Holistic Dermatology at Elevate Wellness
Are you looking for a natural alternative or compliment to western cosmetic medical treatments (such as Botox or fillers) to refresh and renew your skin?...
Have you been dealing with a chronic skin condition that Western Medicine hasn’t been able to resolve?
Have you been dealing with a skin condition that has impacted your quality of life, you confidence, and your self esteem?
At Elevate Wellness, our holistic dermatology approach resolves the root cause of skin concerns and provides holistic treatment alternatives.
Holistic & natural ways to achieve healthier, younger and more vibrant skin.
We live in a society that is obsessed with youth and beauty which means many people are constantly searching for something to make them look and feel younger.
There is always a new product "guaranteed" to take years off your face, or a new beauty treatment, such as Botox, promising to make you look younger…at least until the effects wear off! The downfall is that these approaches often carry significant risks with them as well.
Recently facial acupuncture, micro needling, and facial gua sha has gained popularity by people who want a more natural youthful look. Still many people are wondering, do these approaches actually work and is it right for them? Whether you are wanting to avoid these types of options (botox, fillers, etc) or iff you have been using other approaches and want to try something more natural, micro needling or facial rejuvenation can be right for you.
Skin 101: Basics about our skin
From a western perspective:
Our skin is the largest organ we have.
It has many functions including being a protective barrier from the outer world, which includes any chemicals, germs, and toxins.
It is our insulation and it regulates our body temperature.
It is one of our sensory organs which gives us information about our environment.
Furthermore, 80% of the oxygen in our bodies comes through the skin, not through the blood.
So not only do you want to think about the risks involved in various options you have to look younger, you will want to think about the impact of altering the composition and health of your skin through the use of other beauty treatments.
From a Chinese medicine perspective:
In addition to the facts listed above, our skin is seen in a more complex way which brings together the connection of our mind, body and spirit/Shen. Our face is the most outward and obvious expression of our inner emotions and it also provides an insightful glimpse of our overall state of health and wellbeing.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is rooted in the philosophy that our emotional, physical, and spiritual health are deeply interconnected. It also holds the idea that the state of the interior of the body will be manifested on the exterior (i.e. the skin, eyes, nails, hair, etc.). Based on this approach, any imbalances with one of these areas will inherently affect the others. We also incorporate a whole system of facial diagnosis into Chinese medicine in which we are looking at a number of characteristics in the face that provides a wealth of information. Thus, Chinese Medicine is more holistic than any other form dermatology care because of all of these foundational differences.
We believe that if you seek health, you will find beauty!
Holistic Dermatology Services offered:
TCM Dermatology
Micro needling
Cosmetic acupuncture/Facial Rejuvination
TCM Dermatology
The belief system behind Chinese medicine used to treat dermatological conditions is that the majority of skin diseases stem from internal imbalances. This means that our skin needs to heal from the inside out and that the treatment needs to match this perspective. For thousands of years Doctors of Chinese medicine have thus relied on herbal teas, custom made for the individual, as the primary method for healing the skin. Modern research confirms that this ancient practice is both safe and effective; offering long-term remission after the treatment is stopped. Chinese medicine also uses topical treatments as well, to support the treatment and to assist in alleviating some of the symptoms related to skin issues.
Specialized Training
Kim began studying Chinese Medicine Dermatology with Mazin Al-Khafaji in 2014 and completed his year long Dermatology Diploma Course which was offered in the United States for the first time from 2016 to 2017. Mazin is recognized as the world renowned leading expert in the field of dermatology and Chinese Medicine. After passing an intensive board exam, Kim is now amongst an esteemed group of practitioners in the internationally accredited Register of Chinese Medicine Dermatology. Kim also is trained and certified to do micro needling and facial rejuvenation acupuncture, a modality using a holistic approach to looking and feeling younger and more vibrant.
Examples of conditions treated:
Some of the skin conditions successfully treated include, but are not limited to:
Lichen Planus
Lichen Simplex
Psoriasis
Pityriasis Rosea
Rosacea
Tinea
Vitiligo
Viral Warts
Acne
Alopecia Areata
Dermatitis / Eczema (atopic, contact, nummular, perioral, pompholyx, seborrheic, etc)
Herpes Simplex
Herpes Zoster / Shingles
Impetigo
Insect Bites
Microneedling (aka Collagen Induction Therapy):
Microneedling and nano needling is a clean and safe way to rejuvenate your skin and improve the look of imperfections, fine lines, sun damage, and scarring.
This cosmetic procedure, based on the ancient healing practice of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, uses tiny stainless-steel needles to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in your skin. By creating these micro channels, our serums are more effective because they are able to penetrate deeper and are absorbed in the dermal layer of the skin. Our treatments generate skin tissue repair, tighten and firm the skin, while leaving you with a radiant glow!
The microneedling treatment uses customized serums infused with specific Chinese herbs, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid. These are chosen to target your specific areas of concern and address your underlying root causes of skin conditions.
What does microneedling treat?
It can be used effectively for a number of concerns, including:
soften stretch marks
reduce pores
even out skin tone
a youthful glow
fine lines and deep wrinkles
scars caused by acne or surgery
skin pigmentation issues
skin that has lost its plump, youthful appearance
hair rejuvenation
Cosmetic Acupuncture/Facial Rejuvenation:
Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is a series of 10 acupuncture treatments that naturally revitalize the facial terrain by improving the underlying constitutional health of the whole person.
Constitutional Facial Acupuncture treatments include the placement of fine needles in various acupuncture points on the face, neck and around the eyes to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and to give your face and/or neck a natural lift. Placement within certain muscles improves the tone and function of facial muscles to help the face “lift” itself. Stimulation of blood flow and lymphatic circulation helps improve the complexion as well.
From a Western medical standpoint, facial acupuncture is effective due to the micro-traumas in the dermal layer of the skin created when the tiny needles are inserted. In response to this stimulus, blood flow to the area is increased, and there is a stimulation of collagen and elastin production that allows this matrix to be supple, firm, and resilient. The needles also stimulate the face muscles making them stronger which tightens the skin. Over the course of the series of treatments, the skin responds with increased suppleness, firmness, and resilience. The result is a refreshed and revived overall appearance.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture facilitates both Qi (vital life force) and Blood to the face. This, in turn, removes obstructions and blockages, and creates free flow and energetic alignment. This vibrancy will be reflected in your face.
During facial rejuvenation appointments, full body acupuncture is also incorporated. I choose acupuncture points that activate the body to improve your constitutional health and thus enhance the effects of the facial acupuncture, so results can be long-lasting.
What results can you expect?
Hard spots soften or disappear
Enhance collagen production
Improve muscle tone and function
Reduces sagging skin
Lifts eyelids and reduce puffiness
Improves circulation of blood and lymph
Nourish dry skin
Reduction in fine lines
Leveling of deeper lines
Define jaw line
Improvements in Acne and Rosacea
Skin is softer and more vibrant
Skin tone more consistent
Age spots fade
Microneedling vs Cosmetic Acupuncture: Which is right for you?
Micro needling is better at treating wrinkles, age spots, scars, skin tone, and acne. Increase facial absorption by 3000% making it a perfect way to integrate topicals. One treatment per month for 3 – 6 months is typically recommended depending on your treatment goals.
Cosmetic acupuncture is better at lifting, firming, tightening. Best to treat areas that are sagging such as neck, cheeks, or eye lids. It addresses the whole body and the source or root of aging rather than just the symptoms. This entails 10 treatments over 5 weeks.
In order to determine the best course of treatment for you, we would want to talk about your skin concerns, health history, and treatment goals.
Kim is more than happy to talk with you to discuss which option would be best for you.