With the continued rise in interest in pure beauty skin care and more holistic treatments, we recently posed the question: Acupuncture or Botox?
As we age, we wrinkle. It’s natural. And while some of us in our 40s embrace aging like a fine wine, others of us want to keep the smooth skin we didn’t have to work for in our 20s.
If you want to get rid of wrinkles, but want an alternative to cosmetic procedures like Botox and other methods, explore acupuncture-based facial rejuvenation.
I had the opportunity to try a session at Meridian Wellness with owner and founder Laura Pilitsis. She is a licensed acupuncturist who works with clients to reverse the effects of aging through holistic body building and local needlework.
What to expect
Pilitsis began by asking questions about my medical history, current medications, and menstrual cycle. He took my pulse and noted the color and shape of my tongue, which according to Chinese medicine, offers insight into a client’s internal health.
Then Pilitsis did traditional embroidery on my body, in various places on my legs and feet and on my wrists.
On my face, needles were placed in the middle of my forehead, between my eyebrows, on my temples, all over my cheeks (targeting my hyperpigmentation in that area), and in several places along and behind the ears. Pilitsis said the embroidery behind the ears is meant to lift the face.
I then relaxed (or tried to) while lying face down with the needles in place for about 15 minutes in the warm dimly lit acupuncture room. I closed my eyes and tried not to focus too much on the fact that I had tiny needles stuck into my skin.
Pilitsis removed the needles and began massaging my face with a small amount of vitamin C serum and coconut oil. She worked on cupping and gua sha techniques with upward strokes on my neck and face and then smoothed the neck for lymphatic drainage.
Immediately after the session, and for hours after, my face had a post-facial glow, but no redness or inflammation. My face was also noticeably less puffy and more defined.
For long-term benefits, Pilitsis recommends 10 to 14 consecutive sessions, at least once a week, to see real results. At least six consecutive sessions are required to see increased collagen production.
Pelitis emphasizes that while facial rejuvenation helps smooth wrinkles and fine lines, skin problems such as dark circles, puffy eyes, hyperpigmentation and acne can be treated with this method.
Maintenance at home
By regularly using techniques such as facial acupuncture, you are able to cope with the stress of everyday life.
For clients between rejuvenating facials or anyone looking to add anti-aging to their skin care routine, at-home facials are highly recommended.
Dermarollers, jade rollers and gua sha tools are readily available to consumers. With these, you can massage the skin in an upward motion, from the collarbone to the forehead, and then gently roll onto the neck. Bonus points if you apply your favorite serum or oil to your face before you massage.
