"You know, Karen, (this is my mother speaking) I really like your articles, and Village News seems like a wonderful little magazine." (Her voice is very sweet, and she's being especially kind and thoughtful. Uh-oh.) "But I'm concerned that your concepts are ... so ... well, spiritual ... and not everyone is as spiritual as you are." (Aha! Her reasoning surfaces.) "A lot of people are more practical ... you know, like me, and they just want to know that acupuncture works. I think you should tell them about me and ask a few other people to share their experiences, too." Well, I was really quite charmed by her point of view and the whole call, actually, so I invited her to go ahead and write a little about her treatment experience. Here's what she had to say, in her own words.

"Karen, in reading your article I would agree that all treatments, whatever the discipline, should take a holistic approach. Most people who are hurting or suffering do not seem to be as interested in the why of their illness as in obtaining relief from their acute symptoms or discomfort. I'm a good example of that. Being brought up to respect institutional medicine and having very little knowledge or experience with acupuncture, I certainly was skeptical of its benefits. However, you talked me into trying a few treatments when I discussed my chronic back pain. Needless to say, I was impressed. I found the whole experience enlightening, though I still do not understand how it is so effective. That first introduction to acupuncture allowed me to consider it for several other problems. When I had a class 3 sprained ankle, you gave me a couple of treatments that virtually removed the pain and allowed me to walk comfortably. And again, when I came down with one of my frequent upper respiratory infections, I was amazed that the treatment reduced the recovery period from 10 days to three! You certainly have turned me into a believer in the benefits of acupuncture!" She added, "Most, people also need reassurance that it is not a painful or uncomfortable procedure. It is really quite pleasurable and certainly relaxing."

Feeling emboldened, I contacted Jayne S. in Highland, who said, "When I first began acupuncture treatments with Karen, I suffered horrible menstrual cramps, PMS and bloating that affected most of my month, leaving me with only one week of 'good' days a month. I was extremely skeptical about the outcome of my treatments, but after only two or three treatments I noticed a marked improvement. After about six months of treatment, I was pain-free. It has been nearly two years since I began treatments and I feel great. I have no menstrual pain at the beginning of my cycle, no PMS and no bloating."

And from Sally S. in Columbia, "I have a chronic medical problem that made walking so difficult it felt like a hot poker was shooting down my leg. Over the course of treatment the pain has diminished considerably, and especially right after treatment, the pain is almost gone. I have been able to become more active, to teach my classes and walk comfortably. I would like people to know that it took a while to take effect, about three treatments for me, and they should keep up with it. I thoroughly believe in it. It's a non-invasive, pleasant experience and it really works. I would suggest that anyone with chronic pain give it a try and stick with it long enough to let it work."

A generous thank you to these three, and best wishes for a happy holiday to all. And Mom, a special thanks to you.