A: In addition to the many and varied health promoting effects throughout the body that acupuncture bestows, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture aims to correct the signs of aging by both local treatment and by treating the underlying causes of why an individual is specifically manifesting the aging process the way they are. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is painless and non-surgical. Based on the principles of Chinese Medicine, the treatment involves inserting hair-thin needles into particular areas of the face, ears, hands, stomach, chest, and legs along channels or meridians of energy called qi. Specific points are chosen to manipulate the movement of energy in the body according to the individual's needs. Thousands of years ago the Chinese discovered that many meridians either begin or end on the face while some have internal branches that go to the face. Thus, practitioners of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture know how to specifically effect the face while simultaneously treating the underlying factors contributing to the aging process.

Though Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is sometimes referred to as the acupuncture facelift, it is more than a cosmetic procedure. It is a rejuvenation and revitalization process designed to help the whole body look and feel younger.

A: A few of the benefits include:

1. Improved muscle tone and dermal contraction
2. Increased collagen production
3. Helps to eliminate and reduce bags under the eyes, and decreases the tendency toward sagging and jowls
4. Helps to eliminate fine lines of the face and has a diminishing effect on larger wrinkles
5. Improves hormonal balance; thus, even those with hormonal acne can benefit
6. Moisturizes the skin by the increased local circulation of blood and lymph to the face
7. Reduces or eliminates double chins
8. Tightens the pores
9. Helps to lift drooping eyelids
10. Reduces stress evident in the face
11. Promotes overall health and well being
12. Slows the aging process from within

Q: Who would benefit from Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture?

A: Anyone who is interested in looking and feeling younger is a good candidate for Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. The decision to begin treatment may be professionally or personally inspired or a combination of both. In addition, those who are considering surgical facelift may want to try acupuncture first, avoiding the cost and discomfort or surgery. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is particularly beneficial for those who have already undergone surgical facelift as acupuncture will promote healthier skin and prolong the effects of the surgical facelift. Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation treats the blood stasis, scarring and potential numbness and pain of surgical facelifts.

A: Generally, a course of treatment consists of 12 treatments. The effects become most noticeable and lasting on or about the seventh session. Additionally, maintenance sessions can prolong the results for five to ten years. It is often recommended to supplement the initial treatment program with facial self-message and/or acupressure, facial exercises, herbal and nutritional supplements and a healthy diet.

A: Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is contraindicated for some pituitary disorders, heart disorders, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, individuals who have a pacemaker or who have problems with bleeding or bruising, or who currently suffer from migraine headaches. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture should not be done during pregnancy, during a bout with a cold or flu, during an allergic attack or during an acute herpes outbreak.

A: The treatment should be performed by a licensed acupuncturist, with training in the specialization of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. Not many acupuncturists are specially trained in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. Jennifer Lewis-Gosch, MTCM, Lac, is a certified Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncturist. Jennifer received her specialized training from Virginia Doran, MS, Lac, LMT, a recognized expert. Ms. Doran has 25 years of clinical professional experience in the healing arts, with New York State licenses in Massage Therapy and Acupuncture and a Master's degree in Science and Acupuncture. Ms. Doran has demonstrated her method of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture on several TV networks (CBS News, UPN News, FOX Good Day New York, and the Maury Povich Show).

A: While not a replacement for surgery, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is an excellent alternative. It is far less costly than cosmetic surgery and is safe, virtually painless, and has no side effects or risk of disfigurement. Unlike surgery that may have an extended recovery period with swelling and discoloration, there is no trauma from Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. While Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture cannot reshape one's nose or chin, it is a more subtle rejuvenation that takes years off one's face-safely and naturally while improving overall health.