The initial intake is mandatory for all new patients. If you are a current patient and want to add an additional service, a second intake will not be required.
Cosmetic acupuncture services are separate from traditional acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine services. For cosmetic acupuncture, all new and current patients of Sea Wellness Acupuncture who have never had an appointment before need to sign up for a new client cosmetic acupuncture session (does not apply to microneedling, nanoneedling, or facial cupping and gua sha).
Please arrive to cosmetic acupuncture, microneedling, facial cupping and gua sha treatments with clean skin and without makeup.
Cosmetic Acupuncture Services including microneedling and facial cupping and gua sha are offered at the main location in Berlin during office hours as well as at Andrea Bounds Beauty Salon in West Ocean City Saturday mornings by appointment only
What Do I Wear?
It’s best to wear loose-fitting clothes (short shirts, flowy pants, gym shorts, etc.). However, sheets are provided for appropriate draping during treatment if needed. You should never feel uncomfortable during a session.
What Should I Do When I Leave?
Most people feel quite relaxed after treatment, maybe even a little sleepy. Others may feel energized and ready to take on the world. Either way, it’s important to rest afterward to experience the full benefits of treatment. Your body and mind are in a restorative, healing state; stay hydrated, relax, and eat a nourishing meal.
For microneedling sessions: Skin may be sensitive and red after microneedling a day or two post treatment. Drink plenty of water, use Aculift skincare products, consume vitamin C and get plenty of rest to maximize results. 48 hours after treatment : Stay out of the sun use mineral SPF three to five days after. Keep out of direct and extended sunlight exposure for 5 days after treatment. Do not engage in exercise, apply makeup same day, or wash face. If experiencing dryness or peeling, gently exfoliate but do not use harsh chemicals or exfoliants (opt for wash cloth). If skin feels sensitive, do not exfoliate, continue to hydrate skin twice a day. After 7 days, you may resume normal skin care routine. Aculift skin care products are highly recommended as they are gental, natural, organic, and vegan. Products can be purchased through your practitioner.
What Does A Cosmetic Acupuncture Session Involve?
New Patients will be contacted over the phone to ensure there are no contraindications that may prevent you from receiving treatment. For cosmetic acupuncture sessions, the practitioner will start by threading auricular muscles, inserting auricular points to calm the mind, and needling a few body points to support overall health (which promotes the goals of facial acupuncture). Next, needles will be inserted on the face, focusing on areas discussed with the practitioner. Facial cupping and gua sha will be performed to provide a sense of calm and relaxation to end the session. At the beginning of the cosmetic acupuncture intake for new clients, treatment will also include an acupuncture protocol called AE to release any toxic energy stored in the body.
What Does A Facial Gua Sha and Cupping Session Involve?
Facial Gua Sha is a technique in which specially crafted handheld pieces of smooth jade are used to invigorate the skin, increase blood supply and circulation, smooth out wrinkles, help to detoxify the face and improve inflammation. It can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions such as acne, Rosacea, and dark circles and helps to address wrinkles, sagging, and puffiness. By providing increased blood flow to the face, the skin is better nourished and healthier.
Facial cupping is painless and increases local circulation to the face, bringing nutrients to the surface and enhancing absorption of lotions or serums. It also increases blood flow, drains stagnant fluids, eases puffiness, and helps the skin regain its youthful appearance.
Facial cups are small and can come in various shapes. After applying a special cupping oil, a small cup is either held in place for a few seconds over a deep wrinkle to increase blood flow to the area, or it is moved along the face and down the neck to drain lymphatic fluid and stimulate blood flow. This brings collagen to the surface, thereby reducing puffiness & dark circles, diminishing lines, and draining nasal sinuses and the lymphatic system. The increased local blood supply will bring nourishment to the muscles and skin to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin.
Should I Eat Beforehand?
Yes! It’s advised to eat before an appointment, however, don’t overindulge yourself! You don’t want to feel sick from eating too much or not eating enough while you’re receiving treatment! Also, try to remember to stay hydrated!
Limit or avoid caffeine before your appointment, as stimulants can cause your sympathetic response (fight or flight) to activate which is the opposite effect we want to achieve with acupuncture!
What Does An Acupuncture or Chinese Herbal Medicine Treatment Involve?
The initial intakes are conducted in person and include a comprehensive assessment regarding health/medical/social history, current health status, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. A physical exam will also be performed, including pulse reading, tongue diagnosis, body temperature assessment, and other diagnostic measures. Those receiving acupuncture will be provided with treatment during the initial intake. For those receiving Chinese Herbal Medicine, a formula will be recommended and prescribed once all patient information has been reviewed and discussed. All formulas will be ordered by the practitioner.
In addition acupuncture treatments may also include any of the following depending on diagnosis and treatment plan at no additional cost: e-stim acupuncture, acuseeds, auricular acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, qi gong, breathing techniques, guided meditation, and/or nutritional recommendations based on an Eastern Medical perspective.
What Does A Microneedling Session Involve?
New Patients will be contacted over the phone to ensure there are no contraindications that may prevent you from receiving treatment. At the beginning of treatment, if desired, a topical anesthetic is applied before treatment to provide light numbing. Physician formulated, organic, vegan serum prepared for your skin’s individual needs will be applied. The AcuLift (TM) Micropen is then used to create controlled microchannels, eliciting your body’s healing response. This will remodel and rejuvenate your skin to provide a younger, more firm and radiant appearance. A facial take home kit will be included with treatment.
Please avoid taking anti-inflammatory medication, drinking alcohol, or taking fish oil tablets for the 48-72 hours before your treatment if possible (at least 24 hours mandatory),as this will help minimize bleeding.
What Is NADA?
Certified by the National Auricular Detoxification Association, Brooke is also an AcuDetox Specialist trained to provide a 5-point ear protocol known as NADA that specifically helps with addiction/cravings/cessation, trauma, stress, sleep, shock, anxiety, and general detoxification. This treatment focuses on returning the body-mind-spirit back to a balanced state and can be included in treatment if needed.
Sea Wellness Acupuncture - Brooke Bochinski 