Needling Away Wrinkles

[Celebration]

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Cosmetic/story?id=1848166&page=1

SUNDAY, April 16 (HealthDay News) — Scott Peres, a 42-year-old sales representative from New York City, was bothered by a chronically sore shoulder, so he decided to give acupuncture a try for pain relief.

His acupuncturist, Shellie Goldstein, who practices in New York City and tony East Hampton, N.Y., gently inserted some needles in the area around the shoulder, and soon the pain began to ease. While chatting, Goldstein also mentioned that something called facial acupuncture could reduce the fine lines on his face. So Peres decided to give that a try, too.

At the end of his fourth facial acupuncture session, Peres was increasingly pleased with the results. "My crow's feet have definitely softened out, and it definitely makes the color of my skin look better," he said, adding that a friend even asked if he'd got a "filler" to plump up his face.

While the extent of the trend is hard to gauge because exact numbers are tough to come by, it's clear that facial acupuncture is gaining fans, particularly among aging Baby Boomers looking to roll back the clock. But there are other forces driving demand, including consumers who are tired of getting repeat Botox injections or are wary of the procedure. So, business-savvy acupuncturists are marketing their alternative approach as a holistic solution.

[freeplessinseattle]

1. I like the sound of that! just what I've been looking for, thanks! n/t

[Orrex]

2. Am I misreading this?

No actual studies, no actual data, and only the unchallenged testimony of "fans" as an endorsement.

Well, it's nifty if it works, but please forgive me if I hope for somewhat more reliable evidence.

[Celebration]

3. Probably

After acupuncture reduces your shoulder pain, and you like the experience, you tend to believe the person and put trust in him/her, and maybe talked to some people in the waiting room about it, observed before and after pictures available, etc. Come to think of it are there studies on surgical facelifts? Mostly potential patients go by what is recommended to them by friends (particular practitioners-- because with cosmetic surgery there is quite a variety of outcomes!!! all depending on the practitioner.............)

All and all, it seems an ideal area to use anecdotal evidence--particularly given the possible negative consequences of other methods that are used.

Like other facelifts, there is probably a big difference in the outcomes depending on the individual acupuncturist. Studies mean nothing in determining this-- you just have to go by recommendations (anecdotal of course).