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 introductory session 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.

We are located at 8312 Lake Murray Blvd, Suite K, San Diego, CA 92119, inside Total Detox Colon Therapy. 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.

At Daoist Aesthetics, we treat the skin as a reflection of your internal health. Every session includes 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.

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. Microneedling is actually an excellent long-term partner for injectables, as it improves the skin quality 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.

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 provide specific post-care guidance to ensure your skin remains protected and hydrated during the healing period.

While you will notice a glow after just one session, true structural remodeling takes time. Our Glow Series (5 sessions) is ideal for refreshing a dull complexion and light texture refinement. Our Remodeling Series (10 sessions) is recommended for corrective work such as deep acne scarring, significant hyperpigmentation, or deep expression lines. Sessions are typically spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow the skin's natural remodeling cycle to complete.

Glass fire cupping uses heated glass cups to create suction on the skin, promoting blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and muscle relaxation. Combined with red light therapy, PEMF, and Chinese massage, it 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.

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. Every service at Daoist Aesthetics is available as a package at a reduced per-session rate. We also offer memberships with 2 or 4 sessions per month across multiple tiers. Memberships are the most cost-effective way to maintain consistent treatment, which is where the most meaningful and lasting results happen. The introductory session fee is waived when you enroll in any package the same day.