen Rejuvenation Treatment
A typical protocol begins with a consultation to determine your overall health and if you qualify for the procedure. We
will also discuss your goals and which procedure you are interested in facial vs. the neck protocol. This consultation runs
15-30 minutes and is free of charge.

If you qualify for treatment, then a 1 1/2 hour session is scheduled to include a complete evaluation, diagnosis and overall
body balancing treatment. We then schedule a course of treatments that run two times per week for five weeks. During
this time, herbs and foods will be prescribed that are specifically tailored for your overall health and your stated goals for
facial rejuvenation. You will also be given recommendations for skin care.

Free No Obligation Consultation or for more information email:
safehealing@gmail.com

Natural Alternative Institute of Healing Arts, PLLC
Marcelle Hanish, DAc, DCh, BSRN, LAc
480.820.5898
Cosmetic Acupuncture