- Stroke Rehabilitation-by Malinda Wedal
- Acupuncture for Depression, Pain and Addiction– by Marsha
- Acupuncture for Allergies – by Pam R.
- Weight Loss – by Judy
- Shoulder and neck pain – by Hebe
- Insomnia, back pain, shoulder pain and headache –by Andrew
- Headache and back pain – by Marry
- Pain in knees and neck - by Luanda
Stroke Rehabilitation-by Malinda Wedal- View Video
An amazing and touching story
Acupuncture for Depression, Pain and Addiction– by Marsha
I am a 49-year-old female. Ten years ago, my mother passed away and thus I began my struggle with Chronic Fatigue, Depression and Fibromyalgia. Then, five years later, my father passed away and I found myself in acute physical pain, not knowing how I would make it through the workday. It was then that I discovered that the physical pain I was having and the emotional pain that had been triggered by my father's death had a connection. Through the help of a psychotherapist, I realized that repressed emotions from the trauma I experienced in childhood were manifesting themselves physically. I had terrible pain in my neck and shoulders that radiated all the way up to my head. This pain would literally stop me in my tracks, even with the help of prescription pain relievers and frequent trips to the chiropractor. Western medicine didn't seem to have any answers for me, and I was frightened that I would lose my job because it was so hard to function, let alone think.
That's when I began looking into Eastern medicine. The Evergreen Wellness Center was just blocks away from my home, so I decided to stop in and see what they had to offer. They told me that I could benefit from massage therapy and acupuncture. I went in for massage whenever possible, and this helped relax my aching muscles. However, I found the most relief from acupuncture. I began seeing Dr. Danny Spoon for this treatment, and was amazed at his knowledge and understanding ways. He seemed to intuitively know how to help me. He REALLY listened to me, keying in on the troubled areas of my body and restoring the flow of Qi to those areas. When pain relievers and chiropractic visits didn't help, the acupuncture would. The acupuncture not only stopped the pain, but it reversed the chronic cycle of anxiety, depression and pain.
My latest trips to see Dr. Spoon have revolved around anxiety and pain, as physicians are decreasing the dosage of a psychotropic drug that I have ben taking and tends to be addictive. It has been very difficult to lower this medicine. When visiting with Dr. Spoon about the issue, he informed me about withdrawal points on the body that can be helped with acupuncture. By having an acupuncture treatment before a medication adjustment, Dr. Spoon is assisting me in my fight to lower this medicine. With the acupuncture, I don't even have any withdrawal symptoms, but without it, I have extreme difficulty.
So, my story includes the combination of both Western and Eastern medicine working together in assisting me to better health. For me, both approaches have been necessary. I would never have dreamed that my visits to the Evergreen Wellness Center could help me with everything from depresssion to withdrawal from an addictive drug.
There is one last point I would like to make before closing. I have had acupuncture from other practicing professionals, but I must say that no one was nearly as knowledgeable as Dr. Spoon. Nor have I received the success and amount of pain relief from seeing others who practice acupuncture. Dr. Spoon has always been extremely professional, and seems to go above and beyond the call of duty for his patients. Many times he would give me little hints and exercises I could do at home. His kind and empathetic ways have won me over completely. I cannot tell you what a relief it is to know that when Western medicine fails to help, TCM and Dr. Spoon are there and I can count on them.
Sincerely,
Marsha J. Allen
Acupuncture for Allergies – by Pam R.
I am a 49 year old female. I am a school teacher. I had been "cold" all of my life. My hands and feet were cold nearly all of the time and the rest of me was uncomfortably cold more and more, especially during the winter. I developed allergies as an adult. At first they were seasonal, then they became progressively worse over time. I was beginning to feel like antihistamines and decongestants were a "food group" because I was to a point where I took them daily all year round. I had other random, occasional symptoms (like fatigue, hand shaking, or muscle cramps) that didn't really seem to fit a diagnosis, but were annoying nonetheless.
I had seen my medical doctor regularly all of my life and was (in his words, as he introduced me to an intern in his office one year) "disgustingly healthy". Other than to diagnose the allergies, I pretty much just went once per year for the check up and the usual recommended screenings for my gender and family health history. I've always maintained a healthy weight and been physically active. With no obvious illness or disease process, it didn't make sense to me that I should be colder and colder with more and more allergy symptoms. We even tested my thyroid for the cold and occasional fatigue – not the issue.
Taking the decongestants was really bothering me. I have a family history of heart issues and most decongestants affect the heart. I just kept thinking that there had to be something I could do to help myself take fewer pills and be warmer. I didn't feel "sick"; I was just sick of feeling cold and taking pills. I've always believed that each type of treatment has its place, but prevention is best if possible. Neither the medical doctor, nor the chiropractor or massage therapist had answers for these seemingly unrelated issues. I thought they had to be related somehow because every system in the body is affected by the other, but didn't know how.
I was talking about all of this one day during a massage, and the massage therapist wondered if Chinese Medicine would be helpful. He knew of Evergreen Wellness Center and mentioned it. I went to the EWC website to see what I thought. The site spoke about the body as an interconnected whole and even mentioned that sometimes seemingly unrelated symptoms could be treated by their methods. That was exactly what I was hoping to hear. I called for an appointment.
Dr. Gong had no trouble whatsoever diagnosing my problem (yang deficiency) and recommending treatment. I received acupuncture and herbs at that first appointment, and continued with both for a few weeks. This was early in 2008. Although it was a bit of a challenge schedule-wise to get there more than once per week from out of town, it was well worth the effort. Since the summer of 2008 I have probably taken only a dozen antihistamines and no decongestants, and I'm not nearly as cold. I have concluded that I will never be as warm as normal people, but at least I don't have to dress in layers even during the summer any more.
After that successful resolution to something that had bothered me for many years, I decided to continue receiving acupuncture for other things as well. There is a tremendous amount of heart disease and diabetes in my family and I would like to do everything I can to prevent or put off those things for myself. So far I have had no symptoms of either and believe that the quality of my life/health has been positively impacted by the TCM treatment I have received. I will continue with all forms of health care.
Submitted by: Pam R., November 30, 2010
Weight Loss – by Judy - View Video
Before I underwent acupuncture treatments from Dr. Gao, I was 50 pounds overweight, insecure about my appearance and my general well-being was not that good. I would get tired easily and would get sick most of the times.
Then I discovered Dr. Gao's clinic. I thought to myself - "Hey, there's no harm in trying it." So I did. After several months of treatment, I lost all 50 pounds!!!! I now feel very beautiful and confident, as if I can take on the world. My health has improved dramatically - my physical endurance has increased and I rarely get sick.
With my "new life", I am now more than motivated than ever to pursue my dreams and goals in life.
Thanks Dr. Gao! You have changed my life!
Judy
Shoulder and neck pain – by Hebe - View Video
I have had chronic shoulder & neck pain for over 10 years and it has progressively gotten worse. I have tried medication (Vioxx), Chiropractor and massage therapy. All of these have led to temporary relief of pain. I have resisted trying acupuncture due to being afraid of needles. However the pain led me to Dr. Gao. I have seen a dramatic difference and the pain has stayed away for long periods of time. Thank-you Dr. Gao
Hebe
Insomnia, back pain, shoulder pain and headache –by Andrew - View Video
Dear Dr. Gong,
To say thank you it is not enough. I was suffering for insomnia, back and shoulder pain and the headache was a nightmare. Every month before and during the period the best friend was —Advil. But after one treatment session, no Advil and no PMS anymore. NO pain. I can sleep during the night very well and headache does not exist any more. And later after 3 sessions the shoulder and back pain is gone.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU !!!!!!!
Your truly,
Andrew
Headache and back pain – by Marry - View Video
Dear Dr. Gao,
I would like to thank you for helping me with my headache and back pain problems. Your treatment has been very helpful and I've been experiencing a positive outcome in alleviating my health issues. I also want to note that your acupuncture regimen for losing weight has been yielding results. I can't wait to see the final outcome!
I plan on continuing to see your knowledge, professionalism and most importantly, the successful results your treatment has provided me with.
Thank you for all your help.
Sincerely,
Marry
Pain in knees and neck - by Luanda - View Video
I walked into the clinic of Dr. Gao with pain in both knees and neck. I have been having this pain for some time, something that was slowing me down. I have tried most common painkillers with no benefit worth mentioning. I came to Dr. Gao's clinic not very convinced but just to try acupuncture. Half hour later I was another man: the treatment worked since the first day! After about two months the pain in my neck has improved significantly and my knees are almost like new.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Dr. Gao improved my quality of life
Luanda
