5 QUESTIONS with Jennifer Moss, Licensed Acupuncturist
Who: Jennifer Moss, Licensed Acupuncturist in San Francisco
Specialty: Women’s health, (including hormone balance, fertility, pregnancy, and menopause) as well as facial acupuncture.
Wellness Philosophy: Beauty is a reflection of harmony within.
Favorite TCM Herb: Goji berries- they are high in antioxidants, enrich the blood, and are delicious!
Website: http://www.mossacupuncture.com/
1) Tell us about your journey into Chinese Medicine.
I always knew I wanted a career in medicine from a young age, and I assumed I would one day become a medical doctor. After an acupuncture treatment and introduction to Chinese Medicine in college, I quickly knew that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was going to be the right path for me.
As an environmental science major with a concentration in pre-med studies, I was fascinated by Eastern Medicine’s potential to treat illnesses via a natural and holistic approach as an alternative to surgery and conventional pharmacology. Even though I am a lifelong student of the sciences, I have always appreciated the intersection and complementary aspects of Eastern and Western medicines.
While my practice is based in TCM with focus on acupuncture, Chinese herbology and other adjunct therapies, I have a strong knowledge base in the sciences which helps integrate my Eastern Medicine practice to benefit my patients.
2) Tell us some of the benefits of facial acupuncture?
Other than a safe and effective way to rejuvenate the skin, facial acupuncture also balances the mind and body. Facial acupuncture helps to stimulate blood and lymph circulation, as well as tighten and tone the muscles. It also stimulates the area just under the skin that promotes the proteins that are the building blocks of collagen.
When done consistently and regularly, facial acupuncture helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, promote a lifted appearance to the eye and cheek areas, brighten and even skin tones, as well as enhance jaw-line definition.
Facial acupuncture also has some systemic benefits. Most notably, acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system. This helps to improve sleep, reduce overall stress, and allows the body to work more efficiently.
Facial acupuncture is a great alternative to invasive procedures like plastic surgery and injections. It does more than just refreshing the skin, it makes a positive impact to your overall health.
3) For someone who has never had facial acupuncture, what should they expect?
A typical session starts off with acupuncture body balancing points that help to calm the mind and relax the body. This is usually done by placing tiny acupuncture needles in several spots on the limbs. Then, we use the appropriate 5YINA hydrolat to prep the skin for facial acupuncture. Ultra fine facial needles are then inserted just under the skin around the eyes, nose, brow, lips, cheeks, and jawline.
Once the needles are all in, you will rest for 30-45 minutes, warmed with therapeutic heat lamps or pads and listening to calming music or a guided meditation. Most patients go into a state of deep relaxation or fall asleep.
After the needles are removed, we apply the appropriate 5YINA hyrdolat followed by the 5YINA beauty oil to further hydrate, nourish, and calm the skin.
4) How often should one get facial acupuncture and how soon do you see results?
Facial acupuncture is most effective when done in a series of 10-15 treatments done once or twice a week.
Some patients notice that they look more refreshed after one or two sessions, but typically you can start seeing more noticeable changes after 5-6 treatments.
5) What's your favorite 5YINA product and how do you use it?
My favorite 5YINA product is the Divine bio-cellulose mask. It is an essential part of my skincare and self-care regimen. Using this mask in the evening at the end of the work week is the perfect way to wind down as well as rejuvenate the skin.
I also use the mask when traveling to combat sun exposure or dryness and dehydration from flying. I can always count on this mask to help me look and feel my best.
About Jennifer Moss
Jennifer is the owner of Moss Acupuncture, a San Francisco Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic. Moss Acupuncture is a general TCM practice employing the methods of acupuncture, herbal medicine, western nutritional supplements, dietary recommendations, and reiki.
As an acupuncturist and primary health care practitioner, Jennifer has seen patients with a wide variety of conditions for over 18 years. Jennifer is one of a select few San Francisco Bay Area practitioners to demonstrate sufficient competency and advanced knowledge in the field of both Western and Oriental Reproductive Medicine to become a Certified Practitioner and Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (FABORM). Jennifer has received advanced training and specialized education in Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation and Cosmetic Acupuncture including advanced certification from Mary Elizabeth-Wakefield.
