I went looking for an acupuncturist as a last resort after three months of crippling fatigue that my doctor couldn't fix and had defined as a stress illness. I saw acupuncture as an interesting life experience, something to try but probably rule out.
I chose Naperville Acupuncture Center because I wanted a clinic that takes a medical, rather than spiritual, approach. The website describes the process in clinical terms, which seemed promising. I was not disappointed when I arrived. Frank comes across very serious and formal when you first meet him. (I really like that in a healthcare provider - I find it respectful and reassuring.) He is extremely knowledgeable and experienced and can answer any question for you in detail. He spent half an hour getting my health history and talking me through how acupuncture works, what it will and will not do, and what the realistic expectations are. I appreciated this because I felt like he was leveling with me and genuinely looking to help me, not to get me to sign on the dotted line.
The closest thing to acupuncture that I was familiar with was massage, so I was picturing having to disrobe and be draped in sheets. I was relieved to be taken to a room with easy chairs, where I sat back and just pushed up my sleeves and pant legs a bit. Frank recognized that I was nervous and talked me through it, and my first session was a success.
I have now had eight sessions of therapy. Frank has also provided advice on my diet and sleep habits and has sourced an herbal treatment for me, and over these four weeks, the fatigue has lifted. What has truly amazed me, though, is what this has done for my migraines, which I never expected him to work on for me. I have been on every major medication and have worked with three neurologists over the course of seven years. In the past four weeks, my migraines have faded away to the point that my major triggers are no longer causing headaches. I can scarcely let myself believe that this is real. I need more time to trust that it's actually going to last, but it seems like I've finally gotten out of the pit of 1-2 migraines a week that I've been dealing with for seven years.
If you are looking to try acupuncture, I wholeheartedly recommend Frank. He will answer all of your questions in a straightforward, detailed manner. He is respectful and has a real compassion for people in pain. His assistant, Angela, is deeply nurturing and welcoming. What I appreciated so much was their skill at setting my expectations and walking me through the period of pain as my muscle tension resolved. I can't remember a time in years when my neck was this loose and flexible. This is a more relaxing and restful experience than any massage I've ever had. I wish everyone could understand and experience acupuncture. read more