Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) treatments didn’t start out being “cosmetic” but there were unintended outcomes (i.e., “cosmetic” results) of using certain points and techniques. For me, one of the most enjoyable parts of being a TCM practitioner is having the skills and knowledge to help people maintain their youthful appearance without creating any dangerous or potentially damaging side effects. With the use of needling (acupuncture, even shallow needling), herbs, Qigong, and nutritional advice – all basic therapies included in the system of TCM – TCM practitioners can stave off the outward signs of aging. Everything needed is right in the bag of TCM tools. No fancy equipment or “treatments” are needed that our out of their scope of practice. TCM practitioners have the opportunity to use ancient medical practices for more modern purposes.
One of the most important aspects of using TCM for “cosmetic” results is that TCM treats the causes of aging, not just the results of it. This is a huge advantage that TCM has over the practices of many of the modern day cosmetic procedures. One of my favorite things to say about cosmetic acupuncture is that “it is the only cosmetic procedure that actually improves the health of the person while also giving cosmetic results”. So let’s not lose sight of the fact that acupuncture and Chinese medicine focuses on restoring and maintaining good health, even though that aspect of TCM happens to include cosmetic improvements. Think about the causes of aging and wrinkling from a TCM perspective: Spleen Qi Deficiency creates sinking; digestive problems lead to poor skin condition; lung issues prevent the lungs from properly controlling the skin; Blood Deficiency leads to poor circulation; and Yin Deficiency causes dry skin. These may all be addressed with treatments that reduce the outward appearance of aging – even to the point of making fine lines disappear. What could be better than improving your health at the same time as minimizing wrinkling and sagging?
The main goal of TCM is prevention. Prevention includes everything from preventing disease to preventing what some people call the “ravages of aging” … in other words, wrinkles, lines, and sagging. Many people maintain a youthful appearance through the use of TCM treatments. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can create a vibrancy and healthfulness inside that is reflected on the outside.
The results of any acupuncture or herbal treatment can be from subtle to dramatic depending upon the state of the patient’s general health and the skills or perspective of the practitioner.
To find an acupuncture and TCM practitioner near you with expertise in cosmetic treatments go to www.Acufinder.com.
About the Author:
Dr. Lucas holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, is nationally certified in Acupuncture, and licensed by Colorado to practice Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition to her formal training at The Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, she considers herself blessed to have been mentored in Pulse Diagnosis by the late Jim Ramholz, O.M.D. and bases her treatments on knowledge gained while working with Jim. Additionally Dr. Lucas had internships in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs with Timothy McGee, L.Ac. and QiGong Medical Massage with Master/Dr. Zhengao Yao.
Lucas has more than 20 years of teaching experience including at the University Graduate School level. She has been described as “a dynamic speaker who keeps her classes engaged and who can explain complex information in an understandable form.”
