medicinal board to gently massage, manipulate and stimulate energy points along the face. The objective is to promote a normal flow of energy, or qi (pronounced KEE), and blood circula- tion and to remove toxins. It also sup- ports, lymph drainage.


Gua sha activates inner vitality by stimulating both the superficial and deep muscles that control facial expres- sion. Beauty benefits include a brighter complexion and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, dark under-eye circles and puffy eyes. It also lifts sag- ging at the neck and jaw. Hypnox. This 25-minute guided hypnotherapeutic audio recording is touted as a natural alternative to the neurotoxin Botox. Instead of paralyzing targeted facial muscles, which inhib- its natural facial expression, Hypnox targets and retrains the same muscles to stop habitual frowning, lip pucker- ing and squinting. The process is said to promote overall relaxation, allowing wrinkles to fade away. Facercize. Muscle resistance training helps tone and enliven the 30 muscles of the face to render more youthful-looking features. Muscle fibers literally smooth out, shorten and lift the attached skin on the face and neck. Enzyme Mask. A weekly exfoliat- ing fruit enzyme mask gently dissolves dead surface cells and embedded impu- rities, while restoring hydration. Adding an organic, fruit-based peel of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids supplies an ideal boost that can result in an even brighter complexion and firmer looking skin. Retinols. These naturally occurring forms of vitamin A are a gentler, over- the-counter version of retinoids. They likewise promote healthy cell renewal and collagen production.


Gentle Microdermabrasion. At- home microdermabrasion kits work to reduce the visibility of pores and fine lines. Many come with battery-operated brushes, aluminum-free scrubs, balanc- ing toners and moisturizing serums; look for natural ingredients.


Microcurrent Facial Sculpting. “Electrical stimulation forces facial muscles to do sit-ups,” says Charlene Handel, owner of Skin Fitness, Etc., in Carlsbad, California. Twenty years of experience with handheld commercial


New Ways to Lose Those Cellulite Dimples W


omen may love the dimples that help light up their faces when they smile, but they don’t appreciate them on their thighs, buttocks or upper arms. According to Bruce Katz, M.D., medical director of Juva Skin & Laser Center, in New York City, and a clinical professor of der- matology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, increased incidence of cellulite in women is related to hormonal changes and the anatomy of septa—fibrous bands of skin tissue that surround fat cells and keep them in place. To help make cellulite dimples disappear, Shelle Misi- orowski, owner of Naples tech-hip spa Trim & Tone, uses VelaShape, in conjunction with Exilis, another non-surgical device that melts fat cells and rejuvenates the production of collagen. VelaShape targets the adipose connective tissue level, which is largely composed of body fat separated by septa, which becomes hard and rigid as we age. The pressure on fat cells by the septa causes the fat cells to become buoyant and push upward through the spaces be- tween the septa fibers, causing dimpling.


“VelaShape is the first and only FDA-approved, non-surgical, non-invasive technology that combines powerful energies such as radio frequencies and infrared heat to reduce the volume and appearance of fat tissue and cellulite,” Misiorowski explains. “It works well with Exilis, which harnesses the power of ultrasound vibrations and radio frequency energy to liquefy cellulite on the abdomen, hips and thighs. Faster, visible results happen when I combine the two treatments. I’ve also seen immediate results when treating the face, neck, arms, knees, back and buttocks,” advises Misiorowski, who regularly receives referrals from area plastic surgeons.


“When we add a VacuStep workout to the regimen, results are amazing,” she adds. The elliptical VacuStep machine features a low-impact, fat-burning chamber. The equipment directly activates blood circulation in the body’s major cellulite zones of hips, buttocks, stomach and thighs, and users typically see impressive results after only four weeks.


Depending upon an individual’s diet and exercise routines, Misiorowski reports that maintenance is necessary every six to 12 months.


Location: 1201 Piper Blvd., Ste. 20. For more information, call 239-596-5522 or visit TrimAndToneSpa.com. See ad, page 45.


Facial Contouring Primer F


acial acupuncture uses 12 strategically placed needles in the scalp and neck at muscle attachment points to lift the face and neck. “Ten to 20 treat- ments refresh the face, regardless of your age,” advises Anna Baker, a doctor of Oriental medicine and owner of Faces by Dr. Anna, in Sarasota, Florida. Baker advises that the results of 50 treatments are frequently better than a facelift, from sculpting the jawline and neck profile to erasing lines and lifting droopy eyelids. “Cold lasers, IPL and LED use gentle energy from light waves to act on cells deep in the skin, helping them to grow back stronger,” says cosmetic chemist and esthetician Elina Fedotova, of Elina Organics, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois. Of the three, she considers IPL the most dramatic. Offered by many estheticians, ultrasound wands emit radio frequencies to stimulate skin cells through vibration. Used to diminish wrinkles and lessen the appearance of scars, it also facilitates migration of serum and mask ingredients to sink into deeper layers of skin. Note that because ultrasound penetrates to the blood level, any products used during the treatment should be only the purest and most natural.


natural awakenings May 2012 31


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