Beyond Skin Deep

Michelle Gellis, AP, Dipl. Ac.

Michelle Gellis, an acupuncture physician, is on the faculty at Yo San University's doctoral program, and a former faculty member and clinic supervisor at the Maryland University of Integrative Health. Michelle has been teaching facial acupuncture classes internationally for 20 almost years.

Previous Articles

Understanding Facial Spasms and Tics
November 1, 2025 (Vol. 26, Issue 11)
Hemifacial Spasm: Understanding and Treating a Complex Neuromuscular Disorder
August 1, 2025 (Vol. 26, Issue 8)
Treat TMDs Using Scalp Acupuncture, Facial Motor Points, & Submuscular Needling (Pt. 2)
May 1, 2025 (Vol. 26, Issue 5)
Treat TMDs Using Scalp Acupuncture, Facial Motor Points, & Submuscular Needling (Pt. 1)
April 1, 2025 (Vol. 26, Issue 4)
Creating Realistic Expectations in Cosmetic Acupuncture Treatments
January 1, 2025 (Vol. 26, Issue 1)
Goal Setting and Managing Patient Expectations in Cosmetic Acupuncture
November 1, 2024 (Vol. 25, Issue 11)
Navigating the Complexities of Treating the Neck (Pt. 2)
September 1, 2024 (Vol. 25, Issue 9)
Navigating the Complexities of Treating the Neck (Pt. 1)
August 1, 2024 (Vol. 25, Issue 8)
Microneedling for Acne / Acne Scars
May 1, 2024 (Vol. 25, Issue 5)
Microneedling: Choosing a Pen (Pt. 2)
February 2024 (Vol. 25, Issue 2)
Microneedling: Choosing a Pen (Pt. 1)
January 2024 (Vol. 25, Issue 1)
The Importance of Facial Fascia
August 2023 (Vol. 24, Issue 08)
Is Microneedling Part of Chinese Medicine?
August 2022 (Vol. 23, Issue 08)
The Anatomy of Expression (Pt. 2)
December 2021 (Vol. 22, Issue 12)
The Anatomy of Expression (Pt. 1)
November 2021 (Vol. 22, Issue 11)
Motor Points in Facial Acupuncture
April 2020 (Vol. 21, Issue 04)
Clearing Blocks: A Way to Improve Cosmetic Acupuncture
May 2017 (Vol. 18, Issue 05)
Micro-Needle Dermal Roller Use in the Treatment Room
December 2014 (Vol. 15, Issue 12)
Using Facial and Scalp Acupuncture To Treat Neuromuscular Facial Conditions
March 2014 (Vol. 15, Issue 03)
An Ancient Art for Ageless Skin
December 2011 (Vol. 12, Issue 12)
Trending
Health & Wellness / Lifestyle
Cultivating the Empowered Patient: Help Them Commit to Their Own Process
Cultivating the Empowered Patient: Help Them Commit to Their Own Process

The most important relationship I seek to nurture in the treatment room is the one a patient has with their own body. We live in a culture that teaches us to override pain, defer to outside authority, and push through discomfort. Patients often arrive hoping I can “fix” them, but the truth is, we can’t do the work for them. We can offer guidance, insight and support, but healing requires their full participation.

Aiden Jakob Seraphim, DACM, LAc
Healthcare / Public Health
From Needle to Knife
From Needle to Knife

Chinese medical theory details each meridian’s functions and associations, which can be extrapolated for metaphorical significance. For example, the Large Intestine (LI) meridian expels physical and emotional waste, supporting systemic purification and renewal. Its anatomical trajectory, which traverses the index finger, upper extremity, shoulder, neck, and terminates at the contralateral nasolabial groove, also serves as a narrative metaphor, eloquently illustrating my journey from acupuncturist to colon and rectal surgeon.

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Vanessa Hortian, DO, MS, LAc, CHSE
Chronic / Acute Conditions
Transformational Work With Anxiety (Pt. 1): Panic Attack
Transformational Work With Anxiety

When we are in the grips of an anxious pattern, it dominates our brain and nervous system, and we lose our normal body-mind regulation. In this and subsequent articles, I present effective mindfulness-based method* via case study, that we can add to our acupuncture treatments to help clients consciously stop the dysregulating cascade of events and bring “distressed parts” into coherent body-mind-spirit integration.

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Kamala Quale, MSOM, LAc