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 Testimony

大和鍼灸接骨院 マーク

Testimony

Japanese english

大和鍼灸接骨院 アイコン Facial Paralysis Treatment   大和鍼灸接骨院 アイコン Infertility treatment

Mr. K.S., 45 years old, Ebina City
Diagnosis: Bell’s palsy

What were the symptoms like at the early phase of the disease?
I felt nothing wrong in the morning, but I noticed that I suddenly had difficulty controlling the left half side of my face. It was not like the light ticking of the eyelids you experience when you are under stress or fatigued, so I thought it was a serious illness that I haven’t experienced in the past. I was also worried that I may be developing some cerebral illnesses such as a stroke.

I went to the Internet and surmised from the symptoms that this was not caused by the central nervous system but more by the peripheral nerves so it was a form of facial paralysis. The next day I visited the hospital otolaryngologist and was diagnosed as Bell’s palsy, the diagnosis for 70 percent of patients suffering from facial paralysis. The cause of the illness is unknown and I was prescribed steroids and vitamins.

What prompted you to try acupuncture?
The symptoms remained unchanged even after a week of treatment at the hospital, and with no effective remedy except drug treatment, I was told it could take anywhere from three to six months, and that I should just be patient and keep taking the drugs.

So I went back to the Internet again for alternatives, and encountered acupuncture. Unlike the prescription of chemical drugs, I liked the idea of stimulating the nerves and acupoints to positively improve the situation.

Have you tried acupuncture in the past?
No, this was my first experience. I hated shots and needles so I was afraid that the treatment would be painful.

What was your impression after the treatment? What kind of change did you feel in yourself?
After hearing my symptoms, the doctor explained to me the acupoints that relate to the symptoms and told me to relax before starting treatment. Unlike the sting I expected, the acupuncture needles were thin like fabric. As the treatment progressed, my initial fear for pain disappeared, and I could feel the tense areas starting to soften and relax. There were times I would even fall asleep I’m so warm and comfortable.

When did the symptoms start to improve?
I was told to think of ten treatments as one cycle, and since I wanted to cure my illness as soon as possible, I received three treatments in one week.

I felt no change in the first week, but at around the sixth treatment, the doctor suggested I try low-frequency stimulation therapy so I went ahead with his suggestion. Then, from the next day, various parts of the left half of my face, including my eyelids, began to twitch, and two days later after the seventh treatment, I could close my eyelids and raise the edge of my mouth. I could even raise my cheeks and make a smile. By the tenth treatment, I recovered to a point where noticeable symptoms have disappeared.

What are your current symptoms?
Initially, I had to wear a mask to work, but by the third week, the symptoms have greatly improved that I could do without the mask. Those around me who knew about my illness also told me that the paralysis was not noticeable.

Today, when I try to open my mouth, I can feel the left edge not opening as much as it used to, but I’m continuing the exercises to move the muscles of my face at home.

What would you tell people suffering from the same disease as you?
Facial paralysis is a great shock in the beginning. You become even more worried when you are told at a regular hospital that there are no major treatments except medication. For some people, the symptoms may worsen or they may suffer from aftereffects. I personally think intense treatment during the first six months is the key to early recovery.

So together with early treatment, I recommend people to try acupuncture treatment that effectively stimulates the nerves and acupoints along with the drug treatment. The illness is such that immediate cure cannot be expected, so while seeking early treatment, I believe you need to patiently continue acupuncture treatment (including low-frequency stimulation therapy) .

The cause for Bell’s palsy is unknown, and various theories exist, but I consider my reason for developing the illness to be work and work-related stress, so I try to be careful not to overwork, take plenty of sleep, and in general enjoy a slow-paced life.

Do you have any other thoughts on facial paralysis or acupuncture in general?
The illness makes you feel negative and become pessimistic about the future, but why not take the first step with courage and try acupuncture? If you continue the treatment, I think you will gradually change to positive thinking.

Please share with us any other comments you may have.
I suppose it’s their policy, but I feel very relaxed at Yamato Acupuncture Clinic because of the easy-going attitude of the staff and the clinic’s relaxing atmosphere.
I’m thinking that it may be good for me to receive acupuncture treatment once a month, not only for this facial paralysis but for maintaining health.

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Ms. M.U., 38 years old, Yokohama City
Diagnosis: Bell’s palsy

What were the symptoms like at the early phase of the disease?
On that day, I felt some strangeness around the mouth when I was trying to wear makeup, and by evening, I couldn’t move the left side of my face. Not knowing it was facial paralysis, I went to the emergency room and was diagnosed as Bell’s palsy. I was hospitalized for two weeks, during which I was administered drugs (steroids) intravenously, and left the hospital with no change. The diagnosis was 8 out of 40 points, and when I was discharged it was 20 out of 40.

What prompted you to try acupuncture?
When I learned from the Internet that most people who suffered from this illness was cured with acupuncture.

Have you tried acupuncture in the past?
No.

What was your impression after the treatment? What kind of change did you feel in yourself?
After the third or the fourth treatment, I could feel movement on the paralyzed part of my face. What prompted me to continue treatment despite having to travel far was because I could actually feel the improvement and was convinced that I will get better.

When did the symptoms start to improve?
I could feel the improvement after each treatment. What I couldn’t do the previous day, I could the next day, and even better the following day.

What are your current symptoms?
By the tenth treatment, I was close to fully recovered.

What would you tell people suffering from the same disease as you?
I can laugh at my photo (taken by my cell phone) when I first suffered from the symptoms about a month ago. I’m really impressed by acupuncture. The illness definitely becomes better so I urge all to try acupuncture as soon as possible.

Do you have any other thoughts on facial paralysis or acupuncture in general?
It was an unfamiliar illness, and my face changed so much I didn’t want to look at myself in the mirror. In my case, I was encouraged by the photos on the clinic’s web page that showed the patients’ faces before and after the treatment. My impression of acupuncture improved a lot, and I’m grateful for the great experience.

Please share with us any other comments you may have.
Each time I come here, there is one more thing I become able to do. I’m happy to see my laugh lines returning, and thrilled to see my scowl lines returning. I am really grateful to have recovered this far in such a short time.

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Ms. Y.N., 49 years old, Machida City
Diagnosis: Ramsay Hunt’s syndrome

What were the symptoms like at the early phase of the disease?
It hit me all of a sudden on the right side. The edge of my mouth sagged, and I couldn’t open my mouth properly. My eyebrows drooped, and I couldn’t close my right eye. All expression from my face was gone, and rushed to an otolaryngologist. I was prescribed steroids and anti-virus pills, and after three days, started stellate ganglion block treatment for two weeks. After the SGB treatment, the doctor said it won’t be cured completely and the rest was left to rehabilitation exercises. Even then, I still had the paralysis. (The diagnosis on the paralysis scale was 2 out of 40 points, and 8 out of 40 by the end of SGB treatment).

What prompted you to try acupuncture?
After suffering from the symptoms for three weeks, I looked up “facial paralysis” on the Internet and found out that “acupuncture treatment” was effective, so I contacted Yamato acupuncture clinic. The doctor told me not to worry, that I would recover since not much time has passed since the symptoms came out. We agreed to ten consecutive treatments.

Have you tried acupuncture in the past?
It was my first experience with acupuncture. I was frightened that it would be painful, but was relieved to find out that there was no pain, and I had no trouble continuing the treatment.

When did the symptoms start to improve?
I realized that my taste buds were back to normal by the third treatment, and the edge of my mouth began to rise by the fourth treatment. From then on, it got better each time I went to treatment, and my facial expressions returned.

What are your current symptoms?
Three months have passed since the onset of the illness. I feel no aftereffects of the facial paralysis; I can open and close my mouth as well as my eyes without any problem. But when I get tired or don’t get enough sleep, I feel discomfort around my eyes and can’t keep them open properly. I try to maintain proper daily habits and never forget the exercises and massage (face, chin).

What would you tell people suffering from the same disease as you?
Early diagnosis and early treatment is the key.

Do you have any other thoughts on facial paralysis or acupuncture in general?
Hurray to acupuncture! Honestly, I didn’t think I would recover in such a short time. I was in total despair when my face was completely paralyzed, and acupuncture was my last resort. I was really overjoyed when my facial expression improved after each treatment and I could actually feel myself recovering. It was like, “Great! I can move my mouth today! Oh, my wrinkles came back!” Thank you so much for everything.

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Mr. H.A., 61 years old, Yamato City

What were the symptoms like at the early phase of the disease?
I realized something was wrong with the movement of the left side of my face when I couldn’t wink nor gargle with my mouth closed. I was surprised to see my face contorted in the mirror and was depressed.

What prompted you to try acupuncture?
The symptoms appeared on a Saturday, and I was researching on the Internet about my symptoms on Sunday to find out that a patient who did not find medication very effective found the symptoms improving with acupuncture treatment. On Monday, I had my MRI taken at the neurosurgery department and was told by the doctor that there were no problems with the brain. So after an exam by an otolaryngologist I took the prescribed medication (anti-virus pills and steroids) and started acupuncture treatment simultaneously.

Have you tried acupuncture in the past?
It was my first experience.

What was your impression after the treatment? What kind of change did you feel in yourself?
I expected the treatment to take a long time, but the symptoms began to improve after receiving a consecutive and concentrated treatment, and I could also feel my overall health improving as well.

When did the symptoms start to improve?
I started feeling the changes after the sixth or seventh treatment. My facial expression on the left and right side was back to almost normal.

What are your current symptoms?
I think I’m about 90 percent recovered. I was also suffering from a small inflammation on the back side of my tongue for over four months, and I found that pain receding too.

What would you tell people suffering from the same disease as you?
Have the doctor examine you as soon as possible, and after a proper diagnosis, you can be the judge of whether or not to add acupuncture treatment.

Do you have any other thoughts on facial paralysis or acupuncture in general?
This illness affects your communication ability, so I realized the importance of receiving treatment as soon as possible to avoid prolonging the symptoms.

Please share with us any other comments you may have.
I am very glad to have met the great acupuncturists. I felt both my health and mind has improved, and the friendly conversation during treatment a great help.

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アイコン Infertility treatment   大和鍼灸接骨院 アイコン Facial Paralysis Treatment

Ms. Y.O., Hatano City, give birth in April, 2010

What prompted you to come to Yamato Acupuncture Clinic?
I was relying on medication from the gynecologist, but I couldn’t become pregnant and was almost ready to give up when I came to the clinic because of pain in my legs. While having my legs treated, I also started infertility treatment.

Do you have any experience or episode about acupuncture treatment you would like to share?
It was my first experience with acupuncture and moxibustion, but there was no pain, and the moxibustion in particular was very relaxing. The doctor examined my entire body and I got to realize where my weaknesses are and how to take care of my body.

How are you now?
I feel very good

What efforts have you made to battle infertility?
I don’t think I made any particular efforts, but I continued what the doctor told me to do (applying moxibustion to myself and taking vitamin supplements).

What would you tell people thinking of visiting Yamato Acupuncture Clinic?
I recommend it because the treatment doesn’t involve medication and it tries to improve your general health. Although people may have an impression that acupuncture is scary, you get to talk with the doctor and receive treatment in a relaxed atmosphere. There are various treatments available but I would recommend acupuncture.

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Ms. Y.O., Yokohama City, six months pregnant in April, 2010

What prompted you to try acupuncture?
I had two miscarriages after the baby’s heartbeat was confirmed. I went through a recurrent pregnancy loss test but the results could not point out the cause of the miscarriages. I started going to the clinic in hope of improving my general health. Three of my friends were also receiving infertility treatment at Acura Acupuncture Clinic and was recommended by them of this clinic in Yamato.

Have you had acupuncture treatment in the past?
No

What are your impressions after receiving treatment? Have you noticed any change?
I came to be very aware of slight changes in my body. The treatment worked not only for infertility but also for my allergies and intolerance of coldness from poor circulation.

What is your current situation?
I am six months into my pregnancy and I’m very happy that I came this far. I’m grateful that the doctor administered treatment for my coldness and miscarriage prevention in my early days of pregnancy.

What would you tell patients suffering from similar symptoms?
Acupuncture is not painful, so if you’re wondering whether to give it a try, do so. The doctor and staff are all friendly and I recommend this clinic to all.

Please share with us any other thoughts on acupuncture
I was surprised that acupuncture also helps improve colds and allergy symptoms. Daily moxibustion is also important!

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Ms. K.S., Yokohama City, five months pregnant in May 2010

What prompted you to try acupuncture?
I read somewhere that warming your body helps improve fertility, and I wanted to try anything that would help with my infertility.

Have you tried acupuncture in the past?
I tried a different clinic once, but the patients were limited to females, and I wanted to go to a place where couples could receive treatment together.

What are your impressions after receiving treatment? What changes did you feel?
It varies from time to time; sometimes I would feel drowsy, and at other times I would feel full of energy. I became pregnant after two months of treatment so I think the treatment helped improve my coldness.

What is your current situation?
I became pregnant after two months of treatment, and I am now into my fifth month of pregnancy. I still come to the clinic for my general health and also to make sure I can give birth safely.

What would you tell patients suffering from similar symptoms?
I think receiving treatment in both western medicine and acupuncture was good for me not physically but also mentally. And when we go as a couple, I think our daily lives improve as we become more thoughtful of how our partner is doing. In many cases, the women bear the burden of infertility treatment and many feel lonely, but this way you feel you’re making an effort together.

Please share any thoughts you have on acupuncture
You may not experience a dramatic change in one treatment, but we both realized one day that our allergies were cured. I believe I’m doing something good for the body and am returning periodically as if I’m receiving a relaxing spa treatment. But I believe a periodic check-up of your general health is important.

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Ms. S.H., Kawasaki City, four months pregnant in June 2010

What prompted you to try acupuncture?
I wanted to cure my menstrual disorder. In my case, I wanted to make sure I would be able to spend a healthy life in my soon to approach 40s (started treatment at 36 years old).

Do you have any experience or episode about acupuncture treatment you would like to share?
I tried acupuncture (at a different clinic) in the past, and I would feel good at times and not so good at times. What impresses me the most is that having been treated by Dr. Jo, I can relax and actually think that my health is improving without effort. I can feel it each time I come for treatment.

What is your current situation?
I have a ten-year-old son, but I wasn’t expecting another child because I wasn’t confident of my gynecological health. But after receiving treatment for two, three months, my period began to come regularly. I felt physically fit and wanted another child. I also consulted Dr. Jo and received treatment. Now I’m four months pregnant.

What efforts have you made to battle infertility?
I applied moxibustion following advice from Dr. Jo. I also was careful to keep myself warm.

What would you tell people thinking of coming to Yamato Acupuncture Clinic?
Ever since starting acupuncture treatment, I haven’t become seriously ill. I’m sure there is treatment to remove pain, but in my case I come for general health maintenance. Each time I come, I also receive good advice that gives me an opportunity to think about my health and how to remain healthy.

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