Testimonials - hormonal issues

Anna is a great healer who has helped me tremendously in the last year.

When my husband and I decided to try to have a baby, after many years of marriage, I realized that my menstrual cycles were irregular and not conducive to conceiving. After a few unsuccessful months I decided to try acupuncture to regulate my hormones. I debated between Anna and another practitioner and ultimately chose the latter because, having never had acupuncture, I was nervous about the community setting in which Anna primarily practices (now I feel silly about this as I believe that the community setting actually enhances the healing process). I started seeing a different acupuncturist, who was very good, and became pregnant after seven months of treatment. Unfortunately, the pregnancy ended in a miscarriage at 9 weeks.

I was devastated and decided to seek treatment with Anna. She was extremely kind and compassionate as I wept throughout our first consultation and treatment. After discussing my medical history and previous acupuncture experience, Anna requested that I give her six months to a year to work on healing my body from the miscarriage, realigning my Qi, and preparing my body for pregnancy. However, she cautioned that I must do EXACTLY as she advised; not only in terms of the acupuncture, but also the way in which I lived my daily life. We began treatment mid-September of 2012 and I followed Anna’s instructions to the letter. I received acupuncture two-to-three times a week, changed my eating to boost my fertility, and engaged in other practices that she recommended. My next menstrual cycle was more regular and with fewer symptoms (depression, cramps, moodiness, heavy flow) than I had ever experienced before. Each month my cycle became more regular and only three cycles later (November) Anna gave me the green light to try to conceive. I did not become pregnant that month. Although disappointed, I wasn’t too discouraged because Anna had asserted that it would take at least six-to-twelve months to get my body back into shape.

The very next month, on New Year’s Eve, I learned that I was pregnant! I was elated (pregnant after only 3.5 months of treatment!) but also nervous considering my previous miscarriage. I continued to see Anna several times a week in the first two trimesters, once every other week during the end of the second and beginning of the third trimesters, and now twice a week as I approach my due date. Throughout she assured me that my pregnancy was strong and I have indeed had a wonderful pregnancy. I experienced very little nausea in the first trimester and I have had none of the typical pregnancy side effects, such as heartburn, constipation, and sinusitis. I’ve even been sleeping very well. I am now 39-and-a-half weeks and Anna is using acupuncture to prepare my body for natural childbirth.

In all, I highly recommend Anna. I am very thankful and truly grateful for Anna’s healing expertise. She is a kind and intelligent soul who is passionate about her work and who truly cares about her patients. My extended family has seen such a change in me that they now see Anna for their own ailments! Thank you Anna!!

J.V.

I’ve written more than one review praising Anna’s talents as a healer. This particular testimonial speaks to a problem many women face.

Until recently, I had never experienced a regular menstrual cycle. By the time I went on Depo Provera (birth control) at the age of 19, my body had not once bled in a timely, healthy fashion. In fact, it was one of my main reasons for choosing “the shot,” which eliminates menstruation altogether. At least I wouldn’t be aware of how defective my body was.

Fast forward 11 years to my 30th rotation around the sun. My focus on health in full swing, I had been seeing Anna for nearly two years. One thing that became more and more important to me was reducing the number of chemicals in my body, so I decided to stop taking Depo. I hadn’t had a period in over a decade and it was time to "reclaim my womanhood."

Having studied Eastern theories about women’s health, I knew I needed to make some changes to ensure my health as I age. I saw my own mother suffer horribly with hormone issues during and after menopause. I wanted something different for myself. And, hey, if I found a great guy and we decided to have kids, I figured I should make sure I could maintain a pregnancy.

I was off Depo for a year before Anna and I spoke about a treatment plan. I still hadn’t seen a single drop of blood and was starting to worry. Anna was clear that treatment could take years and I would have to be very consistent with acupuncture, coming three to four times a month. I might need herbs - lots of them. This was a serious investment in my health and my future. Having recently finished grad school (read: broke) and living over 40 miles from her office, I didn’t hesitate in saying, “You have my time, my trust, and my money.”

It has been nearly two years and I am amazed at the change -- I menstruate every 35 days. This transformation has not been without serious battles, however. At first, I bled every 15 days and had severe symptoms, including dramatic emotional fluctuations, physical soreness, and debilitating anemia. Anna fought for my health and we got past those major hurdles. Now, I am free from anemia, and the remaining symptoms are mild.

About 6 months ago, I stopped seeing Anna regularly because of a new job in Los Angeles, but have recently recommitted to treatments 3-4 times a month. Yup, I drive over an hour home from work, then another 45 minutes south to see her – don’t forget the 45 minutes back, too. My health is worth it and she is worth it. The time away from home, my dog, my boyfriend, and other commitments is what I need to make sure I can be a good roommate, parent, partner, and friend. I look forward to soon having a 30 day menstrual cycle without any symptoms. I have faith in my body, faith in those needles, and certainly faith in Anna.

Thank you for all you do, Anna! My world is such a better place with you in it!

-L

Dear Anna,

My Endocrinologist has been treating me for PCOS for the past year. During last week's visit, he said my blood work showed huge improvement. My androgen hormones have decreased. I was originally put on two medications. About three months ago I stopped taking one of the medications. During last week's visit, I was told to cut the dosage of the second medication in half. He felt that there was no need for me to see him again. He advised me to have my family doctor redo blood work in about six months. He believes the hormones will continue to balance and become normal. At that point I can stop taking all medications. His comment to me was "whatever you have been doing, keep it up". I have been receiving acupuncture treatments from Elements in Harmony for about five months. Thank you Anna!

Hi Anna,

You treated me several times for pre-menopausal symptoms, especially night/days sweats and I wanted to let you know that the symptoms are totally gone! It is such a relief not to wake up covered in sweat; having to change clothes that were all hot and sweaty. I also enjoy the relief while at work of not worrying that at any moment I would start to feel sweat rolling down by back at any time. Thank you for the acupuncture that took away all my symptoms. I know as I move into this next stage of life, I will not have to suffer through the multitude of symptoms my friends (who are not doing acupuncture) are experiencing. The first symptoms were bad enough to me and I really don't want to experience more of them :)

Dear Anna,

Thank you so much for changing my life and the way I now view the importance of mind and body health. When I came to you in August, my menstrual cycles were 60-75 days long and I was suffering from the effects of severe hormonal fluctuations. Your caring nature and passion for Chinese medicine intrigued me and I didn’t have many options with Western medicine. Not only do I feel SO much better, but I am a BELIEVER that it’s in everyone’s best interest to bring the body into homeostasis. My cycles have shortened to 35 days and I am much more relaxed, which has resulted in a decrease in obsessive-compulsive behaviors. I was underweight and staying up too late. I’ve now gained 4 pounds and am feeling energetic but more rested. Best of all, after getting to know you and the healing power of Chinese medicine, I was inspired to make dietary and lifestyle changes to supplement the acupuncture and herbs. Everyday, I am enthralled with my progress and appreciative of your help to get me here. Thank you!

-Tricia B.

Over the years I have worked with Anna professionally and as a client, I have always been impressed by her enthusiasm, professionalism, hard work ethic and knowledge. She treated me using acupuncture for a shoulder problem that disappeared in minutes, after other traditional treatments for the same problem had taken months to do the same. She also started working with me for female hormone issues using acupuncture and Chinese herbs that I am confident would have done a world of good had I been able to continue with them. I wish I had found her sooner!

Thanks Anna for everything!

- Kathi Wormald

back to testimonials index