Can acupuncture be the solution to your problems?

Traditional Chinese acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and it is known to cure the body and used quite often for relieve of pain, insomnia and controlling weight.  It is also used for depression, relaxation and stress.  But now all the large spas are offering a specialized face acupuncture to minimize wrinkles and it is commonly called facial rejuvenation or acupuncture face lift.  Although it will not perform as well as a face lift, it will tone the face, remove fine lines and wrinkles and create an overall better health.  Acupuncture face lift will also increase the energy of the person receiving the treatments.  Acupuncture face lift is a popular non-surgical replacement for plastic surgery to remove unsightly signs of aging. The Chinese believe that the way to true health is by healing the inner self first and the face is affected by the health of their internal organs.

Acupuncture has become a tried and true medical practice. Studies have proven the effectiveness of acupuncture, and no longer is it thought to be a pseudo-science. Typical of any acupuncture treatment, cosmetic acupuncture uses tiny needles to stimulate reflex points within muscles all over the body. The contractions that occur has a result of this stimulation work to tone the muscle and help tighten the skin while energizing the lower and mid layers of the skin. The stimulation of other points within the muscles also increase circulation, which helps improve many medical ailments in addition to skin tone and other cosmetic effects.

There are no side effects with these acupuncture treatments either, which makes it a desired and popular treatment.  You will feel so relaxed that you may not want to return to work.  Some specialist will come to your office or home and do the treatments there. Acupuncture treatments take only thirty minutes to one hour of your day, with no recovery period, pain, swelling or bruising. Most patients report only experiencing a slight pinch at the insertion of the needle, but otherwise experiencing no pain or discomfort. On the contrary, many patients often find themselves in a state of total relaxation during treatment and many will fall asleep for the entire 30 minutes.

Amount of Treatments Required:

The spas offering this type of treatment will normally require a ten session pack.  This is twice a week for 5 weeks.  But the many doctors specializing in this treatment suggest 12 to 16 sessions and then a periodical monthly treatment for life.   Many spas will not even accept you if you will not agree to do ten sessions. Unlike traditional Chinese Acupuncture which can be fairly inexpensive, facial acupuncture is more expensive and specialized.

Cosmetic acupuncture does not produce dramatic effects and is not guaranteed to work for everyone. It is not suitable for those with severely damaged skin. There are also a few factors that can require the patient to commit to a longer period of treatment such as:

• excessive stress or fatigue
• alcohol/drug abuse
• glandular malfunctions
• certain hereditary factors

Many spas will offer a free 15 minute consultation for you to meet with your doctor or specialists who will perform the sessions.  It will be a time to have your face examined for any major problems and to be told honestly if acupuncture can help you.  Please remember that most specialists will want you to start the sessions in your 30’s and never pass your 40’s to correct the signs of aging.  Your face has taken many, many years of sun damage and more so don’t expect immediate results overnight.  You should be exploring all face lift alternatives before you make a decision.

Consider face lift alternatives

Wrinkles are a part of aging, but for the many people wrinkles come way too soon.  Some people in their early 20’s and thirty’s have reported getting premature wrinkles and are perplexed.  The sudden appearance of premature wrinkles is usually caused by a few factors: too much sun, lifestyle and environment toxins.  Preventing wrinkles can be as easy as: wearing sun screen, not being in the sun during 10 am to 2 pm, having a healthy lifestyle, drinking lots of water and wearing a wide brim hat.

Wrinkles are preventable and there are many natural cures to help you.  Some of the main problem areas are crow’s feet, laugh lines and tiny wrinkles on the forehead.  Prevention must start early before they get worse.  Here are some reasons for premature aging:

Tanning – Something to Reconsider:

Tanning has become a very common activity in many places around the world. Whether it happens on the beach or in a salon, people are looking to darken the shade of their skin and appear sun-kissed all year round. While it may be physically appealing during the present, UV exposure is a leading cause of premature wrinkles and age spots in young men and women. This can be prevented by wearing a wide brim hat, reflective sun glasses and not being in the sun in the peak hours.  Also, make sure you are wearing a sun block appropriate to the UV level.

Healthy Lifestyles a Must:

As a society, we are notorious for abusing our own bodies. Regularly, we consume alcohol, tobacco and other drugs that prematurely age us by damaging our bodies irreparably. These substances cause our skin to dehydrate and discolor, sometimes causing the user to lose sleep or appetite. This can all cause premature wrinkles in the face and neck.

Pollution and Its Damaging Effects on Skin:

Pollution comes in many forms.  From using harsh detergents to using insect repellants in our homes.  Changing our lifestyle begins with organic and natural alternatives.  We can help protect our skin by following a daily regimen of washing, exfoliation and moisturizing accompanied by appropriate protection from the elements. Even during cold seasons or cloudy days, sun block should still be worn – it acts as a barrier between particles in the air and your pores.

Following these simple steps will help prevent premature wrinkling and possible skin cancers such as melanoma. The next things you can do is to use organic natural alternatives on your face and skin.  Some very good alternatives include olive oil, coconut oil, honey, lemon juice, lentils and oatmeal.  Protecting your skin in the early stages is the key.  Remember also to moisturize your skin daily after properly cleaning and exfoliating.

Home Remedies That Work

Honey and olive oil: Using raw honey works the best and always use cold pressed extra virgin olive oil.  Mix the two together and dab with a cotton ball on the corners of your mouth.  Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes and then wash off with a cotton wash cloth.

Coconut Oil: Use the coconut oil the same as the honey and olive oil mixture, but with the coconut oil, do not wash off.  Let it soak into your skin overnight to rejuvenate the skin.

Vitamin B Supplements: Poke a hole in the capsule containing the oils of vitamin B and rub on the wrinkles at the corners of your mouth.

Rice & Rosewater:  Rice and rosewater paste is great to help rejuvenate the skin temporarily. If used as part of a skin care regimen, the effects may seem permanent, but will gradually fade if the treatment is stopped. It requires only three ingredients and perhaps a half an hour of your day to use rice and rosewater paste. This should be made immediately before use in order to yield the best results.

Mix together one cup of rice powder. Add equal parts milk and rosewater, but only enough to create a thick paste. Mix it together until it is textured just a bit thicker than smooth peanut butter, and then apply to any visible wrinkles. Let the paste sit for about twenty minutes, or until it begins to dry out and cake. Splash cold water over the paste, rinse it off and then wash your face with a gentle soap and warm water. The skin will appear taut, with wrinkles having dissipated considerably.

These home remedies will help prevent wrinkles and to diminish the fine laugh lines around your mouth for most.  Although, no remedy is good for everyone, it is good to try them before you consider going under the knife and having invasive cosmetic surgery. If you are looking for longer lasting results you should consider the natural facelift system.

The search for the fountain of youth can be traced from the 3rd century with Alexander Romance to modern times with the mystical and very handsome David Copperfield.  David Copperfield in 2006 bought a group of islands off the Bahamas claiming they held the fountain of youth.  He paid 50 million for his islands.  He stated, “the waters had magical, life altering healing powers” Now is this David the magician and illusionist or is this David the businessman?

There are so many ads that promise us eternal beauty from creams and lotions to ultrasound facials.  As the world becomes so consumed with beauty, we must step back and ask our self if we are truly taking care of our self or are we simply opting to go the surgery route.  Plastic surgery is in demand and increasingly rising.  In 2008 it was reported that there were over 10.2 million people who had cosmetic procedures done, both natural and surgical.  Is this the new rave or just pure insanity? Many may go to these lengths to correct some of these common problems and a few are listed here:

Crow’s feet One of the first signs of aging, especially for women, is often crow’s feet, which are three little lines that find homes at the outer corners of the eyes. Crow’s feet are a common result of sun damage, squinting and exposure. Crow’s feet are often treated with collagen, Restylane and Botox injections, but there are also many topical creams available on the retail market as well.

Prevention is worth its weight in gold, so make sure not to squint. Try wearing a large brim hat and dark sunglasses.  If you must be in the sun, wear a good sun screen also.  A diet rich in berries is suggested and the consumption of flax seed oil added daily.

Wrinkles around the mouth and nose are another common sign of aging and one that can be alleviated early on in life by smiling more.   Frowning will put on more wrinkles than a nice sweet smile.  Avoid such things as alcohol, smoking and drug abuse and switch to a diet rich in antioxidants.  drink lots of water and keep your skin as hydrated as possible.
By properly protecting your skin with sun screen and avoiding the hottest times of the day (10 am to 2 pm), there is a chance of avoiding many wrinkles on the face, mouth and nose.

Loose, sagging skin around the jaw line and neck Collagen is what keeps our skin tight and plump, essentially keeping everything where it should be. As we age, collagen production is slowed down and our skin begins to lose elasticity. This brings about a sagging, loose appearance as gravity takes effect. The loose skin collects around the jaw line and into the neck, often causing the “turkey gobbler” appearance. This can be rectified with surgical measures or other alternatives such as the Natural Face Lift System.

There are many, many signs of aging, but what shows most prominently is wrinkles and sagging skin. As we age, the simple fear of not getting old will set in, but aging is part of the life process and we will all face it one day.  Aging gracefully is the key and prevention is imperative.  With the help of over the counter lotions, diet, exercise, facials and liposuction, the fountain of youth could be closer than anyone of us imagined.

Mini Facials:

A mini facial is the most inexpensive type to request.  With this facial you will probably receive exfoliation, cleansing, face mask and some pressure point massage therapy.  This type of facial may be done at home also using some home made natural facelift solutions.  Spas will generally use prepackaged solutions known to give immediate results.

Some of the favorite homemade facials would include aloe vera, oatmeal, honey, olive oil and selected herbs.  A very cheap exfoliating mixture is 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil mixed together.  Rub this mixture over your face and then rinse with cold water.

A very cheap facial is with honey and the juice of a lemon.  Combine the two together and massage over the face.  Leave on the face for 1/2 hour and then rinse with warm water and pat dry with a soft cotton cloth.

Luxury and Prescription Facials:

These facials will be more involved and tailored to your skin tone and needs.  This of course cost more and will last longer.  It is usually necessary to have a before consultation with your salon to know exactly which treatment is necessary.  With all facials, it is recommended to have an allergy test done prior to avoid any complications later.  Needless to say some products may cause allergic reactions on some individuals.

After the Facial Treatments and Precautions:

After the facial, wait at least 24 hours before applying any makeup and lying in the sun.  There have been a few instances of reactions with certain ingredients in the facial used.  Although these facials use mostly natural ingredients, they may react with the combination of makeup, creams, moisturizers and toners.

Note: Facials are a preventative measure for the prevention of wrinkles and the signs of aging down the road.  Facials cannot remove the damage to the skin already created but can improve, tone and rejuvenate your skin to a younger looking you.

When looking at the many alternatives, it is good to be aware of possible harm, danger and possible even death if the procedures are done incorrectly.  It is good to research the latest fads going on and just see how wonderful they really are. There are many alternatives today including Thermage, Thread-lift, acupuncture, creams, lotions, exercises, treatments and more.  The first rule in any search for knowledge is lots and lots of knowledge.

Thermage: According to many ads, Thermage will save you lots of money, help you to avoid a hospital stay and reduce the recovery time.  Ah, but what about the horrible pain.  This is what many have forgotten to tell you about.  According to ageless-beauty.com, “In the wrong hands, Thermage can be dangerous. If you don’t do your homework, you stand a small chance of undergoing a procedure to improve your confidence and self esteem, but ending up looking older or, worse yet, deformed and in long-lasting pain.”  For most, Thermage is not an option at all, and would not be considered as an effective anti-aging remedy.

Thread lifts Thread lifts are another common plastic surgery alternative, though they should probably be classified as surgery. After all, a surgeon must pass a barbed needle under the skin in order to complete the treatment. While it is not as difficult as a facelift, it still has many side effects and dangers.  Some of the dangers include: scarring, swelling, inflammation, infection and possible visible sutures if the patient has thin skin.  They are given local anesthesia and have to endure the pain of having a barbed needle placed in their face.  The worst part is that this alternative does not last.  It is merely temporary and must be repeated again every few years.

Many creams and lotions can cause allergic reactions to the sensitive skin of the face and neck areas. It is important to talk with a doctor, pharmacist, dermatologist, or other healthcare professional before you use any, especially if you are taking any medications or have known allergy problems, particularly those to medications.

Acupuncture: Although the Chinese have used acupuncture for thousands of years, it is no where close to being a safe and effective alternative for a facelift.  It can be both painful and expensive.  The main dangers with acupuncture are that the art is not regulated and any “Tom, Dick or Harry” can administer acupuncture without a license or even a clinic.

As you can see, simple is not always better, but these solutions are likely a better alternative to plastic surgery than a risk to your body. Overall, many doctors would recommend them highly over liposuction, and they will normally cost much less without a recovery period as well.

When looking for the best old fashioned kitchen facial treatments, remember how our grandmothers treated their silky smooth skins.  They were healthy and they were young looking.  Money was short then so they relied on things in their kitchen cabinets and they would have never ever contemplated the thought of using painful botox injections.

Olive Oil and Sugar For Cleaning
To clean your skin, mix in one teaspoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil.  Mix well.  Moisten your face first and take the sugar granules and scrub your face and neck all over.  Rinse your face with cold water using a cotton wash cloth and then pat dry.  This will brighten your face and make you feel and look younger.

Honey and lemon Facial

Mix a few tablespoons of honey and the juice of a half lemon.  Apply this liberally to your face and lie down and make sure your pillow is covered with a towel to catch any extra residue from the solution.  Allow the honey to stay on your face for 30 minutes and then rinse with cold water.

Olive Oil and Apple Cider

Blend a teaspoon of olive oil with a teaspoon of apple cider and let sit on your face for about 10-15 minutes. Shower immediately, being sure to rinse the face completely clean. While some say the mixture can stay on overnight, this can cause very greasy or oily skin, and the olive oil that gets in your hair can be a pain to rinse out.

The Healthiest Facial

Finally, blend together chamomile tea, honey, oatmeal, plain yogurt, sunflower seed oil, water, and pureed strawberries (if you do not want to use water, wheat germ oil also works). Apply the mixture to your face and then your face with cool water to avoid drying the skin.

Men as well as women are searching for the best protocol to achieve younger, smoother, and healthier looking skin without resorting to a facelift.  Choosing which protocol could be difficult and time consuming.  Trying to figure out which website to follow and just who is telling the truth.  Always follow a known professional with years of experience with licensed staff on board.  Double check any information that they give you with your doctor for accuracy.  Never consider a facelift with these great facelift alternatives as well as other natural facelift alternatives available to you.

A face life with threads, for example, often involves requires down time as well as adherence to a soft diet for about 7 days. The typical recovery time involves avoiding strenuous activity for 24 hours and then resuming regular activity after about 7 days. One risk of the face lift with threads is that you actually may not even see results. The procedure is also carries other risks. If you feel the face lift with threads procedure is not right for you, then you may want to consider one of the non surgical facelifts listed below.

Thermage®

This is one of the most popular facelift without surgery. It can be incredibly effective and is very non-invasive. This natural facelift is used by both dermatologists and plastic surgeons. This non surgical face lift utilizes heat to promote collagen growth in problem areas of the face. Thermage rejuvenates the facial area and is a popular anti-aging procedure used by both men and women.
Laser Face Lift

This natural facelift procedure does not use anaesthesia and this procedure does not involve cutting or incisions. During a laser face lift, a doctor uses laser technology to tighten skin and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Minor discomfort or discoloration may appear after the procedure, but usually subsides within a week or two. These two methods, Thermage® and Laser Face Lift, are both excellent methods of natural face lifts. You can consult with your dermatologist for more information and choose a natural facelift procedure that will best work for you.

When undergoing a face lift without surgery, such as the Thermage technique, you may experience mild discomfort and redness can occur. The side effects are temporary and usually do not last long. Thermage is a natural facelift that is much less expensive than facelifts, costing usually around $2,000. A facelift ranges in price and could cost anywhere from $6,000 to $25,000. A face lift also means the patient has to undergo anaesthesia, which means there are some risks involved.

Besides a face lift or a crf face lift, another option is a life lift face lift. This is method is considered to be a “mini face lift,” though it is not one of the non surgical face lifts. It is less invasive than the more traditional face lift procedures. A lifestylelift removes fat and removes wrinkles and fine lines. The recovery time is also shorter than a regular face lift. A lifestyle lift is performed while the patient is under anaesthesia. But, what is gaining popularity are the natural face lifts, specifically non-surgical facelifts, like Thermage. The basic information you will find is that face lifts are intense procedures and it may be better to opt for a natural face lift rather than a face lift with threads. Many people receive satisfactory results from natural facelifts, while spending less money and time.

Getting rid of crows’ feet does not have to mean trip to the operating room and a long recovery time. Moisturize the area frequently in order to keep crows’ feet from appearing in the first place, or to at least prolong the inevitable. Let’s face facts, we all age, and aging takes a toll on our bodies. When we spend the majority of our time outdoors, these signs of aging become more apparent much earlier in life (around the 30-year mark instead of closer to 40). Make sure to use a cream that offers glycolic acid, which encourages the growth of skin cells that are fresh and new, replacing wrinkles.

This video will show you some of the hazards that are common when you try to get rid of crow’s feet through the use of plastic surgery:

Another way to is by using sunscreen. The sun is the biggest contributing factor to this sign of aging, and protecting your sensitive skin can be a great way to make use of proactive remedies. Reapply the sunscreen as needed, and wear a hat or sunglasses to further protect your face.

There are some other very effective home remedies for getting rid of crows’ feet once they have begun to appear. They include, but are not limited to:

The Citrus Remedy. Blend a teaspoon of lemon juice with a tablespoon of orange extract. Apply this mixture directly to the crows’ feet, and leave this on the skin for 10 minutes. This method offers very fast results.

An Oily Approach. Oil is a natural lubricant, and works great for this application. Blend a tablespoon of castor oil with an equal amount of sesame oil. Apply to your whole face. Leave the mixture on your face overnight, and rinse well with warm soapy water in the morning.

Avocado and Almonds--A Cure for Crows' Feet

The A’s Have It. Finally, one of the most popular at-home wrinkle remedies involves avocado and almond. Blend three teaspoons of sweet almond with a whole avocado. Dab the mixture on the fine lines and leave on for about fifteen minutes. This works great for fine lines all over the face.

It is not a must to opt for expensive and dangerous facelifts for crows feet when there are so many at-home remedies that work just as well for a fraction of the price and virtually no downtime at all. With no recovery needed, they are definitely an excellent alternative to going under the knife!