Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a natural healing therapy in East Asian Medicine. “Gua” means to scrape and “Sha” refers to the change in color of the skin after the scraping. “Sha” also refers to negative energy or blocked energy in the body that is released with Gua Sha.
Gua Sha is done with a rounded edge tool that is traditionally made out of Jade. Other tools include a Chinese Soup spoon made out of ceramic or tools made out of Ox bone. To begin gua sha therapy, oil is rubbed into the area of the skin that is going to be treated and the practitioner then uses one of the instruments mentioned above to perform short, long, quick strokes in a downward motion on the body. This allows Qi and blood to flow to the affected area while decreasing inflammation and softening the tissue. Gua Sha stimulates the immune response in the body to bruising or broken blood vessels indicating to the body that it is time to start the healing process. Bruising, petechiae, and redness all can occur with Gua Sha, but any markings from the Gua Sha typically dissipate in 2-4 days.
Common areas of the body that receive Gua Sha are the back, neck, arms and legs. Another area that is becoming more popular is the face for facial rejuvenation. Light, long strokes are applied to the face with gentle scraping along the lines/wrinkles in the face to promote Qi and blood flow to those areas in order to reduce the lines/wrinkles in the face along with inflammation.
Patients tend to feel immediate relief with Gua Sha especially for pain, stiffness and muscle aches.
Conditions that are treated with Gua Sha include the following:
- Pain Acute or Chronic that includes: knee, back, neck, shoulder, elbow, and more.
- TMJ
- Bronchitis/Upper Respiratory Illness/Common Cold
- Fever
- Migraines
- Detoxification of the Body
- Acne, Rosacea, Wrinkles on the Face
- Perimenopause
(1. https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/press-releases/2015/05/05/science-gua-sha)
Contraindications to Gua Sha
- Injury to the skin such as sunburn, rashes, abrasions, bruising, ulceration, and lesions.
- Bleeding disorders such as leukemia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.
- Blood thinning medication such as Coumadin.
- Trauma to the body including acute injuries of the muscle, tendons and any bone fractures.
- Infectious skin diseases.
- Areas that have malignant tumors or masses.
- Severe acute cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases.
- On the lower abdomen in women that are pregnant or menstruating.
(http://www.guashaspace.com/guashaknowledge/gua-shaindications-and-contraindications/)
Is Gua Sha Painful?
Gua Sha is an East Asian Therapy within the scope of a licensed Acupuncturist, who are formally trained to administer this type of therapy. It should not be painful when correctly administered for about 10 minutes to a particular area of the body or until the Sha surfaces with petechiae. It is important to note that other practitioners such as physical therapists and massage therapists are now offering this service to their patients, but any professional offering this treatment should have a Gua Sha certification or be a licensed Acupuncturist.
Gua Sha Glow Facial
I start off by asking if there are any areas of the face you want me to focus on or any concerns you want me to address and then allow you to get comfortable on the table. Once you've settled in, I will use a Gua Sha tool and TOMA brand facial sculpting oil to do a relaxing and cooling facial massage. Afterwards, I'll apply a TOMA brand Replenishing Mist and place some eye covers on for you to relax under the LED light therapy.
Cupping
Cupping therapy is an ancient Chinese Medicine therapy in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced (either by heat or suction) in order to draw and hold skin and superficial muscles inside the cup. Cupping therapy is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available and it is frequently used after acupuncture, blood letting, or plum blossom treatment.
What are the advantages of Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy can affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing the tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, activate the skin, clear stretch marks, and improve the appearance of varicose veins.
It can also loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, and sedate the nervous system (which makes it an excellent treatment for high blood pressure).
This treatment is also valuable for the lungs, and can clear congestion from a common cold or help to control a person’s asthma.
How does Cupping Therapy work?
Glass cups are generally used for cupping therapy, although bamboo cups are also used and for facial cupping, silicone cups are used. Cups are generally left in place for ten minutes although the time can range from five to fifteen minutes. The skin will redden due to the congestion of blood flow. Cupping is applied to certain acupuncture points as well as to parts of the body that have been affected by pain, where the pain is deeper than the tissues to be pulled. Cupping therapy has greater emphasis on the back acupuncture due to the ease with which it can be performed on the back. Cupping therapy is based on the meridian theory of the body.
On one hand, cupping therapy removes any stagnation in the body and opens the meridians so that qi can flow freely. On the other, it also helps to rejuvenate certain meridians and organs that are not functioning at their best. From a scientific standpoint, cupping is known to help activate the lymphatic system, promote blood circulation, and is good for deep tissue repair.
What can Cupping Therapy treat?
Cupping is generally recommended for the treatment of:
- Back and neck Pains
- Stiff muscles
- Paralysis
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Lung diseases (especially chronic cough and asthma)
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Migraines
- Rheumatism
- Bell's Palsy
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles (Facial Cupping)
'AcuGlow'/ Cosmetic Acupuncture
How does Cosmetic Acupuncture work?
The Skin Remodels/Regenerates itself through Micro wounds. Fibroblasts and keratinocytes make up the main cell type of the epidermis. Micro wounds created in the upper layers of the skin trigger fibroblast and keratinocytes to release growth factors. Cells “remodel” new collagen, elastin and other components of youthful skin.
- Deeper wounds are not necessary
- Drawing blood and pain don't mean treatment is better
- The epidermis and dermis communicate to trigger the healing process
- Safely trigger the regenerative response
I'm trained in two kinds of facial cosmetic acupuncture and can discuss the pros and cons to both styles and tailor your treatment to your individual face and concerns.
The above statements apply to Microneedling and Nanoneedling as well!
What to Expect during an 'AcuGlow' treatment:
I like to start off with an intake to discuss your skin history, goals and any health concerns you also would like me to address. I take a holistic approach to skin health so some common concerns would be things such as digestion, anxiety, stress, inflammation or even body pain.
Once we've discussed which type of cosmetic treatment would be right for you, I will have you get comfortable on the table and proceed to needle the appropriate body acupuncture points.
Once I've done that, I will perform the facial needling technique we've discussed in the intake. I will place some eye covers over your eyes and use an LED light, typically with the Red color to stimulate collagen production.
After retaining the needles and LED light for approximately 30 minutes, I will remove all of the needles, apply a replenishing mist to your face and then perform a relaxing facial gua sha treatment to your face, neck and décolletage.
Microneedling & Nano Needling
Also known as Collagen Induction Therapy is a minimally invasive facial rejuvenation treatment that stimulates the skin's natural healing process to remodel the skin. Through the creation of these microtraumas, the production of collagen and elastin are significantly enhanced while the absorption of products is increased up to 2000%. The overall effect is a more even skin tone that appears taut and glowing.
Noticeable results include: reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improved hyperpigmentation and age spots, improved effects of sun damage, decreased pore size, improved skin texture and elasticity, decreased acne breakouts, diminished scars, and improved hair growth.
Most see benefits with 3 monthly treatments depending on desired results and condition of the skin- more treatments may be needed.
History of Microneedling:
The first microneedling device was introduced in 1905 by a German dermatologist, Ernst Kromayer. He used a small surgical drill to treat birthmarks, hyperpigmentation and scars. In 1995-a dermatologist, Dr. Desmond Fernandes, treated scars and wrinkles by using hypodermic needles. In 1996 a Canadian plastic surgeon, Dr. Andre Camirand, saw a drastic improvement in facial scars when he punctured the skin with tattoo needles.
Microneedling:
Uses thin needles, typically 12 micro tips, to create microchannels in the skin. The “wounds” created help stimulate the skin’s own healing process by producing more collagen and elastin. Cellular turnover is also enhanced and the end result is firm, smoother skin, more even skin tone, and the reduction of scars, pore size, wrinkles and stretch marks. The open channels allow for an increase of up to 2000% of products placed on the skin.
NanoNeedling:
Cartridge tips are thin and microscopic and don't cause discomfort. Nanoneedling increases cellular turnover and collagen production, and product absorption. This procedure is safe around eyes and lips.
Noticeable Results Include
What to expect during your Micro+Needling Appointment:
I like to start off with an intake to discuss your skin history, goals and any health concerns you also would like me to address. I take a holistic approach to skin health so some common concerns would be things such as digestion, anxiety, stress, inflammation or even body pain.
Once we've discussed your treatment, I will have you get comfortable on the table and apply witch hazel followed by a numbing cream followed by needles in the appropriate body acupuncture points.
Once I've done that, I will apply a High Molecular Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen Boosting Serum and perform the facial and décolletage microneedling and nanoneedling. After the microneedling is complete, I will place a cooling cucumber mask over the areas I've needled and let it sit for a few minutes. I will remove the mask and then I will place some eye covers over your eyes and use an LED light, typically with the Red color to stimulate collagen production.
After allowing the LED light to sit for approximately 30 minutes, I will remove all of the needles, apply a Phyto Stem Cell Serum, Peptide Eye Cream and Replenishing Mist to your face.
4-5 Weeks Post-Treatment: Come in for your next Microneedling Appointment!
Considerations for Micro+Needling
Complementing Dermal Fillers:
- Wait 2 weeks post filler or botox
- Microneedling promotes better skin quality and the production of collagen - improves the look of filler
- Nanoneedling can support under eye treatments
- More volume, increased skin health (barrier), and improved texture.
Who should avoid or delay microneedling?
Those with:
- Pregnancy- nano needling is safe
- Active contagious diseases (i.e. Shingles, cold sore, etc…)
- Warts, open wounds, acne pustules
- Skin disease flare ups
- Patients on coagulant or blood thinning therapy
Contraindications for Microneedling:
- Cancer patients in active treatment and radiation of the skin within a year
- Keloidal fibroma (scar)
- Use of Accutane within the last three months
- Discoid Lupus
- Avoid going over microbladed brows
- Wait 2 weeks post filler or botox
Hydrojelly Masks
Choose from our menu of Hydrojelly Masks. These new masks go on as liquid and come off in one piece! As they lay on the skin, you absorb the benefits.
The mask menu is:
- Vampire PLLA Infusion
- Cica Complexion Care
- Australian Sheep Placenta
- Renewal Boost
- Intensive Aftercare
Vampire PLLA Infusion:
This mask provides concentrated Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) which works with the skin's natural renewal process to increase visible density and elasticity. This is thought to help fill in natural shape for a more sculpted look with firmer and plumper skin. This illuminating treatment reportedly infuses the skin with sculpting power for an uplifted, refreshed look that tightens and firms the appearance of the face and neck.
Cica Complexion:
Cica Complex Care may help to increase blood flow to wounds, reduce the formation of excess scar tissue, and improve skin elasticity. It could reduce the appearance of superficial and deep wrinkles, firming up the skin by increasing collagen production. This formula is designed to diminish the appearances of blemishes and restores the skin's strength, health and vitality while enhancing the skin renewal process.
Australian Sheep Placenta:
Is reported to reduce skin sagging production for firmer-looking skin. It does this by providing the building blocks of protein. This mask may act as a free radical scavenger, protecting cells from oxidative harm caused by free radicals. Less oxidative harm is thought to mean fewer fine lines and wrinkles will develop. This mask is thought to decrease the appearance of large pores and enhance the skin's renewal process which promotes healing and reduces the appearance of scars.
Renewal Boost:
This mask may aid in the renewal and repair of damaged cells. It could stimulate skin renewal by reinvigorating old cells and generating new healthy cells. It is designed to support the natural skin repair and release of adult stem cells into the skin tissue. It is thought to both increase collagen production and promote gentle cell turnover. This mask contains blue-green algae (AFA) which has been shown in studies to promote proliferation of human stem cell numbers, potentially slowing the aging process.
Intensive Aftercare:
This mask includes effective anti-inflammatory ingredients which may help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals as well as naturally soothing and reducing redness. It contains bromelain which acts as an anti-inflammatory or anti-swelling agent and is thought to speed up the healing process. Grape Seed Extract may help dermal healing, reduce redness and swelling, and prevents damage from free radicals. Lavender is known in many traditions to help eliminate nervous tension, relieves pain, disinfects the skin, and inhibit bacteria. This mask is appropriate for use after intense treatments such as micro+needling.
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