Beauty Tips

The Amazing Beauty Trick You Haven't Tried: Acupuncture

How a few well-placed needles can make you happier, thinner and younger-looking

by Allie Flinn | 2 COMMENTS

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Needles For: Getting Stress Under Control "Acupuncture helps energy flow through our body through a network of meridians," says Kim. Think of meridians like blood vessels that connect acupuncture points to each other. Only instead of carrying blood, these channels carry qi (energy). When we're stressed, these pathways become blocked; acupuncture needles stimulate points along the meridian, and help open them up.

To zap stress, needles are most commonly placed in the hands and feet. For me, it was the needle placed between my thumb and forefinger that had an immediate, just-drank-a-glass-of-warm-milk effect.

To ease stress long-term, Kim recommends a course of acupuncture twice a week for six to eight weeks. This gives the treatment time to help regulate body temperature, improve blood circulation and help you sleep better (all things that lead to reduced stress). Though it may seem counterintuitive if you're needle-phobic, even the treatment itself is relaxing (just close your eyes). Kim says that a lot of times, people will fall asleep while they're on the table.

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