Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old therapy that involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points to alter the flow of energy in the body known as Qi (pronounced “chee”). The needles are so fine that there is no bleeding and treatment is painless. We practice traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which chooses its point location based on an oriental medicine physical exam and the individual’s energy meridians. This makes it a holistic treatment that focuses on the individual’s entire bodily pattern and the harmony between systems and energies in the body. This is unlike dry needling (sticking needles where it hurts) which is commonly used by chiropractors and physical therapists. In addition to needles, acupuncture points can also be stimulated using electricity, heat, massage, and suction created by special cups.
Acupuncture with Light Therapy
Acupuncture and LED light therapy together are a powerful pair for achieving a healthy, youthful complexion with no post-treatment downtime. Cosmetic facial acupuncture addresses various issues related to skin aging, including smoothing lines, firming, and increasing skin volume, all the while balancing the overall flow of Qi in the body. From a TCM perspective, aging conditions such as wrinkles, skin discoloration, or loss of muscle tone begin from a constitutional imbalance and fundamental weakness of Qi. Acupuncture points are used to redirect, balance, unblock and tone Qi. Simultaneously, the micropunctures stimulate your lymphatic and circulatory systems, which work together to deliver nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells. This nourishes your skin from the inside out and helps even out your complexion, promoting a healthy glow. The positive microtraumas also stimulate the production of collagen which helps improve elasticity and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. Meanwhile, LED light therapy enhances skin cell micro-circulation, improves lymphatic drainage, and also stimulates collagen production. This reduces age spots, scars, wrinkles, and breakouts. The two treatments together are the perfect match to rejuvenate mature skin, clear acne, and manage chronic skin conditions. Additionally, it is relaxing and affordable for patients with no post-treatment downtime.
LED light therapy explained
Photobiomodulation (PBM) Therapy is the application of light (usually a low-power laser or LED) to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, or induce pain relief. Most of the effects of PBM Therapy can be explained by light absorption in the mitochondria (the “powerhouse” of the cell). In stressed tissues, mitochondria make nitric oxide (NO) which competes with oxygen and reduces ATP (cellular energy) production. In our cells, this oxidative stress is accepted as the underlying trigger for most diseases and degenerative conditions. It is also a component in the inflammatory phase of acute and chronic conditions, as well as the aging process.
However, when light of the correct color and intensity is applied, it immediately displaces NO and allows oxygen to attach, which begins the process of producing ATP again. This removes the cause of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, resulting in a reduction of oxidative stress and a return to normal functioning as our cells are programmed to do.
You could compare the process to photosynthesis, where plants absorb sunlight and convert it into energy. In LED light therapy, we absorb the energy of targeted wavelengths of light to enhance our cellular potential, promote oxygen utilization within the cell, and generate cellular fuel. There’s nothing mystical about it–the process by which light transforms bodily tissue at a cellular level has been scientifically proven. Improving the performance of mitochondria in the body improves the body’s overall performance and health.
Although it should not be considered a cure for any condition, LED light therapy has been shown to be a powerful complementary treatment. Best of all, you can expect results without any painful invasive procedures, discomfort, potential side effects, or ongoing costs. It has been identified as a great way to aid in faster healing, anti-aging, mood enhancement, muscle recovery, and much more.
Our LED light therapy uses various wavelengths that penetrate the skin at different depths for a range of therapeutic benefits.
Blue Light (453nm)
Affects the most superficial layer of skin, the epidermis. Blue light has been shown to improve acne by killing acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes). It also speeds wound healing and injury recovery.
Yellow Light (583nm)
Penetrates deeper, into the dermis of the skin. Yellow light reduces redness and inflammation and has a soothing effect on sensitive skin. It is effective in treating skin conditions such as rosacea.
Red Light (640nm)
Penetrates the full thickness of the skin to the bottom of the dermis. Red light stimulates the production of collagen, which fights signs of aging by improving fine lines and wrinkles. It also decreases inflammation and controls sebum production, making it effective in the treatment of acne.
Near Infrared Light (810nm)
Penetrates the deepest, into the hypodermis. Near-infrared (NIR) light photons have the ability to penetrate into the muscles of the face and into the brain. This amplifies treatment, having all the benefits of red light, including improving wrinkles, sagging, and skin texture while also assisting with stress, anxiety, and depression.