• Tightens the skin, pores and brightens the eyes.
• Increases collagen production.
  
• Moisturizes the skin with increases local circulation of blood and lymph to the face.
• Reduces facial puffiness and swelling through improving blood circulation.
• Firms the skin around jaws and double chin areas through moving the Qi (energy) to nourish face and jaws.
• Minimizes bags under the eyes through reducing edema.
• Helps to minimize fine lines and deeper wrinkles around the eyes and the face.
• Moves qi and blood to reduce dark rings around eyes.
  
• Reduces acne, dry skin, and other skin problems such as eczema, chloasma.
  
  We recommend an initial series of 10 weekly or biweekly treatments. There are apparent results after just a few treatments. Once the full series is complete, most people have tight, firm and shinny facial skin. Eyes will be more vivid. You will be more relaxed and calm, so that new wrinkles are less likely to occurr. Maintenance treatments can be scheduled monthly or seasonally.
  
  We will use micro-current e-stim acupuncture, acupressure massage, and a special masque prescribed for your individual skin. Many people see some positive change after their first treatment. The effects of treatments are cumulative, and results are more dramatic and lasting after ten treatments.

Bell's palsy or idiopathic facial palsy is the most common disorder affecting the facial nerves and results in weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. The condition may cause considerable emotional distress because of its characteristic appearance drooping appearance around the eye and mouth thus adversely effecting self-esteem and life experience. It is thought to be caused by inflammation of the facial nerve. It is thought that the inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve may be caused by combined vascular, infectious and immunological reaction.

In China, Bell’s palsy is called Zhong Feng which literally translates to “Wind Attack.” It is believed that Bell’s palsy is caused when Wind and Cold invade the meridians, muscles and tendons of the face.The normal flow of Qi and Blood is disrupted in the face resulting in malnourishment of the facial muscles and tendons. 'Qi' refers to the vital substances comprising the human body and the physiological functions of viscera and bowels, channels and collaterals. It maintains life activities and reflects the resistance of the human body. Deficiency of 'qi' allows the invasion of exogenous pathogenic wind. Peripheral nervous disorders are often treated with acupuncture.

In Chinese medicine symptoms of Qi and Blood deficiency include muscle weakness or paralysis, numbness and tingling; these corresponding to the symptoms produced by irritation of the 7th cranial (facial) nerve.

The goal of treatment is to expel the Wind-Cold from the meridians, improve the circulation of Qi and Blood to nourish the muscles and restore nerve and muscle function. As muscle contraction improves, the treatment also aims to enhance the body’s defenses strengthening the individuals’ immune system.

Initially treatment focuses on using acupuncture points on the face and back of the head to expel the Wind and Cold. The acupuncture points that are selected on the face correspond anatomically to the paralyzed facial muscles. Depending on the individuals history a few additional points may be used.

Additional treatment options include electroacupuncture and cupping. Electroacupuncture involves stimulating several needles to enhance the effect of acupuncture; this is typically used in more chronic or severe cases. Cupping is frequently used an adjunct to acupuncture. Please see the “Accessory-Techniques” section of the web site for a description of cupping.

For example, good effects for Bell's palsy have been reported in randomized controlled trials: Lin, L. Through puncture compared with traditional acupuncture in treating facial paralysis. International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, 1997, 8(1):73-75 and You, F.Y. et al. Observation of the effect of picking-out acupuncture in the treatment of Bell's palsy. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 1993, 12(2):74 [in Chinese].

The Ramsey-Hunt Syndrome that is defined as an invasion of the 8th cranial (facial) nerve by the herpes zoster virus, producing severe ear pain, hearing loss, vertigo and paralysis of the facial nerve. In the Ramsey-Hunt Syndrome, vesicles can be seen in the external auditory canal along the distribution of the sensory branch of the facial nerve. Other cranial nerves can be involved and meningeal inflammation can be common. Lymphocytes might be in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and its protein content increased. Hearing might be lost permanently or partially/completely recovered. Vertigo can last for days to several weeks. Facial paralysis might be transient or lasting.

The patient may also have additional complaints of exhaustion, vertigo, headache and neuralgia resulting from the Ramsey-Hunt syndrome.