Treating The Face

Treating the Face: A Comprehensive Guide for Acupuncturists and Health Professionals is an essential guide for practitioners and students of Chinese medicine, exploring the intricate connection between facial treatments and overall well-being. Authored by Michelle Gellis, this comprehensive resource delves into the art and science of facial acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, microneedling, red light therapy, and more, offering a holistic approach to enhancing the appearance and function of the face and overall health of the patient.

With a focus on emotional well-being, Michelle expertly covers facial anatomy, various treatment techniques, and specific conditions such as Bell’s palsy, synkinesis, and trigeminal neuralgia. Each section is richly illustrated, providing clear guidance on point categories, including scalp and auricular acupuncture, as well as practical tools and exercises to support skin health and neuromuscular function.

Whether a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, “Treating the Face: A Comprehensive Guide for Acupuncturists and Health Professionals”  equips you with the knowledge and techniques needed to empower your practice. This book is a valuable reference and a source of inspiration for those dedicated to fostering beauty from the inside out. This groundbreaking resource will transform your understanding of facial treatments and elevate your practice.

 
Reviews:
“Michelle Gellis has provided the acupuncture world with a comprehensive textbook and sets a new standard for the profession. Perfectly integrating theories of biomedicine and TCM, she expertly describes the anatomical physiology of the face, and provides a myriad of treatments for a great variety of pathologies. Michelle has decades of expertise in Five-Element acupuncture, thus providing the theoretical framework for neuromuscular disorders, skin conditions, and many more treatable pathologies in the context of facial acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, submuscular needling, microneedling, Gua sha, and facial cupping. In addition, she also provides practical business approaches for clinical practice throughout the text. Filled with essential diagrams and illustrations, the layout is superb. This is a must-have textbook in the field of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.”

Robert Hoffman, DAOM, L.Ac.
President/CEO
Yo San University of TCM

“I must congratulate Michelle Gellis on creating an exceptionally valuable work for professionals engaged in teaching, practicing, or simply wishing to understand the intricacies of cosmetic acupuncture. Michelle provides a touching insight into her journey of mastering the application of Five Element and scalp acupuncture within the context of neuromuscular disorders and much more. From this foundational ‘why,’ we are taken on a deep dive into all aspects of facial anatomy, exploring every component necessary to comprehend the complex mind, body, and spirit interface with our faces. This book expertly explains the impact of life experiences or epigenetics on facial expression and offers strategies to address concerns arising from these expressions. Additionally, it illuminates why facial acupuncture is so therapeutically powerful. I look forward to regularly using and recommending this insightful and comprehensive resource.”

Amanda Shayle MAcS MPCHM Cert Nat Sci
Internationally Recognised Facial Acupuncture Instructor

“More than just a reference, this brilliant book by Michelle Gellis provides a comprehensive exploration of facial treatments in Chinese medicine, with a focus on emotional well-being and self-care. Covering a wide range of topics, it examines facial anatomy and treatment techniques, including scalp acupuncture and facial motor points, all beautifully illustrated. Conditions like Bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia and ptosis are thoroughly addressed, along with tools such as cupping, gua sha, microneedling, and red light therapy. An invaluable resource for anyone studying or practicing acupuncture, this book is an essential addition to your library.”

Deirdre Courtney, MTCM
Author, Master Face Reader

“Michelle Gellis’ book, Treating the Face, is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the specialty.  The work is comprehensive, and the illustrations are excellent. But what makes this book a must-read is Michelle’s deep and compassionate understanding that how we ‘face’ the world is a direct expression of our lived experience. She reminds us that our demeanor is a reflection of our thoughts, emotions, memories and constitution.  She skillfully shows the reader how to support the root while treating the manifestation. This book is well worth reading and keeping close by on your reference shelf.”

Yvonne R. Farrell, DAOM
Author, Teacher

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS (abbreviated)

Chapter 1 The Unique Nature of the Face

Anatomy of the Face: Chinese Medicine Perspective
            Acupuncture Points
            Scalp Points
            Entry-Exit Points
Anatomy of the Face: Western Medical Perspective
            Facial Innervation
            Myofascial Anatomy
            Fascial Anatomy
            Skin Anatomy
            Vascular Anatomy
            Lymphatic Anatomy
            Skeletal Anatomy of the Face
            Facial Fascia
Face Diagnosis: The Face as Microcosm
Diseases Unique to the Face
Chapter 2 Five Element Acupuncture

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW OF THE FIVE ELEMENTS

SECTION 2: SPIRIT OF THE POINTS

Treating the Spirit
Diagnosing and Treating Emotions
Spirit Blocks
SECTION 3: WINDOW OF THE SKY POINTS

SECTION 4: UPPER KIDNEY POINTS

SECTION 5: OTHER POINTS AND THEIR SPIRITUAL CONNOTATIONS

SECTION 6: CLEARING BLOCKS

Possession
Aggressive Energy
Husband-Wife Block
Exit/Entry Blocks
SECTION 7: THE FIVE ELEMENTS AND THE FACE

I. Fire

Manifestation of Fire on the Face
The Fire Correspondences
Chinese Characters for Fire Organs
Fire Constitution Types
Fire Complexion
II. Earth

Manifestation of Earth on the Face
The Earth Correspondences
Chinese Characters for the Earth Organs
Earth Constitution Types
Earth Complexion
III. Metal

Manifestation of Metal on the Face
The Metal Correspondences
Chinese Characters for Metal Organs
Metal Constitution Types
Metal Complexion
IV. Water

Manifestation of Water on the Face
The Water Correspondences
Chinese Characters for Water Organs
Water Constitution Types
Water Complexion
V. Wood

Manifestation of Wood on the Face
The Wood Correspondences
Chinese Characters for Wood Organs
Wood Constitution Types
Wood Complexion
Chapter 3 Anatomy of Expression

Emotions and the Face
Chinese Medicine and Emotions
Anatomy
Chapter 4, Part 1 Introduction to Cosmetic Acupuncture

History of Cosmetic Acupuncture
Anatomy of Facial Aging
Benefits and Effects of Cosmetic Acupuncture
Chapter 4, Part 2 Practical Considerations

SECTION 1: THE INTAKE
SECTION 2: TOOLS
SECTION 3: TECHNIQUES
SECTION 4: PROTOCOL FOR COSMETIC FACIAL ACUPUNCTURE
SECTION 5 ADVANCED TECHNIQUES AND PROTOCOLS FOR SPECIFIC CONCERNS
SECTION 6: SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN NEEDLING FACE AND NECK
SECTION 7: MARKETING AND ADVERTISING
Chapter 5 Acupuncture Treatment of Common Facial Skin Conditions

Chapter 6 Neuromuscular Facial Conditions

Chapter 7 Facial Motor Points

Chapter 8 Scalp Acupuncture for Treating the Face

Chapter 9 Submuscular Needling

Chapter 10 Facial Cupping

Chapter 11 Facial Gua Sha

Chapter 12 Microneedling

Chapter 13 LED and RED Light Therapy

Chapter 14 Skin Care

Chapter 15 Self-Care

Resources