Chicago - April 04, 2005

Pins and Needles

Acu-facial at Tiffani Kim

Aging? It has its upsides.

For instance, you rarely look in the mirror anymore and ponder, “But, who am I, really?”

On the other hand, you all-too-frequently look in the mirror and wonder, “Where the hell did that thing come from?”

It’s a wrinkle, pal. And it’s okay.

Allay such aging anxiety with an acu-facial, a skin rejuvenation treatment coveted for more than 2,500 years by in-the-know empresses of the Sung Dynasty. And these days it’s experiencing a revival of its own. Just a few pricks (fine, three dozen micro-thin needles) to the face, hands, and feet help reduce liver fire, balance spleen deficiency, and relax the body — all of which help minimize wrinkles.

Within 30 minutes of lying (and looking) like a beached walrus, a rush of chi is released to the face, leaving you with plump skin, pouch-free eyes, and a smoother countenance. Plus, there are no undesirable side effects like a frozen forehead or loss of your 52 most emotive facial expressions.

You didn’t spend your youth perfecting those for nothing, now — did you?

Tiffani Kim Institute, 310 West Superior Street between Orleans and Franklin Avenues (312-943-8777).