Lorre White, The Guru of Luxury

A Vibrational Complement to Facial Acupuncture:

Facial Soundscapes: Harmonic Renewal, a constitutional tuning fork facial

While it is indisputable that there is growing interest in the healing protocols of facial acupuncture from a large segment of our society, many individuals are, perhaps understandably, leery of the (albeit slightly) invasive nature of an acupuncture facial. If you can count yourself among this group of reluctant facial acupuncture "wanna-trys", then your worries are over!!  I have created a unique vibrational facial which is both wonderfully effective and transformative, Facial Soundscapes: Harmonic Renewal.  Most importantly, at least from the perspective of the prospective client, this facial treatment is completely non-invasive.

This innovative treatment protocol, 21st century in its synergy of science and esthetics, is neverthless strongly rooted in the theories and practice of Oriental medicine.   Tuning forks are placed upon both body and facial acupuncture points, based upon the practitioners analysis of facial wrinkles, discoloration and sagging.  The application of healing sound helps to unblock the patients Qi (energy), which aids the body in re-absorbing these visible manifestations of the aging process.  The effect upon the patient is quite relaxing, yet, at the same time, profound in its potential impact.

Facial Soundscapes utilizes the Acutonics. tuning forks,each of which is precisely calibrated to specific planetary frequencies based upon the orbital or rotational velocity of the heavenly body in question.  This unique tuning fork facial lifts, tones and balances both the body and the face, and incorporates a constitutional approach to the renewal of facial beauty. 

Facial muscles are addressed, in addition to the relevant acupuncture points; for example, a certain tuning fork combination may be used on facial motor points to lift and tone the platysma muscle so as to alleviate a sagging neck.  The treatment is also accompanied by a topical herbal protocol featuring my Muse L' Herbal facial poultices and creams. This treatment is powerfully nurturing, and helps to ameliorate energetic and psycho-spiritual imbalances; in so doing, it not only helps to improve physical appearance, but beautifully supports the individual during crucial rites of passage.

Facial Soundscapes has previously been featured in Luxury Spa Finder magazine, and a new in-depth article in Alternative Medicine should be coming out in May.  At present, this wonderful treatment is only available from a very select group of practitioners here in the United States.  Please feel free to contact me at Chi-Akra Center,chi.akra@gmail.com/212-688-8709, with additional questions, for a practitioner referral in your area, or to schedule an appointment.

A Viable Alternative to Botox

Facial Acupuncture

An article recently appeared in Time magazine reporting that a couple of researchers, after conducting a trial on 10 patients with severe depression, have concluded that Botox injections into frown lines may prove effective in the treatment of patients with major depression (who have not responded to routine pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatment approaches).

The implications of this research are quite interesting, however, from the standpoint of a more holistic approach to facial renewal, such as that which we advocate in Constitutional Facial Acupuncture and related modalities, such a treatment, albeit experimental, is all-too-typical of a Western, allopathic approach to malaise.  Rather than confront the underlying psychospiritual issue, the Western practitioner elects to deaden the affected area, so that the patient doesn't experience the "symptom", which, in this case, is the "negative" emotional state. 

In Oriental medicine, the area between the eyebrows relates to the Wood element; the organ associated with this element is the Liver, and its characteristic emotional outlet is anger, the expression of which is viewed as socially inappropriate, particularly for women.  If a healthy anger remains below the level of consciousness awareness, this can result in the eventual damping down of what we might term a potentially transformative emotional "fire,"; psychologically, the individual becomes depressed.  These so-called "liver" lines can be an outward manifestation of a certain type of frustration that is expressed through the facial musculature by contracting the corrugator muscle into a scowl or frown. Over time, this tension in the corrugator results in those "undesirable" lines which are the target of the current epidemic of Botox injections.

In facial acupuncture, we can treat the wrinkles in this area of the forehead using both a constitutional approach to address the imbalance of the Wood element, as well as topically - by minimally invasive facial needling. After a series of treatments, notable improvements in these lines can usually be observed, the results of which can, and often do, persist for up to 2 to 3 years afterwards (with periodic maintenance treatments).

So, the next time one of your friends says that they're thinking about having Botox to eradicate those pesky lines between their eyes (or if they're feeling depressed), suggest that they might consider facial acupuncture, a holistic and organic alternative, rather than a series of toxic injections.

For more information, contact Chi-Akra Center at chi.akra@gmail.com or chiakra@onebox.com.   

Facial Acupuncture

Reporting from in the field; Frederick, MD

I'm having a quiet Friday evening watching the snow from a late winter storm gently blanket a landscape that was, a mere two days ago, bathed in bright 80 degree sunshine.  Ive been in the charming antebellum town of Frederick, MD, for the past week, teaching a 2 weekend certification series in my treatment protocols in Advanced Constitutional Facial Acupuncture to a group of enthusiastic and highly-skilled local East Coast practitioners (mostly from Maryland) at a local university.

Frederick is situated at what we might call the outer periphery of the communities that ring our nations capital  about 50 miles away.  It has become a somewhat secluded bedroom community for Washington, and consequently the area now presents a more upscale market which is a likely target for a luxury facial treatment such as is afforded by Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal.

Certified practitioners of my system of facial acupuncture tend to be clustered in two large geographic areas  the Atlantic states, around New York City, and in California.  However, the large turnout for this series of seminars is clearly indicative of growing interest around the country.  Please let any friends in the Washington, DC area know that facial acupuncture is coming to their community!!  Have them check the Referrals page of the Chi-Akra Center web site for a practitioner in their area; www.chiakra.com/referrals2.htm (Maryland practitioners).

Mary Elizabeth Wakefield

Lorre White brings brings quality of life information on Skin Care.

Essential Oils: Wonderful for the Skin!!

What are Essential Oils? Essential oils are the volatile, aromatic oils obtained by steam or hydrodistillation of botanicals, i.e., the flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, stems, bark, wood, etc., of plants. In nature, the transmutation of light into energy, through the medium of chlorophyll, forms an integral part of the metabolic cycle of plants. Chlorophyll is analogous in its function to the hemoglobin of human blood; however, chlorophyll is structured around a molecule of copper, whereas hemoglobin is based upon iron. Therefore, when human beings ingest plants, we are, in effect, absorbing the energy of the sun; this is only made possible by this vibratory and molecular affinity.

We can also incorporate this vital essence through our use of essential oils, which represent a distillation of the light, aroma and vibratory soul of plant life. Essential Oils Promote Longevity Essential oils work as anti-aging agents because they stimulate skin cells into a more accelerated rate of reproduction, which reduces the time lag between the elimination of old cells and new skin growth.

Skin that is exposed to and treated by essential oil becomes dynamic and stronger. Essential oils  Prevent toxic congestion; Improve lymphatic flow by speeding up the elimination of toxic debris; Improve circulation, which expedites oygenation of the tissues, and energizes the dermis, so that nutrients may be more readily absorbed; Balance the rate at which sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands, which stabilizes the skin environment; Are bactericides, and therefore neutralize unfriendly bacteria, preventing blemishes and inflammatory conditions; Calm sensitive skin; Some essential oils have phyto-hormones, and balance the endocrine system; Affect the peripheral nerve endings, and help to reduce stress that contributes to the aging of the skin; and Contain nutrients and proteins that nourish collagen and elastin in the skin, both of which contribute to cell regeneration. In my next blog, we will go into more specific applications of essential oils in the context of a regimen of Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal.

Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, L. Ac., M .S., M. M.; AAOM Educator of the Year
Chi-Akra Center: "Changing the Face of Aging"
www.chiakra.com; chi.akra@gmail.com 

Facial Acupunture by Mary Elizabeth Wakfield

REVERSING AGING; NOURISHING THE 3 TREASURES

The Nei Jing, one of the most revered texts in the history of Oriental medicine, recommends that, in order to preserve a clear face, promote beauty and enhance longevity, it is necessary to address, in a constitutional approach, what are referred to as the Three Treasures  Jing, Qi and Shen  throughout the entire time of treatment:

Jing (hereditary essence) Therefore, in Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal, the practitioner always treats the body first, addressing the patients individual constitutional landscape.  The first level of this aspect of the patients makeup is the Jing, or ancestral energy.  Jing is reflected in our genetic inheritance, and manifests itself in the bone structure of the face and body; the more prominent this component, the more Jing and potential is available to them.  In this initial phase of treatment, we support the Jing by employing the Eight Extraordinary meridians (energy pathways), which run deeply within the body.  We are therefore able to tap into and nourish the DNA/RNA of the individual cells. 

Qi (energy) The next structural component is the Qi, which manifests most visibly in the changing nature of the skin during the aging process.  Acupuncture points and meridians are used on the face and body to treat puffy, sagging, dry, cracked or wrinkled flesh.  Imbalances are addressed by supporting the Qi, which brings fresh blood and color to the face by enhancing circulation and fluid metabolism.

Shen (spirit) Shen is the light that shines forth from someone's eyes when they are connected to their heart energy, or compassion.  It is the clarity and radiance manifested in the face when the emotions are balanced.  As a component of physical beauty, it creates the impression of joy and well-being.  One of the most marked impressions that people have after an initial facial acupuncture session is how much more radiant their complexion looks; this is due to increased Shen enlivening the countenance.

Try a facial acupuncture treatment today yourself!! For more information contact Chi-Akra Center.   Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, L. Ac., M .S., M. M.; AAOM Educator of the Year
Chi-Akra Center: "Changing the Face of Aging"
www.chiakra.com;  chi.akra@gmail.com 

All Natural Skin Care Cream Bt Mary Elizabth Wakefield

MUSE L' HERBAL FACIAL RENEWAL PRODUCTS

A luxurious accompaniment to a facial acupuncture treatment!!

My treatment protocol in Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal incorporates Chinese herbal masks, poultices and moisturizers, all of which formulations are included in my herbal product line, Muse L Herbal, www.muse-lherbal.com.

A Source of Inspiration

The name Muse L' Herbal is doubly inspired by Kuan Yin, the Chinese goddess of beauty and compassion, and the nine Greek Muses of poetry, song, music, and science.  The red chop in the logo, surmounting the green L (the stalk of the flower in our logo) bears Kuan Yin's name and therefore invokes her essence.  Every Muse L' Herbal product is infused with Kuan Yin's energy, beauty and benevolence.  Additionally, all products, prior to shipment, are potentized with sound, light and color, as well as positive intention.

In alignment with the philosophy of Chinese medicine, Muse L' Herbal Facial Renewal products are based upon herbs, essential oils and botanicals that are organic, natural, without chemical preservatives, and have not been tested on animals.

An Ancient Tradition of Beauty: Jade Face and Eye Rollers

A further luxury component of the herbal facial protocol involves the use of jade rollers, which enhance blood circulation, remove fine lines and age spots, and prevent premature aging; these wonderful implements are used to massage my sumptuous Crhme Vital facial moisturizer into the skin.
The ancient empresses of China used jade as a precious stone to be worn, not only around their necks as an ornament, but also to attract yin and nourishment into their skin.  The latter effect is further augmented due to the fact that a natural property of this sacred stone is that it is always cool to the touch; hence, it serves not only to gently apply and permit a moisturizer to be more completely absorbed through the pores, but also has an additional astringent action.  Thus, the use of jade serves a double purpose of promoting beauty and affording magical protection.

I encourage you to explore the possibility of this wonderful ritual of Facial Renewal for yourself; please feel free to contact me for a referral in your area!!

Facial Acupuncture

Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal™ Benefits both Face and Body!!
(and contributes to increased longevity)

In contrast to more mainstream cosmetic procedures, Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal™, because it is rooted in the holistic treatment protocols of Oriental medicine, addresses the entirety of the body, and not merely the facial landscape; therefore, a wide range of benefits to general health can ensue:

• Helps menopause, perimenopause, PMS and other GYN issues
• Helps sinus congestion and headache
• Improves hyper- and hypothyroidism
• Improves metabolism
• Reduces stress and promotes total health and well-being
• Reduces symptoms of toothache, TMJ, trigeminal neuralgia, and Bell's palsy
• Helps headaches (except severe migraine)
• Treats diarrhea and constipation (most digestive issues)
• Helps to eliminate edema and puffiness
• Benefits eyes, ears and brain
• Can help insomnia and dizziness
• Helps depression and aids self-esteem

Here is a listing of some of the facial benefits that patients can experience:

• Improves collagen production and muscle tone
• Helps reduce bags and sagging tendencies
• Helps eliminate fine lines and diminish larger wrinkles
• Helps reduce double chin and lift drooping eyelids
• Tightens pores and brightens eyes
• Improves acne (caused by hormonal imbalance)
• Increases local blood and lymph circulation
• Improves facial color

I should also point out that these types of benefits are experienced as the result of a course of treatments, ranging from 10-15 on average to slightly more for smokers.  However, in contrast to more dramatic surgical techniques, the cost of such a weekly treatment regimen is comparatively minor!

Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, L. Ac., M .S., M. M.; AAOM Educator of the Year
Chi-Akra Center: "Changing the Face of Aging"
www.chiakra.com ; chi.akra@gmail.com 

To The Point

Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal™:
Now available in a clinic near you!!

It occurred to me after my last two posts that some of you might want information on where to find a facial acupuncture practitioner in your immediate vicinity.   I have good news!!  As I have trained an estimated 2,500 practitioners from the United States, Canada and abroad, there is an ever-expanding pool of highly-skilled and qualified acupuncturists to make the holistic treatment protocols of Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal™ available to you, the potential patient.

The Chi-Akra Center web site has an extensive online referrals database which is designed to make it possible for you to locate a certified practitioner in your area.   The main Referrals page is located at www.chiakra.com/referrals.htm, and there are hyperlinks to the other 3 pages.   There are 3 pages devoted exclusively to acupuncturists from the United States, broken down alphabetically by state; individual practitioners are then listed alphabetically by last name, with their level of training (a symbolic key is provided at the bottom of each page), and, at the very least, city, state, zip, telephone and e-mail, although many have also provided the addresses of their clinics.   There is also an international referrals listing; we have trained approximately 200 acupuncturists in Canada, but also practitioners from Mexico, Belgium, France, Ireland, Israel, Australia and Chile!!

While the majority of these referrals are in private practice, there are a number who also offer treatments at local spas; many listings also include links to the individual practitioner's web site, so that you may personally examine their credentials and learn about their services.

For those who might have questions about a specific referral in your area, please feel free to contact Chi-Akra Center directly with your inquiry, and I will be happy to help you.  I should probably also note that, while there is a greater concentration of qualified practitioners of Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal™ on the East and West coasts, particularly in California and New York, certified facial acupuncturists are located in most of the 50 states!!

Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, L. Ac., M .S., M. M.; AAOM Educator of the Year
Chi-Akra Center: "Changing the Face of Aging"
www.chiakra.com; chiakra@gmail.com 

Lorre White's weekly acupuncture blogger Mary Elizabeth Wakefield demonstrates her proceedure to Demi Moore.

The Diamond Acupuncture Facial™
The Pursuit of Health and Longevity Can be Luxurious!!

The Diamond Acupuncture Facial ™ is a new and innovative treatment modality, which I created, upon request, for the 2005 Academy Awards in Los Angeles; this luxurious approach to facial renewal has been profiled on the program "Fit Nation" on the Discovery Channel, and featured in Spa Asia magazine.

For this unique facial acupuncture specialty, which accompanies a standard treatment in Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal™, the practitioner uses faceted diamonds mounted in 14K gold caps that fit onto the shaft of an acupuncture needle.  This "diamond" needle acts as a lightning rod, conducting the diamond's Qi (energy) via the highly conductive gold through the needle into the acupuncture point on the person's face. 

Diamonds are the end product of an alchemical process millions of years in duration, a journey that transforms them from the prima materia of black carbon into the glittering gem that is among the world's most treasured items.  Since diamonds are made of carbon, which is the element upon which the structure of every living thing upon Earth is based, they are synonymous with invincibility, power, protection, strength, abundance, and … longevity!

Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, L. Ac., M .S., M. M.; AAOM Educator of the Year
Chi-Akra Center: "Changing the Face of Aging"
www.chiakra.com; chiakra@gmail.com   

To The Point

Facial Acupuncture: An Alternative Approach to Beauty and Healthy Aging

Increasing numbers of Baby Boomers have begun investigating less-invasive, holistic approaches to beauty and healthy aging; the one that has received a tremendous amount of attention in the past couple of years is facial acupuncture, which could be viewed as the facial “fad” of the moment.  It should be pointed out, however, that, in contrast to what we might term more "mainstream" treatments, facial acupuncture, as a modality rooted in the tenets of Oriental medicine , embraces in its scope the entire body, not just the face as a separate entity.
The face provides us with a mirror of the totality of the individual, the sum of their physical/emotional/spiritual being.  A healthy, shining face is connected to what Oriental medicine terms the Shen, or spirit.

In my system of Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal™, we add an additional component to the mix; the treatment protocol is accompanied by a topical herbal protocol which utilizes a range of herbal teas, a renewing mask, cleanser and cream; these products are based upon herbs, essential oils and botanicals that are organic, natural and without chemical preservatives.  In this manner, health and beauty can intersect over a course of treatments to produce a result truly transformative in its impact.  Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal™ is currently on the spa services menu in two locations of the prestigious Canyon Ranch, as well as in their spa on the Queen Mary 2, and, in its philosophy of enhancing beauty by increasing health and longevity, can certainly be seen to be in alignment with a luxury lifestyle.
-Mary Elizabeth Wakefield