“Over time, Chinese medicine has developed to be able to treat all kinds of illnesses, from cholera to skin diseases,” says Sandra Chiu, acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner at MSTCM in Los Angeles. he explains. “Acupuncture works on our vital organ energy system known as Qi. In Western beauty, the focus on deep internal health is often overlooked, and the focus on transforming the surface The focus is on treatments, but not necessarily on how the body is functioning as a whole.”
In other words, acupuncture is the ultimate holistic treatment for health.
But what makes cosmetic acupuncture unique?
According to Chiu, the basic principles of cosmetic acupuncture are the same as traditional acupuncture, but with a special focus on facial concerns. “Typically, there are more needles in the face than to treat back pain, menstrual cramps, or reflux,” she explains. “But even if we focus on the face, we needle the pressure points on the body, because at TCM Cosmetic Dermatology we always support holistic care.” Maintaining a person’s health and It aims to correct the core disease patterns and causes of accelerated aging. ”
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Armed with this knowledge, I tried my first cosmetic acupuncture treatment, but I still wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I decided to undergo the ultimate pampering treatment with London’s leading cosmetic acupuncturist, Athena Gilarea. His treatment studio is located in the hair salon on the ground floor of Harvey Nichols, one of his most luxurious department stores in central London.
Before starting with needles, Giralea began the counseling process. And it became clear that even though my skin was the main focus, all other elements of my health would be considered when she created a treatment plan for me. She asked about my digestive health, anxiety, stress levels, sleep patterns, and hormonal cycles.
As I sat down on the treatment bed, Ms. Gilalea slowly talked to me about the treatment process.
While cleaning my face in preparation, Gilarea explained how cosmetic acupuncture can help balance hormones. “Controlled injury to the skin with a needle stimulates nerve endings, which transmit signals to the brain and release hormones with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to heal the injured area,” she said. Ta. “These hormones (serotonin, endorphins, and melatonin) also have many health benefits, including promoting relaxation and sleep, keeping us balanced, increasing our sense of well-being, and making us more resistant to stress. .”
Giralea then began the process of applying tiny 0.1 mm needles directly to the acupuncture points on my face and to specific problem areas such as acne. So far I don’t have any static wrinkles (her words, not mine!), but she inspected my face to see where I might get wrinkles in the future. , needles were applied to the area to strengthen the skin and remove wrinkles.
“It’s a great preventative measure,” she says. “There are three types of collagen. Healthy, soft skin is type 1, while scars, wrinkles, and pigmentation are made up of types 2 and 3. Acupuncture removes types 2 and 3. By replacing it with type 1, it changes the health and quality of the cells in the lowest layer of the skin.”
Benefits of cosmetic acupuncture
Chiu told me that cosmetic acupuncture is primarily valued in Western countries for its ability to stimulate collagen, but through a TCM perspective, cosmetic acupuncture has many more benefits. It is understood that there is.” Gilarea noticed that the nasolabial folds (the crescent-shaped wrinkles that form between the nostrils and the corners of the mouth) on the left side of my face were more prominent and told me that they were probably nasolabial folds. I soon came to know this firsthand. The result of clenching your jaw. She added more needles to the area to desensitize the nerve pathways and release any tension held there. As if by magic, I could feel the area starting to relax.
At this point I was feeling so zen, wrapped in the warmth of the candlelight in the quiet room and Athena’s amazing arm massage, that I could feel the countless needles sticking out of my face, ears, and feet. I completely forgot about it. The first time I tried to take a selfie with my phone, I jumped when I saw my reflection. I immediately sent the photo to my boyfriend. He kindly told me that I looked just like Pinhead from the movie. Hellraiser.
After letting it sit for an hour, Gilarea carefully removed the needle and finished the session with a 30-minute facial massage. After his 90 minutes of this bliss, I was sure of two things. That is, Gilarea is a wizard, and acupuncture is magic. By simply examining my right ear, she was able to determine that I had a lower back or pelvic problem on my left side, meaning I was suffering from a slipped disc in my spine. She could also tell from the kidney area of my ear that I was slightly dehydrated. The festival you attended the previous weekend might have something to do with it.
That night I had the best sleep I’ve ever had in my life, and when I woke up I was glowing. Needless to say, I am fascinated by the ancient art of acupuncture and have already booked my next session.
