30  Feb. 2007

EAST BAY - Here's a little secret shared by the likes of Madonna, Cher and Gwyneth Paltrow: Facial acupuncture treatments offer one way to keep the steely sharp knife of the plastic surgeon at bay.

Acupuncture facelifts are sizzling hot in New York, Los Angeles, London and Miami and continue to grow in popularity, according to Dr. Tim Armstrong of Cutler Mills Acupuncture in Warren, who offers the treatment himself.

"I think the time is right for surgery-free facial rejuvenation right here in the East Bay," said Dr. Armstrong, who adds that the procedure is less invasive and much more affordable than conventional cosmetic surgery.

The emperors of China have been lifting their royal droopy eyelids, freshening their eminent complexions and ridding themselves of double chins and sagging jowls since 960 A.D. But what can "acu-lifts" accomplish for us in 2007?

According to Dr. Armstrong, acupuncture facelifts:

* lift and tone sagging skin;

* reduce dark circles and bags under the eyes;

* moisturize the skin by increasing local circulation of blood and lymph to the face;

* improve muscle tone and dermal contraction;

* and eliminate blotches and red spots.

According to the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, of the 300 people who received a full course of treatment, 90 percent said they saw definitive results.

How does it work?

For thousands of years, the Chinese have been tapping into the 14 major meridians, or energy pathways, that course through our bodies. The pathways are filled with "Qi," or vital energy. A blockage in a meridian causes disharmony and imbalance, such as premature and exaggerated aging.

"Acupuncture reduces signs of aging by accessing the life-energy in your body," Dr. Armstrong said. "A one-hour session of acupuncture corrects imbalances, relieve stress and makes you look younger."

Someone interested in the treatment would first undergo a comprehensive evaluation of their general health and then 12 twelve treatments that comprise one course. Each treatment is followed by a 35-minute facial using organic facial products. Visible results will be seen after a few treatments, but marked changes can be seen after the sixth to eighth treatment, according to Dr. Armstrong.

If the thought of needles makes you nervous, Dr. Armstrong explained that they are as thin as a human hair and very different from those used in doctors' offices. The sensation is similar to a mosquito bite, if felt at all. They are sterile and only used once, he said.