Posts Tagged ‘proper nutrition’

Aesthetic acupuncture is the use of acupuncture and electric stimulation to reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity of the face and neck. The needles are placed along the wrinkles and then small cables are attached to some of those needles. Very low levels of electricity flow through the needles and into the skin for 15 to 20 minutes. There is a slight vibration, which is nearly painless. Some describe it as a ‘rain patter’ or light drumming on the skin.

As we age, we lose collagen, the substance that keeps our skin looking plump and dewy.  Electric stimulation and acupuncture work in conjunction to stimulate the skin’s collagen, actually causing it to enlarge.  This new, fuller collagen then fills the crevices and creates a lifting affect on the skin.

The number of treatments and the end result depend on several factors. The overall condition of your health is most important. It may be necessary to strengthen your body before using aesthetic acupuncture for optimal results. If you’re weakened or depleted, your skin may only slightly respond – or not at all.  Chinese herbs would be prescribed to help strengthen the body.

Another factor that affects aesthetic acupuncture is the skin tone that’s being treated.  People with darker complexions tend to respond more quickly to treatment than those who are pale.  A good result is also dependent upon the condition of the skin.  If the skin is damaged by sun, lifestyle, or genetics, the result might not be as great as that in healthier skin.

The recommended number of treatments is two times per week for a total of eight weeks. “Touch-ups” will be required every three to six months.  The initial visit includes a complete consultation as well as the first treatment, taking approximately one to one-and-a half hours. Each subsequent treatment will be around 30 minutes.

There is no guarantee that everyone will see significant changes. The above-mentioned conditions are very important.  Following post treatment instructions is also necessary. It is important to drink plenty of water, avoid coffee, alcohol, and cigarettes. It is less invasive than surgery and you can keep the extra dollars in your pocket.

Feeling stressed out lately? The holidays got you down? You might want to think about adding some vitamins and improving your diet. Some of you reading this might be thinking “I can just take a pill for my problems.” I hear a lot of my patients think that taking medication long term is completely safe.

Well guess again.

Side effects of anti depressants may include: abnormal dreams, impaired vision, anxiety, chest pain, chills, confusion, diarrhea, diminished sex drive, dizziness, dry mouth, gas, headache, hives, impotence, insomnia, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, seizures, fatigue, sore throat, sweating, vomiting, & muscle weakness

Simple ways to help cope

Chromium (broccoli, grapes, oranges, grains) Lessens depression, particularly in people who are also craving sugar. Chromium is a blood sugar stabilizer for all you sugar addicts out there. Take 300 mcg of chromium per day.

Folic acid (brown, red & wild rice, beans, oranges, dark greens) and B12 (sea vegetables, Brewer’s yeast, miso, fortified foods, salmon, eggs, milk) People with B deficiencies are more likely to have severe depression. Take 800 mcg of folic acid and 1 mg of B12 per day.

Magnesium (wheat and oat bran, brown rice, nuts, molasses) Supports brain function and helpful for mood disorders, including PMS and bipolar disorder. Take 300 mg of magnesium per day.

Omega-3 fatty acids (walnuts, flaxseed oil, hemp seeds, borage oil, primrose oil, oily fish,) Build healthy brain cell membranes and help facilitate neuron-to-neuron communication. Take a supplement that includes a total of 650 mg EPA and DHA daily.

Zinc (beans, nuts, oatmeal) Helps metabolize omega-3 fatty acids in the brain. Low zinc levels are often found in those suffering from postpartum depression. Take 25 mg zinc per day.

So, if you’re having a hard time, please use the above information to at least get started. I hope this information helps lift your spirits!

Live natural. Live well.

Heather