Erase wrinkles with Botox-free acupuncture

Erase wrinkles with Botox-free acupuncture

There are two simple ways to erase wrinkles between the eyebrows and laugh lines around the eyes: 1) Allow a doctor to use a needle to inject Botox, or 2) Allow an acupuncturist to use needles – no Botox required.

According to an FDA fact sheet, Botox injections may prompt side effects such as droopy eyelids, headache, upset stomach, feeling like you have the flu, and a risk of botulism (which is low “if used the right way”).

Thanks for that big “if,” FDA!

But Canadian acupuncturist Shali Rassouli says you can avoid all those risks and get the same results with cosmetic acupuncture.

Rassouli explained to Reuters news service that the technique tightens the skin by stimulating collagen production and increasing circulation. And as an added bonus, when the acupuncture points on the face are needled, other parts of the body (such as the kidneys) may benefit as well.

But does it work? It does, according to a 1996 study in which 300 subjects were treated with cosmetic acupuncture. The study found the technique to be 90 percent effective.

It may be difficult to locate a cosmetic acupuncturist, but Rassouli has trained more than 500 Canadian, Australian, and U.S. practitioners over the past eight years. So if you’d like to try this Botox-free needling, your best bet is to inquire with a local acupuncturist.

Source:
“Forget the Botox, Try Acupuncture” Claire Sibonney, Reuters, 7/18/08, reuters.com