Testimonials - Anxiety

I first met Anna in December of last year to help bring down my anxiety. I had been suffering from severe anxiety for about 15 years. Nothing could ever be pinpointed as to what triggered my anxiety, it was just always there. I had been taking western medicine before but eventually stopped due to a lack of satisfaction with the results. Physical activity soon replaced the drug for a few years but eventually my anxiety crept up with such a force that I was back looking for treatment again. Some of the symptoms I was feeling on a daily basis were restlessness, irritability, lack of focus, shortness of breath, nausea, and active sleep. This time, I decided to try eastern medicine as an alternative. 

My first treatment with Anna by far exceeded my expectations. I will never forget it. During the consultation, I explained to Anna the reasons I had come to see her. Anna was attentive, compassionate, and committed to help me find calm in my life. She explained to me that because my anxiety had been chronic it would take some dedication to treatment to stabilize, lower, and eventually eliminate my anxiety. She stressed that my anxiety would one day be just a memory of the past. The level of my anxiety walking into her office was somewhere between a 7 and 8 (10 being extremely anxious). After the first treatment I can easily say my anxiety decreased to somewhere around a 2 and 3. It was the calmest I had felt in a very long time. My mind felt clear and focused and my body felt physically relaxed.

I kept seeking treatment pretty intensively during the first couple of months. In combination with Chinese herbs, I began to sleep better, have more energy, and lower my level of anxiety on a day to day basis. Where my anxiety used to fluctuate between a 6 and 8, I could begin to see the levels decrease within those first months between 4 and 6. I felt I was making more progress with this treatment than I had with the anti-anxiety medications I had been on in the past.

A testament to this treatment and Anna, was that while getting treated I was also studying for a few intensive professional exams. I used to respond negatively to that type of stress and would usually be a mental wreck days before an exam. With this treatment and Anna’s positive encouragement I felt anxious only 5 minutes before the exam of which the symptoms later subsided. I was more focused and confident in my abilities this time around.

Now, almost to my 30th session, I can confidently say that I am a lot closer to eliminating my anxiety than I have ever been in my life. Anna has helped me get down to a consistent level of anxiety where it now ranges between a 1 and 3. I see Anna now on an ‘as needed basis’ when I feel my anxiety levels get to be too unmanageable. Thank you Anna for helping me find peace in my life again. You rock! 

Thanks for all you do and for balancing my Qi as my life tends to un-balance my Qi from time to time. The first time I came in 2 years ago, I had anxiety that was very frequent and really disturbed me that I just felt un-easy.  Today, I feel more relaxed and I rarely have any anxiety.  Accupunture has made my day to day life very balanced.  Once in awhile, I like getting a tune-up and also for other issues I may be having (naseau, digestive issues, insomnia, headaches, sore knee, etc.) during my life journey.  Each time, An has helped ease all the symptoms.

I always look forward to my accupunture appointment as it has also healed me and I know I am in good hands..=)
-L.J.

For almost two years, I was experiencing panic attacks. Not every day, and never for more than an hour or two at a time, but my stress level would build to a point that I would not be functional. I would feel closed in, and just shut down emotionally. I really didn't need much of anything to set it off, either – sometimes just the fear that I was going to have a panic attack caused one! Previous to this, I had always been a strong, calm person, someone able to handle anything thrown my way, so this was a big change for me.

I came to Anna for treatment of other issues, but I did mention this problem to her in our first conversation and in the initial paperwork. Anna treated this issue through acupuncture, of course, but she also talked to me about it, and would give me "homework" exercises – basically different thoughts and phrases to repeat to myself at home that would help with the process. The amount of genuine care and concern that she has always given me through the treatments or through a conversation or email is what sets her apart. Anna is not only a skilled acupuncturist, she is a warm and caring person that truly wants to help all of her patients to be free of pain, both physical and emotional.

Now, almost 9 months after starting treatments, I can't believe the difference. It was a gradual progression, and I can't say that I never feel stress anymore – I am human after all! But I don't have that same "closed in" feeling, and I am able to work through it. I haven't had a panic attack in over 2 months, and when I do experience stress, I don't feel overwhelmed by it. Before I started my acupuncture treatments, I had tried meditation, anti-anxiety pills, even taking a leave of absence from work to alleviate the panic attacks – nothing helped. But now, through my acupuncture treatments, I feel like my old self again. I know that everyone is different, but I couldn't be happier with my results. I highly recommend acupuncture treatments.

-V.

I just celebrated my 32nd session with Anna.  We’ve been working on a host of health issues, as well as some emotional turmoil.  She has cured my hypoglycemia, reduced my anxiety to nothing, and keeps my tendonitis at bay.  I can count on her skill to clear my mind, help me sleep at night, and regulate a life-long menstrual battle.  She’s a terrific healer and I’m happy to drive 40+ miles to see her.  

One thing that has resisted change has been that special spark deep within me.  What twenty-something year old woman doesn’t want to feel a rush of excitement now and again?  Today, I am giddy to say, I actually had a libido.  Anna’s well-placed needles have proven, yet again, just how powerful they are.  I would say it’s a ‘miracle,’ but I would never want to dismiss Anna’s obvious expertise, nor her sincere dedication to her patients.  Anna, you rock.  

(Now, where can I find someone to rock my socks off!?  *wink, wink*)

Signed,
- L

Anna has completely changed my life for the better.

Last year was not my year.  In January 2008, I was diagnosed with mononucleosis, which also caused severe jaundice.  While the fever and jaundice disappeared relatively quickly, I remained fatigued for months and my immune system was shot.  Over the next year and a half, I would be constantly sick with either a cold or the flu.  At 26 years of age, my doctor told me that I would be feeling the effects of mono for years to come.  She offered no advice as to how to remain well – illness was simply something I would have to ‘live with.’

At the same time, my normal vaginal discharge morphed into a yogurt-like consistency.  This change happened over the course of 2 days, so I was immediately aware of the problem.  My doctor dismissed my claims, concluding that it was a temporary issue that would go away on its own.  I did research, made changes, tried every naturopathic remedy I came across, but discovered no relief.  After being referred to an OB/GYN, I still found no empathy or solution. Last month (October 2009), my physician suggested that I go on anti-depressants so I would stop thinking about this problem, since it ‘doesn’t affect [me].’  Needless to say, I refused her pharmaceuticals.

To add insult to injury, on October 31, 2008, a careless driver plowed into my car at a stop sign, leaving me with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  While EMDR (a specialized type of psychotherapy) alleviated the acute symptoms, I developed generalized anxiety.  My life as a graduate student and full-time employee was, to say the least, negatively affected.  The smallest of changes would create chaos: I couldn’t work on my thesis, I would periodically (and without reason) break out in tears at my desk, and household chores became torturous.  Visiting the gym was out of the question.  Friends noted that I wasn’t myself and family wondered why I wasn’t visiting with the same regularity.  Psychotherapy helped, but it didn’t cut it.  My therapist suggested I try acupuncture to move my energy around.  The results have been life changing.

In just four sessions, my anxiety was greatly reduced.  Having just finished my tenth session, I am happy to report that I am 90% better.   I’m now able to get through my days, work on my thesis, and still have the mental fortitude to walk my dog in the evening.  (Mojo, especially, thanks you for this, Anna!) My entire office has been sick with the flu this season, but I haven’t had so much as a cough.  My immune system seems to be functional again. We’re still working on the abnormal discharge, but I have no doubt that Anna, if anyone, will be able to rid me of this awful affliction.

What is, perhaps, the most remarkable thing about Anna is her attitude.  She refuses to let her patients live with problems that cause them pain – either emotionally or physically.  She has never dismissed my concerns or told me I would simply have to ‘live with’ something.  Her premise is that one’s mind, as well as body, must be healthy to be whole.  So, while I went to her with three major quandaries, we’re also looking at other on-going issues I’ve endured.  From tendonitis to sadness from a breakup, Anna continues to help me find the ‘me’ that has been missing for so long.  I have energy I haven’t had in years, dedication I lost on All Hallows Eve, and peace of mind that I will be 100% one day soon.  She has even helped reduce my addiction to food – I consume significantly less at every meal and have fewer compulsions to eat.  Her intuitive talent with needles, generosity of heart, and ability to connect will not soon be forgotten.

I started seeing Anna 6 months after having my daughter due to severe anxiety. It was so bad that at times I could not leave my house and was constantly going to the doctor because I thought something was wrong with me medically. Anna reassured me that everthing was due to emotional issues. I started with 3 treatments a week, then went on to 2 treatments a week. Within the first couple of treatments I noticed a difference; a relief finally! Anna has helped me more then I can express! I am now not suffering with severe anxiety. I have my days like everyone else, but there is no way I feel the same way I did prior to treatments with her!

Carol S.

Thank you so much Anna for helping me to ease my anxiety. Following my very traumatic and near deadly car accident, and then the tragic loss of my best friend, I have had recurring anxiety that has kept me from sleeping and caused difficulties in my normal daily activities, as well as my relationships. It didn't take long after seeing you for the anxious feelings to subside...maybe a couple of months at most. Since it went away, it's very rare that I feel any bit of anxiety. But when life gets challenging (as it will do sometimes), it doesn't take more than one visit to calm my nerves and help me cope. And your fantastic words of advice are an added benefit. The best part about the anxiety points that you do is that during this treatment, I sleep better than ever!

Have a great weekend,

- Deb

I have been seeing Anna bi-weekly since February 07 for improvement in my health after having radioactive iodine treatment (RAI) done on my thyroid. Without a working thyroid and supplementing with Synthroid, I was still experiencing weight gain, anxiety, restless sleep, joint aches and fatigue. My acupuncture treatments created relief in all of these areas. Although I still have weight I would like to lose, I have had some small weight loss which hadn't happened with diet and exercise. Three weeks ago, I was diagnosed with Shingles. The doctor said it was a very mild case and that I should heal in a week. I decided to start seeing Anna weekly and I believe it was her treatments that caused it to be a mild case and brought about my quick healing. Thank you so much, Anna, for your work.

-Tonya Barnes

I started seeing Anna in the beginning of summer for an enlarged lymph node. What I didn’t know was that she was going to help me with so many other things in my body. I had minor digestion problems my whole life.
After I ate, I would always have some discomfort which I just considered a normal part of digestion. Now after I eat, I feel good with no pain. I now realize that this is normal. Acupuncture has helped me to identify when I feel full which allows me to stop eating before I over eat. As a result I have started to lose weight without even trying. She has also helped me tremendously with overstressing and worrying. I feel so much more in control of my thoughts and emotions and have much more happiness
and a sense of peace in my life. I still see Anna regularly for my
lymph node and I continue to enjoy the benefits of her acupuncture for any new ailments that come up along the way. For instance, she has helped me recover from a cold much quicker than I would have in the past. She has also helped me to get over a knee injury I recently experienced doing yoga. I recommend acupuncture to friends and strangers all the time. It has improved the quality of my life tremendously.

Stefanie

I have been Anna’s patient since June 2007. For the past two years I have been heavily into Chinese magic and its philosophical mumbo-jumbo. Acupuncture always seemed to me to be the cure for some psychological and behavioral issues I believed were hurting me in life.

I had walked into a different acupuncture clinic prior to seeing Anna and, even with my belief in acupuncture, I did not feel like the practitioner would be able to help me with my problems.

I am a former ladies’ shoes salesman and I met Anna selling her a pair PF shoes. She seemed very full of energy and when I rang her up at the cash register, I saw on her card "Elements in Harmony.” What followed was a dynamic conversation, just like she promises on her voicemail. After my first treatment, I noticed results: I had complained of an irregular sleeping pattern; that night I focused on one of the points she put in the back of my head and soon after had no problems knocking out. That achievement combined with Anna's "dynamism" sealed the deal for me.

Needless to say, I have seen Anna consistently since then and am very happy to say that as she promises, I have graduated from many of the pains I had initially come to see her for. I have always had a problem with structure, anxiety, and attitude with life. The anxiety I used to have is now completely eliminated. My attitude and sense of uselessness is now gone. I am now doing physical training daily and am pursuing an acting career with promising results. What this means to me is priceless and I can write on about this success forever. A lower back pain that used to plague me daily is now nearly gone.

I have no doubt in my mind that Anna played a crucial role in all of these positive results. One cannot help but love and admire the intensity and passion that she has for her craft. Without a doubt, this is something you will see in her every time you get a treatment, which transcends into giving each patient a positive experience, and most importantly, results.

In the Chinese Zodiac, Anna falls in the year of the Ox. I fall on the year of the Rat. There is a legend that all the animals of the Chinese Zodiac had a race across a great stream to determine what place they would be given during the zodiac's 12-year cycle. The Rat came in first and the Ox came in second. The Rat struck a deal with the Ox and rode on its back, while the Ox worked hard, trudging through the water, arriving at the other end and giving the Rat victory.

Anna has been my stability in life, and I am confident that no other acupuncturist could have given me the results she has. I am sure that if you are not a Rat, she can still carry you to victory across the great stream as well.

-Adam Mitchell

We started seeing Anna two months ago after a conversation with her on the phone. We immediately felt comfortable and knew we wanted to work with her. After just a few treatments we began to see results in weight loss, more energy, less anxiety, alcohol reduction and pain relief.

Anna took her time, listened and answered all of our questions and we felt very comfortable with her.

She is very knowledgeable in acupuncture, massage and herbal therapy. She always goes out of her way to help us, including finding acupuncturists in Texas and Missouri for family members.

We recently attended Anna's ribbon cutting ceremony with her other patients and friends and we could tell how much they all respected and liked Anna as well as we do. We look forward to seeing Anna on our weekly appointments.

- Fat Sobczak & Barb Whan

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