 Testimonials
Stress and Biofeedback
When I first visited the clinic in December 2009 I had been having symptoms which my GP couldn’t help me with such as constant fatigue, weight around the middle that was impossible to shift, mood swings, frequent urination and a yellowing of the eye whites. There was also a general sense of ill health that seemed indefinable, yet went hand in hand with my symptoms.
Within minutes of being scanned, very definite signs started to emerge and it soon because clear what the problem was; lifestyle and high stress levels had led to an imbalance in cortisone (undetected by GP blood tests) and the way my body handled the stress I was going through had been impeded as a result. The consultant was very open about all this and happy to respond to my probing questions if there was a refence to something I didn’t understand. I felt assured that I was in the hands of a professional, which helped me to take her advice on board. The advice itself wasn’t easy to follow at first as it consisted of giving up a number of things I enjoyed but following that advice I can now say has changed my life for the better. 8 months on and I feel like a different person, my energy levels are high, I’m sleeping better, have lost a good amount of weight (20 kilos) and friends and family constantly remark on how good I look. A number of people have put my age at 30, which is very complimentary as I’m about to turn 37, and last year looked more like someone in their 40s!
More important than the exterior changes are the internal ones. Recent re-testing showed that my body has considerably improved its capacity to deal with stress and on a day to day basis I feel much calmer and easier to be around. For the first time in a long time I feel that any situation is manageable and I feel strong mentally, physically and emotionally. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am now were it not for the treatment and advice I received at the clinic. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone suffering from stress-related illnesses or health problems that seem to go beyond the remit of a local doctor.
DM- July 2010
Acupuncture and IVF
Just to let you know that our daughter arrived on the 21st of September weighing 7pounds 15 and a half.
It still seems very surreal at the moment and looking back over the
past few months when I began acupuncture and fertility treatment I
never really imagined that we would find ourselves to be
parents especially after a first attempt. I firmly believe that the
acupuncture helped me to get through the IVF treatment and also to
relax in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. We really can’t thank you
enough for everything that you have done.
NH (personal details removed) – October 2009
Breast Cancer
In July 2008 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes I needed chemotherapy. Since October 2008 I have had regular acupuncture sessions. These sessions have vastly reduced the impact of any nausea I may have had. After the last chemotherapy session I took only 4 of the anti-nausea pills instead of the recommended 24 and had no nausea symptoms at all.
I feel that the acupuncture has also helped me minimize or eliminate some of the other side effects i.e. increased energy levels, bowel problems, mouth ulcers, colds sores. My white cell count even began to increase after treatments. In addition, my appetite has been excellent throughout the treatment.
From my experience, I am sure that many patients would benefit from acupuncture in some way and it is certainly preferable to having a vast number of different pills put into your system when the immune system is already low.
I cannot believe how good I’m feeling when I had anticipated being really poorly. My friends are all commenting on how well I look in comparison to others who have gone through similar treatment without the use of acupuncture.
(AM-Feb 2009)
Facial Pain
I am a fifty year old male with a long history of ill health. Biofeedback came into my life at the most crucial time in my life. I was operated on as an 11 year old for a cancerous lump in my neck after which I suffered severe facial pain so by the time that I was 16 I was on high levels of painkillers. The problem, however, intensified with years and I had various operations and spent thousands of pounds on different therapies.
As the years went by I lost my work and my relationships suffered. My general health suffered as the result of the long-term effects of the medication. I was put on pethidine and morphine. As a result I lived in a state of fear, paranoia, panic, anxiety, frustration, bewilderment and extremes of emotions. I had suicidal thoughts. I met Charmaine at this point and was put on the machine in November 2007. Its now February 2008. At the time I could not breathe very well and my entire body ached. Within weeks my breathing improved and the aches and pains are easing.
I am also partially deaf and recently my hearing returned for a few seconds! Being a musician, it was great to hear how sound should be. This gives me confidence and hope for the future. Even though I am not out of the woods by any means, I am starting to feel an underlying feeling of wellness. The black moods and emotional extremes have diminished in intensity and are now only fleeting. I must make mention of Charmaine who has an attitude of wanting to help and so much positivity which is a major plus in my progress. I can't express enough the importance and timing and benefits of Biofeedback which has given me the life back that I was missing. I hope to update this sometime in the future! (Feb 2008)
Panic Disorder
I had to write and thank you as I cannot believe the difference in my life since I consulted you. My stress, anxiety and ultimately panic attacks were ruining my life.
Things became so bad that I was taking ill whilst out in public or on public transport. Symptoms were such that it looked as if I was having an angina or heart attack and an ambulance was called each time resulting in hospitalisation. This happened on four occasions. They ran tests each time which showed high blood pressure which was due to anxiety and stress, but there was nothing wrong with my heart.
The last occasion was just before Christmas 2008 and that was when I decided to make an appointment. I was constantly anxious about taking ill when out and about and the initial 30 miles to see you were very difficult and I would be in a state about it for days before hand.
I can now say that after several visits, all those symptoms have gone and I no longer have panic attacks and certainly no more being so stressed about going out.
I am so glad I read about Biofeedback in a Sunday paper and decided to seek help because I dread to think how much worse my situation would have become.
Thank you
MC (September 2009)
Panic Attacks
Since the premature death of my sister fifteen years ago, I developed panic attacks in enclosed spaces and I depended on alcohol in order to cope with these situations.
Nine years ago due to a series of stressful events including the death of my father and a close friend, the break-up of my marriage and resulting loss of my house and my senior position at work, I developed clinical depression.
Over the years I have used a range of anti-depressants, had therapy sessions with Community Psychiatric nurses, and psychologists. I've also used self-help hypnosis CD's. All of these have helped although my symptoms always returned during periods of stress and difficulty.
I was recommended a course of Biofeedback by Jan de Vries and I have to admit that I had a panic attack before the first session just at the thought of the therapy.
I was, however, amazed at how quickly the system enabled me to feel relaxed and peaceful and to ease the tension that I carried in my neck and back. Between sessions I began to feel more balanced and noticed that I was able to cope iwht more situations without anxiety and negative thoughts.
Recently, at Christmas we went to see the Snowman with my family. It wasn't until 15 minutes into the show that I realized that I felt relaxed and was enjoying the performance (something I had not been able to do without alcohol or medication for fifteen years).
On returning to work after the holidays I was asked in the team meeting if I had won the lottery as I looked so happy!
I now feel like a new person and I can enjoy life with more patience and love for my wife and two sons, rather than constantly having to work at, and fearing, life. CH (Jan 2008)
IBS
Just a note to say thank you so much for the treatment. I am going to miss my sessions. I cannot believe that acupuncture cleared up my IBS from which I suffered from for more than 20 years. It's such a relief and I wish that I had known about this long before! JR (Dec 2007)
MS
How can anyone turn their back on a treatment that has evolved over the last 5000 years?
My friends kept telling me about acupuncture, but as a typical man I turned my back on their advice.
I wish I hadn't. Months on I find acupuncture works on so many aspects of the MS I was diagnosed with
more than two years ago - from core balance right through to an improvement in your walking.
What is more - I not only find it therapeutic, but enjoyable.
MA (Dec 2007)
Arthritic Psoriasis
Just a short note to thank you for all the help you have given me in the improvement of my health. In particular, the success of the acupuncture in all but eradicating my psoriasis which has been chronic for years and always flared up under stress but which has now stabilized thanks to your treatment. DC (Nov 2007)
Panic
"I would like tell my story so that other people can get better. Back in November 2007 my mother passed away. For the first two weeks after this I felt fine and even went back to work. Then one night I went to bed and woke up in middle of night shaking. I was in a terrible state. My husband took me to the doctors who said it was just shock and that I was depressed. . I started to take panic attacks and was frightened all the time. I tried everything from anti depressants to speaking with phychologists but nothing seemed to be helping. One of my friends read an article about bio feedback. I was desperate and willing to try anything when I rang the Jan De Vries Clinic to make an appointment. I was apprehensive going to my first session with Charmaine but she immediately put me at ease. I can't believe that after only 5 sessions how different I feel. Its like I have been given my life back and can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. I can't thank Charmaine enough for all the help she has given me - I'm now on the road back to my old self. " MD April 2008
Panic
Just a postcard, Charmaine, to say that I've not had a panic attack at all on holiday and survived the flight just fine! Thank you! MH May 2008
Depression & Anxiety
I was in a very, very dark place when I came across Biofeedback in the Daily Record in March. I was suffering from very severe depression and anxiety at the time. When I began therapy I was still on anti-depressants from my doctor but very keen to try a different approach.
Charmaine Shepherd was very caring and listened very carefully to me. What I learned about myself during this time was really uplifting. The money paid was priceless and I will never lose Charmaine’s telephone number as she gave me my life back as well as my self-esteem. By the end of four sessions the depression had eased completely much to the delight of my family and friends. I am also happy to say that I am back at work, off the anti-depressants and feeling back to my normal self.
MC April 2008
Depression
Charmaine, just a little note to tell you how I feel since I’ve last seen you 5 weeks ago. I feel like a new person! I will never be able to thank you for all the help and advice. I feel as if I am back to my old self again and its all down to the biofeedback therapy. People are amazed at my recovery. I was so very down when I started therapy and I am so thankful for having my life back again.
MD June 2008
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