Ezentials - Better health begins with nature
Health Articles written by our Naturopathic Doctors.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Cosmetic Acupuncture for Facial Rejuvenation

"Treat yourself to a little facial tune-up!"

Just imagine erasing years of lines and stress from your face - safely, painlessly, and without the scalpel. Sound too good to be true? Well, Cosmetic Acupuncture is doing just that! This treatment is particularly popular among Hollywood celebrities such as Cher, Madonna, and Suzanne Somers - but now everyone can enjoy the royal treatment.

Ironically, this "new" option for achieving a more youthful appearance has actually been around for more than 3,000 years. Cosmetic Acupuncture is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine that is used to promote health by improving the flow of energy (or chi) throughout the body. The Chinese have known for centuries that beauty radiates from the inside out. If the internal body is nourished and the energy and blood are flowing smoothly, the external body will reveal this radiance.

Cosmetic acupuncture, also referred to as non-surgical face lifting, helps to rejuvenate aging skin while removing toxins and encouraging cell reproduction. The benefits of this procedure are numerous. It can eliminate fine lines and minimize deeper wrinkles. It can help to reduce double chins, saggy puffy eyelids, and dark circles under the eyes. Cosmetic Acupuncture helps to increase blood flow to the face, which subsequently stimulates collagen production - resulting in a healthier, more youthful complexion.

Although cosmetic acupuncture is primarily sought after for its beauty enhancing effects - it is important to realize that the benefits extend far beyond the appearance of the skin. The procedure is really a whole body treatment that includes acupuncture of the face and body, resulting in improved energy flow and a restoration of overall health. Acupuncture also has powerful stress-relieving benefits. Research has shown that it stimulates areas of the brain that promote relaxation - now that is something that we can all benefit from!

The actual procedure involves the insertion of hair-thin, sterilized, disposable needles into specific acupuncture points of the face and body. The insertion of the needles is virtually pain-free, producing only a momentary prick or tingling sensation. This sensation is almost instantly replaced with a complete sense of relaxation.

The course of treatment typically includes twelve one-hour weekly sessions. For faster results, two sessions per week for six weeks can also be arranged. How quickly an individual responds to treatment will be influenced by dietary and lifestyle factors. In order to obtain maximum benefits, each client is given a customized treatment plan from the clinic’s Naturopathic Doctor to address overall health. After all, if you are going to invest money to rejuvenate your skin, why not protect your investment with a whole-body tune-up?

There are three main groups of people who benefit most from cosmetic acupuncture. The first group consists of young adults in their thirties who can use it as a natural way to prevent early aging. The second group includes those who want to reverse the signs of aging - those in their forties, fifties, sixties, and older who want to erase 5 to 15 years of aging from their face. The third group consists of those who have undergone medical procedures or suffer from conditions that cause the skin to develop a dull and lifeless complexion. This may apply to individuals who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatments, as well as those with anemia, acne, and other chronic health conditions that interfere with the body’s energy flow.

Cosmetic acupuncture is not a replacement for a surgical face-lift and it will not produce the same dramatic results. Instead, the changes will occur gradually over time, producing subtle but noticeable effects as the body’s energy and health come back into balance. It is an extremely safe and natural way to rejuvenate the face by stimulating the body’s ability to heal itself. Furthermore, unlike cosmetic surgery, there is no risk of scaring, disfigurement, traumatic swelling, discoloration, or extended recovery times. Cosmetic acupuncture safely and effectively improves outer body beauty while supporting inner body health - what more could you ask for in any cosmetic procedure!

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Questions and Answers About Cosmetic Acupuncture

What is cosmetic acupuncture?

Cosmetic acupuncture is a facial rejuvenating treatment that involves the insertion of very fine, disposable, sterile needles into specific points on the face. This technique offers an effective and safe alternative to cosmetic surgery. It is based on the ancient principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been used for over 3,000 years. The Chinese have known for centuries that beauty radiates from the inside out. If the internal body is nourished and the energy and blood are flowing smoothly, the external body will reveal this radiance. The results of cosmetic acupuncture are subtle, but noticeable. It is an effective way to remove fine lines, reduce the signs of aging, revitalize the skin, and promote a healthy, glowing complexion - it will help you to look and feel your best!

What are the benefits of cosmetic acupuncture?

Some of the benefits that you can obtain from cosmetic acupuncture treatments include:

  • Reduction or elimination of puffy eyes
  • Reduction or elimination of frown lines
  • Improved blood circulation to the face
  • Increased collagen production
  • Tightening of pores
  • Raising of drooping eyelids
  • Reduction or elimination of fine lines & wrinkles
  • Lifting of sagging skin
  • Reduction of the appearance of a double chin
  • Reduction/elimination of dark circles under the eyes

How does it work?

Once the needles have been inserted into specific acupuncture points on the face, there is a significant increase of blood circulation to the areas around the needles. This increase in blood flow helps to nourish, oxygenate, and moisturize the skin - resulting in a healthier, more youthful complexion. Another benefit of increased circulation to the face is that it causes the body to produce more collagen. Collagen is the protein that helps to improve the skin’s elasticity. An increase in collagen helps to tighten the skin, reduce sagging skin and wrinkles, improve the appearance of a double chin, and so on.

What is the success rate?

A study that was published in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture in 1996 reported a 98% success rate with cosmetic acupuncture. Specifically, the study involved 300 individuals who underwent one course of facial acupuncture treatment. The results revealed that 98% of participants experienced marked improvements in their skin. Some of the beneficial effects included tighter skin, improvement of skin elasticity, reduction of wrinkles, improved skin tone and complexion, and overall facial rejuvenation.

How many sessions are required?

In order to achieve maximum results, twelve one-hour sessions are recommended. Two treatments per week over the course of six weeks is ideal; however, one treatment per week for twelve weeks will produce the same results, but at a slower rate. Visible results are typically seen by the 7th visit, although most clients notice subjective improvements after the very first session. Once the twelve-week course of treatment has been completed, occasion sessions (once every four to eight weeks) will help to maintain the benefits.

Is there anyone who should not receive cosmetic acupuncture?

A comprehensive health history will be taken on the first visit to ensure that the client is a suitable candidate for cosmetic acupuncture. Acupuncture is an extremely safe procedure and is suitable for the majority of adults. Those who may not be eligible include:

  • Individuals who have had cosmetic face-lifting surgery within the past 5 years
  • Those with hemophilia or other blood clotting conditions

Is the procedure painful?

No, the procedure is not painful. Some individuals will experience a slight prick when the needles are inserted, but that sensation disappears almost instantly and is replaced with a feeling of relaxation.

Are there any side effects or risks?

Acupuncture is a very safe and natural procedure that does not have the risks associated with cosmetic surgery. Side effects are rare and when they do occur, they are very minor. Potential side effects include bruising, minor bleeding, minimal skin irritation, and mild muscle discomfort.

Are the treatments covered by OHIP?

No, acupuncture treatments are not covered by OHIP but they are covered by many extended health care plans. Clients may be fully or partially reimbursed for their acupuncture sessions if they have coverage for naturopathic medicine or acupuncture. Clients must contact their insurance companies to obtain details about their individual plans.

Who performs the cosmetic acupuncture treatments at Ezentials?

All of the acupuncture treatments are administered by Tracy Gilbert, HBA, MA, ND. Tracy is a licensed naturopathic doctor who has received extensive training in the techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine and cosmetic acupuncture.

What is involved in the first and subsequent visits?

The first visit, which is one hour in length, involves an initial consultation and assessment. During this time, the naturopathic doctor will obtain a comprehensive health history, perform a screening physical exam, and discuss a customized acupuncture treatment plan. An initial assessment/diagnosis may also be made to incorporate medical acupuncture with cosmetic facial techniques.

Subsequent visits are also one hour in length. The first half of each visit includes the insertion of acupuncture needles, a discussion of treatment progress, and adjustments to the treatment plan (if necessary).In the second half of each visit, the client simply relaxes while the acupuncture works its wonders!

Customized facials are also recommended throughout the course of treatment to further support facial rejuvenation. The Organic Hungarian Facial using Éminence Organic Skin Care, for example, can help in promoting healthy, youthful skin.

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Fee Schedule for Cosmetic Acupuncture

Initial Assessment (one hour)  
 $150.00
Cosmetic Acupuncture Session (one hour)  
 $100.00
Package of 12 Cosmetic Acupuncture Sessions (reduced rate of $90 per session)  
 $1,080.00


Complementary Services

Natural Indulgence (Ezentials Signature Facial)  
 $100.00
Organic Hungarian Facial  
 $75.00
One-Hour Japanese Hot Stone Massage (for mind and body rejuvenation)  
 $75.00
Infrared Sauna Therapy (to promote detoxification and healthy skin)  
 $30.00


All-Inclusive Packages

Mother Nature’s Anti-Aging Package  
 $1,250.00

This package will provide you with everything you need to look and feel your best! The package includes:

  • Twelve one-hour cosmetic acupuncture sessions
  • Skin analysis consultation (including discussion of skin type, skin care tips, and product recommendations)
  • Two Organic Hungarian Facials using Éminence Organic Skin Care
  • Complementary 100-gram bag of loose leaf anti-aging tea (Ezentials custom blend)
  • Two complementary sessions of infrared sauna therapy

The Ultimate Facial Rejuvenation Package  
 $1,450.00

This package includes everything listed in Mother Nature’s Anti-Aging Package, but with the addition of the following:

  • Four Éminence Organic Skin Care products selected according to your skin type (includes cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and masque)
  • Comprehensive computerized health analysis to evaluate nutritional and organ imbalances ~ addressing the inner body because beauty radiates from the inside out
  • Complementary gift: ~ "Ezential Relaxation Kit" containing a delightful mix of natural bath and body care products to nourish your mind, body and soul

Intake Form (in pdf format)

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Ezentials Natural Health Centre & Spa  -  5074 Hwy 69 N, Hanmer, Ontario P3P 1B9 (view map) -  Tel: (705) 969-0043  -  Fax: (705) 969-9681  -  www.ezentials.ca