Cosmetic Acupuncture is an exciting and safe alternative to Plastic Surgery, Laser Surfacing and other surgery-based cosmetic procedures. It is a painless, non surgical method which remove fine lines and wrinkles from the face and can reduce the signs of the aging.

As a cosmetic therapy, acupuncture can be used revitalize and enhance the beauty of face. It is a non-surgical process, which helps rejuvenate the face and other parts of the body. Acupuncturists use an ancient needling technique to bring the flow of Qi (energy) and Blood to the face. This enhances the production of Collagen and Elastin, which helps to reduce wrinkles, diminish fine lines and rejuvenate dull skin.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners work with the whole body ... not just the parts. Factors that contribute to the process of aging are taken into account. You will not only find yourself looking younger, but will notice an increase in your overall energy and feeling of health and wellness.

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.

Fine needles are placed at a variety of acupoints on the face, neck, limbs and around the eyes to stimulate the body's qi. Since muscle groups are addressed in addition to the acupoints, the face lifts itself via the acupoints, through the muscles' toning and tightening action. The insertion of tiny needles into the facial tissue increases blood circulation to the area and stimulates collagen production. The skin will be nourished, oxygenated, and moisturized from the inside out. When the blood circulation is increased, the collagen production is also increased which will give the skin more tightness and elasticity helping to fill out the fine lines and lift and firm the skin.

. Improves collagen production and muscle tone
. Helps reduce bags and sagging tendencies
. Helps eliminate fine lines and diminish larger wrinkles
. Helps reduce double chin and lift drooping eyelids
. Tightens pores and brightens eyes
. Increases local blood and lymph circulation
. Improves facial color
. Helps problem skin (acne, Eczema)
. Reduces stress and promotes total health and well-being

Surgical Facelift:
. Cost is over $8,000.00!
. Risks include scarring, nerve damage, infection, asymmetry, allergic reactions, damage to deeper structures, complications due to anesthesia.
. Long Recovery Time
. Painful recovery - pain medications needed
. May not look like yourself afterward (Artificial looking)

Botox:
. Cannot treat wrinkles due to aging or sun exposure or reduce the fine lines (only for dynamic wrinkles)
. Risk of paralysis of surrounding muscles & upper eyelid droop
. Only temporary results..the more you get, the more you need to achieve same effect
. Cost is at least $1000.00 every 3 months!
. May not be able to raise eyebrows and have other expressions
. Long term effects of botox are still unknown

Cosmetic Acupuncture:
. No risks involved!
. No negative side effects!
. No recovery time needed!
. Requires no drugs or injections!
. Look like yourself but better! A very natural process!
. Total cost is approximately $800.00!

1. What can I expect in a treatment?
Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments are extremely relaxing. fine needles are gently inserted into the face and body and are left in for 45 minutes as the patient relaxes in a comfortable room with relaxing music to relieve the stress. Cosmetic acupuncture not only consists of facial rejuvenation but also overall rejuvenation. If a patient has other complaints such as pain, stress, insomnia, depression, digestive problems, fatigue etc.., these symptoms will be addressed in the session and specific points chosen accordingly. The wrinkles disappear and your health improves at the same time!

2. How long is each treatment?
Each treatment is 45-60 minutes . The initial consultation typically is 15-30 minutes.

3. How many treatments are needed?
Although a radiance of complexion and brightness in the eyes is often noted after a single treatment, for the best results, a series of 10 sessions performed weekly or twice a week is recommended. A patient can choose to do three times per week as well.Results are visible around the 7th or 8th session. Monthly maintenance sessions will prolong the results as will facial exercises, facial acupressure massage, a healthy diet and a balanced lifestyle. Usually,Follow-up maintenance treatments must be done once per 2 weeks or once every month depending on the reaction of the patient. For some difficult cases, for example if the patient is older with deeper lines, they may need to repeat another 10 sessions.
In the clinic, most patients have noticed a lift ⁄ tightening of the face and cheeks right after the first treatment session, accompanied with a very relaxed feeling.

4. Does Cosmetic Acupuncture hurt? Are the needles sterile?
The needles used in cosmetic acupuncture are extremely thin and are inserted into the skin superficially. The most patients feel are very slight pinching in sensitive area such as the upper lip and under the eyes but it shouldn't be uncomfortable.
The needles are only used one time and disposed of in sterile sealed containers after every treatment.

5. How long does the effect last?
Usually, results last from 3 to 5 years after a course of 10 treatments. Each patient will be different, but usually each patient will need maintenance treatments once 2 weeks or once per month. Cosmetic Acupuncture diminishes the fine lines already existing on the skin and prevents the skin from aging.

6. How old do I have to be?
Typically, best results are seen in patients before the age of 55. The best age range is between 18 to 55 years old. Even younger youthful skin will benefit from cosmetic acupuncture to delay the aging process and keep the skin glowing.

7. How do I know the Acupuncturist is qualified to do Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Make sure that the acupuncturist/R.TCM.P is a registered acupuncturist with the CTCMA (College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturists) and certified in specialized Cosmetic Acupuncture. Refer to the following link for the CTCMA of BC: www.ctcma.bc.ca

8. Is everyone a candidate for Cosmetic Acupuncture?
If a patient has the following disorders, they will not be treated with Cosmetic Acupuncture:
-Haemophiliac
-Former plastic surgery

9. What if I've had Botox?
Cosmetic Acupuncture actually is recommended for patients who have previously had botox injections in the face. Cosmetic Acupuncture keeps the botox effective for a longer period of time and most people find they only need to upkeep the botox every 8 to 12 months rather than every 3 to 6 months!

10. Do my insurance cover the cost?
Most extended health insurance plans will partially cover the cost of Cosmetic Acupuncture. Simply submit your receipts to your individual insurance company and they will reimburse you.