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Wall Street Journal Health
Aches & Claims/ By Robert J. Davis
Can Acupuncture Punch Up Your Appearance?

	Tim Foley

While evidence mounts that acupuncture can relieve nausea and pain associated with a variety of conditions, some are trying it for a different reason: to get rid of wrinkles. Some enthusiast of acupuncture facials, who reportedly include models and Hollywood celebrities, see the treatment as an alternative to Botox and face-lifts.

Facial rejuvenation acupuncture, as the practice sometimes is called, involves placing tiny needles along wrinkles and frown lines. The needles are smaller and thinner than normal acupuncture needles. In some cases, needles also are inserted into other parts of the body, such as the ankles, hands or legs. The number and placement of needles vary according to the severity of wrinkles and the practitioner's preference.

Generally, people receive 10 to 15 treatments (typically one or two a week lasting 30-60 minutes), with monthly visits after that to maintain the effects. Practitioner's say results begin to appear after a few sessions and become more noticeable as treatment progresses. The cost, which isn't covered by insurance, is $60 to $150 for a single session.

Proponents say the treatment increases blood flow and the production of collagen (which gives the skin it's elasticity, improving complexion and reducing lines, sagging and bags under the eyes. Some practitioners say it can take as much as 15 years off a person's appearance.

Such claims are unproven, however, because there is virtually no research on facial acupuncture. One frequently cited study concluded that a course of 20 treatments produced a "marked" effect in 90% of people. But the research consisted simply of one practitioner's case reports and no comparison group, making the findings preliminary at best.

While many doctors scoff at the idea of using acupuncture for cosmetic reasons, some dermatologists say it is possible the treatment may have a very short-term, subtle effect in people under age 50, possibly by causing facial muscles to contract. But they say it is no substitute for a face-lift, a point with which even many proponents of acupuncture facials agree.

If done properly, acupuncture is considered safe. While most don't find needles in the face to be painful, some who are especially sensitive experience discomfort. The treatment isn't recommended for pregnant women and people who are on blood thinning medicines.

To find a qualified acupuncturist, check with the National Certified Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (www.nccaom.org). Find out about the practitioner's experience with and training in facial rejuvenation.

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And beware of anyone who promises too much.
— With reporting by John M. Gunn