aesthetic facial acupuncture
As I entered midlife and menopause, I came to realize that helping my patients look as good as they feel is also important.
I chose to study aesthetic facial acupuncture with Travall Croom, an acupuncturist in NYC who keeps models looking their absolute best. His protocol uses only a modest number of needles, because the target points are so specific, related to the anatomy of the muscles that provide underlying structure and lift for the skin. He also utilizes light therapy and microcurrent technology to keep the face looking naturally lifted and more smooth. Unlike other cosmetic acupuncture protocols that take a lot of time, and a whole lot of needles, this protocol is quick, effective, efficient. Just one hour. I love it, and so do my clients!
Cosmetic acupuncture facial treatment
Facial acupuncture
Especially fine needles are inserted in specific locations to relax tight facial muscles, and activate muscles that are weak, to counter the tendency of the skin to sag and drop. The needles stimulate the production of elastin and collagen, and increase cell turnover.
LED red light therapy
With the needles in place, LED red light is placed over the face to increase circulation of blood, oxygen and nutrients to tissue, while also stimulating cellular energy (ATP), and reducing oxidative stress. Lying in place under the red light feels relaxing. The result is a more glowing, youthful appearance. The red light is used for twenty minutes, and the needles are then removed.
Microcurrent treatment
A gel sheet mask is then placed on the face. Four clips are attached to the edge of the sheet mask through which a low-voltage electrical micro runs. You don’t feel the microcurrent. Different frequencies are used: one to tone and strengthen weakened muscles that cause sag, one to relax muscles that have tightened that cause wrinkles, and one to influence collagen production in the dermis while gently easing aging signs in the epidermis, the most superficial skin layer. Amino acid and ATP production is increased, thereby stimulating cell production and repair. The microcurrent part of the treatment takes twenty minutes.
Facial Cupping
The treatment is finished with several minutes of “facial cupping.” This is not the kind cupping that leaves bruises and marks! It feels great, and is thought to improve blood circulation to the face, and to reduce puffiness.
Let’s get real
LED red and near-infrared light therapy to increase fibroblast proliferation, and collagen and elastin production.
Aesthetic acupuncture is often compared to Botox. I am uncomfortable with this comparison. I’ve been doing this protocol since 2018, and what I’ve witnessed with clients who come for multiple sessions is increased resiliency in the skin – it becomes more supple and soft, less frail and tissue paper-like. Lines become less deep and noticeable, though they don’t disappear as happens with Botox temporarily. I see less sagging. People look like themselves, but somehow with more glow, vitality, and softness. Some of my patients don’t want to use Botox. They’re nervous about the findings that it rearranges the brain’s sensory map of the hands, that it may move between nerve cells outside of the local injected area, or that those who use it are perceived as being less empathetic. I also have patients that use Botox and fillers, and also come in for aesthetic acupuncture treatments. (Please wait a couple days after injections though). I support all!
Bruising is a possibility. Most won’t bruise, but on rare occasion it does happen, just as it can with Botox or filler injections. If you are wanting to look your best for an event, I suggest beginning with multiple sessions ahead of the event, timing the last about a week before the event.
“I’m in my late 50s and have done Botox, Juvederm, lasers, and various procedures.
I started to feel like I was chasing the wrinkles, needing to do more and more. A friend told me about Kristi’s facial acupuncture treatment, and although I’ve never had acupuncture, I tried it. I found it surprisingly relaxing, (I listen to podcasts while I lie on the table), and have since done multiple packages of sessions. The results are different from the other procedures, but there is a noticeable difference, and I’ve stopped doing everything else. I’m so thankful I’ve found Kristi!” — Jessica P.