Vitality News Health Articles

Given the notoriety of the dangers associated with cosmetic surgery, it is not surprising that ladies are seeking alternatives. Cosmetic surgery involves anesthesia, lasts for many hours, and leaves one with swelling, bruising, and redness. Recovery time is at least a couple of weeks.

The only possible side effect of cosmetic acupuncture is minimal bruising. Other than that, cosmetic acupuncture is a totally safe form of treatment. However, cosmetic acupuncture is not the fountain of youth. The results will not resemble a facelift and they won’t be realized immediately. The results of cosmetic acupuncture are subtle and will be revealed over time, without using a harsh chemical peel or slicing your skin.

In a recent study by the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, it was shown that 90% of those who tried facial acupuncture experienced softening of facial lines, improvement in skin tone, reduction of under-eye circles, and a general facial rejuvenation. In order to achieve these results, practitioners insert tiny, thin needles into wrinkle and frown lines to stimulate energy flow to the face. Blood rushes to the surface. Muscles relax and then tighten, decreasing sags in facial skin and creating new collagen fibers under wrinkles, filling in fine lines.

The number of treatments and price are different from every practitioner. Make sure to choose someone with a license that has studied with a qualified teacher, and belongs to the American cosmetic acupuncture association.

Also, another benefit exclusive to acupuncture: while patients are seeking treatment for cosmetic concerns, acupuncture has a positive effect on the person as a whole. Traditional Chinese medicine has been used for stress, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and a whole list of other modern complaints. Although many are skeptical about the effectiveness of facial acupuncture, it is not hard to imagine that when one’s general well-being improves, the appearance of one’s skin will improve also.

As skeptics will point out, the average facelift is far from permanent, lasting only 3 - 5 years. No matter how many procedures someone has, in order to delay the aging process, a few years down the road from surgery, new aging effects will become apparent.

Similar to body acupuncture or traditional chinese medicine, cosmetic acupuncture results in an overall sensory facial rejuvenation effect, but does not give rise to the side effects that would have to endure if they were to go under the knife. In this regard, it absolutely beats having someone cut your skin open and perform gruesome surgical tasks! The amount of money charged and the number of treatments depends upon the practitioner. Opponents of the procedure will remind you that it is only a short term solution, lasting no more than a handful of years.

- Robert Harrison