Most people know acupuncture can reduce pain and anxiety and enhance fertility. Now Bozemanites have another opportunity to experience this long-standing healing technique to bring a more vibrant and youthful appearance to one’s face and neck.
BPW member Angie Kociolek, a Licensed Acupuncturist, is trained in the Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture SystemTM. Every Mei Zen treatment for the face or neck is coupled with body points to treat imbalances that are presenting on that day. It is not uncommon for cosmetic acupuncture patients to start sleeping better, feeling less anxious or depressed, feeling more energized, having better digestion or reporting the reduction or cessation of hot flashes or night sweats.
“The more modern view of what is happening when the sterile, hair-thin needles are inserted into the skin is that the body perceives the micro-traumas as an injury. The natural wound healing process likely involves fibroblasts – cells that can form collagen and elastin – and may have the effect of balancing the dispersal of collagen to a wider area which would explain why the skin tone improves, why the skin becomes more elastic and supple, and why things lift,” says Dr. Martha Lucas, who pioneered Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture.
Not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic acupuncture. However, regular acupuncture treatment can address certain contraindicated conditions and possibly help someone become a candidate.
Kociolek continues to work with a variety of patients, including teens, who seek treatment for different reasons.
In 2015, Kociolek initiated Acupuncture for Caregivers, a partnership with Eagle Mount Bozeman, whereby she provides bi-weekly stress relieving treatments for caregivers of Eagle Mount participants at no cost. Eagle Mount provides therapeutic recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and young people with cancer, as well as support for families of participants. “Eagle Mount is so grateful that Rootstock Acupuncture offers our families tools to help reduce their stress levels, and promotes greater wellbeing. The caregivers often put their needs last, but when they fall ill the whole family struggles,” says Jennifer Hedrick.
As the Education Coordinator for the Montana Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Kociolek is involved in many outreach and educational activities – from representing the acupuncture profession at the 2018 MT Pain Conference to organizing this year’s continuing education seminar “Acupuncture in Neurological Rehabilitation.”