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Acupuncture
Traditional healing and
cosmetic applications of acupuncture
The ancient Chinese
believed in “qi” or a universal life force that
flows through every living being. They also believed
that this energy flowed throughout the body along unique pathways
called “meridians.” Good health is maintained as
long as this energy is allowed to flow freely through the
meridians. However, a blockage in this energy can lead to
a disturbance in the body’s systems, resulting in pain
and disease. Several factors can lead to energy being blocked
which include improper diet, lack of or too much exercise,
emotional imbalance, external illnesses or physical trauma
or even a constitutional weakness. An acupuncturist takes
these factors into consideration, as well as other methods
of Chinese diagnosis like feeling the pulse and looking at
the tongue, to decide which points would best harmonize a
person’s energy.
Traditional Acupuncture
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Acupuncture is
the stimulation of various points on the body using
thin, hair-like sterile needles to restore the flow
of qi in the body. Depending on a patient’s
treatment strategy, the needles can be strongly stimulated
to bring qi to the point or not manipulated at all to
achieve the desired effect. In addition to acupuncture,
a treatment may also include any of the following techniques:
Heat therapy using moxa (Artemisia),
a dried herb, that is lit and burned on the needles
or on the skin, or the use of a heat lamp in conjunction
with needle therapy. Moxa is not burned directly on
the skin, but on top of a burn ointment which will conduct
the heat and prevent burns. On rare occasions, a blister
may occur. The practitioner will explain the procedure
as it is done and the patient is asked to let them know
the status of the heat at all times.
Application of stainless steel pressballs
onto various points in the ear. These are applied with
adhesive tape and may be left in the ear for up to 7
days or as suggested by the practitioner.
These ear points can help to “continue” the
effects of a person’s treatment or replace a standard
acupuncture treatment for the needle-phobic.
Electrical stimulation of the needles using a battery
operated machine to create a current through the needles
may be used. This creates a constant vibration through
the needles that would be adjusted according to patient
comfort. This technique is used for musculoskeletal
and neurological conditions.
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Bloodletting, when appropriate, is used to
draw a few drops of blood from points on the body,
or more commonly, on the fingertips or toes. A
small needle is used to prick the skin and then
cotton is applied to draw blood out until it stops.
Cupping is a technique
used to resolve muscle tightness or help clear
the lungs in respiratory conditions. A glass cup
is applied to the skin and then a pump suctions
the skin and muscle into the cup. The amount of
suction is adjusted according to patient comfort.
Depending on how tight the muscles are and the
amount of restricted blood flow, the cups can
leave a reddish or purplish mark on the skin that
clears up in a few days, similar to a bruise.
Gua sha
is a technique similar to cupping where a flat
tool is used to scrape the skin to relieve muscle
tension and congested blood flow. It leaves a
similar bruise-like “rash” that lasts
for a few days.
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Cosmetic
Acupuncture
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This is a system of acupuncture
that is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and revitalizes
and rejuvenates the face and abdomen from the inside
out. The reality is that whether a person is seeking
relief from a debilitating illness or wanting to decrease
a few wrinkles, the method of Chinese diagnosis is exactly
the same. Facial and abdominal acupuncture is just another
way to show the versatility and effectiveness of this
system of medicine.
While many external factors contribute
to the health of our skin including sun damage, stress,
diet and lifestyle, your physical, emotional and spiritual
health are reflected on your skin, so this system is
geared towards balancing you on the inside, so that
you look your healthiest on the outside!
Tiny needles are inserted shallowly into the face and
abdomen which bring qi and blood to the surface, resulting
in less wrinkles, firmer skin tone and an overall healthy
“glow.”
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Again, since acupuncture in any form treats
the body as a whole, patients often also experience “good”
side effects such as improved sleep, improved digestion, having
more energy and vitality.
Facial and abdominal rejuvenation through
acupuncture is a viable alternative to more invasive facial
procedures and surgeries that only address the surface, cost
much more and can carry significant risks. The popularity
of this system is evidenced by recent write ups in publications
like Allure magazine and USA
Today.
| Reported benefits for the face include: |
Reported benefits for the abdomen include: |
- Reduction of fine wrinkles and softening of deeper
wrinkles
- Firmer, but more moisturized, softer skin with a
more even skin tone
- Improved muscle tone and firmer jaw line
- Reduction in puffiness, rosacea and acne
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- Firmer skin tone
- Reduction in bloat and cellulite
- Tightness of the abdominal area and loss of inches
- Improved digestion
- Facilitates a weight loss program of healthy diet
and exercise
- Increased libido
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| Reported overall health benefits include: |
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- Increased energy and sense of well-being
- Reduction or elimination of the following conditions:
insomnia, hot flashes, depression, anxiety, postural
or back pain issue
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Contact
Four Flowers today for more information or to schedule an
appointment! 617.277.1093
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