"A beautiful face is the reflection of a beautiful outlook on life." ~ Tamara Hutchins, L.Ac., MSTCM, CMT.
Also known as an Acupuncture Facelift or Cosmetic Acupuncture, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is an ancient treatment utilized by the Imperial Court of China, documented as early as the Sung Dynasty (960AD to 1270AD).
Much more than a cosmetic procedure, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (FRA) is a rejuvenation and revitalization process designed to make not only the face, but the entire body look and feel younger. Based on the principles of Chinese Medicine, specific acupuncture points are utilized to enhance the movement of Qi (energy) within the body. These points are chosen according to the individual's underlying health and energy imbalances which contribute to the aging process.
While not a replacement for an actual surgical facelift, this treatment can erase as many as 5 to 15 years from the face with results apparent after even the very first treatment. The effects of FRA can last 5 to 10 years with regular maintenance sessions. Fine lines may be entirely eliminated and deeper wrinkles diminished. Under eye bags can be reduced, jowls firmed, puffiness eliminated, droopy eyelids lifted, double chins minimized, and reduction of stress evident in the face such as the "furrow" in the glabella region between the eyebrows. This technique, referred to as "Ultimate Facial Rejuvenation" and taught by the world-renowned expert in the field, Virginia Doran, L.Ac. takes 90 minutes to administer and is more detailed than some of the more traditional Facial Rejuvenation techniques commonly taught in China. Western skin becomes thinner as we age, so this technique addresses these issues.
Other benefits: Increased collagen production, moisturized skin of both the face and body, increased blood and lymphatic flow to the face, a brighter, more even skin tone, increased muscle tone, tightening of the pores, brighter eyes and an improved hormone balance which improves acne as well as overly dry skin. Stress and habitual expressions visible on the face are transformed, resulting in a remarkably younger, calmer and less worn looking face with which to greet the world.
FRA is best suited for patients ranging in age from the late 20's to the late 60's, yet patients even in their 80's are still wonderful candidates. The best lifting affects are seen in the 40 to 60 age range.
A healthy lifestyle significantly improves the outcome of this treatment. Balanced diet, adequate exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, not smoking and an overall healthy lifestyle can decrease the amount of sessions needed for the initial series, as well as keep the skin maintained longer between upkeep sessions.
The treatment consists of approximately 5 to 15 consecutive sessions. This number is determined by age, lifestyle and overall health, with the average number of treatments being around 8 sessions. The effects become most noticeable and lasting on or about the fifth session. Optimally, the patient should receive sessions twice a week for the first two weeks if available with the patient's schedule.
Each session takes 90 minutes. In this time, very fine (almost hair thin) needles are inserted all over the body at specific meridian points, with an emphasis on the points of the face. Constitutional treatment must also be administered during each session, as the youthful results will not be as apparent unless other health imbalances are addressed.
Included in this session is Ms. Hutchins' own lifting facial massage, which has proven to decrease the amount of sessions required for the series. In addition, tiny needles are inserted into the lines and wrinkles to smooth the dermal texture and promote collagen formation; a natural line "filler". Tamara's own organic Zen Redhead Skincare line products are utilized during the treatment for an effective aromatherapy experience, as well as skin replenishing.
Maintenance sessions are necessary. Again, depending on overall health, a single maintenance session is suggested either monthly, bi-monthly, or with every change of season.
Tamara Hutchins, L.Ac. does not always conform to the standard 10 to 12 session Facial Rejuvenation schedule often recommended in the industry. Having performed 1000's of FRA treatments as her specialty since 2003, she often knows if a patient may only need as few as three treatments to look and feel years younger, and rarely administers even as many as 12 sessions - owing to constitutional treatment and her specific facial massage. This is, of course, dependent upon the patient's overall health and condition of their complexion.
Ms. Hutchins believes in homework. She often teaches her patients how to exercise and massage their own faces, prescribes herbal formulas, suggests vitamins and supplements essential to skin health and even teaches various meditation techniques for stress reduction and various ailments - which are rejuvenating to the body and mind.
Single lifting massage and herbal treatments are another available option, which are effective for additional relaxation and toning of the facial tissue. These can be scheduled along with FRA sessions or on their own. This is a beneficial addition to your skin care regime!
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is an excellent, effective, all-natural alternative to cosmetic surgery, lasers or injections. There is no downtime, is far less costly, is virtually painless and has no side-effects.
FRA can benefit patients who have undergone cosmetic surgery by supporting muscle tone, smoothing scar tissue, improving circulation and promoting overall health; thus slowing the aging process.
FRA has profound healing effects. Studies are underway at the University of California, San Francisco to prove acupuncture's significant benefit to scar and wound healing. Tamara has treated many patients who have suffered from chemical burns and surgical scars. She has also helped patients recover instantly from sunburns.
Unfortunately, patients with untreated high blood pressure, heart disorders, pacemakers, some pituitary disorders or bleeding disorders should refrain from this treatment. FRA should not be administered in it's classic treatment protocol during pregnancy, during a bout with a virus or flu or an acute herpes outbreak.
"The visible effects of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture are an external physical manifestation of how acupuncture has transformed our bodies internally." ~ Tamara Hutchins, L.Ac., MSTCM, CMT