April 27, 2018
Self-Care | 7 Ways Acupuncture Improves Your Skin
Writen by Naomi Whittel |
Published on: April 27, 2018
If you have been following my work and have read my new bestselling book, Glow15 then you already know about the stress associated with fasting and exercise to induce autophagy – but, here’s one more reason stress doesn’t have to stink. Therapeutic mechanical stress causing minor trauma to cells in skin and muscles may elevate autophagy and execute repair. That means manipulating your skin through therapies like acupuncture can stimulate your cellular clean-up crew to help you look and feel younger. What a perfect excuse for a little YOU time!
If you haven’t experienced acupuncture for its many health benefits, you may be interested in learning how it can improve the quality and health of your skin and improve skin conditions. This holistic health modality has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is used as a technique to balance and modify the flow of energy, or chi (also spelled qi) in the body using small needles that hardly pierce the skin. It is based on the understanding that living beings have “life force energy,” or chi that circulates in specific channels or meridians throughout the body. Each meridian corresponds to different organ systems. By stimulating specific points along the meridian lines with the small needles, the flow of chi can be restored to the whole system, imbalances can be healed, and seemingly unrelated symptoms resolved.
Much of the research on the effectiveness of acupuncture has focused on its pain-relieving effects. Due to its role in restoring balance to the body’s energy system, acupuncture’s benefits have been used to treat a wide variety of conditions: asthma and allergies, digestive complaints, addictions, emotional and mood disorders like anxiety and depression, to gynecological conditions and fertility. Benefits from acupuncture include relaxation, relief from fatigue and to promote an overall sense of well-being.
Manipulating your skin – through therapies like acupuncture – can stimulate your cellular clean-up crew to help you look and feel younger.
How Does Acupuncture Improve Your Skin’s Appearance?
In traditional Chinese medicine, different parts of the face represent various organs in the body. The face is seen as a map that depicts the health (or disease) of a person’s internal organs. As the health of the organs is strengthened and balanced, the improvements are reflected in not only how the recipient feels, but how they look.
Here are seven ways that acupuncture can help restore balance and health to your skin and appearance, helping you to glow from the inside out!
Love Your Liver- In Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of chi throughout the body, making it a key organ in addressing any imbalance. When the liver is nourished and healthy, there is ample blood and nutrients flowing to the surface of the skin, helping to improve your health and appearance.
At the Root is Digestion- Acupuncture is effective for addressing imbalances in the digestive system. The foundation of your health is determined by the strength of your digestion. When you have a robust digestive system, the nutrients are broken down and absorbed properly, delivering nutrition to all the organs and tissues of your body, skin included.
Ahhh…Relaxation- A wonderful way to decrease stress and help you relax, acupuncture helps the body and mind to calm down, leading to a more peaceful and calm presence. And who doesn’t look better when they are relaxed?
Acupuncture and Autophagy- A 2016 Scientific Reports study revealed that stimulation of a certain acupuncture point promoted autophagy and the clearing of a specific brain protein in mice closely related to Parkinson’s Disease. While the biological mechanism of acupuncture remains largely elusive from a western medical perspective, this study sheds light on the possible connections between acupuncture and autophagy.
Improves Circulation- In addition to promoting better flow of chi in the body, acupuncture also works to enhance circulation by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow. When a healthy supply of nutrients and blood flow are nourishing the skin, you’ll notice it as a beautiful and radiant complexion.
Calms down the Inflammation- Whether you have inflammation on the inside, or it’s expressed on the outside through skin disorders like acne, eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis, acupuncture boosts endogenous endorphin production and works to harmonize the immune and endocrine systems, resulting in less inflammation and healthier skin. It works to regulate key hormones like cortisol which means a more youthful glow for you.
Cosmetic Acupuncture for a Natural Lift- Cosmetic or facial acupuncture aims to target and improve the appearance of your skin and face to address things like wrinkles, acne, and scarring by placing needles directly on the areas in need. Cosmetic acupuncture can restore youthfulness, muscle tone and encourage collagen production for a healthier and revitalized look.
If you’re curious about what acupuncture can do for you, I highly encourage you to follow your inspiration! This form of traditional Chinese Medicine works on deeper levels to bring about balance within your whole system while producing beneficial effects in how you look on the outside.
Look for a licensed practitioner in your state (regulations vary by state) who is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, or who is a qualified medical doctor who has passed a board examination allowing them to practice acupuncture.
To Maintaining Your Glow,
