By Wendy Stalker, Registered Acupuncturtist

Fifteen years ago, struggling with a debilitating depression and a persistent addiction to smoking, I made a decision - I needed to get healthy. I tried everything (psychologists, hypnosis, medication, support groups) and then a friend told me about acupuncture.

I found an acupuncturist and with his help I conquered both my depression and my smoking addiction. It felt so good to be healthy again! Then 11 years ago, with a clear mind and clean lungs, I began my own journey to becoming an acupuncturist. Now I share the gift of renewed, vital health with my clients through my own acupuncture practice.

Acupuncture is an ancient medicine - one that uses modern diagnosis and treatment. It has been practiced for over 3000 years and has proven effective in the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions.

The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization recognize acupuncture as an effective treatment for over 50 conditions, including: addiction, arthritis, anxiety, chronic fatigue, colitis, depression, digestive problems, fertility enhancement, fibromyalgia, IBS, menstrual irregularities, pain, sciatica, sleep disturbances and stress.

Despite this endorsement acupuncture is still often misunderstood. The easiest way to understand acupuncture is to think of a simple stream. It starts out bubbling along and then, over time, the banks erode and debris falls in, causing the free flow of water to slow down or even stop, resulting in brackish, mucky water. Now the stream can’t function in the same way that it could when the water was freely flowing. Similarly, our bodies are a network of energy that must flow freely for healthy functioning.

When energy doesn't flow freely, our health deteriorates, and we experience pain and discomfort. Acupuncture helps us to clear the debris from our stream of energy, giving back health and vitality. Many who come to acupuncture struggle with an overload of debris in their stream - chronic health concerns.

Lisa, a young mother diagnosed with fibromyalgia, came to my office complaining of sudden, persistent diarrhea, chronic fatigue (despite more than 12 hours of sleep each night) and debilitating migraines, joint and muscle pain. She also experienced ear-ringing, dizziness and a poor memory. Her quality of life had deteriorated to the point where she could no longer enjoy activities with her busy young son.

Lisa's energy flow was disrupted in several areas. Because of the chronic nature of her problem, we started by supporting and nourishing her kidney, spleen and stomach energy. ln addition, we focused on her liver and gallbladder energy. Each visit we would also treat the dominant symptoms (usually muscle pain) by needling the painful areas. In the beginning we met two times each week. Then, as her symptoms subsided, we met weekly and then bi-weekly.

Two and a half months later Lisa rarely has diarrhea - and then only if she has eaten something too spicy. She sleeps eight to 10 hours each night and wakes feeling rested. Her pain has been reduced by 80%, her ear-ringing has disappeared, and her co-workers have commented on her improved memory.

Lisa now has the energy that she needs to enjoy her life. She misses less work, and she participates more in family activities. She knew her health was back on track when, on Mother's Day, her son thanked her for playing sports and being active with him again.

Acupuncture can give you back your health by stimulating the return of your vital energy. It's ancient medicine that works.