Lately I’ve been thinking about the concept of aging and the bags under my eyes that increasingly become darker every day. Apart from this minor detail, I actually look pretty young for my age (most people think I’m 18-21 and I’m 30 now) so I don’t have the major qualms most people have as they approach another year around the sun. But who am I too judge if you participate in practices that will slow down premature aging, after all it’s a personal choice.

For those interested in a more holistic approach to wrinkles, creases, and other signs of aging, acupuncture might be your next best secret weapon.

What is acupuncture?

The traditional Chinese medicine of acupuncture is a treatment known to increase the circulation of chi — the energy that flows through the body. Many view acupuncture as a total approach to health and wellness.

Experts state that excess stress, tension and squinting can cause the skin cells to squeeze and form wrinkles. This could cause an interruption in your energy flow creating impaired functions of the organs, the skin being one of them. Acupuncture is used to help stimulate the chi and bring energy back into your face. As a result, your wrinkles, lines and other marks become less visible.

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

By boosting the circulation through acupuncture, you are creating less inflammation and the facial muscles will begin to pull and create potential for restructure. Not only are you treating the flow of energy to heal fine lines and wrinkles but your body will also regulate and boost the blow and total energy flow in your body.

To see results, most experts recommend 10 sessions.

What happens in the appointment?

When you go in for your appointment, the acupuncturist’s aim is to get an overall sense of your wellness. They will look at your diet, stress, hydration and discuss how the body supports you.

After that, they will then use a face map to see what part of your body experiences ailment. Then they look at wrinkles, hydration, dullness, darkness and tightness. Once this is discussed and analyzed, the hour-long treatment will begin.

It starts with a natural skincare product followed by gua sha and a facial massage. Then comes the needles, which will be placed in your face for 20 to 30 minutes. And don’t panic, you don’t have to keep still or fear that the needles will fall out. Most patients find the process quite relaxing and at times even drift into sleep. Once this is done, the acupuncturist will apply another layer of skin care and follow up with facial cupping to stimulate the skin and muscles.

Don’t be alarmed if you have slight bruising from the needle or facial cups, this will heal within a few days and more importantly, is totally normal.

Let us know about your own experiences and tips for premature aging prevention. In related wellness news, learn about how breathwork meditation can change your life.

Photo via Rose Wellness