Let’s start with the body, specifically the face, and becoming aware of some of our daily habits. As an acupuncturist I have treated numerous conditions from head to toe. A fair number of concerns can be rectified or at least improved just by becoming more aware. Let’s look at wrinkles. Most of us are unaware of our repetitive facial expressions, movements or habits that may be contributing to wrinkles. Some chronic smokers develop small vertical wrinkles around their lips after years of puckering on cigarettes. You may notice people wrinkling their forehead when they’re concentrating, reading a book or computer screen or expressing their anger. Even people who are happy and smiling all the time can develop crows feet wrinkles around the eyes.

When I studied Chinese face reading it was fascinating to learn that different wrinkles located on the forehead and face have connections to different organs as well as different emotional states. Chronic problems with specific organs or chronic unresolved emotional states could be contributing factors to one’s wrinkles. Even with wrinkles there are multiple levels of awareness. When using hypnosis or meditation relaxing the forehead and the face is often times the first step. Throughout the day I like to check-in with my facial muscles and allow them to relax.

Many years ago when I was taking a certification course on acupuncture and facial rejuvenation, one of the students pointed out a wrinkle in my forehead. I remember being surprised because I was aware that I relax my facial muscles regularly throughout the day. I became determined in figuring out how I got this wrinkle. I began to place my attention on my forehead muscles throughout the day to see if I could notice when they were tensing in that specific manner to cause that wrinkle. It was on the second day that I realized that I tensed my forehead and face in the shower when the water ran into my eyes. Even after having this awareness, this habit has been difficult to break. With further investigation, I discovered some links to old emotional wounds. It is truly amazing what a wrinkle can reveal.

Here are some tips. For starters you can begin by looking in the mirror and observing where you have wrinkles. Then contract your facial muscles and then relax them. It is important to get a sense of the difference between tension and relaxation. Throughout the day do your best to observe/feel your facial muscles at different times and notice whether you are tensing or relaxing those muscles. If you like, you can ask someone who is close to you to point out when you are tensing /wrinkling your face. Then observe what you are thinking, feeling, or doing during that time. You may gain some insights that may change the course of your wrinkles. Another thing you can do is notice when others are wrinkling their face and then check your facial expression in that moment. Seeing others as mirrors can be useful in many ways. I will discuss this further in future posts.

Acupuncture and related modalities have become more popular as a natural way of reducing/eliminating wrinkles while improving your overall health and well-being.

Being aware that our posture or structure, our tension, our pain, our body functions, our breathing, and our habits and behaviors, influence and shape the body. This of course can include our thoughts and beliefs as well as our past experiences and future concerns.