Beauty : Needles Point the Way to Looking Younger

By Laura Davis

THOUGH needlephobics might cringe at the thought of Hollywood’s hottest anti-ageing regime, it will be welcomed by those nervous of being nip tucked Cosmetic acupuncture, once the domain of Tinseltown stars, is now becoming popular among us mere mortals.

It claims to reduce the signs of ageing using the principles of ancient Chinese medicine and – most importantly – does not involve surgery, so no wind tunnel expressions afterwards.

Cosmetic acupuncture has been performed in China for thousands of years. As early as the Sung Dynasty, from 960 to 1270AD, the treatment was favoured by the Empress and the Emperor’s concubines.

Julian Corbett, who practises the treatment from his clinic on Liverpool’s Rodney Street, explains: "Cosmetic acupuncture can in most cases reduce the ageing process by about 10 years.

"It’s a lot cheaper than cosmetic surgery and there’s no trauma involved. There are no side-effects and the overall effects are a lot longer lasting."

As well as eliminating fine lines and make deeper lines look softer, the process is believed to help to minimise dark circles, puffy eyes, double chin, sagging skin and drooping eyelids.

During a typical session, very thin disposable needles are inserted into "meridians" – points believed to lie on the paths of energy flow through the body – on the face and body. Practitioners believe this unblocks the pathways, allowing the energy force, or Qi, to move freely, increasing blood circulation to the face.

This in turn is believed to stimulate collagen production, which fills out lines and firms the skin.

Some studies suggest that the needles cause endorphins, chemicals that promote pleasure and relaxation, to be released.

They found the procedure also increases circulation and may affect hormonal balance.

A report published in the international journal of Clinical Acupuncture in 1996 found that 90% of 300 cases treated with cosmetic acupuncture had marked effects with one course of treatment. Improvements included improvement in the elasticity of the facial muscles, a ruddier complexion and overall rejuvenation A course of treatment usually takes between 10 and 12 sessions, each 45 to 60 minutes long, carried out one to three times per week. Practitioners claim that it takes six or seven sessions before an improvement can be noticed.

"We start with an individual consultation to see how much the benefit the process can be to a client.

"Then the face is sectioned off using very specific techniques.

The skin is stimulated to boost circulation and the production of collagen in face," explains Julian The low cost, compared to plastic surgery or Botox injections, as well as the painlessness of the procedure are strong benefits of cosmetic acupuncture.

Although slight bruising can sometimes occur, there is no risk of disfigurement. This is unlike surgery, which may have an extended recovery period with swelling.

However, the treatment is not suitable for everyone. People with pacemakers, thyroid problems, blood disorders, damaged blood vessels and generalhypersensitivity should avoid it. However, those who are afraid of needles do not have to reject the idea of cosmetic acupuncture altogether. It is possible to have the treatment using massage instead.

"Generally our clients tend to be in their late 30s onwards. Most are in their mid-40s," adds Julian.

"They all want a procedure that is anti-ageing but doesn’t involve surgery

FOR further details on cosmetic acupuncture, call the Corbett Clinic on 0151 706 0333Benefits of cosmetic acupuncture

p HELPS to relax muscle tone. p Increases circulation, oxygenates the skin. p Tightens the pores, and brightens the eyes.

p Can help keep acne skin under control.

p Nourishes the skin, giving you a natural glowing and radiant, younger looking complexion.

p Helps to moisturize the skin from inside, and can give rosy cheeks to people with dull, tired looking skin. p Can help minimise or eliminate fine lines.

p Can help reduce a double chin.

p Can help reduce frown lines.

p Can help lift sagging skin, puffy or droopy eyelidsp Increases collagen production. p Improves muscle tone and dermal contraction. p Can help even facial colour and tone.

p Can softens scars. p Leaves you feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated