Acupuncture Facelifts - Better Than Botox?

Can acupuncture really make your face look younger?  To be honest, I have not tried it, but other women who have say it does make them look more rested and vibrant. 

I've never used Botox either, but here's what a shot of Botox does. Knowing what the various treatments are supposed to deliver will help you make an educated decision.  When Botox is injected into the muscles of the face  it blocks nerve impulses which results in the weakening of the muscles that cause frowning. Eventually over a period of several months, given enough of these injections, the frown lines start to get softer and in many cases can disappear completely.

Every time you laugh, smile, frown, or for that matter do just about anything with your facial muscles, wrinkles are caused by the underlying contractions of these muscles. After being injected into the effected area, Botox temporarily paralyzes these muscles so that you can't make these expressions. That's why people who use it sometimes look plastic - like mannequins.  But the bottom line is they do take away the lines.

Dr. Richard G. Glogau, a clinical professor of dermatology said "It's obvious that people carry around a lot of muscle tension in their face, which gives them frowns and wrinkles." He believes that acupuncture does produce relaxation in the muscles, which is always beneficial.  He however doesn't believe that facial acupuncture can increase collagen production, which some practitioners are claiming.  I'm not sure I agree with the doctor on that.  Any puncture to the skin will stimulate collagen production, however it is very temporary.

Here are three of the more popular variations of facial acupuncture now being used.  See if any of them will have you running to the phone to make an appointment.

Constitutional Facial: Fine needles are placed at a variety of acupuncture points on the face, neck and around the eyes to stimulate the body’s natural energies, or Qi. Since muscle groups are addressed as well the acupuncture points, the face lifts itself, via the acupuncture points, through the muscles’ toning and tightening action. The needles also stimulate blood and circulation, which improves facial color.

Mei Zen System:  A typical Mei Zen protocol consists of a series of hour-long treatments that occur twice a week for a minimum of five weeks. Small, hair-width needles are inserted into specific points just under the skin's surface to promote change on three levels: 1.) The underlying restoration of health that shows naturally in our appearance; 2.) Improved circulation of blood and chi through the dilation of local blood vessels, resulting in better distribution of the nutrients that aid in cellular regeneration.

Acupuncture with Microcurrents:  This style incorporates microcurrent stimulation on pressure points to rejuventate the muscle.  Can be used with or without the needles.

If you have used acupuncture to rejuvenate your face, I would love to hear if it really works. I've used it for my body, and I loved the way I felt afterwards.  Of course, the better the therapist, the better the experience.  So ask for referrals before you decide to jump on the table.