Treating the Face: A Comprehensive Guide for Acupuncturists and Health Professionals is an essential guide for practitioners and students of Chinese medicine, exploring the intricate connection between facial treatments and overall well-being. Authored by Michelle Gellis, this comprehensive resource delves into the art and science of facial acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, microneedling, red light therapy, and more, offering a holistic approach to enhancing the appearance and function of the face and overall health of the patient.
With a focus on emotional well-being, Michelle expertly covers facial anatomy, various treatment techniques, and specific conditions such as Bell’s palsy, synkinesis, and trigeminal neuralgia. Each section is richly illustrated, providing clear guidance on point categories, including scalp and auricular acupuncture, as well as practical tools and exercises to support skin health and neuromuscular function.
Whether a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, “Treating the Face: A Comprehensive Guide for Acupuncturists and Health Professionals” equips you with the knowledge and techniques needed to empower your practice. This book is a valuable reference and a source of inspiration for those dedicated to fostering beauty from the inside out. This groundbreaking resource will transform your understanding of facial treatments and elevate your practice.
Reviews:
“Michelle Gellis has provided the acupuncture world with a comprehensive textbook and sets a new standard for the profession. Perfectly integrating theories of biomedicine and TCM, she expertly describes the anatomical physiology of the face, and provides a myriad of treatments for a great variety of pathologies. Michelle has decades of expertise in Five-Element acupuncture, thus providing the theoretical framework for neuromuscular disorders, skin conditions, and many more treatable pathologies in the context of facial acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, submuscular needling, microneedling, Gua sha, and facial cupping. In addition, she also provides practical business approaches for clinical practice throughout the text. Filled with essential diagrams and illustrations, the layout is superb. This is a must-have textbook in the field of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.”
Robert Hoffman, DAOM, L.Ac.
President/CEO
Yo San University of TCM
“I must congratulate Michelle Gellis on creating an exceptionally valuable work for professionals engaged in teaching, practicing, or simply wishing to understand the intricacies of cosmetic acupuncture. Michelle provides a touching insight into her journey of mastering the application of Five Element and scalp acupuncture within the context of neuromuscular disorders and much more. From this foundational ‘why,’ we are taken on a deep dive into all aspects of facial anatomy, exploring every component necessary to comprehend the complex mind, body, and spirit interface with our faces. This book expertly explains the impact of life experiences or epigenetics on facial expression and offers strategies to address concerns arising from these expressions. Additionally, it illuminates why facial acupuncture is so therapeutically powerful. I look forward to regularly using and recommending this insightful and comprehensive resource.”
Amanda Shayle MAcS MPCHM Cert Nat Sci
Internationally Recognised Facial Acupuncture Instructor
“More than just a reference, this brilliant book by Michelle Gellis provides a comprehensive exploration of facial treatments in Chinese medicine, with a focus on emotional well-being and self-care. Covering a wide range of topics, it examines facial anatomy and treatment techniques, including scalp acupuncture and facial motor points, all beautifully illustrated. Conditions like Bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia and ptosis are thoroughly addressed, along with tools such as cupping, gua sha, microneedling, and red light therapy. An invaluable resource for anyone studying or practicing acupuncture, this book is an essential addition to your library.”
Deirdre Courtney, MTCM
Author, Master Face Reader
“Michelle Gellis’ book, Treating the Face, is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the specialty. The work is comprehensive, and the illustrations are excellent. But what makes this book a must-read is Michelle’s deep and compassionate understanding that how we ‘face’ the world is a direct expression of our lived experience. She reminds us that our demeanor is a reflection of our thoughts, emotions, memories and constitution. She skillfully shows the reader how to support the root while treating the manifestation. This book is well worth reading and keeping close by on your reference shelf.”
Yvonne R. Farrell, DAOM
Author, Teacher
TABLE OF CONTENTS (abbreviated)
Chapter 1 The Unique Nature of the Face
- Anatomy of the Face: Chinese Medicine Perspective
- Acupuncture Points
- Scalp Points
- Entry-Exit Points
- Anatomy of the Face: Western Medical Perspective
- Facial Innervation
- Myofascial Anatomy
- Fascial Anatomy
- Skin Anatomy
- Vascular Anatomy
- Lymphatic Anatomy
- Skeletal Anatomy of the Face
- Facial Fascia
- Face Diagnosis: The Face as Microcosm
- Diseases Unique to the Face
Chapter 2 Five Element Acupuncture
SECTION 1: OVERVIEW OF THE FIVE ELEMENTS
SECTION 2: SPIRIT OF THE POINTS
- Treating the Spirit
- Diagnosing and Treating Emotions
- Spirit Blocks
SECTION 3: WINDOW OF THE SKY POINTS
SECTION 4: UPPER KIDNEY POINTS
SECTION 5: OTHER POINTS AND THEIR SPIRITUAL CONNOTATIONS
SECTION 6: CLEARING BLOCKS
- Possession
- Aggressive Energy
- Husband-Wife Block
- Exit/Entry Blocks
SECTION 7: THE FIVE ELEMENTS AND THE FACE
I. Fire
- Manifestation of Fire on the Face
- The Fire Correspondences
- Chinese Characters for Fire Organs
- Fire Constitution Types
- Fire Complexion
II. Earth
- Manifestation of Earth on the Face
- The Earth Correspondences
- Chinese Characters for the Earth Organs
- Earth Constitution Types
- Earth Complexion
III. Metal
- Manifestation of Metal on the Face
- The Metal Correspondences
- Chinese Characters for Metal Organs
- Metal Constitution Types
- Metal Complexion
IV. Water
- Manifestation of Water on the Face
- The Water Correspondences
- Chinese Characters for Water Organs
- Water Constitution Types
- Water Complexion
V. Wood
- Manifestation of Wood on the Face
- The Wood Correspondences
- Chinese Characters for Wood Organs
- Wood Constitution Types
- Wood Complexion
Chapter 3 Anatomy of Expression
- Emotions and the Face
- Chinese Medicine and Emotions
- Anatomy
Chapter 4, Part 1 Introduction to Cosmetic Acupuncture
- History of Cosmetic Acupuncture
- Anatomy of Facial Aging
- Benefits and Effects of Cosmetic Acupuncture
Chapter 4, Part 2 Practical Considerations
- SECTION 1: THE INTAKE
- SECTION 2: TOOLS
- SECTION 3: TECHNIQUES
- SECTION 4: PROTOCOL FOR COSMETIC FACIAL ACUPUNCTURE
- SECTION 5 ADVANCED TECHNIQUES AND PROTOCOLS FOR SPECIFIC CONCERNS
- SECTION 6: SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN NEEDLING FACE AND NECK
- SECTION 7: MARKETING AND ADVERTISING
Chapter 5 Acupuncture Treatment of Common Facial Skin Conditions
Chapter 6 Neuromuscular Facial Conditions
Chapter 7 Facial Motor Points
Chapter 8 Scalp Acupuncture for Treating the Face
Chapter 9 Submuscular Needling
Chapter 10 Facial Cupping
Chapter 11 Facial Gua Sha
Chapter 12 Microneedling
Chapter 13 LED and RED Light Therapy
Chapter 14 Skin Care
Chapter 15 Self-Care
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