Prevention and therapy of aging – potential of aesthetic acupuncture and aromatherapy

Aesthetic medicine is evolving rapidly in response to the increasing life expectancy and the psychosocial need to maintain an attractive appearance. The aim of this article is to examine the scientific literature and world practice regarding the application of aesthetic acupuncture and aromatherapy and their ability to influence the aging process. Material and Methods Documentary content analysis of bibliographic data, scientific literature and good practices concerning the preventive and therapeutic use of aesthetic acupuncture and essential oils. Results Review of the scientific literature and good practices reveals the possibilities of independent application of aesthetic acupuncture (incl. aromatherapy) to influence the aging process. No data has been found in foreign and Bulgarian scientific literature on the combined use of acupuncture and local application of essential oils. Conclusion Aesthetic acupuncture and aromatherapy are well known and represented in scientific knowledge as separate therapies. Practical experience of European integrative clinics in the field of aesthetic acupuncture reveals new guidelines for the development and introduction of the combined methodology „aroma acupuncture“ and its influence on the aging process. The analysis of global science and practice stimulates scientific research in the University Center for Eastern Medicine for new opportunities to complement the prevention and treatment of face aging with aesthetic aroma acupuncture.