PUT A PIN IN IT

My favourite thing about Instagram is the people I discover while scrolling. When I first came across the beauty therapist, Sarah Bradden (@sarahbradden), I was instantly intrigued by her work. Her clients looked like pin cushions – faces and ears full of needles – and I was desperate to try her speciality all-in-one acupuncture and LED light facial.

I’ve long been a fan of traditional Chinese medicine for ailments like sore muscles and trapped nerves. Though having never had an acupuncture facial before, I decided to book in for a session. Expecting the treatment to be purely beauty-focused, I was surprised by how complex it actually was. Beginning with a health assessment – all done just by Sarah looking at my tongue – her findings were amazing, and spot on. She picked up on my hormone imbalances and food intolerances, and could also tell that I was ovulating. Sarah told me my kidneys were struggling and stressed, no doubt due to a hectic workload.

After this initial consultation, it was time to hop onto the treatment couch. An LED light pad was placed on my tummy, which felt really soothing and helped me to relax. The goal of this was to aid digestion and help combat my food allergies.

Next came the needles. In keeping traditional Chinese medicine, Sarah explained that the whole body can be healed by strategically placed needles. Having always been fascinated with alternative therapies, I was intrigued by its similarities to reflexology too. Sarah targeted the parts of my ears linked to the kidneys, and while I felt a slight pinch as the needles were inserted, this was followed by a warm and pleasant sensation. The needles Sarah placed in my face were designed to wake up the muscles – reminding them where they’re supposed to be! The results are a visibly firmer and more defined face.

Following this, a hydrating sheet mask packed full of peptides was placed over the needles, along with an eye mask. As the LED light was moved up to my neck and décolleté, Sarah set to work on my ankles. Though honestly, I couldn’t tell you where she placed the needles, as I’d practically dozed off by this point! And the reflexology she performed on my feet felt truly heavenly.

            Then it was time to remove the needles – and again, this didn’t hurt. After finishing with an acupressure massage of jasmine and rose oil, I practically floated out of the clinic, full of renewed energy and optimism. What’s more, I could instantly see the results on my face. The muscles looked more defined and lifted, and my skin had a gorgeous, radiant glow. Needless to say, I’ll be going back for more!

For more information visit www.sarahbradden.com