M.S. Milwaukee, WI

“After over thirty years of chronic depression, lots of therapy, self help books and various healthful practices such as meditation, yoga and good nutrition, I was fired by my most recent therapist (with whom I had been working sporadically for 5 years) for my continued refusal to consider anti-depressants. Several years ago, I had been on Paxil for a few months and I knew I did not ever want to take drugs for depression again, unless I was suicidal or completely non-functional. I felt VERY discouraged after my experienced therapist (backed by all of her colleagues) gave me the message that in her opinion, without chemicals I would never be able to do more than just cope – even with all of the diligent work I was doing to care for my mental, physical and spiritual health. That night, knowing that consuming alcohol was the absolute worst plan, I decided to do just that. Much to the surprise and dismay of my husband (whom I frequently lecture about healthy habits), I drank most of a bottle of wine and then a rapid succession of multiple martinis. It wasn’t pretty. The next morning, I was in no condition to go to Nia (joyful leaping was out of the question!) and then out to breakfast afterward with Jori as planned. Unfortunately, (or as it turned out, very fortunately) I didn’t crawl out of bed in time to cancel, so I sat out in the HeartSpace parking lot with my sunglasses on until after class. After hearing my tale of woe, Jori convinced me that I should try acupuncture. In desperation (but without a whole lot of faith) I began seeing her twice a week. Within a very short period of time, I went from the worst depression I had experienced in almost a decade (and allow me to assure you that it was quite grim) to a state of intense joy. I felt an amazing physical opening in my upper back and chest area (I have always carried what felt like a large metal vault of tension, anxiety and pain in my upper back and my posture has been hunched forward as if protecting my heart.) I heard little popping noises in my shoulders and neck and I was able to move better. My breathing deepened (bringing an enormous sense of relief and well being), my hands tingled and I felt a spiritual opening of my heart as well. Suddenly, every time I picked up anything to read, listened to music, watched a movie or talked to anyone, I got the same messages to open my heart and connect my body, mind and spirit. I renewed my commitment to accepting and observing with compassion whatever I was experiencing (including depression) without resisting or running for medication with drugs, food or alcohol. This is not to say that I have become an ascetic or that I will always sail blissfully through every challenge. I know this is a life’s work, but acupuncture helped me break through the blockages in my energies that were exacerbating my suffering, and started me on a new path of true healing. I am profoundly grateful.”