Mei Zen means “beautiful person” and we all know that beauty comes from within.  Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture is a holistic, non-toxic and non-surgical cosmetic procedure.  It is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and techniques; therefore, it is good medicine from the inside-out. The Mei Zen system treats the whole person; it is a treatment that acts on the cause and the symptoms of aging using time-honored wisdom that has been practiced for thousands of years.

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A cupuncture is one aspect of a holistic health care system under the umbrella of Chinese medicine. It has been used for centuries to treat all sorts of ailments from allergies and insomnia to shingles. Acupuncture balances the entire body by regulating one’s flow of energy or qi so that the body can function more efficiently. Hair-thin, sterile needles are used to move and direct qi that might be causing blockages and disharmony.  Once the qi is flowing, the body is able to use that energy to heal. Before each treatment, a patient is assessed through traditional intake and evaluation to determine the individual’s disease pattern.  Based upon that pattern, acupuncture points are chosen to move the blockages and bring the patient back into balance.   

Mei Zen is a Traditional Chinese Medical acupuncture treatment with an additional facial protocol (a specific set of chosen acupuncture points). Patients are given a traditional acupuncture treatment using body points, and then the facial protocol is applied. The facial protocol is a very shallow needling into the dermis using special hand and face needles.  This shallow insertion naturally stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which are proteins that give structural support to our skin. Using traditional acupuncture points on the face also helps to improve the circulation of qi and blood, bringing more nutrients to the face and improving muscle tone. The overall effect is firmer-feeling skin and jaw line, diminishing of fine lines, fading blemishes and a more youthful glow with no recovery time.  

A complete Mei Zen cosmetic program is tailored to individual needs. It includes acupuncture treatments and herbal therapy to restore balance and overall health, as well as nutritional guidance to maximize and sustain results. Because of this comprehensive regime, benefits go far beyond restoring a youthful appearance.  Mei Zen patients often have reduced anxiety and depression, improved digestion, less night sweats and hot flashes and better sleep.

...it is good medicine from the inside-out

The Mei Zen system is recommended for those 30 and older.  The 30s are the prime time to focus on prevention, which is the heart of Chinese Medicine.  It is easier to prevent a wrinkle than to make one go away. Yet one is never too old to reap the benefits of Mei Zen. The deeper the lines the more dramatic the results may be. Mei Zen is not only for wrinkles and lines; this system can also help to improve acne, rosacea, oily or dry skin, saggy skin, thinning skin, age spots and those little hard spots on the face.

Of course, cosmetic acupuncture is not for everyone. A Mei Zen practitioner must carefully evaluate a client to determine its appropriateness and whether or not there are any underlying imbalances that must first be addressed. Pregnant women and those that suffer from serious chronic diseases, uncontrolled high blood pressure or seizure disorders, or have had a stroke, are not well-suited for the  Mei Zen procedure. Instead, they may find relief from these conditions in other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture protocols.

A typical Mei Zen program begins with a free consultation to discuss goals and determine the patient’s overall health. If the patient qualifies for treatment, a session is scheduled to include a complete health evaluation, diagnosis and overall body balancing treatment. Next a course of 10 one-and-a-half-hour, relaxing treatments that run twice a week for five weeks is scheduled for the Mei Zen protocol.  

Mei Zen is a subtle way to make change. The results are immediate and long lasting but not permanent. Most patients see and feel change after three to five treatments. After the initial set of 10 treatments maintenance is recommended monthly to bimonthly depending on one’s overall constitution.  The patient’s health and lifestyle also affect the longevity of the benefits.  

 

Nanie Carrillo is a licensed acupuncturist practicing Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture in Tucson. For a free consultation call Acupuncture del Soul at 520-979-7078 or email [email protected].

For more information visit Acupuncturedelsoul.com. Acupuncture del Soul is located at 330 E. 16th St., within Caritas Center for Healing. See ad on page 4.