Martha H. "Susan was a previous acquaintance through our mutual attendance at conferences for lactation consultants, so I was aware of her work as an RN and as an IBCLC. We had chatted about my struggles with fibromyalgia, both the fatigue and the chronic pain. I recalled her intelligence and kindness, and was also very impressed that acupuncture had been an effective treatment for her own fibromyalgia. I decided to take the plunge and sign up for treatments.

"It has been a surprising and inspiring journey from the clearing treatments to the moxibustion to the localized needling, the results have been quite astonishing. Sue has done a wonderful job of listening, recording every detail and intuiting an ongoing course of treatments. Even more important, perhaps, is that she embraces and embodies the Five Elements philosophy and communicates this model of wellness to me as the client. It has been invaluable to apply these principles after I leave the clinic and need to return to the stresses of life.

"Most recently, my teenage daughter has begun treatment with Sue for her Tourette Syndrome and anxiety. After coming to one of my treatments and meeting Susan, she was ready to sign up. I feel this speaks volumes for Susan's sympathetic appeal.”

Dawn H. "For approximately 8 months I had suffered from symptoms similar to a gastric ulcer and stress worsened the problem. I spent 6 months in the traditional medical system working with my primary care doctor and a gastrointestinal specialist. After numerous tests, imaging, medications, and lab work, I still did not have a diagnosis. Essentially, I was a very healthy individual with chronic stomach pain and no answer as to how to relieve it. I felt the physicians were overlooking something because we never explored how stress influenced my symptoms and I suspected some form of alternative medicine would be more helpful.

"It turns out that seeking treatment was probably the best decision I made all year. I had the pleasure of working with Susan Atlas for the past 7 months and it has truly been an eye opening experience. Susan was a very good match for me because her medical background as a nurse gave us some common ground since I currently work in health care. It also meant she was very familiar with the stress and intense work atmosphere that I deal with on a daily basis. Susan was a very attentive listener and always had positive feedback for me. She was also very helpful in giving me tools to work on stress reduction. Instead of just suggesting some relaxation techniques, she took the time to copy several methods from a book and gave me the information to take home. This gave me immediate access to the information and allowed me to try the different techniques and start practicing those I found helpful.

"I am delighted to say I am practically symptom free after the 7 months of treatments (and homework!). Susan opened my eyes to the amazing benefits of treating the mind, body, and spirit. I found relief for my stomach pain and gained a new appreciation for whole body awareness and staying tuned into it so that I don't get sick again. I can't thank Susan Atlas enough for wonderful work. Hopefully I'll have the chance to rave about my treatments to a friend in need.”

Vicki L. "I would like to thank you for treating me over the past couple of months. I am thrilled to see the consistent drop in my blood pressure to the normal range. I have also been happy to see changes in my menstrual cycle that again bring me closer to the normal range.

"Although I am grateful for these physical changes, it is the self-awareness that I have gained during my time as a clinic patient that has had a truly profound effect on my life. The truth is that I began treatment to give a student - a friend - some experience. I quickly (within 24 hours of my first session!) learned that I needed this experience by far more than you did! I knew I tend to push myself through life, and I always joked that my stress hormones were hovering in the sky-high range. Still, my appreciation for how this impacted my life and my health was essentially academic.

"My experience as a patient has helped me to fully appreciate what my lifestyle has been doing to my body and my brain. I have developed a richer, fuller understanding of how these forces work together. I never expected that trying acupuncture on a lark would so profoundly change me. I am forever different. Even if I make terrible choices, I know now. To know and to see what I now know and see colors my perspective forever.

"Sue, I am especially grateful for your kindness and compassion. I have been going through such a difficult period in my life. I didn't know such struggles existed. I feel the pureness of your desire to guide me to wellness in every interaction. I trust you completely. This may not seem so unusual for someone I refer to as a friend, but the truth is I barely knew you through an acquaintance at the start of treatment. I also find it extremely difficult to talk to anyone about my life's stresses at this time. So to say that I trust you says more about your character than it says about me.

"I am sure of one thing. I will never be able to find a way to adequately thank you for your role in getting me back on track toward a whole, sane, and healthy way of living. Still, I do want you to know, I thank you!”

Valorie N. "I have used acupuncture successfully before, but I was amazed at the results when you treated my pulled muscles. My ribs had been hurting for weeks after my bought with bronchitis. I was really desperate when I asked if you could help. After three days of treatment the pain in my ribs was gone, and I could breathe deeply again. I would never have expected such quick results.”

Minnie H. "I want to let you know how well the treatments have worked for me. I had tried everything for the pain in my knees, all different kinds of medication that the doctor had given me. If they stopped the pain it made me so sleepy that I could not do what I wanted. When I started the treatments I really did not believe they could help me, and I was also afraid of the needles but after the first treatment, I was very surprised. I was pain free for a whole week. I came back for several more and I have not had but a little pain since. It the pain starts back like it was, you will be the first on I call. Thank you so much."

Patsie G. "This is a brief note of gratitude for all you have done for me with acupuncture. I have been amazed at the positive reactions my body has had to your care. It is not often in today's health care setting that one can receive quality care with a personal touch. As you know when I started with you we developed three goals. They were to decrease my blood pressure, alleviate my arthritis pain and to begin to loose weight.

"Not only is my blood pressure on a downward swing, my pain from arthritis is almost nonexistent. I can bend over, bend my arthritic great toe and raise my left arm over my head. If you remember, I could not do any of this prior to your treatments. I have lost 13 pounds, and my allergies are not giving me a fit.

"You are truly gifted in this area. Your quiet, confident care has given me back my life, for this I will always be thankful.”

Trish P. “I began seeing Susan Atlas for\ acupuncture treatments in December 2006. My reasons for seeking treatment were many. They included chronic pain in my right upper back, neck, chest, and shoulder for 25 years leading to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia; a history of back surgery for a herniated disc in my low back in 2002; open-heart valve replacement surgery in 2005; and menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. I also needed to lose some weight and quit smoking. I felt very helpless and hopeless at the time because I had so many problems and was feeling bad most of the time. I had tried many types of treatments in the past with only limited and temporary success. I felt like a 'lost cause.'

"From the first visit, I felt very well cared for. I had Sue's undivided attention, and all aspects of my well-being were considered. She was genuinely concerned, and determined to help me feel better. She (is) so compassionate and supportive. During my first few "clearing" treatments, I literally cried my eyes out, but was reassured that this was a good way to let go of emotions that I'd been keeping inside. After being treated weekly for about 6-8 weeks, I began to feel noticeably better. My pain and anxiety were decreased and I had more energy. After 3 months, there was a marked improvement in my pain-- decreased frequency, intensity, and duration. The pain and tightness that I'd felt in my chest for over 20 years was practically gone! After a few more treatments, my hot flashes decreased to 1 or 2 a day compared to 4-6 per hour. This was incredible!

"Acupuncture has been so therapeutic in so many ways. Not only were my physical symptoms improving, but my emotional and spiritual health were improving as well. I now have a much better understanding of holistic healing. I just feel better overall-- more hopeful and calmer.

"I've been in treatment now for about 4 months and continue to improve in every way. I feel more like myself again. I really appreciate how attentive and caring everyone is at the clinic and how each treatment is tailored to my specific needs each week. Susan has such a caring and compassionate way. She is so accepting of people as they are, and is always encouraging. Shealways finds a way to reassure, and to focus on the positive--even when I can't. One of the most difficult things for me is that I can't figure out why or how acupuncture works. I just know that it has done wonders for me. I'll be very sorry to see Sue go when she leaves. I can't even begin to thank her for all she's done for me and for the difference her treatments have made in my life. I am now starting to know what it's like to feel whole again. I'll be forever grateful to Sue for getting me through this most difficult time in my life.”

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