Based on the theory of the five-body constituents from

Huangdi Neijing

(

Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic

)

the approach and methods of acupuncture for facial aging are explored. Acupuncture for facial aging can be guided by the concept of the five-body constituents

targeting the facial "skin

flesh

vessels

tendons

and bones"

and utilizing five different types of needles-facial needles

needle knives

fil

iform needles

retaining needles

and elongated needles and filiform needles-to maximize their respective advantages in treating facial aging. Facial needles are applied to the "skin" by selecting facial acupoints or local

ashi

points (at wrinkle or pigmentation sites). Needle knives are used for the "flesh" to perform longitudinal dredging and transverse dissection of the facial muscle layers. Filiform needles target the "vessels" with needling at Renying (ST9) to improve facial complexion. Retaining needles act on the "tendons" with needling from Taiyang (EX-HN5) to Xiaguan (ST7)

and Jiache (ST6) to Daying (ST5)

using clockwise twisting to generate a retaining needle sensation and lifting to achieve an overall facial lifting effect.