A Natural Approach to Aging Gracefully
by Andrea Kehler

How do you feel about aging? It can be both a challenging and a beautiful time in our lives. Looking in the mirror we may see physical changes that include sagging skin, wrinkles that are more pronounced, and folds of skin that now cover our eyes. On the other hand, our face also reflects years of wisdom, our life experiences, and inner beauty. A face that we can be proud of! 

As we age, we are invited to ask ourselves the tough questions, “How do I feel about aging? How much value do I place on my appearance? Do I still care what other people think about me?”  These are all important questions to consider, as they will impact how we carry ourselves into this next chapter. We have spent years discovering our authenticity, developing self confidence, and now is the time to allow all of our wisdom to shine through.  

As an acupuncturist of 15 years, I began to look for natural ways to support my clients through this conflicting time. That is when I discovered Facial Acupuncture, a holistic approach to aging, allowing women to feel supported from the inside out. Facial Acupuncture uses your own body to help you age well in a safe and effective manner. There are many costly facial treatments available, including botox and fillers. While this may work for some, others may prefer a more natural approach.  

How Does Facial Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture has been practiced in ancient Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years to relieve a wide variety of symptoms for many illnesses. Facial acupuncture focuses on balancing the Qi by combining both body and facial acupuncture points. Imbalances shown in the face are a direct correlation to what is going on below the surface. Therefore, when identifying the underlying root cause of any facial concern, the corresponding organ system is also considered. For example, the area directly below the eyes is related to the kidneys, and the space between the eyebrows, to the liver. Facial acupuncture allows us to treat internal organs, while simultaneously revitalizing the look and feel of your skin. 

From a physiological stand point, acupuncture is used in order to create a micro-trauma response.  Hair-thin needles are placed into specific acupuncture points, stimulating the dermal layer of the skin where collagen and elastin are produced. By stimulating the dermis, the body thinks it has been injured. As a result, the body responds by sending fibroblasts of collagen and elastin to the area. This also brings in more oxygen and blood, directly influencing the appearance of the skin.

What Can Facial Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture offers many benefits to those who want to revitalize the look and feel of their skin. It builds collagen, improves circulation, and stimulates blood flow with no risk of scars, infections, rashes, or toxic chemicals.

Here are just a few of the many benefits of facial aacupuncture:

• Lift sagging eye lids 
• Diminish fine lines and wrinkles 
• Reduce swelling and puffiness in the face 
• Firm up the skin around the jowl area, and minimize a double chin 
• Improve muscle tone and increase collagen production 
• Improve the overall appearance, or complexion, of the skin by bringing in more Qi and blood 
• Increase the circulation of blood and lymph 
• Reduce stress evident in the face 
• Promote overall health and well being

What Can I Expect During a Facial Acupuncture Treatment?

Your treatment will begin in a cozy, candle-lit room, designed to make you feel loved and supported. We will begin with a consultation where together we will discuss your goals, and look at your overall health. Any organ system imbalances will be diagnosed through your intake form, as well as your tongue and pulse. We will then begin with needling both the body and face. Hair-thin needles are used, that are placed 3mm into your skin. This painless procedure lasts for 20–25 minutes, and is deeply relaxing. Many clients fall asleep!

After the needling, you will experience a facial massage through the use of gentle cupping and gua sha. Both the cupping and gua sha bring Qi and blood to the surface of the skin in order to bring back that warm glow and improve circulation. Your lymph system will also be activated, clearing toxins and reducing any facial swelling you may have. This massage will leave you feeling pampered, cared for, and deeply relaxed. Many clients are in awe when they look in the mirror at the immediate results. They leave feeling more confident in their skin and balanced both inside and out.  

For longer-lasting results four consecutive weekly sessions are recommended. After that, it is about maintenance. This time frame depends on the individual, their goals, and their overall health. The nice thing about these sessions is that they are covered through extended health benefit plans. 

Discovering facial acupuncture has been an incredible tool to assist others through the aging process. I love what I do, and find it so rewarding to see my clients filled with renewed health and confidence. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. It would be my pleasure to meet you and be part of your journey as you continue to age gracefully.

Andrea Kehler, is a Registered Acupuncturist and founder of New Earth Angel Reiki, working out of both Warman and Saskatoon, SK. She has been practicing for 15 years, and continues to expand her knowledge in a variety of areas of acupuncture. Andrea works in women’s health, with a focus on trauma, anxiety, and has most recently added cosmetic acupuncture. She strongly believes in order for true healing to occur, all levels of healing must be considered: physical, spiritual, and emotional. She believes that everyone holds within them the power to heal and transform their lives. She strives to empower her clients in a safe and supportive environment. In her free time, Andrea enjoys spending time in nature with her husband and small dog, Arthur, as well as bike riding with friends, and drinking iced coffees. For more information visit www.andreakehler.ca. Also, see the Directory of Services ad on page 18 of the 31.3 Fall 2025 issue of the WHOLifE Journal).