By: Lynn Jaffee

More and more Americans are expected to live into their 70’s and beyond. With an increased life expectancy and great improvements in health, many women and some men have turned their attention to looking as young as they feel. Billions of dollars are spent annually in the United States on anti-aging creams and cosmetics. Plastic surgery and Botox injections have moved out of the realm of the rich and famous and are increasingly used as a routine first line of defense for anyone looking to take a few years off their face.

There are many people, however, who find the invasive nature and risks associated with surgery or injections more than what they are willing to undergo to look younger. For those who are looking for a safer and more natural alternative, an ancient treatment is taking on a new spin. Lately, aging baby boomers have been turning to cosmetic acupuncture to look younger and improve their health at the same time.

In China, Cosmetic acupuncture was used as long ago as the Sung Dynasty (960AD-1270AD) and was used by the Emperor’s concubines and the Empress herself. It involves the insertion of tiny needles in the face and on points of the body. Based on the ancient principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, cosmetic acupuncture works to increase the circulation of energy and blood to the face. This increase in circulation causes more nutrients, collagen and elastin moving to the facial area. Cosmetic acupuncture also works to decrease stress and improve health, which also benefits the appearance of the face.

The effects of cosmetic acupuncture can vary, but may include a more even, glowing complexion, a decrease in fine lines and softening of wrinkles, diminished puffiness around the eyes, and a general lifting of the face, including jowls. In fact, in a 1996 study reported by the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, 90% of the 300 participants reported improvements, such as better complexion, diminished lines and wrinkles, and feeling rejuvenated overall. In addition, many people report other health benefits from cosmetic acupuncture, such as improved digestion, decreased stress, less menstrual discomfort, fewer hot flashes, decreased acne breakouts, and less TMJ symptoms, such as teeth grinding.

Almost anyone can benefit from cosmetic acupuncture, but in general, people in good health will see the most improvement in their skin. Smokers, people with poor digestion, and those who suffer from long-term depleting conditions should resolve their health issues before undergoing cosmetic acupuncture. In addition, cosmetic acupuncture may aggravate migraine headaches.

The drawbacks of cosmetic acupuncture include the fact that unlike the immediate effects of Botox or surgery, usually 10 to 12 acupuncture treatments are needed to see results. In addition, while the results are noticeable, they can be unpredictable as to where and how much improvement is achieved.

Many people who have never had acupuncture think of it as a painful therapy. In reality, most people who have had acupuncture would not describe it as painful. There may be mild discomfort when the needles are inserted and some points on the body and face are more sensitive than others. However, your practitioner can use various insertion techniques on those points to minimize sensation. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing, and some actually fall asleep while the needles are retained.

Cosmetic acupuncture is extremely safe. There is no risk of disfigurement and no recovery time associated with this procedure. Most clients go back to work after having cosmetic acupuncture feeling relaxed and refreshed. Because cosmetic acupuncture benefits your health and decreases stress while it improves your looks, it is considered a rejuvenating therapy in every sense of the word.

by Lynn Jaffee

Choosing an acupuncturist can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never had acupuncture before.  It’s important to ask some questions before you book an appointment for acupuncture treatment to make sure you’re getting the right practitioner for you and your particular needs.  The following are some questions to ask a prospective practitioner before you book your first appointment, to help you choose the right one.

Are you a licensed acupuncturist?  What is your education in acupuncture?
This is an important first question to ask anyone before they perform acupuncture on you!  All too frequently consumers are led to believe that any practitioner who is trained or certified to practice acupuncture is highly qualified in the art of diagnosis and treatment using the principles of Chinese Medicine. Don’t hesitate to ask a prospective practitioner about their credentials and training.

Physicians are only required to have 50 hours of training in the technical use of acupuncture prior to using it as a treatment.  This is considered “medical acupuncture”.

Many chiropractors advertise that they offer acupuncture.  It is important to know, however, they are only required to have 100 to 150 hours of unspecified training in acupuncture.  They take a test sponsored by the local Chiropractic Board and pay a fee to become “certified”.  Chiropractors who perform acupuncture call themselves “Board Certified Acupuncturists”.  In addition, they are legally limited only to acupuncture treatments that augment chiropractic adjustments.

Licensed Acupuncturists (LAc) in Minnesota are required to have a minimum of 1,800 to 2,400 hours of education and clinical training.  They must also be board certified with the NCCAOM, a national regulatory agency governing Oriental Medical education and credentials, and they are licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice.

Licensed Acupuncturists (LAc) practice internal Chinese medicine, which focuses on the underlying source of the problem rather than just treating symptoms.  As a result, their treatments go beyond simple pain relief offered by most chiropractors and medical acupuncturists.

Most Licensed Acupuncturists must also have a Masters degree in either Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine.  The distinction between the two is that a practitioner with a Masters in Acupuncture is trained primarily in acupuncture.  A practitioner with a Masters in Oriental Medicine is trained both in acupuncture and diagnosis and treatment using traditional Chinese herbs.

Do you have a specialty?  What is your experience and success with my particular condition?
Some acupuncturists treat any and all conditions.  However, many specialize in treating certain conditions, such as muscle and joint pain, stress and anxiety, infertility, or women’s conditions. It is important to ask whether a prospective practitioner has had some experience in treating your condition.

What kind of acupuncture do you practice?
Most people don’t know that there are many different kinds of acupuncture, such as Traditional Chinese acupuncture, Ear acupuncture, Japanese style, Korean Hand acupuncture, cosmetic acupuncture, and scalp acupuncture. Some of these different kinds of acupuncture are more effective for specific conditions.  For example, Ear acupuncture is especially successful for addictions, such as quitting smoking and weight loss, and scalp acupuncture might be more valuable for conditions affecting the nervous system. Be sure to ask what conditions are best helped by your practitioner’s kind of acupuncture.

How many treatments will I need?
This is actually a trick question.  No practitioner should answer this question on the phone before they have seen you, taken your health history and made a diagnosis. In fact, everyone heals at a different pace.  Your condition may be resolved in one or two treatments, or it may take many more, especially if it is a long-term chronic condition.

Do you accept insurance?
Most health care plans currently don’t pay for acupuncture treatments.  As a result, many acupuncturists are fee for service providers.  If you think your health insurance plan may cover acupuncture, check with them to be sure, and make sure the acupuncturist you ultimately choose will accept your insurance as payment.

If you have a health savings plan, acupuncture qualifies for reimbursement.  Be sure to ask your acupuncturist for a receipt.