Patient Interview #3 with "M"

This is the third interview of a series showing how different patients of U-District Community Acupuncture use the clinic to keep themselves healthy. This is "M".

Me: How did you first discover acupuncture?

M: I discovered acupuncture six years ago, at a community acupuncture clinic in the greater Philadelphia area.  I started attending a community acupuncture clinic in Seattle six months after I moved here, and found it greatly reduced my anxiety.  I enjoy the energetic aspect of acupuncture as well – I feel incredibly relaxed during treatment, and enjoy feeling subtle energetic shifts.  I’ve had the most success with treatments from Susie, and so I’ve been getting almost all of my treatments at U District Community Acupuncture.

Me: How long have you been getting acupuncture?

M: For about six years, in the last three years I’ve gotten acupuncture more consistently. 

Me: How often do you get acupuncture?

M: I receive a treatment once every two or three weeks.

Me: Have you noticed any impact on your life? Can you describe this a bit?

M: I am much more centered and calm than before I started acupuncture.  I have a panic disorder, and went through a serious bout of PTSD last year, including serious symptoms, such as panic attacks and dissociation.  In addition to therapy and medication, receiving consistent acupuncture treatments with Susie was a life saver.  I found a treatment to be just as effective as Xanax! In addition, Susie’s treatments help me with Asthma, allergies, depression, and migraines. 

In addition, acupuncture helps me more connected to my body and it’s healing potential.  Feeling energy shifts within my body during treatment helps me be mindful of balance and imbalance in my body, and ways I can discern what activities, foods, or medications are life-promoting for me.  

Me: What do you like about the U-District Community Acupuncture Clinic?

M: I love Susie! Susie is a relatable, compassionate healer.  Of all the acupuncturists I’ve seen, Susie’s treatments are most effective for me.  Her treatments are an absolute bargain for her quality of attention and care.

Patient Interview #2 with "C"

Community Acupuncture is about getting as much acupuncture as you want and need to keep yourself healthy. But how does a person know how much that is? This is the second installment of my interview series showing how different patients of U-District Community Acupuncture use the clinic to do just that. This interview is with "C".

Me: How did you first discover acupuncture?

C: Through Lori King years ago. Lori and I were friends and she opened an acupuncture clinic on Capitol Hill for a few years until she moved out of Seattle.

I discovered UCA through my Doctor Richard Kovar and his Nurse assistant over at Country DR clinic.  

ME: How long have you been getting acupuncture?

C: I have been doing acupuncture off and on for over 10 years.

I have now been going to UCA for over 4 months

Me: How often do you get acupuncture?

C: Around 3 to 4 times a week, depending on my needs.

Me: Have you noticed any impact on your life? Can you describe this a bit?

C: When I first came in I was having intense shoulder pain. My neck was super tight and I right hip was acting up with sciatica pain from an old injury. I had fallen off an 8 foot ladder and hit my right arm on the recycle bin on my way down to the ground.

My medical doctor was concerned that I might get a frozen shoulder if I did not really work with it. So he and his nurse helper suggested I go to the UCA for acupuncture. My shoulders have certainly loosened up and I am pain free.   I am no longer having sciatica pain and I am sleeping at night again!

While I was going to UCA I also went threw some personal challenging emotional times over the holidays with my family of origin and then the loss of a parent.

The treatment I received for that helped me immensely. It put me in such a relaxed state that very much felt like a deep healing mediation.

I truly felt it helped to balance me out and keep me focused on the daily things of life.  It allowed me to de-stress and re-energize myself. It helped me to be fully present with my parent who suffered extreme dementia and after his passing to gently move through my grief.

Me: What do you like about the U-District Community Acupuncture Clinic?

C: I tend to be sensitive to spaces and the energy of a space.

I was super happy to discover UCA has a very tranquil and healing energy. That goes beyond the Zen visuals and sounds.  The space is warm, inviting and open. It has the options for one to be reclined in a very comfy recliner or when you need it to lay completely flat on a massage table.  The space invites you to easily drift in to a deep state of relaxation to let the needles do their work. I often forget it is a community space and feel like I am the only one in the room. That was pleasantly surprising!

I love that it so affordable and that allows me to do great self-care.