Lorre White, The Guru of Luxury

The Charm Of The Boutique Winery; Stinson and Grace Estate wineries in Crozet Virginia.

I love visiting small boutique wineries.   Since grapes don’t grow in ugly places, all wineries, big or small are beautiful, but small boutique wineries are so quirky and full of personality.  I was in-state for the purpose of visiting some Virginia wineries when Mother nature decided to dump a foot of snow, which for the southeast is much more than they are used to having.  To put it in perspective this is a place that closes school  with just the forecast of potential snow.  A few inches is paralyzing to them. After two days stranded inside, I was eager to head out and explore, when the next day brought beautiful blue skies and 55 degree weather.  I checked on line and the wineries were saying open. 

 

I selected two wineries in the Crozet Virginia area, which is just about 15 minutes outside of historical Charlottesville, where the state University is located.  This area of Virginia is rich with great little wineries, many of which I have previously covered like White Hall, and King’s Family.  A 2015 article in Bloomberg Business, “The World's Next Big Wine Regions”, had Virginia as #2. For those visiting from out-of-state, or country, there are several beautiful and historic B&Bs, and the Charlottesville airport  does have commercial and private jet access. On this trip I had selected two wineries, Grace Estate and Stinson Vineyards, that are just a couple minutes apart from each other, with very different “feels”.

 

 

GRACE ESTATE

5273 Mount Juliet Farm  Crozet, VA 22932 www.GraceEstateWinery.com

 

As we pulled into Grace Estate the perfectly plowed paved (paved is an unusual luxury to many of the boutique wineries) road curved through the vineyard and if you glanced upward, at the top of the mountain there was a large estate house,  with big clearings, offering spectacular vistas.   Currently the tasting room is on the ground floor of the estate house, however they have plans to build a new tasting room down closer to the entrance.  As we drove up the long driveway, there were people taking advantage of the foot plus of power snow and sledding groups spotted the topography.  As we arrived at the main house there were workers shoveling show and a kid building a snowman.  A man driving a big John Deere snow plow, jumped out to greet us.  He said they were preparing to open the tasting room, but that the staff had not yet arrived do to the snow.  He asked us to wait and he would unlock the tasting room for us.  Letting us in, he gave us our first pour, and said he did not usually do tastings.  I was a little apprehensive about what I would learn from the snow plow driver.  It turns out that he was Jake Busching, the master winemaker for Grace Estate.

 

The Grace family is an old money family, that like most of their demographic,  have multiple homes and live globally.  Currently they are in Europe while their kids finish high school.  That leaves Jake the most senior onsite personnel.  All entrepreneurs know that they have to roll up their sleeves and fulfill any job that needs being done, from CEO, to chief bottle washer, or in  this case snow plow driver.  Jake was originally from Minnesota and so snow was in his blood.  He has worked in the Virginia wine industry for 17 years.  Prior to Grace Estate, he was at 3 other local wineries.

 

The tasting is $7 for 8 wines.  I enjoyed them all.  It started with a 2013 Viognier with a light crisp citrus taste that would pair well with food. Next was a 2013 Chardonnay aged in 20% steam bent French oak (so not a strong oak taste) with a light honey and caramel taste.  The 2012 Le Gras Cuve
was my least favorite with a .8 Rs it was the sweetest of the wines.  They transitioned with a 2013 La Gras Rose made with  80% Merlot, that was not the traditional provincial rose style.  The first red in the tasting was 2012 Cab Franc.  Followed by my favorite of their reds, which was a 2012 Merlot.  I have not always been a fan of US Merlots, but Virginia is starting to make me rethink that. This was a medium bodied dense fruity wine with cherry, chocolate and black licorice. It had a long smooth finish.  The next wine was a 2012 Le Gras Baril Bourdeaux blend of 30% Petit Verdot, 30% Malbac, and 40% Cab Franc.  This wine is too young now, but should age beautifully for those looking to cellar it.  The last wine was a 2012 Petit Verdot with a leather and tobacco finish.   Of the wines on the tasting my favorite whites, in order of preference, were the Viognier and their Chardonnay, and my favorite reds, were their Merlot and Le Gras Baril blend.

 

As a luxury marketer I really appreciated their loyalty to building a luxury brand name.  They did not pander to the lowest common denominator, as many of the local winery must for survival, by making sweet wines for the unsophisticated  local palates.  Virginia being new to the global wine arena, and do to the lack of any serious distribution, must rely on foot traffic.  I am told that about 30% prefer the sickening sweet wines drunk by high school kids at prom, and many of the local wineries will make a couple of inferior products, so not to lose the foot traffic.  But most small local wineries do not have the deep pockets of the Grace family.  I feel that this decision to have their name only associated with quality, will serve them well in branding in the long term.

 

 

The tasting room, as it is currently located in the main  estate house, is nicely appointed.  There are a couple of big comfy over stuffed leather couches in front of a fire place. Several small tall tables with chairs, and the bar area for tastings.  Outside the tasting room there are several picnic tables, where in better weather, guests can sit and drink wine while enjoy a vista that goes on for miles.  I would recommend a visit to the Grace Estate winery.  I enjoyed their product, and I recommend trying to visit while the  tasting room is still located in the main house.  I have not seen the plans for the news tasting room, but I am confident that the new tasting room, expected to open May 2015, will be done with good taste.  I am told that it will have a fireplace inside, a large seating area and tasting bar, a VIP area, large deck, and grounds with a picnic areas. Their wine club will offer access to other parts of the estate as well.  With the exception of the quirky snow day circumstances, Grace has a more establish sophisticated feel.

 

 

STINSON VINYARDS

4744 Sugar Hollow Rd, Crozet VA 22932 Phone: 434.823.7300

 

I won’t say it is not fun to go to the big wineries in France, Italy and even California, but most of my wealthy fan base has been there, done that, and been there, done that again.  What is of interest is exploring the new and often eclectic world of the boutique wineries.  It is of more interest to serve a great small batch wine that their guest won’t get anywhere else, than to serve the big famous names, with distribution, that they can drink every night.  Virginia offers the perfect place for those that enjoy the sport of finding treasures in boutique wineries. 

 

 

Stinson is a perfect example of the character that small boutique wineries have to offer.  This father/daughter team, making wine out of a souped-up, added-on-to 3 car garage on their property, are building a good name for themselves. Scott and Rachel took their inspiration from “garagiste” wineries of France, in both their wine-making techniques and the winery itself.  Focus is placed on European-style wines that emphasize subtlety and complexity rather than power and super-ripeness of West Coast wines.  The wife/mother, Martha, manages the property.  She and her daughter raise hens and sell the fresh eggs from the tasting room shop. They also sell grass-fed beef, farm-raised pork and chicken, local produce, and garden fresh herbs.  Stinson Vineyards is definitely a family run  operation.  Visitors get to talk with the “hands on people” that crafted the art. Their garage is only open for tastings Thursday thru Sunday.

 

It was a beautifully clear sunny winter day, the day and night just after the heavens had dumped a foot of white powdery snow, that I ventured out to explore what Stinson had to offer.  When I first arrived they were not yet open.  Their driveway had not yet been plowed.  I left to try a larger neighbor winery and returned an hour or so later.    As snow days are, things were a little discombobulated.  Martha, who normally works outside, and clearly not as comfortable about talking the nuances of the product, was filling in for the absentees.  She was warm and welcoming and very pleasant to deal with.  She extended herself and really tried to please, which made up for her lack knowledge about the specifics. (Photo: Vernette & Martha)  Later Scott rolled in, and I could hear him talking to another group of tasters, and he was clearly more adept at this role.  

 

I could see the tops of chairs and tables peeking out of the snow in an outdoor area facing the vineyard.  Inside there is not a real lounging area, or fireplace, so in winter it is best to plan on just doing a tasting.  They offer a limited, but more interesting than most, selection of cheeses & charcuterie in their frig, and you can get a warm mini baguette, to accompany it, to consume with your wine out on the deck.

 

 

The Piedmont House at Stinson Vineyards was built in 1796, and expanded to current size in the 1840s. Legend has it that General “Stonewall” Jackson stayed at the house during his Valley Campaign of 1862. Anchored by this historic house, the total property now consists of 12 acres of which the vineyard block occupies 5.  Stinson Vineyard are neighbors to Grace Estate. 

 

The daughter/wine master, Rachel, recently married into another VA wine family and they created “Mariage” a Bordeaux blend, blending of both vineyards fruits.  This wine was served at their wedding, and each winery got 1 barrel to sell, so very limited quantity. It sells for $34.99/bottle.  Although there were several wines that I really enjoyed, this was my favorite, plus it had a nice story behind it.  This was among the bottles I took home.  Don’t wait, this one won’t last long.

 

The other wines on the $7 tasting were: 2013 Chardonnay, (I am not a huge US Chardonnay fan, but I really enjoyed this one).  It was very crisp and refreshing and had only very gentile caramel tones from oak, much more like a European wine.  When I take home a Chardonnay, that says something. The next white I liked much less.  It was a Viadal Blanc which was way too sweet, as the name ‘Sugar Hollow’ forebode.  Moving into their reds, they offered a lovely 2013  Merlot with concentrated red berry, dark cherry and plum.  Their Meirage was a blend of 38% Merlot, 25% Cab Franc, 25% Petit Verdot and 12% cabernet Sauvignon.  This one was pleasant now and would cellar very well.  Both the Merlot and their Meirage were very enjoyable. Stinson offered one 2010 red wine, La Tour d’Afton, from another winery, Turk Mountain Vineyards in Afton, VA, a small little winery that uses no commercial yeast or enhancers.  It was a blend of 40% petit Verdot, 20% Cabernet Frac, 20%Merlot, and 20% Malbac.  This was full bodied, deep rich fruit and bold tannins. This was $34.99/bottle and I recommend this as one of your take away treasures.  The tasting closed on a 2012 Petit Manseng late harvest wine.  They offer 5% discounts on 6 bottles and 10% on case +.  Of the seven wines in their tasting, 5 were worth taking home. 

 

I was really impressed by the number of exceptional wines that this little boutique offered.  Bottle price range from $23 to $35 (except for their one ‘Sugar Hollow’ that is $14.99).  If you can’t make it there in person, treat yourself and  go to http://wineshop.stinsonvineyards.com/wines-and-clubs-c1.aspx and order online.

 

 

 

• I have set up for both Jake Busching of Grace Estate, and Rachel Stinson will be guests on VinVillage Radio this spring.  VinVillage is the #1 rate wine and dine show on the world leader of web radio.  It is a weekly, Tuesday talk show, with a global reach. Look for announcements on dates from VinVillage’s, the wineries’, or my social media.

************

 

A 2015 luxury industry report by NetBase covered the best blogs globally for covering the pertinent luxury news.  It contained a combination of both blogs for luxury professionals, which constituted the majority on the list, and a few that are actually read by the end user the Ultra High Net Worth consumer. Lorre White’s blog LuxGuru.Typepad.com ranked highest of the blogs that reach the wealthy customer, and #3 of all luxury blogs globally.

FORBES says "Lorre White has a following that includes Royals and Billionaires"

   Lorre White, has been a international luxury marketing expert for over 2 decades and is the founder of White Light Consulting an international luxury marketing consulting firm working with luxury brands to reach the world's wealthiest.  She is the only internationally recognized luxury media personality “The Luxury Guru”. Lorre frequently contributes to luxury magazines globally, including having had her own monthly column in Portugal’s #1 rate luxury magazine with over 1.2 million subscribers. For more information just Google her name.  Twitter:@Lorre, Follow her on FaceBook (personal, public figure and Group pages), or sign up top left under the photo www.LuxGuru.Typepad.com.

Forbes Article "What People Don't Know About Lorre White" :http://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonydemarco/2013/01/17/what-people-dont-know-about-lorre-white-the-luxury-guru/

 

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If you never gave a box of dark chocolates and thought they meant, “I appreciate your independent spirit and hope I can become a partner worthy of your trust,” you may be headed to chocolate-giving school.

CHOCOLATIERS TAP INTO CHINA’S GIFT-GIVING CULTURE

If you never gave a box of dark chocolates and thought they meant, “I appreciate your independent spirit and hope I can become a partner worthy of your trust,” you may be headed to chocolate-giving school.

In China, a fierce effort to introduce chocolate into the gift-giving culture is leading branding experts to host exhibits and publish brochures explaining the special significance of chocolate gifts – in ways that may have never been done before. “The chocolate market is in its infancy and it’s still there even 30 years,” said Lawrence Allen, author of the bookChocolate Fortunes: The Battle For The Hearts, Minds And Wallets Of Chinese Consumers.

Allen believes the delay is due in part to the country’s sequestration 30 years ago, but also because the taste has been totally foreign to Chinese palates.

The average Chinese eats just 100 grams of chocolate per year – the equivalent of two candy bars. Euromonitor has found that Japanese eat 11 times more chocolate, Americans, 44 times, and Germans, 82 times as much.

Rivaling chocolate expos – Shanghai’s Chocolate Happy Land and Chocolate Wonderland offer life-size figurines, photo opportunities, and even a runway show.

“Chinese people are very much into gift-giving for all sorts of holidays and festivals,” said John Holmberg, Belgium-based Godiva’s director. “We’re having very, very good success with these key festivals with Chinese consumers.” Its lavish gift sets for special holidays have been very popular among consumers.

For the Chinese New Year, Godiva came up with an 18-piece gift box, complete with tea-flavored ganache and snake designs. It retails for 488 yuan. The brand’s “Overflowing Fortune” gift basket features a bottle of wine and dark chocolate syrup, and sells for 3,980 yuan.

Italy’s Ferrero Rocher, it seems, will enjoy the fastest jolt in the market for the second consecutive year. It had 8.4 percent of the market last year and is now up a third from that, Euromnitor reports.

Raphael Wermuth, spokesman for Swiss-based chocolate-maker Barry Callebaut, said the Chinese would embrace chocolate the way they have slowly acclimated to coffee. Market projections show chocolate sales expansion at just 10 percent through 2015.

 

 

 

[asiaone]
photo credit: priceless beijing

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,[email protected]/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 [email protected] or [email protected].   

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; [email protected] 

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;  [email protected] 

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 ; [email protected] 

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; [email protected]