FAQ
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Things to consider
- Are you between the ages of 45 and 70?
- Have you considered cosmetic surgery?
- What is the current condition of your skin?
- What is the current state of your health?
- Who should not have this procedure?
- Is Acupuncture safe?
- Is Acupuncture painful?
- How long will I need treatment for my condition?
- Do I have to be sick to benefit from Acupuncture?
- Are there needle-free treatment options?
- What is Electro-Acupuncture?
- What is Cupping?
- What is Tui Na?
- What is Moxibustion?
- What is Infrared Therapy?
- Will Acupuncture help me?
- My condition is already being treated by my doctor. Can I combine treatments?
Q: Things to considerA: Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a process, a journey, and not just a quick fix. It cannot make you look 18 again, nor can it reshape the structure of your face—it cannot change the shape of your nose or reshape your chin. For those needs, cosmetic surgery is a more appropriate choice.
There are so many reasons why you would want to choose Facial Rejuvenation but there are some important considerations to make before you do decide to invest your time--and your money--in this process.
Following is a list of things to think about before you make your appointment. If you want to consult with me before your visit, please email me with your concerns and I will address them in an email within 24 hours.
Q: Are you between the ages of 45 and 70?A: Women in this age range will see the greatest results. Fine lines are more likely to be eliminated and larger wrinkles will be reduced. By around age 70, the changes are less dramatic and some deeper wrinkles may not go away completely. If sagging and jowls are a concern, they will be lifted and again, the older you are, the less dramatic the results. Nonetheless, if you are around age 70, you will see and feel benefits from treatments in your health and your face.
Q: Have you considered cosmetic surgery?A: There are so many procedures to consider if you want to look younger. If you are trying to decide between FRA and a surgical procedure, look into it. Compare the costs and the results. Consider recovery time, side effects and risks. Think whether you want a “quick fix” or are interested in working towards complete health.
Q: What is the current condition of your skin?A: Take a good look in the mirror and, without judging yourself, see what is there that you would like to see changed—and what you like about your face. Do you have large pores? Are there small scars on your face? Do you have patchy discoloration in places? What would you like to see change, what do you think is realistic? What would you like to keep?
Also, take note of your skin history. Do you struggle with acne? Is your skin overly dry or oily? Do you have a history of eczema or psoriasis? These conditions are symptoms of an underlying imbalance and are addressed by Chinese herbal supplements. This is one reason why FRA is a good choice, rather than cosmetic surgery, because it treats your skin from the inside, out.
Q: What is the current state of your health?A: Whether you want to do FRA or something else, take a moment to asses how you feel physically and emotionally. One of the most important benefits of FRA is the overall rejuvenation of your body because, without your health, any other sort of cosmetic protocol is a temporary fix at best. Think about any symptoms you experience—consider your energy levels, the quality of your sleep, how you feel after you eat; consider your mood, your weight and your stress level. Also, have you been diagnosed with any health conditions for which you are currently under (or avoiding!) treatment—such as hypo- or hyperthyroid, PMS or menopausal symptoms, or even pain? These questions are not being posed to make you nervous about your health, but to point out that if you are concerned with your appearance, addressing your body and not just your face, may be your best remedy. You can use FRA to treat any of these conditions and your face simultaneously. (For a list of conditions treated by Acupuncture, return to the main page and click on Acupuncture).
Q: Who should not have this procedure?A: Facial Rejuvenation is contraindicated if you are pregnant, HIV positive or have AIDS, cancer, hepatitis, high blood pressure, are prone to frequent migraine headaches or seizures. It is not recommended to receive FRA if you are having a cold or flu or a current herpes outbreak. However, you can receive regular acupuncture to help speed your recovery from these conditions before beginning the facial acupuncture treatment protocol.
Q: Is Acupuncture painful?A: Acupuncture is virtually painless. The needles used are very fine; so many patients don't even feel their insertion. Some patients feel a slight sensation similar to a pinch, but this disappears quickly. A sensation of heaviness, dull aching, tingling, warmth, or numbness may be felt after the needle insertion. This is the sensation of Qi and is normal and desired for a beneficial treatment. Almost all patients feel very relaxed during and after the treatment.
Q: How long will I need treatment for my condition?A: The length of the treatment course depends on the nature, severity and duration of the condition. Generally, patients are treated once or twice a week until the symptoms and root of the problem have been resolved. Most acute problems can be fixed quickly, while chronic conditions may require more time and effort. Seeking treatment early greatly reduces the length of healing time.
Q: Do I have to be sick to benefit from Acupuncture?A: No. An increasing percentage of the population is interested in health care which focuses on creating optimum health and vitality as opposed to just the absence of disease. Many patients who are not "sick" undergo regular Acupuncture treatments in order to promote health and prevent illness. Consistent "tune-ups" provide stress-relief, decrease muscle tension, strengthen the immune system, and balance the body's energies. All of these benefits promote health in order to prevent disease, which is the true intention of TCM.
Q: Are there needle-free treatment options?A: Yes. Don’t let a fear of needles keep you from benefiting from this powerful medicine. Herbal Medicine, Cupping, Moxibustion, Tui Na, Far Infrared Therapy, and Nutritional Counseling are all valuable treatments that can be administered independent of Acupuncture. Your treatment will be tailored to your individual needs and desires.
Q: What is Electro-Acupuncture?A: In certain cases a device called an "E-stim machine" is used to transmit small electrical impulses through the needles. The amount of power used is only a few micro amperes and therefore, is not painful. The frequency of the current can vary from 5 to 2,000 Hz. The electrical impulses provide additional stimulation to the Acupuncture points to produce the desired effect. It is usually used for pain relief, but the applications of Electro-Acupuncture are wide-ranging. Clinical research demonstrates that Electro-Acupuncture is a very powerful way to increase the effectiveness of Acupuncture treatments.
Q: What is Cupping?A: Cupping refers to the use of vacuum suction in special glass cups that are placed on the body, usually on the back. This suction relieves muscle tension, pain, congestion, and improves blood circulation. Most patients love how they feel during and after cupping. Cupping causes blood to be drawn to the surface of the skin, so red marks, swelling, and circular bruising may appear. These marks are normal and will disappear within a few hours or days.
Q: What is Tui Na?A: Tui Na is an ancient form of massage used to manipulate and move energy, thereby reducing pain and discomfort in the body.
Q: What is Moxibustion?A: Moxibustion is the burning of an herb called Mugwort (Artemsia Vulgaris) near the appropriate Acupuncture points on the patient's body. Mugwort possesses inherent characteristics that make it a powerful tool for relieving pain, warming the body, and strengthening weak patients.