Acupuncture Face-Lift: FAQ
Many people in recent years have used acupuncture for “face-lift” or “facial-toning” treatments. We went looking for acupuncturists who specialized in facial rejuvenation acupuncture and found the authority at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica, California. One of the founders, Dr. Maoshing Ni, is a licensed acupuncturist and a board certified anti-aging health practitioner. Along with his brother, he also founded Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Los Angeles.
Dr. Mao, as he is known to his patients has been interviewed in the New York Times and L.A. Times and has appeared on Fox News, CBS News and other media interviews. According to Dr. Mao, “we have happily and successful administered many facial rejuvenation treatments,” which he believes that “your face is ultimately a reflection of your internal health and emotional wellbeing.”
He went on to outline the Tao of Wellness Facial Rejuvenation Program, which consists of eight components: acupuncture, herbal supplements, topical applications, diet and nutrition, massage, stress release/mind conditioning, exercise, and life style/environment. That is a pretty tall order. We asked him a few more questions and here is what he told us.
How many treatments does it take to see a difference?
“Let me tell you how our program works. Some patients require immediate results, say, for a part in a movie they are starring in shortly. These cases call for intensive therapy that involves 2-3 acupuncture treatments each week for 6 to 8 weeks, facial massage twice a week for the same duration. But normally, most people opt for the long term perspective which require acupuncture treatments once a week for 3-4 months, then maintenance treatments once a month thereafter.”
What can patients expect the result to be?
“Many patients have reported a tightening sensation on their face after their treatments and over the course of their acupuncture/massage sessions, visible changes have been observed on their face. These are besides the increased energy, clarity and happiness that often accompany the rejuvenation treatments.”
Will the results be immediately noticeable like Botox injections?
“Of course, we tell our patients not to expect results like plastic surgery or botox injections where over-night, one’s face transforms drastically. What can be expected however from our facial rejuvenation program is a more natural, healthier and toned facial appearance.”
What is unique about your program?
“The advantage of our rejuvenation program lies in its holistic approach that addresses the actual causes of skin aging due to aging factors as opposed to procedures like plastic surgery which masks without correcting the underlying imbalances. For people who are not motivated to work at changing their health habits, plastic surgery may suit their needs better.
“Additionally our patients are given herbal supplements, such as our proprietary Exquisite Skin formula that nourish the skin and promote healthy body functions within. Patients are counseled on a special beauty-skin diet and nutritional intake designed to detoxify as well as promoting structural support.”
What about massage and exercise, are they important?
“Facial massage is performed weekly or every other weekly. Our patients are also taught to perform self-massage at home with our proprietary herbal Regenerating Cream and Tonic Oil daily. Exercises, including Chi/energy and cardiovascular types, can contribute to improved blood flow into the face and elsewhere. Standing on your head for one minute, for example, can help increase blood flow to the face and relax the tense muscles.
“Maintaining equanimity of the mind and minimizing stress are essential in preventing and reducing wrinkle formation on one’s face. We teach our patients methods to achieve inner harmony through meditation and other techniques. We usually send them home with our “Stress Release Meditation” CD which features a g15-minute guided visualization breathing meditation.
What else do you educate your patients in?
“Lifestyle and environment also impacts their health cumulatively. Ever notice that lack of sleep or sleeping-in late cause those bags under your eyes! How about air conditioning drying out your skin! What about sun damage and what to do? We educate our patients about the importance of a good lifestyle and how to counteract adverse environmental conditions.”
Because we have heard that many stars frequent Tao of Wellness, we asked which celebrity has received acupuncture face-lift treatments. With a resolute look, Dr. Mao replied sternly, “We preserve our patient’s privacy and take it very seriously. Plus, it’s protected by HIPAA.” HIPAA is the recently passed patient information privacy law.
What we came away from our interview with the top expert is that optimal health and wellness are the foundation to youthful complexion. It requires work on the patient’s part in integrating acupuncture with healthy lifestyle and fitness, and addressing the root cause. Through the process, acupuncturists and doctors of Chinese medicine can help you not only to present a younger face to the world but also hopefully allow you to express a healthier, youthful and vital you. Just don’t expect to wake up from your treatments looking 20 years younger!