Longevity Aesthetics

Facial and cosmetic acupuncture at Daoist Aesthetics is guided by diagnostic medicine, not cosmetic trends. Each face is assessed through Chinese medicine facial reading, pulse and tongue diagnosis, and detailed skin evaluation to identify internal patterns influencing how the skin ages. Treatment is then tailored to your unique constitution, lifestyle, and physiology.

We also incorporate herbal skincare, modern dermatological techniques, and adjunct modalities such as cupping, red light therapy, and PEMF therapy. Rather than targeting surface symptoms, we work on the underlying imbalance, improving skin health, hormone balance, and nervous system regulation at the same time.

Not at all. The 30-minute consult is required for all new patients at Daoist Aesthetics regardless of your experience with acupuncture. Dr. Armijo builds every treatment plan from scratch based on your individual constitution, health history, and current goals. Even if you've had acupuncture elsewhere, your plan here will be unique to you. Same-day treatment is available when the schedule permits.

We are located at 6525 Bisby Lake Ave, San Diego, CA 92119, inside Sola Salon Studios. Call us at (619) 478-4883. We serve clients throughout East San Diego, Lake Murray, Mission Valley, El Cajon, and the greater San Diego area.

Results vary by individual, but many clients begin noticing improvements after 5 to 10 treatments over 5 to 10 weeks. Cosmetic acupuncture works gradually, producing subtle, natural results that improve over time. After completing an initial series, maintenance treatments every 4 to 6 weeks help sustain the results.

If you are preparing for a specific event such as a wedding, weekly or bi-weekly visits are recommended for the most visible improvement in the shortest timeframe.

Acupuncture needles are very thin, about the size of a hair, and most clients experience little to no discomfort. You may feel a light tap or slight poke upon insertion, while others may not feel anything at all. Sensitivity can vary based on hydration, sleep, or caffeine levels, but most clients report feeling deeply relaxed during the session.

Cosmetic acupuncture is not recommended for those with:

• Active skin infections, open wounds, or a severe acne flare-up
• Bleeding disorders
• Pregnancy
• Recent Botox or filler injections (allow 3 to 4 weeks post-injection)
• Recent facial surgeries, laser treatments, or intensive facial procedures

We are happy to discuss your individual situation to ensure your treatment is safe and effective.

Microcurrent is a gentle bioelectric therapy that uses low-level electrical currents similar to the body's natural signals. These currents help stimulate facial muscles, support cellular energy (ATP), and encourage healthy circulation within the skin and connective tissue. Often described as a workout for the face, microcurrent helps tone and lift the facial muscles while supporting the skin's regenerative processes.

It also encourages lymphatic movement, helping reduce puffiness and promote a clearer, more vibrant complexion. In many ways, microcurrent reflects principles found in Chinese medicine by supporting the body's natural flow of energy, circulation, and fluid movement. Rather than forcing change, it works with the body's innate intelligence to restore tone, vitality, and balance.

Microcurrent works cumulatively. Most clients notice improved tone, lift, and radiance after 3 to 5 sessions, with optimal results achieved after a 5 or 10-session package.

Microcurrent is generally safe but not recommended for patients with pacemakers or implanted electrical devices, pregnancy, epilepsy or seizure disorders, active cancer or tumors, open wounds or active skin conditions, recent facial surgery, severe cardiovascular conditions, or metal implants in the head or neck area. We review your medical history before every treatment to ensure it is safe for you.

Yes. Microcurrent stimulation supports lymphatic drainage, reduces puffiness, and enhances natural glow. Body acupuncture further supports circulation and overall facial health for lasting results. Benefits may include enhanced circulation and lymphatic drainage, support for collagen and elastin production, reduced appearance of fine lines, and improved facial tone and lift.

MDPen is a professional-grade microdermal needling platform designed for corrective work. Dr. Armijo completed specialized certification training in the MDPen system, which focuses on depth control and technique for concerns like acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and deep expression lines. It is a meaningful step above the cosmetic rollers or entry-level pens often used in general medspas.

At Daoist Aesthetics, every MDPen session is paired with body acupuncture to regulate the nervous system and prepare the body for healing. By calming the body first, we reduce systemic inflammation, which leads to faster recovery and superior collagen production compared to a standard medspa microneedling treatment.

You can read more about our approach on the MDPen Microneedling page.

MDPen microneedling is most effective for concerns that require structural remodeling of the dermis. These include:

• Acne scarring, including ice-pick, boxcar, and rolling scars
• Hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory pigment, and sun damage
• Fine lines, wrinkles, and deep expression lines
• Skin texture and enlarged pores
• Stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, and arms
• Hair thinning and follicular dormancy (Scalp Microneedling)
• Dull complexion, loss of luminosity, and early laxity

During your consult, Dr. Armijo will assess your skin and recommend the right service and package for your specific concerns.

Yes, but timing is everything. We require a minimum of 2 weeks after any Botox or filler injections before performing microneedling. This ensures your injectables have properly settled and integrated into the tissue. MDPen microneedling is actually an excellent long-term partner for injectables, as it improves the quality of the skin itself over the muscle.

We do not perform microneedling during pregnancy. Your body's inflammatory response and healing resources are prioritized for the baby, which can lead to unpredictable results or hyperpigmentation. We recommend waiting until you have finished breastfeeding to restart your corrective series, as hormonal shifts can affect how your skin responds.

Most clients describe the sensation as a light, prickly vibration. Because we integrate acupuncture to shift the body into a parasympathetic (relaxed) state before treatment, the perception of discomfort is significantly lower than in a typical medspa setting. The MDPen device is also precisely calibrated for depth, so we are never going deeper than your specific concern requires.

You can expect mild redness similar to a light sunburn for 24 to 48 hours. Most clients return to their normal routine the following day. We apply MDPen's Human-Derived Growth Factor Gel immediately after treatment to accelerate healing, and we provide specific post-care guidance to ensure your skin remains protected and hydrated during the recovery window.

While you will notice a glow after just one session, true structural remodeling takes time. Our Holistic Microneedling Package of 5 is ideal for refreshing a dull complexion and light texture refinement. Our Holistic Microneedling Package of 10 is recommended for corrective work such as deep acne scarring, significant hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, or deep expression lines. Sessions are typically spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow the skin's natural remodeling cycle to complete. We also offer Scalp Microneedling packages for hair restoration and Microneedling Spot Treatment packages for targeted 3-inch areas.

We use the MDPen Professional Skincare line in the treatment room, including the Hydrating Cleanser, Copper + HA Mist, Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, and Human-Derived Growth Factor Gel. Each product is specifically designed to pair with corrective microneedling, supporting hydration and optimal healing. Dr. Armijo will recommend an at-home regimen based on your skin concerns to help extend your results between sessions.

Cupping uses suction cups placed on the skin to lift fascia, increase circulation, and promote lymphatic drainage and muscle relaxation. At Daoist Aesthetics, we use plastic cups with a hand-pump suction system. Combined with red light therapy, PEMF, and Chinese massage, cupping helps reduce tension, inflammation, and stress while supporting detoxification.

During a 30-minute session, cups are placed on targeted areas of the body, often along muscles or tension points. You may feel a gentle pulling or warming sensation. Afterward, your muscles often feel more relaxed and circulation is improved. Some temporary marks or redness may appear, which typically fade within a few days to a week.

Cupping is generally safe but should be avoided over areas with blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders, open wounds, infections, burns, or recent surgery. It is also not recommended for fragile or very thin skin, directly over varicose veins, or for pregnant individuals, those with uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions, or anyone taking medications that affect clotting or skin integrity. Always inform your practitioner of any medical conditions or medications before your session.

Frequency depends on your goals and condition. Many clients benefit from weekly sessions for muscle tension relief or detox support. Multi-session packages provide consistent results and enhance long-term benefits, and Dr. Armijo can tailor a plan to your specific needs.

NADA AcuDetox is a structured protocol that needles five specific ear points in each ear to balance the nervous system, reduce stress, and support detoxification during a 30-minute session.

Ear seeding applies small, semi-permanent seeds to acupuncture points for gentle, ongoing stimulation over several days. It is ideal for hormone support, stress relief, or localized pain management between appointments.

For NADA AcuDetox, you will relax in a comfortable setting while five ear points are gently stimulated, combined with red light therapy and PEMF to enhance relaxation and nervous system balance. Many clients notice a sense of calm, reduced tension, and mental clarity during the 30-minute session.

For ear seeding, small seeds are applied to targeted ear points that you can gently stimulate at home for continued support. The seeds stay in place for 1 to 3 days, providing subtle, ongoing benefits between visits.

Many clients feel calm, lighter, or more centered immediately after a session. For longer-term benefits such as improved sleep, emotional balance, reduced cravings, or enhanced hormone regulation, consistency over multiple sessions is key. Weekly NADA sessions work well for nervous system regulation or stress relief. Ear seeding can be repeated every 1 to 3 weeks depending on how long the seeds remain effective and your desired outcomes.

Every new patient begins with a 30-minute service-specific consult ($59). Each service — Integrative Acupuncture, Aesthetic Acupuncture, Microneedling, Microcurrent, Cupping, and NADA AcuDetox — has its own consult, so you can book directly with the service that interests you. During the consult, Dr. Armijo will review your health history, confirm candidacy, and design a custom treatment plan. Same-day treatment is available when the schedule permits.

We do not currently accept insurance. Many patients use HSA or FSA accounts for acupuncture services, and we can provide receipts for reimbursement purposes. Please contact us directly if you have questions about payment options.

We ask that you cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance. This allows us to offer your appointment time to another patient. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to a fee.

Yes. Most services at Daoist Aesthetics are available as a 5 or 10-session package at a reduced per-session rate. We also offer nine membership tiers with 2 or 4 sessions per month across Integrative Acupuncture, Longevity Aesthetics, and Microneedling-Integrated options, with every membership including a 10% discount on retail products. Memberships and packages are the most cost-effective way to maintain consistent treatment, which is where the most meaningful and lasting results happen. Full details are on the Memberships & Packages page.