
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. 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:
Pins, Needles Or The Knife: How Does Cosmetic Acupuncture Compare to Other Procedures? 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.
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 acupuncture 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 |


