About two months after my first treatment, I could no longer deny the impact. People who knew me well could see that my mood was lighter, I smiled more and a few people closest to me could “see it in my eyes” that the pain was gone. After more than 6 years of a migraine, I could finally admit that I was a healthy person who would not always have to live with pain! 

My acupuncture experience began just over 3 years ago, but the background for my visits began Dec. 2, 2002. In ’02 I was a college cheerleader. We were preparing of our national championship that would air on ESPN. My partner and I worked on a stunt again and again, yet I continued to fall on my back and neck. After four falls in a row, I called it a day. The next day I went to my athletic trainer to let her know that I likely experienced my second concussion in just over a year. That was the beginning of my medical journey with my second, sever, grad 3 concussions.

Since that day, I have visited several doctors including 3 different neurologists, at least 5 different physical therapists that I can remember, at least 5 chiropractors and 7 or more different massage therapists. I have also had CT scans and an MRI, have taken so much pain medication that I slept for 20 hours per day and experienced other unhealthy side effects, have withstood Botox injections in my shoulders, neck and head, have worn dental appliances to relive my TMJ, have tried 3 or 4 other medication regimes and have taken vitamins and supplements. Throughout these attempts at medical interventions, the migraine pain never let up, but my life had to continue. I learned to attend school and live life despite the excruciating pain, the blurry vision, upset stomach, moodiness, muscle tightness and overall feelings of sadness. I was working to accept that my life would forever be lived with a migraine.

In March of ’09, a massage therapist recommended that I see Tamara Graf at Balance for Self Healing. I had never been to an acupuncturist and my unfamiliarity made me nervous and quite skeptical. There is not a person, even in my extended family, which has ever been to an acupuncturist. However, after 6 years of extreme, non-stop pain, I thought I should most definitely give it a try. Tamara allowed me to explain my injury and my desired outcome of therapy. She likely could feel my skepticism, but she opened her heart and mind to me and agreed to try to help.

I started receiving treatments once per week for the first 6 weeks. I did not want to seay it out loud, bu tI though I might be feeling my first signs of relief. After a month, I admitted the improvement to my husband but was still too afraid to tell others for my fear that this might be just another failed attempt to be well. After those initial 6 weeks, Tamara and I knew that progress was being made and we decided to increase my treatments to twice per week because my body and mind were responding so well. About two months after my first treatment, I could no longer deny the impact. People who knew me well could see that my mood was lighter, I smiled more and a few people closest to me could “see it in my eyes” that the pain was gone. After more than 6 years of a migraine, I could finally admit that I was a healthy person who would not always have to live with pain! 

I continue to receive treatments from Tamara on an as-needed basis, which is now every couple of months. I have learned to take cute from my body and to respond to those needs. Throughout my visits with Tamara I have learned many things about Chinese Medicine and about myself. I have adjusted some things in my life to be a healthier person overall and I continue to encourage all of my friends and family to experience the benefits of Chinese Medicine for themselves.

~Tina F, Traverse City, MI