The ProAcuLift Acupuncture Facial

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

The ProAcuLift (tm) Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation is a safe, effective way to reduce the signs of aging and restore a more youthful appearance. As we age, our life force (Qi) weakens and blood and lymphatic circulation decrease, reducing the nutrients and energy delivered to cells. Additionally, sun exposure, smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and gravity all compound damage to the skin. The ProAcuLift (tm) System addresses underlying health issues by stimulating energy pathways to the face to obtain profound, noticeable, and long lasting results in the reversal and slowing of aging.

A truly holistic approach, The ProAcuLift (tm) System improves facial muscle tone, increases collagen production to firm the skin and fill out wrinkles, lifts sagging skin, reduces edema, and can profoundly effect hormone regulation, improving conditions like acne and overly dry, irritated skin. During The ProAcuLift (tm) System, fine needles are placed in acupuncture points on the face, head, and body to increase blood flow and stimulate energy conduction to the face, thereby improving muscle tone and skin tension from within. You can feel results after the first treatment. However, for longer lasting results, a series of treatments are recommended.

The first session is a very in depth look at your patient's overall health, nutrition and lifestyle habits, past medical history, family history and their goals with the treatments. This system determines your patient's skin type and then follows through on the process.

Each treatment includes the facial needle protocol, or electro-stimulation protocol, followed by TuiNa facial massage, a specific herbal mask designed for your patient's facial type, followed by an herbal toner, then special moisturizer. A nutrition plan and exercise plan is work on in order to complete the three crucial steps.

The ProAcuLift (tm) System is a series of 12 treatments, once a week or 2 treatments per week for 6 weeks with the most noticeable improvements appearing about the 8th week. Monthly maintenance treatments can prolong the results for up to 10 years.

The benefits of Andrew’s ProAcuLift (tm) System include:

*Slowing down the aging process
*Maintaining youthful, healthy looking skin
*Hydration of the skin
*Increased elasticity
*Cleanses embedded particles
*Improves blood circulation
*Relieves stress
*Stimulates the flow of oxygen
*Brings nutrients to improve skin texture
*Creates a healthy epidermis and dermis
*Improves skin tone and appearance
*Restore skin’s normal balance of oil and pH
*Heightens skin's softness and pliancy
*Brings an overall soothing of the spirit

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It’s foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is often helpful where conventional medicine is not. An acupuncture facial is a great alternative to the toxic and damaging effects of botox.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help with issues of aging, acne, poor circulation, bumps and cysts, scars and such inflammatory disorders as eczema, psoriasis as well as other dermatitis issues.

Facial acupuncture candidates are women or men who suffer from poor elasticity of the skin, a tired sallow complexion, skin issues such as oily, dry, damaged or mature skin.

While acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine cannot guarantee 100% success or give you that "surgically enhanced" look, it can aim to improve your overall quality, tone, elasticity and cellular stimulation.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be an effective complement to your beauty and anti-aging treatments. Acupuncture redirects your vital energy into a more balanced flow. It provides support to the underlying importance of better digestion and improved circulation. Acupuncture releases tension in the muscles, particularly the face. This allows increased flow of blood, lymph, and nerve impulses to affected areas, decreasing the stress experienced by you.

Pinpointing Beauty - Facial Acupuncture featuring Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac. on CBS News

Anti-Aging Enemies

1. Sugar One of the reasons inflammation occurs is from a rapid rise in blood sugar, which causes biochemical changes in the cell. When blood sugar goes up rapidly, sugar can attach itself to collagen in a process called "glycosylation," or the Browning Reaction, increasing inflexible and inflammation. CRP is not found in foods. However, its levels in the body are strongly influenced by diet. The body makes CRP from interleukin-6 (IL-6), a powerful inflammatory chemical. IL-6 is a key cell communication molecule, and it tells the body's immune system to go into asperity, releasing CRP and many other inflammation-causing substances.

2. Simple Carbohydrates: Staying away from sugar and high-glycemic (simple) carbohydrates, which the body rapidly converts to sugar, is one of the best ways to decrease inflammation. C-reactive protein (CPR) is a key factor of inflammation.

In a major study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, people with elevated CRP levels were four and one-half times more likely to have a heart attack. Not only is elevated CRP more accurate than cholesterol in predicting heart attack risk, but high CRP levels have turned up in people with diabetes and pre-diabetes and in people who are overweight. [58, 59,61]

A recent study by Simin Liu, M.D., Ph.D., of the Harvard Medical School found that women who ate large amounts of high-glycemic (or diabetes promoting) carbohydrates, including potatoes, breakfast cereals, white bread, muffins, and white rice, had very high CRP levels. Women who ate a lot of these foods and were also overweight had the highest and most dangerous CRP levels. [62].

3. Saturated Fats : are found primarily in animal products, including dairy items, such as whole milk, cream, and cheese, and fatty meats like beef, veal, lamb, pork, and ham. The fat marbling you can see in beef and pork is composed of saturated fat. Some vegetable products including coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and vegetable shortening-are also high in saturates.The liver uses saturated fats to manufacture cholesterol. Therefore, excessive dietary intake of saturated fats can significantly raise the blood cholesterol level, especially the level of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), or "bad cholesterol. " Guidelines issued by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), and widely supported by most experts, recommend that the daily intake of saturated fats be kept below 10 percent of total caloric intake. However, for people who have severe problems with high blood cholesterol, even that level may be too high.

4. Excess Sun Exposure : Exposure of up to 20 minutes in the sun is imperative for Vitamin D activation. It is the sun that is so important in cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder . BUT, excess sun exposure without a sunscreen of at least SPF of 15 can damage the skin by starting the inflammation process. Scientists agree that one of the most significant factors contributing to aging is chronic inflammation. [1]. This inflammation process is due to an excess of free radicals which produce harmful oxidation or “oxidative stress” that can damage cell membranes and cell contents. [2]. These free radicals cause inflammation.

5. Hypertension : The main factor in most cases of high blood pressure is an increase in resistance to blood flow. This can occur if the diameter of your arterioles becomes smaller. Your heart has to work harder to pump the same amount of blood, and the pressure at which the blood is pumped increases. Sympathetic tone is constantly too high, arteries are constantly constricted, and blood pressure remains elevated to levels that can eventually damage the heart and arteries, kidneys, and other organs. Because the sympathetic nervous system deals with fear and uses adrenalin and nonadrenalin as its chemical messengers, it is not surprising that anxiety is a factor in essential hypertension.

6. Alcohol : Alcohol stimulates the inflammatory process within the body. Drink only in moderation.

7. Sedentary Lifestyle : To build and maintain muscle strength and bone mass, start (or continue) a regular program of weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or weight training. A cardiovascular workout is imperative in order to maintain wieght and oxygenation of red blood cells. Maintain a healthy weight for your age and sex. (See guidelines for men and women).

8. Smoking : If you smoke, stop. Nothing you can take as a supplement can counter-act the negative effects of smoking on your health and longevity. Stopping the habit can! Tobacco, in the form of cigarettes, is the most addictive drug in the world. Nicotine is one of the strongest stimulants known, and smoking is one of the most efficient drug-delivery systems. Smoking actually puts drugs into the brain more directly than intravenous injection. It is true that one of the "benefits" of smoking is the brief relief of internal tension; unfortunately, within 20 minutes the tension is back stronger than before, demanding another fix. Learn to STOP Smoking NOW!

9. Excessive Stress : Stress can kill you. It is the underlying factor which can undermined any one suffering from an illness, fear, or just plain insecurity. The mind and body altercation brought on by our own self affliction. Anxiety is a vague, uncomfortable feeling of fear, dread or danger from an unknown source. For some it may be a one time episode. Other become constantly anxious about everything. A certain amount of anxiety is normal and helps improve our performance and allows people to avoid dangerous situations.

10. High Cholesterol : Too much cholesterol in the blood is what creates a problem. A risk factor for both heart attack and stroke, high blood cholesterol increases the chance of plaque or blockages developing in arteries. Lowering blood cholesterol can slow or stop the buildup of plaque. While your risk of cardiovascular disease depends on many factors, from genetics to lifestyle habits, keeping your blood cholesterol levels within ideal ranges can greatly lower your risk.

Nutritional Advise

A healthy diet along with maintaining healthy body weight (not too low, not too high) is most important in order to optimize your beautiful skin. Proper diet supports your body and its hormonal functions.

A Beauty Skin Diet should be based on the specific constitutional patterns found and the determination of your skin type.

Missing meals, poor dieting, and not eating properly can be helped by taking one multivitamin and mineral supplement a day. A lack of good nutrition can cause a host of problems. Consider several light meals to avoid a severe case of napping.

Eating most of your calories early in the day will give you the fuel you need to keep going. But you've got to be selective in the type of fuel you choose. Carbohydrate, for example, is a fast burner. Fat, on the other hand, burns slowly, meaning it slows you down.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet overall. Consider a high-protein, low-fat diet with healthy complexed carbohydrates.

Water is essential in any healing process. Distilled water is the best. 6-8 eight ounces glasses per day.

Consider juice therapy. Grapes, pear, plum, tomato, cucumber, carrot, potato and spinach. provide a great synergy for many skin disorders, particularly acne.

The power of green whole foods is essential for all day energy, greater focus under stress, sense of well-being, strengthened immune system, fewer food cravings and optimum synergistic balance of essential nutrients for total health. Green whole foods contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, active enzymes, bioflavinoids, chlorophyll and other phytonutrients necessary for optimial cellular metabolism, repair and protection! These ingredients contain the most powerful combination of nutrients ever known in any grain, herb or food. They contain almost all of the vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes necessary for the human diet, plus chlorophyll.

Spirulina Blue Green Algae: Spirulina possesses a complete protein richer than steak, abundant organically complex minerals, a wide variety of essential vitamins, and many beneficial enzymes. Spirulina is more than just a food. As with Chlorella it has been shown to be valuable with almost every aspect of health. These necessities are bio-available which means that they are easily assimilated throughout the digestive tract, giving instant access to vital nutrients.Because of algae's high chlorophyll and high nutritional content it is an excellent part of a cleansing program.

Chlorella Green Algae: Chlorella's tough cell wall protects the valuable nucleus inside. When it is harvested it is instantly dried and the cell walls are gently cracked open. The nutrients inside retain full potency. Once in your body, the cracked open cells release their valuable nutrients. Because it is so easy to digest, your cells get the full benefit of this nutritional powerhouse. These necessities are bio-available which means that they are easily assimilated throughout the digestive tract, giving instant access to vital nutrients. The algae provides intestinal nourishment and has a soothing and healing effect on the mucous lining. It works to detoxify and purify our system.

Barley Grass and Wheat Grass: Eating barley and wheat grass is like eating a plate of green vegetables. These cereal grasses, are harvested young and are ecologically grown in nutrient rich soil. They are approximately 25% protein and contains all the essential amino acids, concentrated vitamins, minerals and fiber. They have been shown to increase our overall health by reducing intestinal putrefaction and maintaining healthy blood another important component of cleansing.

Klamath Lake Blue Green Algae: This remarkable plant grows 100% organically in the Upper Klamath Lake of Oregon. Blue Green Algae has more protein and chlorophyll by weight than any other plant or animal on earth. Klamath Lake algae is considered to be the most nutrient rich of the algaes.

What You Should Avoid:

Limit foods that have little or no fiber such as ice cream, cheese, meat, snacks like chips and pizza, and processed foods such as instant mashed potatoes or already-prepared frozen dinners. Too much white flour and refined sugar.

What you don’t eat may be even more important than what you do eat. Avoid alcohol and sugar, because they tend to worsen the situation.

Curb your caffeine. One or two cups of coffee can work to kick you into gear in the morning, but its benefits usually end there. Too much caffeine is just as bad as too much of anything. Drinking it throughout the day for an energy boost can actually backfire. Caffeine makes you feel like you have more energy, but you really don't. Cut back on caffeine to reduce the high and low effect.

Reduce Processed and Refined Foods:

Avoid fried foods, white pasta, white rice, full fat dairy, white potatoes, white bread (baguettes, bagels, pita).

Processed food can rob your food of nutrients and vitamins that your body needs to fight off stress and promote good health. Try to buy whole foods, unprocessed foods and try and stay away from "instant" foods, preservatives, artificial flavors, saturated fats, refined foods, hydrogenated food and MSG.

Reduce Sugar Intake:

Too much sugar can rob our body of essential nutrients. Simple carbohydrates from baked goods, pastries, most crackers and cookies must be limited to a very small portion or completely removed from the diet.

Eat To Stay Young

If you want to stay young, you have to make a long-term commitment to eating right. The word from researchers: Tipping the balance toward more nutrient-rich foods while you're still young can go a long way toward keeping you healthier longer.

A study in the August 2000 issue of the journal Circulation shows that young people can prematurely age, too. In fact, researchers found cholesterol deposits in the arteries of teenagers and young adults. Indeed, the effects of aging start sooner than you might think.

"We age along a continuum, rather than all of a sudden", says Robert Russell, MD, professor of medicine and nutrition at Tufts University in Boston. "You don't wake up one morning to notice you've aged," he says. "The age-related nutrition issues that confront seniors -- from osteoporosis to heart disease -- begin in the early adult years."

How do you incorporate more healthy foods into your meals? The easiest move you can make is to add more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your daily menu. Most have no fat, cholesterol, or sodium -- and they're low in calories. What you do get is lots of fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins, which all play a part in keeping you functioning at your best.

Minerals from calcium-rich dairy foods and greens can strengthen your bones. Fiber from whole grains helps to keep bowel movements regular. And the antioxidants from fruits and vegetables help to prevent cancer from developing by fighting off free radicals, the byproducts of the body's everyday processes that damage DNA, cells, and tissues.

In a study published in the April 26, 2000, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers reported finding that women who ate diets high in fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean meats were 30% less likely to die of any cause than women who didn't eat such a diet during the study. The researchers tracked the women for about six years. But at exactly what age you need to begin eating well is anybody's guess. What is clear is that heart attacks, osteoporosis, and other signs of aging take years to develop. Eating healthy foods slows that development, helping you to live better and longer.

1. Apples - "An apple a day could very well keep the doctor away," says Chang Y. Lee, a food chemist at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY. "The fact is, most Americans barely eat one apple a week."

Apples contain naturally-occurring chemical compounds known as phytochemicals, polyphenols, or flavonoids, some of which have been proven to have antioxidant activity that inhibits, or scavenges, the activity of free radicals in the body. Cell damage from free radicals can be a factor in certain cancers, heart disease, strokes, and other conditions. The major antioxidant components in apples are polyphenols contained mainly in the skin known as quercetin glycoside, phloretin glycoside, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin. The names are complex, but their health value is clear: Quercetin has been reported to reduce carcinogenic activity, inhibit enzymatic activities associated with several types of tumor cells, enhance the antiproliferative activity of anticancer agents, and inhibit the growth of transformed tumorigenic cells.

2. Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries - Antioxidant compounds found in blueberries, sweet cherries, strawberries and blackberries may fight arterial disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL (''bad'') cholesterol, according to a team of researchers at the University of California, Davis. In studies conducted at the University, Dr. I. Marina Heinonen, a visiting scientist from the University of Helsinki in Finland, and colleagues extracted antioxidant compounds from blackberries, red raspberries, sweet cherries, blueberries and strawberries. In a series of experiments in laboratory culture dishes, they found that blackberries and Blueberries are of particular interest because of their high antioxidant capacity. They had the most antioxidant activity in one experiment and sweet cherries in another.

3. Bitter Melon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi- Melons are widely available and grown in many parts of the world. In ancient Egypt, watermelons were traditionally offered to thirsty travelers, and they are still important today in times of drought or water pollution. Aromatic melon varieties were prized from early times in the Middle East. Melons are related to cucumbers, pumpkin, squash, and gourds, growing as they all do on long, trailing vines. These fruits which are full of antioxidants are often served for breakfast, as an appetizer, dessert, or snack. Larger melons are sliced in serving-size portions; smaller melons are typically cut in half and the pulp and seeds are scooped out before serving. Depending on their size, melons can be served in their skins, halved or cut in wedges, or peeled for used in salads or appetizers. The flesh can also be cut into cubes or scooped into balls with a melon-baller.

4. Citrus Fruits - Hundreds of studies have been conducted on the nutrients found in citrus fruit, including orange juice, and the role these nutrients play in reducing the risk of such diseases as cancer and heart disease, when part of a low fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruit, which contain essential vitamins and minerals, are an important part of a healthy diet for all men, women and children. In both fresh and juice form, citrus - including oranges, grapefruit and specialty varieties such a temple oranges, tangerines and tangelos - have many important nutritional benefits.

5. Oranges and Grapefruit- contain dietary fiber, including soluble fiber. Fiber helps in digestion and elimination, and, when part of a low fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables, may help reduce the risk of some cancers. Folate, a B vitamin commonly found in orange juice and green leafy vegetables, has been shown to help reduce the risk of certain types of birth defects. An eight-ounce glass of orange juice supplies 100 percent or more of the Daily Value for vitamin C. Citrus juices like orange juice are natural sources of potassium, and all citrus fruit are sodium and cholesterol-free.

6. Peaches, Pears, Plums - Peaches contain phytochemicals - chemical compounds produced by plants - that are important for healthy skin. Phytochemicals act as antioxidants that are critical to maintaining healthy skin. Peaches are also good sources of powerful antioxidants that, according to experts, may hold the secret to long life and vitality. Pears are a good source of fiber. Just one medium pear has 16% of the fiber our bodies need everyday for good health. Fiber helps our bodies with digestion and adds bulk to our diet. Plums are high in carbohydrates and are an excellent source of vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and fiber and stimulate the bowel movement. Plums contain a substantial amount of vitamin C. Dried plums contain iron, potassium, vitamin A, magnesium and fiber. They are also high in antioxidants which help neutralize the damaging effects of oxidation on the ageing process, protect against certain cancers, heart & lung diseases and cataract formation.

7. Apsaragus - Asparagus is spring's most luxurious vegetable. It was once cultivated for medicinal purposes as a natural remedy for blood cleansing and diuretic properties. Asparagus is rich in immunity-enhancing antioxidants and vitamins. Asparagus can be processed into juice and other products to increase total utilization and increase net value. Asparagus juice contains antioxidants, such as rutin, ferulic acid and ascorbic acid. When buying asparagus look for compact tips and smooth green stems that are uniform in color down the length of the stem. Check the cut stem end for drying and avoid withered spears. Asparagus is low in calories and provides substantial amounts of antioxidants - Vitamins A and C. It truly shines as a source of folate and has a goodly amount of fiber.

8. Beans - People who pay attention to the colors of the foods they cook and serve are enhancing not only visual and gustatory pleasure, but nutritional punch as well. These foods contain colored pigments with nutritious cancer- and heart-disease-fighting compounds called flavonoids. Agricultural Research Service food quality geneticist and plant breeder George L. Hosfield has found these flavonoids in bean seed coats, which is where bean colors are also found. Certainly beans come in a mosaic of colors that can rival those of fruits and vegetables—from the plain white great northern and navy beans, to the mottled brownish pink pintos, to the cranberry bean's cream color with red streaks and flecks, the light and dark reds of kidney beans, the maroon-red adzuki, delicious green beans all the way to the black bean. The seed coat, which is 10 percent of the bean, is not only high in antioxidants for some beans, but is also where the high fiber content of beans comes into play.

9. Broccoli - Broccoli is known as the "Crown Jewel of Nutrition" for its vitamin-rich, high in fiber, and low in calorie properties. Not only does broccoli give you the best vegetable nutrition available, it also gives you many ways to lead a healthier, longer life. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States with cancer as the second, and broccoli gives you many ways to help fight and prevent these and other diseases. Broccoli has multiple cancer-fighting properties including vitamin C, beta carotene, and fiber. It is also rich of phytochemicals which appear to offer us protection against certain cancers and heart disease. Indole carbinol and sulforaphane are two different phytochemicals that are found in broccoli.

10. Cabbage, Cauliflower - Nutritionally and medicinally, the cauliflower is similar to the cabbage. Of course, the lower sulphur content is obvious. Cabbage and cauliflower are rich in antioxidants, which help prevent cancer, and prevent heart disease caused by oxidative damage to blood vessels. It is especially rich in Vitamin C - one cup of chopped flowerets or laces of cabbage meets a whole day's requirement of this vitamin. A deficiency of Vitamin C causes scurvy because it interferes with collagen synthesis. Collagen is one of the structural frameworks of normal tissues. Other anti-cancer molecules present in significant amounts included the phytochemicals sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol.

11. Leafy Greens, Spinach- Leaf lettuce, beet greens, and spinach are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these salad vegetables. Greens actually come in a wide variety of colors, textures, shapes, and flavors. They may be green to yellow-white, or red to purple, soft to crisp, curly to flat, and peppery to bitter to mild. Mix and match them and you've created an exciting salad! Greens are an excellent source of vitamin A and a good source of vitamin C. For a bigger boost of vitamin A, buy greens that are medium to dark green (the darker the leaves, the more vitamin A). Many greens, such as spinach, kale, and collards are known for their mineral content, especially iron, calcium, magnesium-as well as the vitamins folate, riboflavin (B2) and vitamin K. Leaves are very rich in antioxidants-- the carotenoids and beta-carotene, the tocopherols (vitamin E) and of course, vitamin C.

12. Black and Green Tea - For years, studies have indicated that the antioxidants in green tea offer protection against diseases, including cancer, and even fight dental cavities. One of the most beneficial of these antioxidants is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). According to the University of California Wellness Letter, Mar 2002, regular black tea is turning out to be just as healthful as green tea. The evidence for tea's health effects comes mainly from lab studies, though some human studies point to possible benefits in preventing heart disease and cancer. EGCG, inhibited an enzyme that cancer cells need in order to grow. The cancer cells that couldn't grow big enough to divide self-destructed. It would take about 4-10 cups of green tea a day to get the blood levels of EGCG that inhibited cancer in the study. Black tea also contains EGCG, but at lower concentrations.

10 Tips for Anti-Aging

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest, most comprehensive examination of aging ever conducted. Since the 1930s, researchers have studied more than 824 men and women, following them from adolescence into old age, seeking clues to the behaviors that translate into happy and healthy longevity. The book "Aging Well", by Harvard Medical School Psychiatrist, George Vaillant has acquired the results of these studies that track the physical and emotional well-being of the 824 men and women from every social strata.

The Harvard study found that we are better off becoming preoccupied with the following factors that turned out to be most predictive of whether we'd move successfully through middle age and into our 80s:

1. Avoiding cigarettes: Smoking increases dramatically the risk of cancer, hardening of the arteries, and heart disease. Not smoking is the single most important factor for staying alive!

2. Keeping a healthy weight : Half the [U.S.] population is overweight, 20% is obese. Obesity will stop you dead in your tracks. Maintaining a healthy wieght and eating the right foods prevents disease. Get a better handle on eating well!

3. Wear sun screen 15-20 minutes in the sun is essential for Vitamin D. When your in the sun for prolonged periods of time (for more than 15-20 minutes without a sunscreen, the inflammation process is heightened. Wear a sunscreen with at least 15 SPF.

4. Proper diet : Add more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your daily menu. Most have no fat, cholesterol, or sodium -- and they're low in calories. What you do get is lots of fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins, which all play a part in keeping you functioning at your best.

5. Exercise regularly : After the age of 30 we tend to lose one-third of a pound of muscle per year, and our bones become weaker as well if they aren't subjected to weight-bearing exercise.

6. Develop good adjustment or coping skills : stress is apart of our daily life. It is unavoidable. The single most important point you can make about stress is that in most cases it's not what's out there that's the problem, it's how you react to it. How you react is determined by how you perceive a particular stress. Learn more on how to cope with stress.

7. Maintaining strong social relationships : Aging successfully, according to Vaillant, is something like being tickled -- it's best achieved with another person. Whether your social connections are with a spouse, offspring, siblings, bridge partners, and/or fellow churchgoers, they're crucial to good health while growing older.

Other studies have confirmed the health-promoting power of social connections. At the UCLA School of Medicine's geriatrics division, Teresa Seeman, PhD, evaluated adults in their 70s over a seven-year period. She found that those with satisfying social relationships remained more mentally alert over the course of the study, with less age-related mental decline than people who were more isolated. No one is certain exactly how a social network may help you stay healthy, although some research has shown that men and women who live alone tend to eat less well, which could jeopardize their physical and mental well-being. People with social connections also may have stronger disease-fighting immune systems.

At RAND, a policy research "think tank" in Santa Monica, behavioral scientist Joan Tucker, PhD, says that having people in your life can make you feel loved and cared for, which can enhance your mental well-being. At the same time, a spouse or close friend can also remind you to go for walks or take your medication, which can have benefits for your physical health as well.

8. Reduce anxiety : We have fears and worries but when they begin to dominate our life and our behavior, and become the focal point in which everything revolves, that's anxiety. Many factors can contribute; trauma, chemical sensitivity, caffeine, heredity, drugs, alcohol, lifestyle choices....If you cannot change the situation that is the focus of anxiety, try to determine a way of trying to change your way of handling the problem.

9. Laugh : Humor is one of the best medicines! The most psychological predictor of aging well is learning how to cope, rechannel, diffuse, and dispense of envy, jealousy, agression, revenge and anger.

10. Pursuing education : Curiosity and creativity help transform older people into seemingly younger ones, says Vaillant, even if their joints ache and even once their days of enjoying free access to the office copying machine are a distant memory. Individuals who are always learning something new about the world, maintaining a playful spirit, and finding younger friends as they lose older ones also are making the most of the aging process.

Skin Care Treatments

1. Zap blemishes Tea's tannic acid absorbs oils that lead to blemishes. Saturate a tea bag in warm water and press on the affected area for about 5 minutes. Rinse, then dab on a some eye redness remover to get the red out.

2. Facial steam: Combine 1 cup fresh rose petals with 2 cups boiling water. Tent a towel over your head and let steam penetrate face for 10 minutes. Stay several inches away from the bowl.

3. Homemade exfoliator : Mix 1/8 cup of olive oil and 1 heaping tablespoon of sea salt. Use on knees and elbows in the shower and rinse off. Pat dry with a soft towel.

4. Homemade clay mask : Use 100% clay kitty litter (ground to a powder), mix with water, apply to face, let dry, then rinse. Eye mask--Grate 1/4 of a apple and a small raw potato and combine. Apply mixture to eyes for 15 minutes, cover your eyes with a warm washcloth and relax with some soothing music.

5. Homemade toner : In a blender, blend 1 peeled kiwi and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons lime juice. Add an equal amount of water and blend until smooth. Use a cotton ball to apply to face. Refrigerate any leftover toner in an airtight container.

6. Seal your pores : Close your pores with a skin tightening all natural clay or mud mask, or try this recipe: Mix 1 egg white with a few drops of lemon juice. Using a brush, massage onto clean skin. Leave on for 5 minutes then rinse with warm water.

7. Chapped lips : Exfoliate your lips by using an old toothbrush and a menthol based lip balm. Apply lip balm first, then brush gently with the toothbrush.

8. Moisturize your room : To keep skin from drying use humidifiers and keep the room temperature moderate. Also, get some green plants; they add moisture to your room!

9. Protect your skin : Photo-aging is responsible for as much as 80% of skin damage--wrinkling, sagging, and discoloration or age spots. Use a safe sunscreen and apply it before exposing your skin to the elements.

10. Skin cream : Applying a skin cream 2-3 times per day helps to protect clean skin from daily assault. The most beneficial skin cream contains such anti-aging ingredients as DMAE, Ascorbyl-Palmitate, ALA, Green Tea Extract and Vitamin E.

Healing Touch Therapy:

There are many different approaches to massage and applications of it. "Massage Therapy" is a holistic procedure that affects all systems of the body; digestive, elimination, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine and nervous systems. Many of today's health problems arise from stress. Because stress upsets the delicate integral balance of all your body's functions, regaining this balance requires a holistic approach.

Massage Therapy and Lymphatic Drainage Massage not only treats those parts of you which are a problem, but also affects the whole of your metabolism through normalizing your circulatory, muscular and nervous systems and their interdependent functioning.

Massage is effective for the whole system. This can be done with soothing massage oils or relaxing body lotions in order for the practitioner's hands to "glide" over the body with smooth, relaxing strokes.

Learn How to Give an Acupressure Facial Massage. This step by step method will help you learn just how to make you and your friends feel great!

Emotional Aspect:

There is an emotional aspect to every illness. Often times, it is the emotional thoughts or "excess emotions" that will lead to illness. The following therapies are utilized for calming the mind, help with stress relief and focuses on our mental powers over any situation. The ability to balance your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual self is up to you. Here are some suggestions:

Does Your Skin Have An Emotional Response? Emotional Problems and Mental Stress are often a cause of skin issues in both adults and children. Premature aging is the result of genetics, poor lifestyle habits, smoking, excess alcohol consumption and sun damage. Stress, Anxiety and Worry can be managed by talking about your feelings when they seem to get out of hand. Metaphysical expert Louise Hay agrees: "Aging relates to old social beliefs, fear of being ones self or rejection of the now!" Consider stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, exercise, tai qi and gi gong therapies.

Book An Appointment with Andrew

I have an extensive background in facial rejuvenation, dermatological issues and aging therapies. Whether we work together or in conjunction with your doctors, I am happy to map out a plan for you that works. In Chinese medicine, our goal is to correct any imbalances, which are causing the deteriorating and premature aging of not only your skin but your mind/body connection as well .

The Mission/Vision:

My mission is to improve the overall quality, elasticity and look of your skin. I do this by determining your skin type and facial pattern diagnosis, incorporating herbal masks, electro-stimulation diet and exercise into your regime, I work with:

Call me at my office, ProAcuMed at 917 843 3623 or by email Make Your Facial Rejuvenation Appointment