Beauty More Than Skin Deep

John Tsagaris is a doctor of Chinese Medicine at the Life Works integrated health clinic. He has taken an innovative approach to skin ageing, creating a holistic treatment that promises to restore smoothness and glow to the skin, so that it looks younger, but also will realign the body's entire energy flow.

His new beauty acupuncture treatment is an effective anti-ageing alternative for people who want a more natural approach than Botox, dermal filler injections, microdermabrasion or going ‘under the knife’. The bonus of John's new facial acupuncture treatment is that although benefits are instantly visible, results are achieved by stimulating the body and its vital organs to work in harmony. This whole body facial treatment strengthens overall wellbeing.

Each session is individual and whilst other beauty acupuncture treatments can be ideal for a fast ‘skin boost’ before a special occasion, John's approach is more medically-based and requires a commitment on behalf of the patient to the treatment. The lasting benefits of this cosmetic acupuncture can be achieved with a series of consecutive, weekly treatments: according to a recent US survey of 775 patients, 86% noted dramatic improvement in skin tone, colour and texture. By stimulating the body's own ability to regenerate and rebalance, cosmetic acupuncture works at a deeper level than Botox or surgical procedures.

Traditional Chinese Medicine helps to delay an individual's ageing process from within. John describes the skin as a mirror of our inner health, and skin problems such as puffiness, breakouts, dullness or redness all indicate that the body's vital energy, or Qi, isn't flowing efficiently. Premature ageing, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, can be the outward manifestation of stress, depression, nutritional deficiencies, and lack of physical fitness or hormone fluctuations. By freeing up the flow of the body's Qi, Acupuncture rebalances the body's organs and the immune and nervous systems, stabilising mood swings and relieving stress. Mind and body work in harmony once again and the results show - on the face.

Beauty or cosmetic acupuncture might sound painful and it can be for people who tend to be more sensitive. “All you should feel is a very slight needle-prick sensation, followed by a progressive warm feeling as the energy starts to flow,” explains John. To enhance the effect of the Acupuncture, gentle electro-stimulation is also used to reprogramme the skin's ageing process so that cell replacement, barrier function, collagen and vitamin D production are all improved. Acupuncture has been shown to increase collagen production, helping to maintain skin elasticity. The treatment also helps to regulate the skin's temperature and the production of sweat and sebum.

The Acupuncture element of the treatment is enhanced by electro-stimulation of specific acupuncture points, followed by a highly skilful, application of firm Acupressure. As a result, skin will be more naturally moisturised and oxygenated, through the enhanced flow of blood, lymph and nutrients. Fine lines can be eliminated entirely, while deeper grooves are softened – and through improved muscle tone, sagginess around the jowls and chin will be minimised. Puffiness and dark circles around the eyes are hugely improved. Any localised redness on the face, at the needle points, will fade shortly after the treatment.

To contact John Tsagaris see his listing here. For others who offer cosmetic acupuncture click here.