Contented sighs are heard as Ruth lies comfortably on my treatment table, having had her herbal facial mask and her fine needles placed. She is receiving a full body constitutional acupuncture treatment with specific attention to her face. All of her meridians are opening, adjusting to her specific needs today. She is experiencing a deeply restorative rest in a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Ruth is receiving a particular acupuncture technique known as Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal. Results are distinctly discernable in the first session: a softening of expression lines and a healthy glow emanating from the skin. After the first of a series of ten sessions (for most people), results continue to occur. Following a patient’s 10th treatment, maintenance treatments may be performed monthly, scheduling two to three treatments every three months, as needed.

Mary Phelps RN, LAc has practiced acupuncture for twenty years. She studied (and continues to study) Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal with Mary Elizabeth Wakefield LAc (NY) who pioneered this technique.

One very important thing to remember is that this process is NOT considered a “face-lift.” This term as applied to acupuncture is misleading as it leads to false expectations. Nor is this technique “just a facial.” Facial Acupuncture involves the client in her overall health care; its effects are subtle and gradual. Definitely, this is not a quick fix! As with anything else, we cannot guarantee results. People respond differently…peoples needs and desires are different. Clients are asked to sign an informed consent. All parameters are outlined for them, such as these facts:

Acupuncture facial treatment involves inserting very fine needles into the body and on the face into wrinkle lines in order to stimulate the body to produce collagen to reduce the appearance of fine lines. In Oriental Medicine “the meridians and pathways of Qi (energy) flow throughout the entire body from the soles of the feet to the top of the head: consequently, a facial acupuncture treatment addresses the entire body constitutionally, and is not merely ‘cosmetic.’ Acupuncture treatment may treat the body and may or may not include the face.”(Quote, Mary Elizabeth Wakefield)

What are the benefits, you ask?

“From my own direct experience with the technique, I have seen an increase in facial tone, more firmness to a sagging chin and jaw line (I am presently aged 68), a much clearer and radiant complexion, fine crows feet have greatly diminished, frown lines all but gone. I have seen these results and decreasing puffiness around the eyes in the clients I have treated.” (Mary Phelps, RN, LAc.)

Are there any risk?

There is a certain amount of risk. Although needles are used, the risks are minimal. The insertions are mostly shallow. (Anytime the skin is breached there is a risk of slight bleeding and slight bruising.) These conditions rarely occur.

**If a person is a smoker or has been for a long time results are not as prominent as their skin does not heal or respond as well to the treatment.

In the long term, everyone shows signs of aging. This is normal. Acupuncture can slow or mitigate this process. It will not give permanent results. The results depend on how much a person wants to preserve her appearance, to be and appear healthy. Topical herbal masks and creams are used to nourish the skin in conjunction with the acupuncture for a treatment that is truly “Beauty from the inside out!”

For further information contact The Maryland Center For Integrative Medicine, 658 Kenilworth Drive Suite 206, Towson 21204. Phone 410-828-3585.

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The Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine | 410-828-3585 | info@mcim.org | 658 Kenilworth Drive, Suite 206 Baltimore, MD 21204

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