Acupuncture is the time tested therapy that has been practised in the Far East for thousands of years. The philosophy behind the treatment is that energy lines or meridians circulate around the body. These meridians contain our energy flow or “Qi”. It is when this Qi is impaired through the body that imbalance and illness occurs. With the insertion of fine needles at various points on the meridian, the energy can be moved or redirected to where it is needed most. In this way the body's balance can be restored and the illness resolved.
The flow of energy can be disrupted in many ways; emotional upset, physical trauma, poor diet or overwork are all common examples. By examining this underlying cause and how it has affected the body, the most appropriate treatment for the patient can be selected. Treating the patient as an individual is at the core of the acupuncture treatment, and it this that helps allow the body to rebalance itself.
Blocked energy can manifest itself in areas that are painful or are particularly cold or hot, or a different colour. These signs can help determine which points are most suitable.
Western medicine has different opinions on how acupuncture works but in short, no one is really sure. However trial after trial consistently proves it's effectiveness.
Acupuncture also includes other techniques such as cupping, moxibustion or acupressure.
Cosmetic Acupuncture is an effective, non-surgical treatment to reduce the signs of aging. It is based on the principles of Chinese Medicine, which involves the insertion of very thin disposable needles into the acupuncture points on the face & body where needed.
This superficial insertion will increase the local circulation to the face and stimulate collagen production, which will fill out the lines and give firmness to the skin for a healthy, glowing complexion. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat many conditions and illnesses. The effectiveness of acupuncture has been related to the manipulation of the energy points on the body to balance and to remove blockages in the meridians (channels of blood and energy), in order to achieve health and to prevent diseases. Cosmetic Acupuncture has attracted great attention in the last few years, especially in the big cities like New York City and Los Angeles. It used to be a treatment only for the rich and famous in Hollywood, but now everyone wants the royal treatment. " A 1996 report in the international journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that among 300 cases treated with Cosmetic Acupuncture, 90% had marked effects with one course of treatment. The effects include: The skin becomes delicate, improvement of elasticity of facial muscles, ruddier complexion, and overall rejuvenation. "
How does it work?
A practitioner specializing in Cosmetic Acupuncture is able to utilize the meridians that either end or begin at the face to stimulate and balance the energy and at the same time, treat the underlying factors that contribute to the aging process. This involves the insertion of hair-thin disposable needles into specific areas on the face, ears, hands, legs and torso. The needles are inserted into the energy pathways or meridians to improve the flow of Qi (energy). As the movement of energy improves, a greater amount of energy and blood are circulated to the face, nourishing, hydrating, toning and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles.
At the same time we are attending to the outside (what you see) we can use some additional acupuncture points (usually on the arms and legs) to work on the inside. In this way we are working holistically, namely on the physical appearance and on the underlying factors which influence that.
What are the benefits of Cosmetic Acupuncture? Cosmetic Acupuncture may take 5-10 years off your face. It helps to eliminate fine lines and makes the deeper lines look softer. It can also help to minimize dark circles, puffy eyes, double chin, sagging skin, and dropping eyelids. Other benefits include: Relaxes muscle tone Increases circulation, therefore oxygenates the skin Tightens the pores, and brightens the eyes Keeps acne under control Nourishes the skin, giving you a healthy complexion with a natural glowing, radiant, younger looking skin. Moisturizes the skin from inside, and gives rosy cheeks to people with dull, tired looking skin help minimize or eliminate fine lines; help reduce a double chin; help reduce frown lines; help lift sagging skin, puffy or droopy eyelids; increase collagen production; brighten the eyes; improve muscle tone and dermal contraction; improve hormonal balance to reduce acne; even facial colour and tone soften scars increase blood, energy and lymph circulation; leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated.
Can I do Cosmetic Acupuncture if I had botox? Yes, Cosmetic Acupuncture will maintain the effectiveness of botox, so it will save you a couple injections per year.
Why choose Cosmetic Acupuncture over a Face Lift? While not a replacement for surgery acupuncture is an excellent alternative. It is far less expensive than cosmetic surgery and is safe, virtually painless and has no side effects or risk of disfigurement (slight bruising can occasionally occur). This is unlike surgery, which may have an extended recovery period with swelling and discoloration. There is no trauma from Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture and if it does not suit you then you can stop with no ill effects. Treatment protocols can be modified to suit individual patients. For example, it is possible to do face rejuvenation without needles (though not as dynamic) if someone is really needle phobic.
What is the course of treatment? The course of the treatment is between 10-12 sessions. This will be done 1-3 times a week for best results. Each individual will respond different to the treatment depending on their age and lifestyle. Visible results will be noticeable after 6 -7 sessions. Maintenance maybe needed once every month. Treatment lasts about 30-40 minutes.
Who should Not have Cosmetic Acupuncture?
There are various cautions including pacemakers, thyroid problems, blood disorders, damaged blood vessels and general hypersensitivity. However, it may still be possible to use some massage and alternative techniques in such circumstances. If you have concerns we can discuss these before commencing any treatment. Does it really make a difference?
Cosmetic Acupuncture has been performed for thousands of years in China. As early as the Sung Dynasty (960AD-1270AD) Cosmetic Acupuncture was performed on the Empress and Emperor’s concubines. For centuries, the Chinese have known that beauty radiates from the inside out. If the internal body is nourished and the energy and blood are flowing smoothly, the external body will reveal this radiance.
A study in 1996 in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that among 300 cases treated with Cosmetic Acupuncture, 90% had marked effects with one course of treatment. The effects included: the skin becoming delicate and fair, improvement of the elasticity of facial muscles and levelling of wrinkles, a ruddier complexion, and overall rejuvenation.
Tui Na ("twee na") is a form of massage developed through several thousand years to become a highly effective non-invasive treatment. Though relatively unknown in the west, in China it is regarded as one of the main branches of Chinese Medicine alongside Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Qi Gong therapy. Tui Na massage is performed through clothing, using various lifting, stretching, stroking, pushing and grasping massage techniques. These are accompanied by acupressure and joint manipulation resulting in a relaxing and powerfully energising massage. Whilst Tui Na is renowned for its effectiveness in the treatment of musculo-skeletal conditions, it is also effective for internal problems such as headaches and migraine, anxiety and panic attacks, digestive dysfunction, circulatory problems, hormonal imbalance, stress and related conditions amongst others. Tui Na is also an effective way to maintain health, reduce the chance of injury, enhance flexibility and manage stress. Treatment with Tui Na Massage is available, either on its own, or in combination with Acupuncture.
ORIENTAL BODY BALANCE comprises of the following integrated multidisciplinary systems Oriental Medicine: Oriental Medicine is an ancient holistic system of healing that uses a variety of modalities. Medicinal herbs (and occasionally some animal and mineral products) in whole and natural form are used to treat and prevent mental, physical, and emotional illness. Herbs are believed to restore harmony to the mind, body, and emotions. Eastern Herbalism is frequently used in conjunction with acupuncture and the other modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupressure is based on the principles of acupuncture. This ancient Chinese technique involves the use of finger pressure (rather than needles) at specific points along the body to treat ailments such as arthritis, tension and stress, aches and pains, and menstrual cramps. This system is also used for general preventive health care. Chinese Bodywork Therapy Tui Na is an Oriental Bodywork Therapy that has been used in China for over 2,000 years. Tui Na uses the traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of Qi through the meridians as its basic therapeutic orientation. It is used to reduce stress, improve blood circulation, enhance immune function, and treat a variety of health conditions. Thai Bodywork therapy is an ancient system of healing with its roots in Yoga, Ayurvedic medicine and Buddhist spiritual practice. This unique and complete system of Yoga therapy combines rhythmic massage, acupressure, gentle twisting, deep stretching and meditation. Thai Massage releases tension, increases vitality and creates wholeness of mind, body and spirit. Positional Release Therapy -comprises 2 elements, these are: Myofascial Release Therapy is a hands-on technique that seeks to free the body from the grip of tight fascia, or connective tissue, thus restoring normal alignment and function / balance and reducing pain. Using hands, therapists apply mild, sustained pressure to gently stretch and soften the fascia. Myofascial release is used to treat neck and back pain, headaches, recurring sports injuries, scoliosis, and many other conditions. Neuromuscular Therapy emphasises the role of the brain, spine, and nerves in muscular pain. One goal is to relieve tender, congested spots in muscle tissue and compressed nerves that may radiate pain to other areas of the body. Cranial-Sacral Balancing - First pioneered by the Japanese (Kenkujutsu) and further developed by osteopathic physicians. CSB is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the Cranial Sacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using soft touch practitioners release restrictions in the Cranial Sacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CSB is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. Applied Kinesiology (A.K.) is a system using muscle testing as a functional neurological evaluation. The methodology is concerned primarily with neuromuscular function as it relates to the structural, chemical and mental physiologic regulatory mechanisms. A.K., which originated within the chiropractic profession, is an approach to clinical practice, with multidisciplinary applications.
Through his Oriental Medicine and Martial arts training, Marcus has gone on to develop a style of Acupuncture and physical therapy called PMA®™ (Physical Medicine Acupuncture) which is specially designed for sports injury. What Is PMA®™ ? (Physical Medicine Acupuncture) PMA is a new approach to orthopaedic & muscular injuries, and stress related diseases combining traditional Oriental Acupuncture practice with knowledge of Western anatomy and physiology and martial arts pressure points. Evaluation of problem areas is performed from a Western & Oriental Medicine perspective to identify specific structures such as tendons, ligaments, and Myofascial trigger points, which are the sources of pain. Acupuncture and various pressure point massage is then performed in order to alleviate symptoms arising from the affected structures. Underlying energy "deficiencies" in the acupuncture meridians are also noted and treated in order to restore the body to energetic balance. Treating underlying deficiencies and releasing blockages helps promote healing and prevent the reoccurrence of injuries. Combining acupuncture theory with physical therapy approaches to alleviate Myofascial trigger points and stress holding patterns allows PMA ®™ to help many problems that are not easily treated with Western Medicine. In addition to traditional acupuncture, Myofascial trigger point needling is often performed to release habitual holding patterns in the muscles that often contribute to pain and dysfunction. Client after client comment on how PMA is proving to be an extremely effective form of therapy for treating their injuries. Through his Oriental Medicine and Martial arts training, Marcus has gone on to develop a style of Acupuncture and physical therapy called PMA®™ (Physical Medicine Acupuncture) which is specially designed for sports injury. What Is PMA®™ ? (Physical Medicine Acupuncture) PMA is a new approach to orthopaedic & muscular injuries, and stress related diseases combining traditional Oriental Acupuncture practice with knowledge of Western anatomy and physiology and martial arts pressure points. Evaluation of problem areas is performed from a Western & Oriental Medicine perspective to identify specific structures such as tendons, ligaments, and Myofascial trigger points, which are the sources of pain. Acupuncture and various pressure point massage is then performed in order to alleviate symptoms arising from the affected structures. Underlying energy "deficiencies" in the acupuncture meridians are also noted and treated in order to restore the body to energetic balance. Treating underlying deficiencies and releasing blockages helps promote healing and prevent the reoccurrence of injuries. Combining acupuncture theory with physical therapy approaches to alleviate Myofascial trigger points and stress holding patterns allows PMA ®™ to help many problems that are not easily treated with Western Medicine. In addition to traditional acupuncture, Myofascial trigger point needling is often performed to release habitual holding patterns in the muscles that often contribute to pain and dysfunction. Client after client comment on how PMA is proving to be an extremely effective form of therapy for treating their injuries.
Chinese herbs and acupuncture are both an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A traditional Chinese diagnosis is made with exactly the same principles, whether acupuncture or herbs are to be used . Both acupuncture and herbal medicine can be independently effective, but very often they are used together, as they are ideal complements for each other. Acupuncture is considered particularly good for moving energy blockages in the channels, and herbal medicine nourishes the body at a deep energetic level. However, their applications overlap considerably. Raw herbs Traditionally a Chinese herbalist will make up an individualised prescription for the patient. After asking the patient about all aspects of his condition and his general health, a formula is prescribed and made up, selecting a few from the hundreds of herbs available. This is considered to be the most powerful form of herbal treatment. We give our patients full instructions on how to boil the herbs up into a herbal decoction. Pre-prepared "patent" herbal medicines Also popular and widely used in China are pre-prepared herbal products, or "patent" herbal medicines. They are usually in pill form, or sometimes as granules or as drinks, and creams may sometimes be used for skin conditions. Pre-prepared herbal pills are convenient to take, and a familiar format for those not accustomed to Chinese medicine.
