The medical grade toxin Botox has many practical uses. The most popular cosmetic enhancement is known to “turn your frown upside down” however this effect may have more truth to it than meets the eye.
What happens when we frown?
Our foreheads wrinkle and our eyes squint, but these are just the physical attributes of the action. Dermatologist Eric Finzi, MD, author of the book “The Face of Emotion: How Botox Affects Our Moods and Relationships,” proposes a process of emotion called emotional proprioception. This process suggests that when we frown the contraction of the muscles between our eyebrows sends negative emotional signals directly to our brain. With the use of Botox, those same muscles are unable to contract therefore making it impossible to process this action into negative emotion.
“Our brain uses our body — in this case our facial muscles — as a yardstick, a reference, for our emotional states the lack of this negativity then creates tremendously significant positive effect on our brain’s assessment of our mental state.”
– Dr. Eric Finzi.
What does this mean for you?
During a meeting at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology in December 2012, Dr. Finzi presented results from a randomized, blind placebo-controlled study he had conducted using Botox as a treatment for depression. Of 74 patients that completed the study, the Botox group showed that 27 percent of its participants went into remission, while only 7 percent of the placebo group were successful in doing the same.
What does this mean for us?
At Greenspring Rejuvenation, we can help you to achieve your physical goals as well as your emotional ones. With Botox lasting anywhere from 3-4 months you can strive for a more positive look and outlook on the world. Dr Cadoux and our staff will work with you to develop a routine of treatments to keep you looking young and feeling even younger. Although Botox has not yet been approved as a prescribed treatment for depression, the research shows that the use may indeed keep that pep in your step and smile on your face.
