However, according to the local acupuncturist, there are many ways to boost your body's ability at fighting stress.
"Our face is one of the first indicators of stress or illness," said Robertson. "There is less blood flow, slowed cell turnover, congestion, and it is reflected in our expression, dull eyes and harshness of lines and wrinkles."
During a "facial rejuvenation" session, Robertson applies up to 18 needles in the face to target certain meridians. In traditional Chinese medicine, a meridian is a path in the body through which energy flows. So, for example, a needle placed strategically in a certain spot along the face will get blood moving in the stomach to aid digestion.
"I've also seen clients who come in for facial rejuvenation who find their headaches go away, their stress lessens and their quality of sleep gets better," Robertson said.
Robertson says while the treatments help the body get stronger, the skin on the face also improves. Over time, the treatments are said to promote new cell growth in the skin and lessen the appearance of wrinkles.
"The needles on the face create a micro-trauma which signals the body to produce more collagen in the area," Robertson said. "The collagen is what gives the face elasticity. The blood flow can leave the client looking as though they have been on a great vacation."
I visited Robertson's office and felt very relaxed following the facial acupuncture. I did not have a full 60-minute treatment because of time constraints. Robertson says the noticeable results on the face start to appear after a seventh appointment. Near the end of my visit, she worked on my neck not with needles but with a micro-current. Robertson calls the treatment "facial gymnastics."
"Stress can show up in the neck just as it can in the face. By targeting motor points with a micro-current, we can release tension and tone the muscle which in turns improves the appearance of the skin tone."
To learn more about facial acupuncture & other Chinese medicine treatments: http://www.healthandlongevitycenter.net/.
Robertson works in Englewood out of Erica's Eclectic Mix & Skin Care Center. http://www.ericaskincare.com/.
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