Facial Acupuncture for Wrinkles?
By Janet Martin [1] 

Here’s a point worth considering: if you want to prevent wrinkles, visit
your friendly neighborhood acupuncturist. Promoters of facial acupuncture claim
this procedure can literally take years off your face since it eliminates
facial lines, eye bags, and other skin problems.

Known for its pain-relieving properties, acupuncture is also widely used in China to
prevent the onset of wrinkles. Proponents say regular treatments can stimulate
the flow of blood and energy through the skin and delay the signs of aging.

“The principle is that this hydrates, plumps up and boosts the skin's supply
of nutrients and oxygen, thus decreasing the appearance of wrinkles and
blemishes,” according to Esme Floyd in the Daily Mail.

Acupuncture is grounded on the belief that the body has a life force called
qi or chi that flows smoothly as long as the masculine and feminine aspects of
the body called yin and yang respectively remain in balance. If not, disease
and health problems may occur.

To correct these imbalances, fine needles are inserted at various points in
the body at different angles. The needles are gently twisted, vibrated, heated
or cooled to release blocked energy and restore the body’s energy balance.
Depending on the problem, one or several acupuncture sessions may be required.

Similarly, by inserting needles into the face, acupuncturists believe they
can help stimulate the body’s healing energy and prevent wrinkles from
appearing. The needles supposedly help facial cells hold water, oxygen, and
nutrients, giving the face a fuller and firmer look.

“The face has a high number of acupuncture points, says qualified
acupuncturist and naturopath Stephen Langley, who specializes in the treatment.
This means that you can target specific areas of the face to increase the flow
of blood and energy through the skin in that area, hence improving the skin's
appearance. This doesn't work with the skin on other areas of the body, he
says, because there are fewer energy points,” Floyd said.

“Treatment consists of 45-minute sessions where the face is treated with
ultra-fine needles at specific points. The needles are left in for 20 to 30
minutes and both sides of the face are usually treated equally, unless there is
a specific blemish or problem to be treated,” he added.

But other practitioners remain skeptical, saying aging (and the wrinkles it
brings) isn’t a disease but a natural process that isn’t caused by an energy
imbalance. They seriously doubt that acupuncture can ever compete with other
anti-aging procedures like Botox or a facelift.

"Treatment with facial acupuncture isn't going to iron out your
wrinkles in one go but so far results have been good. Treatment can boost
appearance, reduce toxins and make the skin appear younger but it's worth
remembering that it's a subtle effect that isn't going to make wrinkles
disappear forever,” said Jocelyn Gray of the British Acupuncture Council.

Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author.
Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news
magazine http://www.thearticleinsiders.com [3]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Martin [4]