I continue to marvel at the success of my first two acupuncture sessions. The procedure is “based on the premise that a blockage or disturbance in the flow of the body’s life energy, or “qi,” can cause health issues.” I can’t explain how it works, it just seems to help. My first issue was lower back pain that I believe was stress related. Dr. Zhou is a healer with his Touch and exudes a mysterious wisdom when he speaks. He turns me into a porcupine, inserting hair-thin needles into specific points that I can’t See. I can, however, Feel their presence as I relax on my side clutching pillows between my knees. Relaxation rushes over me as I catch a refreshing nap. For the next few days, I felt some stiffness, soreness, and even moments of lightheadedness. Afterwards, my wife joked that I talked of a detour through the park, while she was anxious to get home. I rarely want to “smell the roses.” Within two days, I began to feel better and stretching was no longer painful. The back problem was gone and my muscles seemed more flexible. 

For the second session, I had him focus more on my right hip and leg. For some time now, I’ve experienced discomfort that seemingly radiates down my sciatic nerve. It often feels like I’m “dragging” my leg when I run everyday. It continued to be sore following the acupuncture for a few days. Then, all of a sudden, my leg stiffness eased and my speed improved. In fact, my morning running time has shrunk by as much as two minutes – that’s thirty seconds a mile faster. This happened after the first couple of chiropractor treatments that greatly improved my balance. In this case, however, my legs actually felt lighter with fluid ease of movement. There is still a nagging, dull ache in my hip, but maybe that will lessen with the third session later this week. Stretching feels good as I roll comfortably on the yoga ball while even touching my toes is easier. My muscles are no longer taut rubber bands. Acupuncture has been well worth the investment at Ren He Tang. See Me…Feel Me….Touch Me…Heal Me!