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Sarah Shupe, L.Ac., M.A.O.M. Vital Body and Mind Therapies 2201 Mount Vernon Ave—Ground Floor Alexandria, VA 22301
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Phone: 703-217-7124 E-mail: info@acupuncturealexandria.com |
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Licensed Acupuncturist |
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Sarah Shupe, L.Ac., M.A.O.M. |
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Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture |
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Why choose cosmetic acupuncture? Beauty comes from good health! Many factors contribute to the visible signs of aging, including sun damage, smoking, stress, diet and lifestyle. Your state of internal health is reflected in all your organs, including the largest organ of all, your skin. Mei Zen cosmetic acupuncture focuses on balancing your whole body, increasing your vitality inside and out. It is a non-invasive approach to revitalizing your appearance. The treatments promote circulation of blood and qi in the face. Increased circulation moistens the skin and promotes collagen production. It also increases the muscle tone and elasticity of the facial tissues.
Cosmetic acupuncture is a great alternative to modern anti-aging treatments such as lasers, injections, and face-lift surgeries. It does not carry the risks associated with these more invasive procedures, which can include numbness, scarring, atrophy, and lengthy recovery. Following these other anti-aging treatments, clients’ faces can look stretched, burned, puffy, or “banded.” Cosmetic acupuncture is a less expensive, healthy, safe and effective anti-aging choice.
Benefits of cosmetic acupuncture A study in the 1996 Journal of Clinical Acupuncture notes that among 300 cases treated with Cosmetic Acupuncture, 90% had marked improvement in their faces. The subjects reported an improvement in the elasticity of facial muscles, smoothing of wrinkles, brighter complexion and overall rejuvenation. They also experienced an overall rejuvenation not confined to the face.
Benefits include: · Improvement in complexion and skin elasticity · Reduction in broken capillaries and redness · Increased luster of skin · Reduction in wrinkles and fine lines · Improvement in the beginning of jowls · Reduction of acne and rosacea · Reduction in puffiness · Lifting of drooping skin around eyelids and cheeks
Additional benefits Since acupuncture focuses on bringing the whole body into balance, clients also experience other positive “side effects”. These include a reduction in hot flashes, less anxiety, reduction in mild depression, more energy, better sleep, and overall body rejuvenation. Acupuncture also reduces stress. Stress has been shown to cause inflammation and an oxidative response in the body which increases the signs of aging.
Contraindications A free consultation is available to make sure Mei Zen cosmetic acupuncture is right for you. It is not usually suitable for people who smoke or those with pituitary disorders, diabetes, and some heart disorders. People who have a pace maker or suffer from excessive bruising or bleeding are not good candidates for the procedure. It is also not recommended for people with many broken capillaries on the face. People who suffer from severe headaches may not be the best candidates either, so make sure to discuss with the acupuncturist if this procedure is the best choice for you.
Negative side-effects Mei Zen cosmetic acupuncture has very few side effects compared to other cosmetic procedures. There is absolutely no risk of disfigurement or trauma. There are some mild risks with cosmetic acupuncture. These include bruising and redness at the site of needle insertion. The Mei Zen style of cosmetic acupuncture uses very shallow needling, so even these risks are minimal. There may also be mild pain during needle insertion. Many people compare it to a “mosquito bite.” This usually goes away quickly, and during treatment most people go into a deep state of relaxation.
Treatment protocol An initial evaluation will be performed during your first session to determine the best treatment for you. The acupuncturist will review your medical history, prescribed drugs, allergies, diet and lifestyle. Nutritional and lifestyle changes will be addressed during treatment. You may be prescribed certain foods to eat or avoid. An herbal formula may also be prescribed to enhance your overall constitution and improve results. Remember, diet and herbal supplements are something you can do everyday to improve your well-being and create healthy patterns in your body, maintaining the results you achieve with the acupuncture treatments.
The protocol consists of a series of 10 treatments. These treatments take place twice a week for five weeks. During these sessions many fine, sterile needles are inserted at specific acupuncture points in the face and in other areas of the body based on your individual constitution. Needles are left in for 20 minutes per session. After the 5 week protocol is complete, maintenance treatments should be done every 2-3 months to ensure long-term results.
Cost Single treatment: $135. 10 treatment series (2 times a week for 5 weeks): $1215 Maintenance treatments every 2-3 months for those who complete the protocol: $110. Herbs and skin care products not included in cost of treatment Payment methods are Cash, Check, Visa, and Mastercard.
PLEASE NOTE This is NOT a replacement for cosmetic surgery, thus the results MUST NOT be compared to a surgical procedure. However, it is an excellent alternative. It is safe, costs a fraction of a surgical procedure, virtually painless, free of negative side effects and unlike cosmetic surgery, benefit’s the health of the skin.
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