From The Straits Times    |

Photo: Eu Yang Sang

When it comes to beauty treatments, I’m pretty game to try everything – even having little needles stuck into my face in the name of improving circulation and radiance.

Because why not? Which is why, when Traditional Chinese Medicine experts Eu Yang Sang launched a new face acupuncture treatment that you could try in one of their clinics around Singapore or in the comfort of the Damai Spa at the Grand Hyatt Singapore, I jumped on the chance to give it a go.

Related: VIDEO: #Beautyboss Jessica Gomes’ 9-step makeup routine for a party look

According to the company, face acupuncture is designed to boost skin beauty by dealing with underlying problems.

Once these are balanced, acne, pigmentation, fine lines and dark circles will “magically” disappear. TCM physician Anita Pee explains, “Acupuncture stimulates acupoints on the face as well as related acupoints on the body, which increases blood circulation to the face for better skin radiance and promote collagen production to fill in fine lines. It also works by adjusting imbalances in the body.”

The treatment begins with a TCM consultation. Anita holds both my wrists in her hands, takes my blood pressure and also asks me a few questions about my woeful attempts to be healthy. She then tells me I have a spleen-deficiency which causes digestion issues.

Related: Everything you need to stop others from saying you always look tired

This is all true though I’m not sure how this will affect my face. She explains the spleen is important for producing energy, without it performing at full capacity, you can end up with water retention (check), poor digestion (check) and puffy eyes (check). I’m advised to avoid raw, cold and oily food as well as drink more warm water.

Photo: Cleo

Anita also tells me that during my acupuncture session, she will put needles in my hands to help with this.

Before the treatment, I change into lose clothes and lie down on a comfortable bed in one of the spa treatment rooms. A lavender compress is used to cover your eyes and a heating lamp warms your hands.

Related: The finer points of great skin: Acupuncture for clearer complexion

Anita explains, “The lamp improves blood circulation and removes stagnation.  The heating effect also helps to ease conditions caused by ‘cold’ related syndrome such as tight or stiff muscles, muscle spasm, swelling, pain and aches.”

The needles are inserted into the skin with a swift but firm “tap”. I have about 12 in my face, but besides the initial prick, all stopped hurting almost immediately.

One at the centre of your forehead is supposed to relax you, and relax me it did. I find myself quickly drifting off to sleep just as the last needle was inserted in my leg. There are also two near my thumbs on my hands.

Photo: Cleo

Related: No makeup? No problem! Zoe Tay, Fann Wong and more stars who look gorgeous with bare faces

The treatment lasts about 60 minutes and ended with a relaxing facial massage using a jade roller. I’m told that you need to have about 12 sessions one to two times a week to see lasting results but I did actually feel quite energised after the treatment (maybe it was the pre-lunch time nap).

I also think my eyes looked a little less puffy after the treatment, and maybe it is the good lighting but my skin seems less sallow. Priced at $68 (without consultation), it’s decidedly cheaper than a pricey, posh facial — and there are added health benefits. I’d be quite happy to spend that monthly to see if the results were longer lasting.

Find out more about the treatment at http://sg.euyansangclinic.com

This story first appeared on Cleo on June 20, 2017.