NEEDLE-phobic Joyce Gordon is an unlikely candidate for acupuncture -- but the Bolton woman is following in the footsteps of the Prime Minister's wife Cherie Blair.

As the nation pondered on why Britain's 'first lady' was sporting an acupuncture earring, Bolton divorce Mrs Gordon already had all the answers - stress.

Cherie Blair was seen wearing the acupuncture needle in her ear as she arrived at a high-profile conference.

Mrs Gordon, a secretary at Beldam Crossley, Bolton, is also opting for acupuncture to combat rising stress levels in her life and attends weekly treatment sessions at Bolton's Therapy Centre on Chorley Old Road.

She explained: "It has made a marked difference in my life. I can well understand why Cherie Blair has had it done.

"She obviously has a lot of stress in her life holding down a top job, being married to the Prime Minister and having her children.

"But she doesn't have to worry about money. She doesn't have the worry of who is going to be the main breadwinner."

Mrs Gordon, who is a year older than 47-year-old Cherie, was persuaded to try acupuncture whilst undergoing physiotherapy treatment for a painful frozen shoulder.

She explained: "I was petrified of needles. The first few sessions, it felt a little painful and I was scared.

"But surprisingly, it didn't hurt at all. Afterwards, it was so relaxing.

"Now I have acupuncture all over my body."

Acupuncture is seen as an alternative health remedy for many ailments such as asthma, back pain, anxiety problems, addictions and depression.

But not many people are aware that it also helps to beat stress.

"I go home feeling a completely different person to when I went in," Mrs Gordon added.

There are 530 recognised acupuncture points on the body -- but only 100 are commonly used.

Acupuncture needles are much finer than hypodermics used by doctors, hospitals and nurses.

Karen Willcock, a physiotherapist with qualifications in Chinese traditional medicine said: "Joyce is such a worrier and she really seems a different person when she leaves.

"Acupuncture gives great feelings of calmness and well-being."

Mrs Willcock says business high-fliers in Bolton are coming to the Therapy Centre as they turn to the needle to help ease stress.

The physiotherapist said: "I am treating a woman in her forties who is known to fly off the handle very easily in the office.

"By treating her, acupuncture eases her mood swings and of course helps every one else in the office!"

Mrs Willcock also gives presentations to top companies in the town highlighting the stress-relieving techniques as a benefit for their busy staff. Finer SPOT ON: An acupuncture needle is applied to Joyce Gordon's ear SPOT ON: Joyce Gordon with her acupuncturist at the Bolton Therapy Centre and, inset, a needle is inserted into Joyce's ear.