Why have I not heard of Cosmetic Acupuncture before?

Many people think that Cosmetic Acupuncture is a new procedure, as they have never heard of it before. Cosmetic Acupuncture has been around for centuries and goes back to the Chinese Sung Dynasty, when in Ancient China where it was performed on Emperor’s and Empress’ concubines for beautifying. In this day and age, many people are looking for techniques that will counteract the effects of the ravages of time. This can involve spending a lot of time and money on treatment that may deliver an unsatisfactory outcome.

Acupuncture in itself is relatively new to the western world. It experienced a ‘boom’ of interest in the 1960′s when the then President of USA, President Nixon, visited China where he experienced and observed the effect of acupuncture on various illnesses. It was then ‘brought’ to the States and slowly made its way to Europe. During this time, much as acupuncture worked, it was poorly understood in western terms. How did putting a needle in someone make them better? Hence, the long and complex process of finding out how it worked was born.

Now that acupuncture is strongly established as an excellent, natural form of therapy, people are also turning to it for its “renaissance” properties as the effect is seen and felt. The reputation of Cosmetic Acupuncture is growing… and will continue to grow.

Is the service confidential?

All consultations, note-keeping and treatment details are confidential and are never discussed outside the confines of the treatment room. This is the case for ‘high profile’ individuals as well as regular clients.

Does it hurt?

For the most part, no, particularly in the hands of an experienced practitioner. The needles are hair-fine with a point configuration similar to that of a bullet, so they glide in easily.

Occasionally there are some clients who are a little more sensitive to the needle, but the majority of clients are pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the treatment.

Do I need to consult my GP?

If you have any concerns about your general health and do not feel sure about undertaking the treatment, it is always wise to speak to your GP. I am happy to speak with your GP at any stage in the treatment, with your consent, if necessary or appropriate.

What geographical area do you cover?

I am based just 15 minutes south of Manchester City Centre; clients travel from all areas of Manchester, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Derbyshire- and from as far afield as London and Ireland. I am happy to visit my client at their home if preferred, though this is more expensive.

Is it safe/is the practice regulated?

Acupuncture and Cosmetic Acupuncture are both very safe. Acupuncture practitioners and their practices are regulated by their local council. In addition, being a member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP), the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) means that I adhere to extremely high levels of standards with regards to hygiene and sterility.

From a treatment point of view, acupuncture has rare side effects. It can occasionally cause tiredness and some people find it slightly uncomfortable. Very occasionally, mild bruising may occur at the needle site.

There are some contraindications including those who cannot stay still (eg. some forms of epilepsy), those with a recent history of cancer, with a metal allergy or needle phobia. Caution also needs to be taken with those who are pregnant, especially in the first and third trimester.

All the needles are single-use, individually packed and sterile. They are disposed of in accordance with local authority regulations.

How long does the effect last?

People vary. There are some who immediately utterly glow after the treatment, others within 24 hours. Following a course of six to ten treatments, a healthy, younger looking and line-free complexion can be maintained for up to six months. The sense of well-being is an on-going experience.

How many sessions do I need?

The muscle toning effect (primarily using gold needles) and the line softening effect have a cumulative nature. It is generally recommended to have six to ten treatments, initially at one or two weekly intervals to achieve the best results. Clients often wish to continue having treatment to ‘top-up’ or maintain the effect and their deep sense of well-being.

Will I bleed?

Occasionally an acupuncture site may bleed very slightly on removal of the needle. In the case of facial acupuncture, especially around wrinkles, this is good news as it means there has been a microtrauma locally which will lead to re-modelling of the tissue, younger looking skin tone and decreased wrinkle depth.

How long does each treatment take?

Your initial assessment and treatment will take the longest as it is a fairly complex process. This can require approximately one and a half or one and three quarters of an hour. The follow up treatment can take up to one and a quarter hours but usually about an hour. Occasionally further time may be needed, if I feel you would benefit from further forms of treatment such as shiatsu head massage, facial massage, or facial exercises.

How old do I have to be?

Typically, best results are seen in patients before the age of 65. The best age range is 25 to 55. Even younger, youthful skin will benefit from Cosmetic Acupuncture to delay the ageing process and keep the skin glowing.

What are some of the other benefits of Cosmetic Acupuncture?

Cosmetic Acupuncture not only makes you look better, it is a medical procedure that treats the whole body. If a patient has any problems such as insomnia, digestive problems, menopausal symptoms, or stress, those problems are dealt with at the same time in the Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments.

What is Chi/Qi?

The Chinese not only hypothesized on the circulation of blood, but worked out that it was pumped around the body by the heart. It was also believed that there was another form of circulation in the body, that of ‘qi’(or ‘chi’). Qi is the omnipresent force in all life. It manifests in the viscera, skin and permeates every living tissue.

There is a deep circulation of energy uniting the inner organs and a superficial system which flows below the surface of the skin. The more superficial energy can be influenced by needling specific points near the surface of the skin. The deeper energy is not directly accessible, but can be influenced indirectly by surface points having the appropriate links.

The balance of qi in the various vital organs is important to health. When there is excess or deficiency, this malfunction will give rise to various ailments -frequently manifesting in how we look. Qi has a yin and yang component. In the body, yin and yang energies form the basis for illness and health. When yin and yang are in balance, the body is in a state of good health.

What is a meridian?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), our energy or ‘Qi’ flows through a system of 12 channels and regulates body functions. These channels are called meridians. Each meridian is identified with an organ or function. These paths of energy can be mapped on the surface of the body and specific points can be identified (acupuncture points) which, if pierced, can affect this flow of energy.

In TCM, one of the basic rules of acupuncture is to use local and distal acupoints. The reasons given are that the problem is present because the energy (Qi) is stuck and cannot flow freely through the meridian. Tapping in to the meridian at local points and distal points will facilitate the return to normal energy flow.

What is a distal point?

A distal point is an acupuncture point that is a distance away from the problem area. They are largely located on the upper and lower limbs and have a strong holistic influence on our wellbeing.

What is the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

The existence of TCM can be retraced through written scripts as far back as 3000 years BC. TCM is founded upon the holistic concept of treatment and an acknowledgement of the body’s ability to return to its balanced state of health given the correct stimulus to do so. The two forces that need to be in balance are yin (negative) and yang (positive).

Treatment is undertaken bearing in mind the cause of your imbalance which can manifest itself in symptoms rather than merely addressing the symptoms primarily and leaving the cause unrectified. It takes into account that the body is a self-repairing mechanism and any interference should be aimed at encouraging this self-healing ability.