A minimum of 10 treatments to see lasting effects. You may choose single treatments, but results will be very slow.

Just like receiving acupuncture for general health ailments, cosmetic acupuncture's effects are cumulative over time, with each treatment building on the previous treatment. The facial rejuvenation protocol is a series of 10 treatments over a 5 week period - 2 treatments each week. 5 weeks is the amount of time that it tastes for a new matrix of collagen and elastin to develop.

In some cases, 1 treatment a week over 10 weeks may be recommended, (for example, if you are in your 30’s with plenty of youthful collagen to spare). Understandably, life happens and there may be weeks when the treatment frequency fluctuates, but the bottom line is: consistent treatment is key.

• Each treatment is 50 minutes (with the exception of your first appointment which is 75 minutes and we go over your skin concerns and treatment goals). 

• First, I prep your skin with a cleansing toner and light application of arnica gel to minimize any potential bruising. 

• Please refrain from wearing heavy make-up to your appointment. Light make-up is fine as the toner will remove it. 

• Next, body needles are applied to treat your baseline health and constitution. We can address things like: sleep issues, digestion, energy levels, etc. 

• Then, the facial needles are applied.  (Optional add-on: Celluma light therapy)

• You'll rest for 25-30 minutes while the needles do their thing. 

• Finally, needles are removed and we finish with another cleansing toner and application of a light botanical moisturizer with a jade roller. I use Yina products, a luxury skincare line grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine (and AAPI-owned and operated in Albany, CA). 

The end! Go about your day with zero recovery or down-time, and a beautiful, natural glow.

If you are in the 30-50(-ish) year age group, after the 10-treatment series, the effects should last 2-3 years with monthly maintenance visits. It is recommended to begin the Mei Zen cosmetic acupuncture protocol in your 30s, as that is when collagen production begins to decline and prevention of fine lines and wrinkles with proper skincare is much more effective than trying to go back and "erase" time. 

For those with more mature skin (age 50+), the recommendation is one 10-treatment series annually, focusing alternating years on treating the face or the neck/decolletage, along with monthly maintenance visits. 

Regardless of age or skin type, there will be a point in time where you’ll “feel” like it’s time to repeat the full 10-treatment protocol. Kind of like when you’ve been sitting on your behind for too long and need to go for a walk :) You’ll know.

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy or nursing

• Uncontrolled hypertension

• Severe migraines

• Seizures, epilepsy

• Active skin lesions

• Botox or fillers - wait 2 months after most recent injection

• Face lift or facial surgery - wait one year

• Severely sun-damaged skin

• Active smoker

Side effects:

• minimal bruising

• feeling great

• Combine the power of Chinese herbal medicine and nutrition principles to further nourish your skin and the anti-aging effects of cosmetic acupuncture. I will recommend Chinese herbal formulas tailor-matched to your constitution and skincare goals, as well as recommended nutrition.

• Add Celluma LED Therapy to your sessions for truly amazing results. Celluma light therapy increases cell turnover and proliferation, resulting in increased collagen, decreased inflammation and pain. Head over to the Celluma webite to learn more about how it works and see before & after photos.

• Continue an at-home skincare routine (proper cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection)

• Quarterly facials to keep your epidermis (the top layer of skin) in tip-top shape

Following a simple skincare routine morning & evening is a non-negotiable! No fancy products needed, but do follow these 4 steps.

1. Cleanse: using a gentle cleanser (harsh soaps strip natural oils)

2. Tone: Toners help balance the skin's pH and remove excess dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities. If your skin can handle peels, I recommend a gentle acid peel once a week. For sensitive skin, whole unflavored yogurt (which has lactic acid!) is an option.

3. Repair: serums with active ingredients depending on your skincare focus.

4. Hydrate - with a moisturizer.

5. (optional) “lock in” moisture with a face oil

• Good nutrition - nutrients and vitamins are essential for proper skin nourishment. You are what you eat. Avoid inflammatory foods like: processed foods which contain excess sugar and harmful oils.

• Avoid excess alcohol: excess consumption of alcohol can damage the skin due to damage to the liver. Alcohol is also dehydrating.

• Stay hydrated - dehydration causes skin to sag, have poor skin color, increase breakouts, and reduce facial tone. ​​​(Patients have also reported increased needle sensitivity when dehydrated. Imagine sticking a pin in a dry sponge compared wet sponge. Which one would have more resistance?)

• Sunscreen - all day, every day, even when it’s cloudy outside. Don’t forget your neck, chest and hands!

• Single (monthly follow-up) treatments are $220. Packages are available.

• Full 10-treatment protocol - $1950 ($250 savings) - recommended for lasting results, then continue with monthly maintenance visits.