LONGEVITY AND HEALTHY AGING - THE ANCIENT
WAYS OF FACIAL REJUVENATION- Part One
Dr. Ranvir Pahwa, PhD, DNM, DAc
“A cheerful, glowing face attracts positive energy and support social interactions, while a lack luster
appearance has a subliminal effect that is off putting.” –Dr. Devi
Living in this world will become more acceptable if we add ourselves with healthy aging
potions. Similarly, as food becomes appealing to eat and tastier when we add some spices. Health
looks wealthy when we are buffing our health as well. Many of us in this society do not want to
accept that I am growing old, my hairs are graying, I am aging, I am senior, why I go wrinkle? Etc.
Some of them might not try to hide their growing lines, laugh lines, look, graying hair etc. They
accept reality. On the contrary some of us feel to rejuvenate, renew and want to look years younger.
To improve the look what not is out there. The medical interventions such as: surgeries,
liposuction, face lifts, Botox injections, fillers, hair removal, scar removal, etc. etc. However, many of
the above medical or non medical procedures have temporary effects, and associated with serious
complications. They are not constitutional, holistic, and healthy.
Face is an expression of your whole body health. If one looks after the inner beauty uses
holistic and constitutional approaches as a result the person will acquire long lasting anti aging, a
glow on the face and positive energy. For the longevity, beauty enhancement and body rejuvenation
ancient Eastern methods are being utilized successfully in the West. Which have been in practice for
thousands of years in the East. Among them are herbal therapies, diet, different kinds of massages
(Tui Na, herbal oil massage, dry herb massage, head massage), oral and skin herbal therapies,
saunas, Qi Gong, acupressure, Marma therapy, Panchkarma, Yog, Meditation etc.
In West for the anti aging we are noticing manufacturing and use of herbs containing creams,
scrubs, body herbs, steaming, saunas, etc. Additionally the Western science is discovering the use
of vitamins, minerals, biochemicals, neutrceuticals, antioxidant, fish oils, adaptogenic herbs and
herbal mixtures for reducing the aging lines and signs and look younger. Some of these products are
beneficial but others do not. Additionally many people are still skeptic to put to use.
Several of above methods and procedures have proven their benefits over the course of time
and are still in practice in East and now in the West also. Eastern ways of medicine practices base
their health assessment and treatment after the constitutional analyses. This is the pillar of the
medicine practice. Chinese practitioners use pulse, tongue, face, hand readings, aspects of Yin and
Yang, meridians and 5 element theories. Ayurveda uses Dosha (humors), seven Dhatus (tissues),
Srotas (channels), Gunas (psyche nature), pulse, nails, eyes, color and tongue.
In this article author is discussing the application of acupuncture for facial rejuvenation.
As we know regular acupuncture corrects many and varied health problems of the entire
body. Facial acupuncture is aimed to correct the signs of aging. It can treat constitutional problems
as well. The procedure may also involve facial treatments with skin food. It is an effective, safe
painless and non-surgical face renewal treatment to reduce the signs of the aging and treating as
well as the whole body. Wrinkles may be entirely erased however it depends on the age, deeper
lines reduced, loose skin and bags around the neck and eyes are firmed.
It is not an extreme makeover and face lift. It is towards the appearance of the face which
reflects the overall balance and health of the entire body. It is an organic process of change which
comes gradually.
Fine hair-thin needles are placed at the variety of acupuncture points on the face, neck, ears,
around the eyes, hands, trunk and legs along the channels to stimulate body’s energies or chi, vital
force or Prana. In this procedure muscle groups are addressed, as well as the acupuncture points,
which results in face rejuvenation via the muscle’s toning and tightening action. Needles also
stimulate blood circulation, which improves facial color.
Effects of Facial treatments:
It increases circulation, therefore, oxygenates the skin, as well as, improves collagen
production, muscle tone and dermal contraction. Helps eliminate fine lines and diminish deeper and
larger wrinkles. It can help reduce double chin, bags under eyes and lifts drooping eyelids.
Moreover, facial acupuncture improves metabolism, tightens pores and brightens the eyes. Also
increases local blood, lymph circulation and improves moistening of skin and facial color.
Additionally, reduces stress and promotes whole health and well being. (2)
Facial acupuncture may erase a many as 5-15 years from the face with results obvious after a
few treatment.
Constitutional Treatments but not limited to:
The form of this acupuncture treatment helps muscle and joint pains. May improves acne
and corrects female hormonal problems (menstrual, PMS, menopause). It removes sinus
congestion, improves sinusitis and abolishes sinus head aches. Constitutional acupuncture will help
TMJ (Temparomandibular joint) problem, trigeminal neuralgia, Bell’s palsy, headaches, migraines,
tension head aches, digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, etc. It also helps to eliminate
edema and puffiness, and benefits eyes, ears and brain. Additionally, may help insomnia and
sleeplessness. Acupuncture relaxes you, improves stress and self esteem. Moreover, it helps to
control allergies, reduce cellulites and symptoms of hay fever. Furthermore, it also corrects
depression and anxiety.
Who would benefit?
Who wants to delay the process of aging and wants to feel healthy and look younger. No
person is treated alike. The procedure is tailored to your specific aging challenges.
Is facial acupuncture for everybody?
It is safe and beneficial for most prospective patients. It not only for preventing wrinkles but
also reversing the signs of aging.
Contraindications:
(a) High blood pressure (b) Heart disorders and individuals who have pace makers(c)
Patients who have problems with bleeding and bruising (d) Severe Migraines (if migraines are only
once a three months or so, facial acupuncture can be received) (e) Pituitary Gland disorders (f)It can
not be performed when patient is recovering from Laser Resurfacing of the face. Patient has to wait
3 to 4 weeks. (g) Moreover, one should also wait a week after Micro-dermabrasion, and even to wait
longer after Botox (h) Facial acupuncture is not performed during Pregnancy (i) It is also not
performed during Cold and Flu, Acute Herpes Outbreak or Acute Allergic Reactions. However, it can
be received once the condition has passed.
The Treatment
Constitutional facial acupuncture involves a series of treatments, which are necessary to
achieve maximum effect. After an initial consultation, the practitioner evaluates the patient’s
response and then determines the number of treatments and follow-up.
After the evaluation and consideration of factors viz; stress, diet, lifestyle, family history,
digestion and elimination, sleep, emotional balance etc., following treatments are usually
recommended: 12 to 15 treatments or 20 treatments for smokers or people whose skin tends to sag
(i.e. jowls, turkey wattles, droopy eyes etc.). Treatments are two per week for 45 to 1 hour or one 90
minutes per week.
Note: It should be noted that age is not a limiting factor. An older patient with healthy life style may
have better prognosis than a younger person who is not disciplined in life.
Herbal Treatment
The treatment also incorporates herbal masks, poultices and moisturizers. Additionally a light
massage to enhance blood circulation, remove fine lines and age spots, and prevent premature
aging also are used to massage moisturizer into the skin.
After the treatment
Patient is recommended and advised about how to maintain and take care of their face after
initial course of treatments, such as: exercises, diet, supplements (bio-chemicals, herbal, vitamins
and minerals) emphasis on life style, daily routines, external applications, face exercises self
massage and acupressure.
Maintenance
If aging is progressing normal, the completion of recommended series of treatments should
be effective. To sustain results, follow-up booster treatments are recommended, including every 2
weeks for two months; then once month for an indefinite amount of time.
Observations (short term and long term)
Even after first treatment one will usually observe an increased glow to the complexion, due
to the result of increased energy and blood flow to the face. The patient appears to be rested,
wrinkles start to lesson and skin appears more toned.
One would start noticing a significant difference in appearance following the fifth to seventh
treatment. By the end of treatments, the patient should look and feel 5 to 15 years younger. The
results may vary slightly, depending upon how prompt patient was in taking care of themselves
during the process of facial rejuvenation and afterward. At this stage, maintenance treatments
provide ongoing support within a normal process of aging.
Research Report on Facial Acupuncture
A 1996 report in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that among 300
cases treated with Facial Acupuncture, 90 percent had noticeable effects with one treatment. The
effects included: the skin becoming delicate and fair, improvement of elasticity of facial muscles,
leveling of wrinkles, a ruddier complexion and an overall rejuvenation that extended beyond the face.
Testimonial of Patients:
After five treatments noted the tightening of the face skin and it stopped hanging when bending
face down and a shine noted. – JS (40)
After 9 treatments Noted face she has got color. It is clear and fairer. - NC (67)
In 9 treatments he noted no wrinkles on the fore head, under eyes bluishness vanished, felt
better and was less tired. – Reagan S (39)
At the end of 5th treatment her face was glowing wrinkles vanished at places. - VC (52)
This person had comments from people around her saying you are looking younger and younger
these days. – MT (42)
References:
Wakefeild ME. Facial acupuncture. Acupuncture Today; 2007; 8(10)
Zhang P. Facial rejuvenation with traditional Chinese healing herbs. Acupuncture Today; 2007,
8(10).
Wakefeild ME. Constitutional facial acupuncture renewal doth not a “Facelift” make. Acupuncture
Today, 2007; 8(02).
Dedyna K. Acupuncture points way towards Fountain of Youth. Star Phoenix, E3, Saturday, March
12, 2005, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Wakefeild ME. Constitutional facial acupuncture: Changing the face of aging. Acupuncture Today;
2002, 3(8).
Yarborough C. Acupuncture facial rejuvenation. From Qi Magazine. HYPERLINK
"http://www.chiakra.com/qi_article.htm" http://www.chiakra.com/qi_article.htm
Parikh C. I had an acupuncture face lift. Natural Health,pg.86-89; Sep. 1999.
International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture. 1996.
Copyright©2011 Ranvir Pahwa
Dr. Ranvir Pahwa is an Ayurveda Practitioner, Clinical Herbalist, Homeopath, Acupuncturist
(Body and Auricular), Holistic Nutritionist and Toxicologist. He is a consultant, natural medicine
practitioner, researcher, writer, and author and has presented seminars and lectures on various
alternative complementary medicine topics. He has written over 24 articles and research papers
and two books: (1) Home remedies from India, and (2) Healthy Cooking. He has about 32 years
of experience in Human health. He is a professional member of various natural medicine
associations across North America.
rpahwa@sasktel.net / ranvirp@gmail.com; www.rpsalthealthcentre.com