'Mei zen'translates from the Chinese into English as `beautiful person',which conjures up a lovely image to describe what is,in fact facelifts using acupuncture instead of surgery.

The man or woman in the street commonly thinks that if he or she looks good, then feeling good will surely follow. But an Acupuncturist believes the feeling good comes first, and then a person will look good too.

For facial rejuvenation Kim chooses to use very small and fine needles, no longer that 8mm. These needles only just enter into the outer layer of dermis, of which we have seven.

The question which will be on everyone's lips is how soon a patient can reasonably expect to see a change in their appearance. But this will vary from patient to patient; their general health being an important factor. But as with any beauty treatment a realistic attitude is paramount.

There has been much media interest in cosmetic acupuncture. Kim has been interviewed on Radio Devon and has also appeared on B.B.C Spotlight Television. And as Kim is the only practitioner of this treatment in the UK national newspapers are also showing great interest.

(Extracts from Devon Life magazine January 2005. "Needles not Knives". Written by Linda Mitchelmore)