Microchanneling - results you want without the downtime.

What is Microchanneling?

Microchanneling is an evolved and improved upon version of microneedling. It is a non-invasive, pain-free procedure designed to stimulate your body’s natural ability to generate collagen, elastin and other building blocks to create smoother, firmer skin. It’s an incredibly effective treatment for acne scars, skin tone, wrinkles, fine lines and hair loss - without the downtime.

Microchanneling creates tiny perforations in the skin called micro-channels. These micro-channels naturally elicit a healing cascade in your skin, which produces new collagen and elastin resulting in firmer, healthier skin. In essence, we are tricking your skin into thinking it’s been wounded. Over time, the repeated healing process will build new collagen, creating healthier skin, improving the surface texture and the overall appearance of the skin. In addition, these micro-channels act as a delivery system allowing for the deepest absorption of the stem cell rejuvenating serum which boosts the effects of your session and accelerates your results.

Ideal candidates are those who seek improvement in the following areas:

• Acne scars

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Anti-aging or skin tightening

• Hyperpigmentation (sun spots)

• Pore size reduction

• Rosacea

• Stretch marks or other traumatic scarring

• Hair growth

Before and After 6 Monthly Procell Treatments

Microchanneling vs. Microneedling

The main differences between microchanneling and microneedling are the type of device used to perform the treatment and the technique that is used. A microneedling device involves the use of a handheld roller covered in tiny needles which is dragged over the skin. This method can actually tear the skin.

Instead, the microchanneling device encompasses a linear stamping technique, resulting in clean, consistent micro-channels. This reduced tissue damage results in reduced inflammation and substantially decreased discomfort for clients. Reduced inflammation means less downtime. Typical downtime after a microchanneling treatment is 60-90 minutes, compared to days of downtime with microneedling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does it hurt?

A: With minimal physical discomfort, most clients are able to do the procedure without numbing cream and without any noticeable pain. There is no lingering discomfort. Most people report feeling ‘tight’ and ‘warm’ in their skin after the treatment.

Q. What is the downtime?

A: Your skin may appear red for a period of 4-24 hours after your treatment. After 90 minutes you can apply moisturizer and make-up.

Q: How long before I start to see results?

Before and After 4 Monthly Procell Treatments

A: Neocollagenesis (the production of new collagen) can take several weeks, but it is not abnormal to notice an improvement in the quality and appearance of your skin within the first 24 hours. After 2-3 treatments a thicker more robust, collagen filled cellular matrix will produce more consistent and noticeable improvement. And 6 or more treatments may be recommended for scarring, laxity and deep wrinkles.

Q: Who is not an ideal candidate for microchanneling?

A: If you have any underlying condition that significantly impairs your immune system, it is a good idea to avoid microchanneling including radiation or chemotherapy, uncontrolled diabetes, chronic inflammatory skin disease, Accutane in the past 2 years, hemophilia or similar bleeding disorder. Anyone with stainless steel allergies should not do this treatment. Pregnant or nursing women are not recommended for microchanneling.

While you will notice great results with one session of Microchanneling, a series of 3 or 6 is recommended for best results. Series are offered at a discounted rate and scheduled once/month.

And Now We Heal

March 16th, 2021 marked one year since we closed our doors for what we thought would be a two week hiatus to help ‘flatten the curve’. I don’t think any of us really had a clue what would unfold over the months that followed. And undoubtedly, none of us would have thought that one year later, we would be continuing to put the pieces of our life back together again.

It has been a long year filled with uncertainty, unpredictability, loss and trauma. The long-term, chronic stress has been detrimental to our overall health and wellness and can accelerate our aging process. While we are hopeful that the worst of this crisis is behind us, the concern lies in how this last year has impacted our overall physical and mental well being. The good news? We can recover and the magic can be found in the parasympathetic nervous system.

The nervous system is comprised of two components; the sympathetic and parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system is associated with the fight or flight response that results in the release of cortisol (stress chemicals) throughout the bloodstream. The parasympathetic is associated with relaxation, digestion, and regeneration. We want a healthy balance between the two systems, but when we are faced with long term stress, our sympathetic nervous system will be over activated leading to a host of physical, emotional and mental symptoms. Bringing our bodies back to a parasympathetic state (where our heart rate slows and our breath is calm and relaxed), allows true healing, detoxification and cellular regeneration to take place.

Harness your own healing ability by tapping into the parasympathetic nervous system with these tips:

Cold Water: Splashing cold water of your face or taking a cold shower (even for a minute) activates our vagus nerve, which reduces our stress response.

Nature: Nature is the antidote for stress and the more time we spend in nature, the more time we are deactivating our sympathetic nervous system, allowing our bodies to heal.

Deep Breaths: Breathing deeply is clinically proven to reduce stress levels and tap in to the parasympathetic nervous system. Inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven and exhale through your nose for a count of 8.

OM: Make the sound ‘om’ as you slowly exhale, which stimulates the vocal cords and vegus nerve, reducing your stress response.

Come See Us: Every service we offer at Therapeutic Bodywork is designed to provoke deep relaxation, activating the parasympathetic nervous system and healing the body.

Touch Your Lips: Our lips actually have parasympathetic fibers running through them Gently running yoru fingers back and forth over your lips can activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

For even more tips on how to activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System - CLICK HERE.

Spring Renewal - Keeping Your Liver Happy

On March 20th we welcomed in the first day of Spring. You may sense the shifts around you in nature where we witness new life emerging as seeds sprout and flowers bloom. Maybe you can feel your own natural transition from the restful (yin) energy to a more active (yang) energy.

In Chinese Medicine, while winter is a time to conserve energy and reduce activity, spring is a time of regeneration, new beginnings, and a renewal of spirit. The Spring season is associated with the Liver and Gallbladder organs, which means it is a great time to release emotions that no longer serve you and help support the function of these two organs.

When the Liver is out of balance it may show up in symptoms such as; headaches, frustration, anger, depression, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, and high blood pressure, to name a few. With simple lifestyle adjustments, we can harmonize our Liver and ensure we are living in sync with nature, which will allow our own health to thrive.

Keep the Liver happy this Spring season:

• Move: The Liver needs movement and so do you; take walks in nature, dance, do yoga - whatever makes you happy and keeps you moving.

• Castor Oil Packs: One of the best ways to detoxify your liver is using a Castor Oil Pack. The essential fatty acids in the castor oil encourage removal of toxins. *Packs available for purchase in the Wellness Shop

• Spring Clean: Purge your closets, organize some drawers and give your space a good spring cleaning.

• Eat Clean and Green: Cleanse the Liver with leafy greens and begin eliminating foods that stress the Liver such as fried, sugary or processed foods. Remember even little adjustments can help create big shifts.

• Practice Forgiveness: Old resentments and grudges can do damage to Liver energy. The more we practice forgiveness, the happier the Liver is.

• Warm, Lemon Water: Keep the Liver flushed by starting your day with warm mug of lemon water. This will help the Liver eliminate any toxins you’ve released during your sleep and help nourish the Liver.

• Take Baths: Enjoy warm baths filled with Epsom salts to help rid your body of toxins and support your Liver.

• Acupuncture + Herbs: Your Acupuncture session can help support your liver health any emotions associated with the Liver Qi disharmony; stress, anger, frustration.
  

Easiest, Healthiest, Most Delicious Chocolate Pudding

Whether you’re celebrating yourself or spoiling a loved one this Valentine’s Day, you are definitely in need of something sweet, chocolate and delicious. And, if you’re like me - you need it to be dairy free, grain free and made with the smallest amount of sugar possible. Thanks to Paleo Running Momma for this incredibly simple, delicious and healthy Chocolate Pudding. The only challenge is not eating it all in one sitting. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups organic coconut cream from a can*

• 1/2 cup raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

• 6 Tbsp pure maple syrup 6-8 Tbsp depending on how sweet you want it

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• generous pinch fine grain sea salt

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together the coconut cream, cacao, and maple syrup (start with 6 Tbsp, or even less if you want a very dark chocolate pudding) until smooth. I used a small whisk to get everything nice and smooth.

2. The coconut cream will melt and the maple and cacao should combine well to create a smooth silky mixture. Continue to cook and stir over low/med heat for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture just begins to come to a boil with small bubbles.

3. Remove from heat at this point, and stir in the salt and vanilla. Taste, and add a bit more maple if you'd like a sweeter pudding. You can pour the mixture into individual containers/bowls to chill and set, or simply in one larger bowl only and divide later on.

4. Cover and refrigerate until set, or overnight for a thick creamy pudding. Makes about 4 servings. I love my pudding with a big dollop of coconut whipped cream on top! Enjoy!

Happy New Year - Year of the Ox

Chinese Lunar New year is upon us!

It falls on Friday, February 12th and we are moving into a year of the metal ox. This is a time to honor the members of our household as well as our extended friends and family as we wish them much hope and prosperity during the coming year.

The ox is the second animal of the Chinese zodiac in a sequence of twelve. The Ox symbolizes the hard work, positivity, and honesty that will be manifested in all of us in the coming 12 months, while the metal element speaks to the toughness and endurance that we will continue to show this coming year.

The lucky colors for the year of the ox are white, yellow, and green, but remember to wear red this coming Friday, February 12th to attract good fortune. The lucky numbers this year are 1 and 4 and auspicious directions are to the north and the south.

We have many hopes for this year, most of all to bring wellness to as many beings as possible.

Let's let this year be a year of renewal for all humankind.

Fondly,

Christina Trieste, L.Ac., MAOM