What is the Mei Zen protocol? 

FACE & NECK: Cosmetic acupuncture is an alternative to a facelift or other invasive treatments like botox or injections, or topical treatments like peels or laser. It is safer and also delivers more body-wide benefits during the treatment. Not only can you improve the texture of your skin, but you can also improve your digestion or sleep, etc., at each treatment. Mei zen is a particular facial/cosmetic acupuncture protocol that was developed by the acupuncturist Martha Lucas, which she created drawing on ancient, traditional acupuncture techniques. 

ABDOMINAL: The abdominal protocol can help assist in weight loss and improve belly tone. This protocol can also be used to assist with fertility.

How does it work?

Many small-size acupuncture needles (the width of a hair or less) are inserted shallowly into the skin at a specific depth in order to access the layer of skin where collagen is produced; this increases your body’s own collagen production. In addition to the needles in the target area, other needles will be inserted at various locations in your body to support your overall health and assist with the cosmetic treatment.  

Does it hurt?

As you would expect, there is a bit of a pinch when the needles are inserted initially into the skin, but the needles are painless while they’re in. Once the needles are in, they are left in place for about 20 minutes. During this time, you should feel quite relaxed, and you may notice that your face feels quite energized afterwards. 

What types of treatments are there?

You can choose between three treatments: a face treatment, a neck treatment, or the abdominal treatment. It is best to do just one type in the course of a treatment series.

Who is it good for?

Almost everyone! 

• If you do a course of cosmetic acupuncture when you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, this is great as a preventative aging treatment. It is also effective against breakouts, dullness, and so on, and you will notice improvements in the texture of your skin as well. 

• If you’re in your 50s and 60s or 70s, it will assist in lifting sagging skin, tightening the skin, and improving texture and tone.

For everyone, collagen production is improved, energy (qi) is brought to the face, and body-wide benefits are felt. 

The abdominal protocol can also be enjoyed by almost everyone. When necessary, we may do preparation treatments to ensure your body is in the best state to receive the abdominal protocol. The abdominal protocol would not be appropriate during pregnancy or with certain issues (for instance, with fibroids, we would treat the fibroids first, and then could continue with the abdominal protocol once there is improvement with that issue). When doing the abdominal protocol for fertility, it is recommended that both partners receive the treatment for maximum benefit.

What kind of results can I expect?

FACE & NECK: This is not a replacement for surgery, but the results can last for 3-5 years (the younger you are, the longer the improvements will last), and the benefits accumulate over the long-term in terms of skin health and improving overall health (which also is reflected in your skin). To compare, plastic surgery facelifts are said to last 4-6 years, botox from 3-6 months, and laser skin resurfacing treatments can last from 3-5 years.

ABDOMINAL: For weight loss, this protocol works to assist your body in your weight loss efforts. Weight loss will not occur or be long-term if good eating habits and movement are not part of your approach. Fertility success improves when both partners are taking part in treatments.

Length of treatment & commitment 

FACE & NECK: Each treatment lasts about 60 minutes. A course of 10 sessions over 5 weeks will yield the best results. 

ABDOMINAL: Each treatment lasts about 60 minutes. The minimum time requirement is 3 months. The recommended course is twice a week for 6 weeks, and then once a week for 6 more weeks. At the end of the 3-month course we will reassess, looking at the goals achieved to see whether further treatment is necessary.

What are the other benefits?

During the intake, we look at your overall health history to see what your other complaints/health challenges are. Points are included to treat these conditions as well since overall health impacts your overall health (anything from pain, digestive issues, stress, sleep problems, menstrual cycle issues, etc.).

In addition, due to the placement of the needles on the face and neck, you may see a general improvement in stress, eye strain, headaches, sinus issues, ear issues, & thyroid issues. With the abdominal points, an improvement in menstrual cycle, digestion, and energy is generally seen.

How much does it cost?

Appointments are $125 per session.

If you have extended health care coverage and it covers acupuncture, the mei zen treatments are covered by your plan up to the maximum amount you’re allowed. The mei zen treatments are covered by benefits because it’s not just a cosmetic treatment, we’re positively impacting the health of your whole body.

Contraindications/Risks

FACE & NECK: It’s best to schedule mei zen treatments with a good week or two before any special events you have as there is a risk of bruising on the face. This is superficial bruising that just acts like a regular bruise, but can be more conspicuous because it’s on the face. Some people bruise more easily than others and it’s impossible to tell in advance if you will bruise or not. 

• If you have a bleeding disorder, are on warfarin (or other blood-thinning medication), have a serious illness, or are in very poor health, then mei zen cosmetic treatments are likely not the best choice for you (though regular acupuncture treatments may assist your health or help you to improve your health so that you are well enough to receive cosmetic acupuncture). 

• You may feel more tired after your treatment for a short time.

ABDOMINAL: This protocol cannot be undertaken during pregnancy. Certain conditions like fibroids would need to be addressed through acupuncture before beginning the protocol.

Extras

We will be using Modern Alchemy facial products during your appointment, which are also available for sale. Visit the store to view our products.

You may wish to add a collagen supplement to get the most out of your mei zen treatment (since we’re asking the body to make more collagen, by giving it the building blocks to make it, we’ll make collagen more efficiently).

Questions?

Email info@modern-alchemy.ca for more information.