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LAB RAT:
VIOLET GREY senior art director discovers how 90 tiny needles can help with wrinkles, skin texture, increased glow, and, in some cases, even acne.
Written ByCARRIE BARBER
Alexander Straulino / Trunk Archive
I have been seeing Dr. Patti Kim, a naturopath and acupuncturist, for about two years—at first to address low-energy and hormonal imbalances, then that turned into weekly sessions for my sanity. A few months ago, after I told her I had Botox, she replied with “we can do acupuncture for that.” Naturally, she piqued my interest because anything that offers lifting and tightening: I am here for it.
I first tried acupuncture 10 years ago after two emergency room visits in one week for debilitating migraines. After a bad reaction to the medication I was prescribed, it was clear to me that western medicine wasn’t the answer. After only five sessions, my migraines disappeared and I have been migraine-free ever since. I now try acupuncture first for just about any physical or emotional ailment.
Dr. Kim is one of those really good doctors you find every once in a while. The type that acts as doctor, healer and oftentimes therapist. I enjoy the acupuncture, but I enjoy my time with her more. She also has a beautiful off-white standard poodle named Olive, who always greets me at the door when I walk into her West Hollywood office.
This was very different than my normal acupuncture treatment as I immediately felt the blood and energy being brought up into my face. We started as we normally do: Dr. Kim laid me down and checked my pulse to see what my body needed. I had some anxiety and was about to get my period so she added some body points in addition to the needles she put in my face. She used different needles for the face—they’re smaller and much shorter, and don’t go in as deeply as the body needles.