Face up to some acupuncture

Ming Chen, whose Leith clinic is legendary in Scotland, explains that her anti-ageing facial acupuncture can help you look and feel younger without the side-effects of Botox, or the pain and bruising, not to mention risk, of plastic surgery.

Each facial is different, based on individual circumstances, so the consultation begins with a once-over. Ming Chen looks into my eyes, inspects my tongue, and feels my pulses (I thought I just had the one, but she points out three distinct threads and who am I to argue with thousands of years of Oriental wisdom?). Straightaway she diagnoses digestive problems (tick, I have Crohn's disease) and chronic fatigue (yawn, tick).

I stretch out on the massage table, fully clothed, with my trousers rolled up and socks squished down. Ming Chen covers my middle with warm blankets to promote the healing effects of the acupuncture and then massages my head and face with gentle strokes.

Hair-thin, sterile, disposable needles are inserted into my scalp, along my face, and on my shins. I've had acupuncture before so know to expect the pricking and slight sensation of discomfort at certain sites both during the procedure and as the needles are gently twisted free. If it's your first time, be aware of this, but know, too, that it's not true pain, merely a mild, brief twinge. Even if you're injection-phobic, acupuncture is nothing to shy away from.

I'm left alone to relax, thus feel completely reborn when she returns to remove the needles. My face has noticeably better colour and appears smoother. Bear in mind, however, that Chinese medicine works slowly and cumulatively, so for optimum results a series of facials at weekly and then monthly intervals are recommended for real "ten years younger" results.

n Ming Chen runs clinics in Edinburgh (0131-554 0808), Glasgow (0141-633 2828) and Inverness (01463 236498). Acupuncture facials cost 50-60 per one-hour session.