Facial Acupuncture

Lana's Interview with Jennifer Chalmers Facial/Cosmetic Acupuncturist

I recently read a newspaper article in the Sydney Morning Herald, Women Pin Hopes on Needles by writer Carolyn Marcus. I was intrigued by this article as I have already experienced successful acupuncture treatments for varying health issues over the last 10 years. Like many of us, I am always on the look out for a way to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles in a natural, less invasive way.

Without delay I contacted Sydney-based Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and acupuncturist, Jennifer Chalmers and booked an appointment.

Jennifer and her receptionist greeted me on arrival at the Phoenix Holistic Centre in Woollahra and offered me a cup of calming herbal tea.

On my first visit, lasting around 60 minutes, Jennifer explained that acupuncture works on the theory that we all have an invisible life force known as 'chi' flowing through what are called 'meridian lines' (like 'energy veins') in our body. If and when this chi gets stuck – as a result of the demands of 20th century life – blockages which may lead to illness can occur.

In the case of cosmetic acupuncture, lines on the face are said to represent stuck chi. For example, deep 'smile lines' running from the nose towards the mouth, are said to represent blocked or stuck chi in the stomach.

In a cosmetic acupuncture session, fine needles are inserted very superficially into facial lines. There's almost no pain, but as the needles hit the meridian lines, stuck chi is dispersed.

"Puncturing or pressurising these points improves the blood supply and promotes better movement of hormones and nutrients and boosts collagen production," says Jennifer. "People who have quite deep lines will get incredible results within five to 10 sessions. Facial acupuncture works particularly well because many of the meridians either start or finish in the face, and are quite close to the surface, so they are very accessible."

During my first visit, I filled out the required comprehensive health and life style questionnaire and Jennifer explained how health conditions and lifestyle choices can relate to lines on the face. Jennifer also explained that the results are not as dramatic as Botox or a face lift but are far less invasive or toxic.

Jennifer has a friendly manner and seems genuinely interested in me. She tells me, on a later occasion, that she enjoys interacting with people and takes a great interest in her patients and enjoys listening to “their stories”. She also explained that she likes to be able to offer people alternatives so that they can make choices about their health and future.

Needle time! I lay comfortably on the massage table where 8 needles were gently inserted in various sites on my face. I only experienced a slight twinge in the sensitive areas on either side of my upper lip (Jennifer explained this area was most sensitive).

With each successive session - which takes only half an hour, I feel more and more relaxed, even to the point of dozing off. The side benefit of this treatment is, that as well as treating fine lines and wrinkles, I feel totally relaxed, a sense of well being rushes over me.

When Jennifer arrives back in the room to remove the needles, I’m thinking to myself, “just another 30 minutes - please”.

I was intrigued by what attracted people to work in the natural therapy field and asked Jennifer what was her impetus or motivation for seeking this career. She explained that she has worked as a Herbalist and Acupuncturist for 20 years and she has always enjoyed meeting people and being able to offer them safe, natural and effective treatments for a wide range of problems. She said, “I know the treatments work, that’s why I’m still here after 20 years.”

I thought you might like to learn more about this treatment as I know I do - so I asked Jennifer the following questions;

Lana: What training or qualifications are required to become a practisoner?

Jennifer: That depends on the particular modality being practiced. Private colleges and universities conduct a wide range of courses – in herbal medicine and acupuncture they are 3-5 years in training Membership of a society is essential for government and health fund acceptance.

Lana: How does facial acupuncture work?

Jennifer: Facial/cosmetic acupuncture as a safe and non-surgical method of reducing signs of aging. It rejuvenates and revitalizes the appearance of the skin helping the face look younger, healthier and more radiant. Facial acupuncture stimulates both qi (energy) and blood flow to the face, moisturising and increasing collagen production, improving the overall health of the skin.

Lana: Who can benefit from facial/cosmetic acupuncture?

Jennifer: Anyone can benefit – because facial acupuncture improves collagen production and overall benefits the skin – particularly women over 50 years (approximately), or even men for that matter!

Lana: What visible results can a client can expect?

Jennifer: Softening of fine lines. General healthy glow to the skin. Improved skin tone and moisture.

Lana: What other treatments do you offer that may benefit aging woman (women over 50)?

Jennifer: General acupuncture for a variety of conditions such as anxiety, depression, headaches/migraines, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances.
Herbal medicine is particularly useful to treat menopause symptoms in a safe, natural alternative to HRT. Dietary and lifestyle advice for menopausal woman.

Jennifer’s words of wisdom for us wise women:

Be kind to yourself – because nature won’t be!

Lana’s verdict after six sessions of facial/cosmetic acupuncture:

I feel that my face has taken on a softer and fresher appearance. I recommend this treatment to anyone wanting a non toxic, non surgical approach to improving the appearance of their skin and to help combat signs of aging.

Contact Jennifer Chalmers - Phoenix Holistic Centre, 31 Rowe Street Woollahra NSW 2025. Phone (02) 9386 1225. Email phoenixholistic@bigpond.com