Allergies

 

I have always had bad allergies.  Even as a small child I had to get allergy shots, avoid certain foods, etc.  The year 2002 was a very challenging year for me with constant sinus drainage, sore throats, and headaches. I had been suffering for about 2 weeks.  I was increasing my vitamins, zinc, Vitamin C, but still having the drainage and sore throat, fatigue, and a sluggish “drowning” feeling.  My children told me I sounded like Elmer Fudd.  I tried Allegra. Not only did it not relieve my allergies, it made feel anxious and nervous.

 

Dr. Wang told me that his Allergy Care pills would help in 20 minutes without making me feel nervous and that it would take away my sore throat.  Yeah, right, I thought, but decided to try the Allergy Care pills anyway.

 

Well, 20 minutes later, wow!  I felt great with no jitters or anxiety.  Within one week of taking Dr. Wang's Allergy Care pills, I found relief.  Now my 15-year-old son is taking them, and he says they don't make him sleepy at school or make him feel nauseated. His symptoms have disappeared completely.

I feel better about giving him herbs instead of chemically-laden medications.

 

Thanks to Dr. Wang, we both feel better.

Lisa Wehbe

 

 

Asthma

 

I met Dr. Guoen Wang in December 1997 shortly after taking my son [Alan] to an emergency room. Alan had had an asthma attack and the drugs he had received at the hospital were mostly ineffective.  I didn’t know enough about Oriental Medicine at the time to know whether it would help or not, but I was desperate.  Dr. Wang reassured me that Oriental Medicine would be very helpful and proceeded to spend a full hour with Alan, doing pediatric massage, acupressure, and moxibustion.  I watched and asked questions and learned which techniques I could use myself at home to prevent or treat future asthma attacks.  By the end of the treatment, Alan had not only resumed normal breathing, he had actually fallen asleep on Dr. Wang’s treatment table!

 

As a mother, I have always tried my best to raise my children without medications, invasive treatments, and the general anxiety associated with visits to a “typical” allopathic doctor.  Naturally I was very pleased to discover that Oriental Medicine could treat pediatric illness so effectively, while being very gentle on the patient and leaving no side effects.  Bu I was particularly pleased to have met Dr. Wang whose personal treatment style is especially attentive and compassionate.  My son, who is quite cautious by nature, must have sensed these qualities in Dr. Wang as well.  On Alan’s second or third visit many months later, I remember watching in amazement as he reached up to hold Dr. Wang’s hand while we walked down the hall to the treatment room.  Now that we are getting ready to leave Austin, I wonder where I will find another doctor whom my children will beg to see when they are sick or hurt.

 

Of course, I will miss Dr. Wang very much myself.  I decided to start a three- month course of acupuncture treatment last summer, to address my headaches and heart palpitations.  As the weeks went by, these symptoms became less intense, and other physical symptoms were greatly reduced, including those from a case of flu I contracted during that time.  But I was surprised to find that, in addition to these physical changes, I was feeling distinctly more energetic and motivated and less depressed and irritable.  During the summer I also developed a horrible allergic reaction to formaldehyde, with rashes and welts all over my body.  With Dr. Wang’s herbs, I was able to return to normal life indoors after a few days.  IN short, I found that Dr. Wang’s acupuncture and herbs could handle any problem I had, acute or chronic, and from either end of the mind-body continuum.

 

But I will miss Dr. Wang himself as much as his acupuncture and herbs.  I’ve come to count on him for just the right words to encourage me to do something I need to do, or to put my problems in perspective so that I can move past them.  Toward the end of my 3-month treatment series, when he noticed how excited I had become about Chinese medicine, Dr. Wang casually asked if I would like to sit in on a class at the Academy of Oriental Medicine, where he teaches.  With Dr. Wang’s further encouragement, I enrolled in their acupuncture program that September.  Although I didn’t get the opportunity to take any classes from Dr. Wang, I still saw him regularly at the school this past year.  There I learned that he is well known among the students for his quick wit and ability to say something profound and yet simple that makes everyone stop and think.  I also learned that Dr. Wang is extremely hard working, ambitious, and goal oriented¾he gets an idea about what he’d like to do and then acts toward that end without hesitation or fear of failure.

 

Yours Sincerely,

Emily Adams Pugh

 

 

Without hesitancy I can say that¾after being treated by Dr. Guoen Wang with acupuncture and herbal medicines¾my blood pressure, asthmatic conditions, and general health have improved.  In addition, Dr. Wang has recently treated me for tendonitis in the ankle area, and this condition has also healed rapidly.  The Wan Hua Oil (Pain Relieving Oil) that he gave me to use for this problem seems to be a valuable remedy for my eighty-year-old aches and pains!

 

Dr. Wang is very professional and caring with his patients¾a true gentleman.

 

Reuben Boyd Robertson

 

 

Back, Neck, and Shoulder

I began getting acupuncture twelve years ago when I lived in Japan. Because of a car accident several years prior, I had developed unbearable sciatic pain. A Japanese friend of mine took me to a Japanese acupuncturist who had trained for nearly a decade in China. Although I was deathly afraid of needles, my sciatic pain was excruciating enough for me to try an alternative remedy. To my amazement, it did not hurt at all; it was actually relaxing! Furthermore, several visits alleviated the pain to the point where I could rehabilitate and strengthen my muscles and prevent further injury.

I returned to the United States and while living in California I sought the benefits of an acupuncturist and herbalist for preventive as well as remedial care.  In northern California allergies were my primary problem and they always cleared up after a few visits and some herbs. I also went for stress-related illness, for female problems, and for support when I started feeling out of balance.

Before moving to Austin, Texas, I was worried I would not be able to find an acupuncturist and I knew Austin was famous for allergies. Luckily, I found Dr. Wang right away and immediately knew I was in good hands. He has a wonderful demeanor and asks the right questions to treat me holistically.

Acupuncture is not a panacea; the patient must take some proactive responsibility for her health. Anyone who is not familiar with Oriental medicine may not understand the patience and humility involved. Chinese medicine builds strength in the body from the inside out, and aims to create balance rather than just superficially fixing symptoms. Perfect harmony exists between Western and Eastern medicines, as there are circumstances that require both.

I swear by acupuncture for allergies, persistent headaches, and during prolonged periods of stress. For feminine issues, I am a firm believer in the holistic benefits of both acupuncture and herbs. Dr. Wang really cares about his patients' well being, and just being in his office is peaceful.

 

Nicole D. Mignone

 

For over 20 years, I lived the life of the Road Warrior.  My work was my life and I traveled 80% of the time.  I worked 24/7. More than once, flights were delayed or canceled and persistence got me to my destination with only time to shower and get to work.  Sleep was a luxury.  Food and alcohol became the way I numbed the pain.  I shut down the cries from my body and soul for rest.  A naturally energetic and committed person, I pulled from reserves I did not know I had to simply keep going, to keep performing. 

 

At one point, mononucleosis literally knocked me off my feet.  I slept for 3 days straight.  The doctor recommended 6 weeks rest; I slowed down for 2.  When a skiing accident destroyed the anterior cruciate ligament in my right knee, the doctor recommended surgery, but I had seminars to conduct in Los Angeles and Florida.  Surgery would have to wait.  After surgery, I made meager efforts to complete the rehabilitation exercises, but believed it necessary to get “on the road” in a wheelchair and on crutches because I had business commitments to keep. 

 

As a presenter, I conducted literally thousands of workshops around the world.  Wearing the uniform of the day, I lived in high heels and business suits.  When presenting I stood before audiences for 8-10 hours stretches.  Then, packed like a beast of burden, I hobbled or raced through airports to catch plane after plane.  Sometimes the burning in my feet distracted me from the growing pain in my back. 

 

While on a speaking tour in Australia, lower back pain became excruciating.

I spent evenings in tears on the floor contorted like a pretzel or soaking in a hot tub.  With changing climates and general wear and tear, my allergies got so bad that I had tubes inserted in my ears to alleviate the piercing pain of flying.  Eventually, allergies triggered gagging coughing fits, not a pretty sight for a keynote speaker.  Ibuprofen and Sudafed became my drugs of choice.

 

For years, my body tried to get my attention.  For years, I endured the pain in the name of professional commitment.  For years, I treated my body as a painful detriment, an obstacle to what I needed to do.  My body kept turning up the noise until sometime around age 50, the cacophony of 20 years of abuse all came pounding in on me.  I woke up.  I decided to turn my life around.  Was it too late?  Was the damage too far gone?

 

Working with Dr. Wang provides me a fresh start.  He understands and supports my goal to be healthy.  Through acupuncture and Chinese herbs, I am slowly turning brokenness into wholeness, illness into health, and distress into joy.

 

In the two years I have worked with Dr. Wang, acupuncture, and Chinese herbs, I am healthier than I can remember.  Allergies that once took me to hospital emergency rooms are all but gone.  Even in the high allergy climate of Central Texas, even with continued travel, my ears and sinuses are clear, and gagging coughs are a thing of the past.  Together, we are cultivating my immune system like rich fertile soil to support my wellness.

 

Most dramatically, my back pain is managed, if not cured.  When an orthopedic surgeon examined an X-ray of my lower back, he quickly and firmly said, “You need surgery.”  I said no.  He pointed to the place on the X-ray that showed a paper-thin disk in the L5.  He showed me the newest device used to fuse vertebrates.  The device, which resembles a metal slinky, is designed to keep vertebrate from grinding and, therefore, free me from pain.  When I declined Celebrex because it irritates my stomach, the surgeon quickly grabbed samples of VIOXX.  While the surgeon was convinced surgery and drugs were the answer, I was not.

 

Dr. Wang listened to me and to my body.  Acupuncture and Chinese herbs now allow me to sleep through the night without being awakened by back pain.

I can now stoop to work in my garden.  I can get in and out of an automobile without assistance.  I can bend over to pick up something without risk of paralyzing pain that once brought me to my knees. 

 

The approach Dr. Wang and I use for my back and immune system is gentle. 

I am learning patience.  I now apply the same strength of commitment to my health as I committed to work for so many years.  I am changing my habits. 

I am listening and responding to my body.  And, I am grateful for health.

 

Lynn Sellers

 

 

I am a 42 year-old male in good physical condition as a result of practicing Tae Kwon Do and playing baseball in the Men’s Senior Baseball League. I have had a chronic problem with my neck, which I injured 18 years ago. I also injured my lower back 2 years ago playing baseball. I have been seeing chiropractors regularly for the past 2 years. I attempted to water ski over the 4th of July and aggravated my neck injury. A couple of days later my whole spine was extremely stiff and I had pains shooting through the back of my skull, all the way down to my pelvic bone. I went to see Dr. Wang on the recommendation of an instructor of mine who had visited Dr. Wang to relieve his back condition and had felt much better after the treatment.

 

Dr. Wang explained to me that I might need 3 visits in order to treat my condition. After the 1^st visit I felt about 90% relieved, and after the second visit my spine was so loose and limber that I was amazed. I felt as good as I had felt prior to my lower back injury 2 years ago.

 

Sincerely,

Bruce Moore

 

 

In February of 2002 I woke up with a sharp, excruciating pain in my left shoulder near my underarm. The pain was intense and enormous and straight out of the blue. When I moved my arm, the pain shot down to my fingers, and my entire arm hurt. It hurt when I walked, when I got up from a chair or bed, when somebody touched it. In fact, it hurt almost all the time. Sometimes the pain was dull; sometimes it moved to different parts of my shoulder, such as my bicep or underarm.

I went to a Western doctor, who first gave me arthritis pill samples (I think), then steroids and pain pills on the second visit. The pain pills helped a little, while they were in my bloodstream, but the steroids simply made me want to eat everything in sight. After the second visit, he told me surgery was the next option. I left his office and never went back.

Then I came to Dr. Wang. He checked my pulses on each side, looked at my tongue and eyes, and told me I had an energy blockage in my shoulder, caused by phlegm. I asked if he could help and he said yes, with some Chinese herbs and several acupuncture sessions.  When I left his office that first time, I felt relieved, and though I'd had an acupuncture treatment, my arm still hurt, although not quite as much. Dr. Wang had said I might not like the herb mixture, but I did like it. I was looking forward to my next visit.

After my second visit, the pain dropped down to about 75% of what it had been originally, but went back up to about 95% by the time I arrived for my third visit.  After the third, it dropped back to about 75% and never went any higher. In fact, it dropped steadily with each visit. Dr. Wang placed needles in different combinations on the front and the back side of my body on each visit.  By the fourth visit, the pain was at about 50%. Also, the herbs were making me feel better in general. I was surprised that the pain was slipping away, but it was¾slowly and surely. I couldn't wait until I could sleep on my left side again.  By the fifth visit, the pain was at 40%, and Dr. Wang told me I needed only about 2 more visits.  By the seventh visit, the pain was down to about 5%, and now it's almost non-existent. There is a little bit of tingling in my arm, and the tip of my index finger is a tad numb, but otherwise I feel great, and the herbs helped my constitution in general.

Dr. Wang was always extremely polite, gentle, kind and respectful. He has the knowledge, presence, and temperament of a true healer.

 

Thank you Dr. Wang!

Richard R.

 

 

I had resolved myself to a life of pain from three degenerated discs.  My body was slowly deteriorating from my travel schedule as a motivational speaker and I felt I was facing a life of poor health.  A friend suggested I see Dr. Guoen Wang.  My initial visit with Dr. Wang was most encouraging for he literally told me I could be healthy and live pain free.  I was a bit skeptical but willing to try anything at this point in my 55 years.  During my first treatment, I found I relaxed¾an amazing, relaxing rest.  I started to look forward to my treatments because I felt so euphoric during and after each. Only after the sixth visit did I realize that I had been pain free for several days! I could not believe that I could move, bend, and lift as I had done years ago.  I continued the eight-week treatment, and then did not go in for regular visits. Again, I found myself experiencing pain.  When I went back to Dr. Wang I realized that what I really needed to do was to schedule periodic “tune-ups.”

 

Then I had an annual physical that revealed elevated cholesterol.  The doctors were less than hopeful and, quite frankly, frightened me to death with their prognosis.  I returned to Dr. Wang who not only encouraged me but also told me I could live a comfortable life¾pain free and with normal cholesterol. 

This doctor motivated the motivator!

 

I’ve had multiple problems with menopause, back pain, cholesterol and minor ailments.  At age 57, I have learned that acupuncture is a means to keep me healthy, pain-free and feeling great for many, many years.  I have a healthy appetite and sleep like a baby if I get my “tune-ups”!  Dr. Wang and I decided that I would live to age 85¾or maybe longer.

 

Carol Everett

 

 

I had my first acupuncture treatment with Dr. Guoen Wang about three years
ago. I chose him because my long-time friend Tom had recommended him. Tom had suffered for a long time from a series of urinary tract infections and other ailments. When Tom first started acupuncture treatments, I noticed that, over time, he started to look and feel healthier. Tom told me he was taking Chinese herbs in conjunction with acupuncture. It was obvious that something was working right for him.

Over the years, I had been plagued by pain and tension in my upper left
shoulder, back, and arm. I tried a variety of treatment options, including
physical therapy, prescription drugs, exercise, and chiropractic. They all
helped for a while, but the problem never went away. I decided to give
acupuncture a try.

During my first visit, Dr. Wang was very patient with me. I asked a million
questions about why he wanted to look at my tongue and why did he take my
pulse differently than a Western doctor would. At my request, he even
recommended a book for me to read, so I could learn more about the workings
of Chinese medicine and philosophy. During every appointment Dr. Wang takes time to ask how I'm doing and what has brought me there that day. He is a good listener.

After just three treatments, the knot in my upper back went away and stayed
away for weeks at a time. Occasionally, I go back for "tuneups." I have also
used acupuncture and herbs to treat seasonal allergies. Now, my symptoms are
less severe than they used to be.

Last year, I turned to Dr. Wang for help after taking a bad fall. I had deep
tissue bruising and limited mobility in my right arm and shoulder. I believe
the herbs he gave me helped in speeding up the recovery of soft tissue
damage. Acupuncture is not a cure-all technique but, in my experience, it
has had longer lasting beneficial effects for me than the treatments I had
previously tried.

 

Mary

 

 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

I became a patient of Oriental medicine quite a few years back because of

almost intractable sinus pain.  At that point I was driving about 140

miles from Alpine, TX to San Angelo, TX to see Drs. Liu and Xu.  It

took about 6 treatments, spaced a week apart, to stop the pain and now

one acupuncture treatment early takes care of the sinus pain.

 

Drs. Liu and Xu returned to China [at which time] I searched for an

Acupuncturist located near to me, and finally found Dr. Guoen Wang in Austin.  By then my problem was numbness in my hands and forearms, the beginnings of carpal tunnel syndrome.  A year ago I visited Austin regularly enough for [Dr. Wang] to stop the numbness.  Now I'm having more trouble getting to Austin, but as often as I can I will [drive to] see Dr. Guoen Wang because he gives me more help than conventional medicine.

 

John Mac Carpenter

 

 

Children’s Issues

 

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

Bedwetting

Ear Infections

 

I only have sincere gratitude for Dr. Wang’s care of my twins. The lives of my sons, Jason and Joey, have been greatly enhanced through acupuncture and herbal medicine and I am delighted to be able to share our story.

 

Jason and Joey arrived three months early on January 11, 1988. Weighing 3.5 and 2.9 pounds, each of them had complications that led to multiple surgeries. Now, I am pleased to say they are happy teenage boys and no one would ever know the hardships they endured as babies.

 

Dr. Wang came into our lives when I needed assistance with Jason, who had a bedwetting problem. Jason had visited several Western medical doctors and had taken multiple medications. These remedies, while effective for a short time, never completely took care of the problem. In fact, the final medication prescribed by a Western doctor stopped him from producing urine at night and only caused Jason a great deal of pain when he awoke in the morning.

 

In a desperate attempt to get help for my son that did not cause him pain, I decided to call the Academy of Oriental Medicine to become more educated about our options. After discussing the options with my son and basically begging him to just go one time, we made an appointment with Dr. Wang.

 

At our first visit, Dr. Wang simply took Jason’s pulse, looked at his tongue and told us he could help. He explained that Jason’s body was too “cold” and that he needed to keep his body “warm” and take some herbs. In addition, Dr. Wang warmed Jason’s stomach with a Moxa stick and he performed acupuncture on several areas of his body. Upon leaving the appointment, Dr. Wang explained that if Jason kept his body warm and took the herbs, he would never wet the bed again.

 

As Jason and I left the building, we were a little scared, shocked, giggly and skeptical about what had just happened. That evening Jason took his herbs before bed and kept himself warm and Dr. Wang was right. He never wet the bed again.

 

Since Dr. Wang had been so successful with Jason, I decided that he could possibly help my other son Joey who had been diagnosed as ADD and had been taking the prescription drug Ritalin. When presented with this issue, he stated that he needed to do some research and that he would get back to me. A few weeks later, Dr. Wang called and said he was ready to treat Joey. At the first session, he took Joey’s pulse and looked at his tongue. In addition, he suggested and performed acupuncture in different areas on his head and prescribed herbal medicine. He explained that the acupuncture on his head would help with calmness, concentration, and memory; the herbal medicine had to be taken in the morning and at lunch to help with Joey’s concentration at school. To my amazement, Joey displayed major improvement within a few days of his initial treatment.

 

Not only did I notice a difference but one of Joey’s teachers also informed me of his improvement in class. Joey continued acupuncture treatments with Dr. Wang every 3 months and continued taking his herbal medicine twice a day for almost a year. Currently, Joey only receives acupuncture treatment right before school starts and no longer has to take the herbal medicine. Upon completion of 7^th grade, Joey was on the AB honor role.

 

Thank you Dr. Wang!

Susan B.

 

 

Acupuncture has helped my life in many ways. One of the most interesting and dramatic stories happened when I told my acupuncturist [Dr. Wang] that one of my daughters (seven years old) had an earache. He said, “I can help with that. With one treatment the earache will be gone in less than a day.” I was surprised to hear that because my usual way of treating ear infections was a two-week round of antibiotics. My daughter, suffering intense pain, liked the idea of her earache disappearing in a single day.

 

So, I brought her to the acupuncturist [Dr. Wang]. The treatment (which my daughter enjoyed) lasted about 30 or 45 minutes. The pain lessened rapidly. After the treatment, my daughter slept until evening (about 4 hours). When she woke, she felt happy and strong and said there was hardly any pain. The next day, there was no evidence of earache. The earache didn’t return.

 

I stopped using antibiotics for ear infections over 12 years ago. I’ve raised three daughters and I believe that because of acupuncture we’ve all stopped suffering from earaches entirely. There are more stories, of course, but this one makes me wish my parents had used acupuncture so that I wouldn’t have had earaches as a child.

Thanks for all of your work!
Charles    

 

Digestion

Ten years ago I injured my back. Four years ago I started having digestive problems and, in the last year, I started having migraine headaches and energy issues. I was ready to give up on feeling good and was prepared to live the rest of my life in pain and suffering.  Then a friend of mine told me about Dr. Wang and I was curious and skeptical as to what acupuncture was and what it could do for me. My friend would tell me how the relief from the treatments would help him for about two to three weeks at a time. 

When I had the first treatment I was not sure of what to expect and Dr. Wang
put me at ease right a way. It was like a regular doctor’s visit. He took my
information and discussed my problems with me, then mentioned how
many treatments it would take to get back to feeling good again.  I wanted to
pay close attention to his placing the needles in my skin. It was painless, however, and only a couple of times did it feel somewhat uncomfortable. Otherwise I thought it was cool. He treated one side for twenty minutes and then the other side for the same amount of time.

After the treatment, I felt like I was walking on clouds and did not fully understand what had just taken place. Then we talked a little and he gave me some two different herbs for the energy problems and migraine headaches.

I went through this process five more times and after each session, I felt even better than the time before. I began to notice that I was not having back pain, my digestive problems had disappeared, and my energy was up. As for the migraine headaches, they lessened in intensity and eventually went away.

I am grateful for Dr. Wang¹s acupuncture treatments because he was able to help me with my health troubles. Now I can put those issues behind me and look forward to a healthy life once again.

 

Thank you, Dr. Wang!
Raul Rubert

 

 

Eye Diseases

In the summer of 2000 my husband woke one morning realizing that he had lost sight in his right eye. After about two weeks of being referred from primary care physician to ophthalmologist to retina specialist, we received the diagnosis: Non-Arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). My husband had had an optic stroke, as the disease is called in layman's terms, in his right eye, caused by low blood flow to the eye. This eye disease is not known to be related to any other disease, but is more common in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. The specialist suggested that it was probably due to my husband's diabetes, which in turn is the result of his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. We were told that there is no known cure for NAION, but that there is a 50 percent chance that his left eye would suffer an optic stroke as well. The verdict of possible permanent blindness in both eyes was delivered in a detached scientific voice that did not tolerate emotions of fear and despair in the face of such a prognosis. The specialist told us to come back when my husband experienced any change in his vision.

 

We felt very alone in our battle with this disease. The medical and scientific experts in whom we had strongly believed did not have answers for us. But we needed to do something, anything. We couldn't just wait until this disease claimed the other eye. We decided to focus on my husband's diabetes. His blood sugar levels were a little elevated even though he was taking medication. After talking to other people with diabetes mellitus and reading several self-help books on the topic, we came up with a plan: My husband would eat cactus leaves twice a day, we would eat healthier, and walk every single day for an hour. Our regimen proved successful: My husband's blood sugar level dropped below 120 (normal level: 70-120) for several days in a row, but he had developed a great aversion to eating a cup of sticky bitter cactus leaves twice a day.

 

Then, while visiting my family in Germany, I read an article on acupuncture in a German magazine. The article mentioned that acupuncture applied to certain points around the eye changes the ocular pressure. The article also claimed that acupuncture applied every half-hour right after the onset of an optic stroke can restore vision in the afflicted eye. I was exhilarated by this news, but saddened at the same time because over half a year had passed since my husband's optic stroke. After telling my husband about this discovery, we reasoned that even if acupuncture could not restore his vision, it might prevent the disease from afflicting his other eye.

 

We asked friends and acquaintances if they could recommend an acupuncturist. Dr. Guoen Wang's name was mentioned several times and we made an appointment with him. Dr. Wang's compassionate, unassuming manner made us feel welcomed right away. He took the time to listen to our worries and concerns and, unlike his Western counterparts, gave us hope. Although my husband has not regained sight on his right eye, we feel confident that he will keep the vision in his left eye. Dr. Wang prescribed herbs that my husband takes faithfully twice a day and that have improved his overall health by reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It may not even be as much the acupuncture and the herbal tea that has improved my husband's life. It may be the gentle nudging my husband receives from Dr. Wang that encourages him to stick to his diet and exercise. My husband trusts Dr. Wang and that may be the most important step on his way to good health.

 

Unfortunately, our experience with eye disease does not stop here. After promising my husband that I will take care of him no matter what the future holds for us, I decided to make sure that I was able to keep my promise. I finally headed the advice of my optometrist who had suggested a couple of years earlier that I see a retina specialist when she discovered yellow spots on my retina during a routine exam. After consulting with ophthalmologists here in Austin, as well as at Baylor University in Houston, and at the National Eye Institute (NIH), I learned that I had a very rare form of Retinitis Pigmentosa, a retinal disease that will lead to severe visual impairment if not blindness. The specialists gave me copies of every article that had ever been written on this disease, but made clear that if a cure were ever to be discovered it would come too late for me. My first reaction to the diagnosis was denial. Why would I have a disease of which there are only 80 known cases in the world, mostly in China, and that shows up mostly in people whose parents are related by blood? I knew that my parents were not blood-related and that none of my ancestors had gone blind. But I couldn’t deny my lack of peripheral vision, my night blindness, and several blind spots in my central vision.

 

On one of his biweekly visits, my husband asked Dr. Wang if he would be willing to see me and prescribe herbs. On my first visit, Dr. Wang in his gentle way said something that gave me hope. He said that since the simple fact that I am alive is a miracle, why then would it be so farfetched to believe that I would keep my sight?

 

Now I see my primary care physician for physicals and screenings and my ophthalmologists for evaluation, but I go and see Dr. Wang for treatment. He prescribes herbs for my retinal dystrophy, high cholesterol level and other aches and pains that have developed with time. We enjoy our tea-making ritual every other day and the smell of herbs that pervades our house. My husband has put his own stamp on the process: he discovered that by putting the herbs in cheesecloth the procedure is much easier and less messy. We both feel that Dr. Wang has succeeded where Western medicine has failed. He has given us hope and by doing so he has enabled us to manage our diseases and to look optimistically towards the future. We feel fortunate that we can profit from his knowledge and experience.

 

Willard Wise

Dr. Renate Wise

 

 

Foot, Knee, and Leg

I came to you with painful knees and legs. One of the knees had
been operated on with unsuccessful results. I was partially crippled and could

not function normally. After a year in this condition, I was looking for some relief. Your acupuncture procedure has reversed the situation and has relieved the pain in both my knees and legs so that now I can function as a normal person. This has allowed me to walk daily one to two miles, climb stairs, and use a ladder when necessary. 

 

Your professional and efficient application of acupuncture has been unexpectedly painless and has instilled confidence in me. I found your demonstration of concern for my persistent pain and suffering and the acupuncture treatments (which finally eliminated the problem in only several short weeks) very satisfying.

I thank you, Dr. Wang, for the relief you have given me and I recommend that
others try your procedure. If appropriate, should other patients wish to confirm this information, they may call me to discuss the subject.

 

Jean K. Woodyard

 

 

Two years ago, a friend recommended that I start seeing Dr. Wang. I had been seeing doctors who were treating me with conventional medicine for arthritis in my knee.  After taking pain and inflammation medication for a long period of time, I was still unable to function in the manner I was used to.  I limped around the house.  I could not go out for long periods at a time.  I was limited and very depressed. I had heard of Chinese medicine when living in California, but never sought it as I was not in chronic pain at the time.

 

I made an appointment with Dr. Wang and during the initial consultation he said he would treat me with herbs and acupuncture.  I could really feel the difference after the 1^st visit.  I felt there was hope for me after all. After several acupuncture treatments and after taking herbs at home, I am able to do the things I enjoy and have my life back again. After 3 years of taking pain pills, I can say that Chinese herbs and acupuncture really work so much better.

 

I sent my husband to Dr. Wang for his back pain.  After years in the military, he had developed a deteriorated disc and the doctors offered surgery, which he declined.  After years of pain medication, he consulted with Dr. Wang and decided to go through with acupuncture.  At first, my husband was very skeptical but acupuncture has changed his mind.  We are now “believers” in Dr. Wang, Chinese herbs and acupuncture.  His procedure really works and has helped my family and me. Thank you, Dr. Wang, for your wonderful work.

 

With warmest regards,

Oralia Contreras and family

 

 

Dr. Wang has treated me since October 2003 when my chiropractor recommended acupuncture to address two conditions: weakness and numbness in my left foot and pain running down my lower left leg. I had already had back surgery and did not want to have another procedure. I am very happy to let others know that acupuncture and Chinese herbs have greatly improved my quality of life.

 

Dr. Wang’s wonderful treatments have made me feel 80% better, helped me to avoid surgery, and have given me more energy. His herbs have also helped me to relieve a long history of constipation. My left foot feels so much better and I am able to stand straighter as a result of becoming Dr. Wang's patient.

 

Barbara L. Lloyd

 

Female Issues

Greetings. I was so pleased to hear that you gave my husband Curt the herbs that my children Judah and Meadow need to get through the winter! You are so kind and generous; I am amazed at your gift. Thank you. We are grateful. I don't know if I have ever thanked you for the care you have given to my children and me. I can say that there is no other practitioner that I would trust as much as you, Dr. Wang. I feel so blessed to have found you. 

 

I have now had 3 menstrual cycles since Meadows’ birth and you were right¾

I have had no pain for the first time IN MY LIFE! I used to cry in pain and take heavy drugs to cope.  Now I feel twinges and that's it! I was spared a very invasive D and C to extract retained placental fragments (at 8 weeks postpartum!) because of your care, too. Also, the blood and clots that Judah was having in his bowel movements completely disappeared after the second day of his taking your herbs. That had me so worried.  In Western medicine it is NOT an OK thing and the procedures they wanted to do on my 3-year-old child were so scary to me. The diagnosis he received had me in tears for many days. He is a healthy boy now and I am so grateful to you, for the knowledge you hold and the reassurance you give. Meadow is doing pretty well, although she had another bladder infection again 2 weeks ago. I am pushing the herbs but it is harder (she is just 12 months old now) to get her to take them. I pray she will not continue with the bladder and kidney problems that make her so sick and are so scary for me, too.

 

I will be in California until February completing a midwifery internship. I can't wait to see you again! I may be calling and asking you to ship more herbs for the children. Let’s keep in touch and thank you again. You are incredible!

 

Blessings,

April Davis, CBE

 

 

I attended the Academy of Oriental Medicine [AOMA] where Dr. Wang was a professor. At the time I was searching for alternatives for my daughter who has MS [multiple sclerosis]. She had received acupuncture in Abilene, Texas for urinary incontinence when she was twenty and it had helped her.  Anyway, I was a nurse and had searched in many directions to help my daughter but had never looked into Chinese medicine. I started looking into Chinese medicine because I didn’t know what the future would hold for her. 

 

When I moved to Austin [from West Texas], I had lupus, a total hysterectomy, hot flashes, insomnia (waking every hour), night sweats, and had lived in chronic pain.  It was a deep bone pain that I couldn’t explain. I existed on Ibuprofen and aspirin and had actually given myself ulcers with all of the mediations I was taking.  I was a mess! 

 

I started seeing Dr. Wang when I entered AOMA.  I didn’t want to learn about herbs, only acupuncture.  But in order to be a certified practitioner, I had to learn about herbs.  I wanted to learn strictly acupuncture because it had helped my daughter but, again, when I entered school I had to study both. 

Dr. Wang began treating me. He started giving me herbal prescriptions and I took them faithfully just to see if they would work. 

 

To make a long story short, I was driving home from school one night and it had been 3 months since I first started taking the herbs. Dr. Wang would adjust the herbal formulas periodically ¾adding one thing and taking something else away depending on my symptoms. As I was driving home it dawned on me that I had slept ALL through the night the last few nights.  It was so subtle.  Then I started thinking: gosh, I slept all night.  Then it really hit me; I no longer had any pain!

 

Chinese medicine is so beautiful and I’m so thankful for it.  It has helped my daughter, my son, and me! In our culture, we move so quickly that we have to have a quick fix for everything. But Chinese herbs and Chinese medicine work subtly [and over time] to bring the body back into balance.

 

My diet is still horrible.  I grab fast food and eat all of the wrong things, but I am still feeling better.  The medical doctors wanted to put me on steroids; as a nurse, I knew what steroids would do to my body. I never went the steroid route and now I don’t need them.  I still get occasional headaches but I no longer live with chronic pain. I keep going, commit myself, and give it a good old-fashioned try.  I tell you that I thank God for Dr. Wang and his knowledge.

 

I don’t have hot flashes or night sweats anymore.  I don’t have insomnia and I don’t have pain!!!!  I’m off the thyroid medication that the medical doctors said I’d never be able to stop taking. The Chinese herbs have balanced my thyroid. Isn’t that great? It’s so awesome!!!! That’s my testimony.

 

Beverly

 

Fertility

At the beginning of 2001, my husband and I decided that we were ready to start a family.  This was something we had both wanted for a long time and we were excited to finally be in a place to make our dream a reality.  We selected a midwife and began to discuss baby names. 

 

After getting a thorough checkup and speaking with my doctor, I went off birth control pills for three months before we started trying to conceive.  My cycle was textbook perfect for the first two months so we were very surprised when the third month came and my period did not stop after the usual amount of time.  Our surprise became concern when my period continued for a month straight.  I went back to my doctor, who initially told me that the bleeding must be caused by stress and not to worry.  I explained that my stress level was much lower than it had been in the past but she continued to say that stress was the culprit.

 

After several months of virtually continuous bleeding, I returned to my doctor.  Her reaction was completely different.  Cervical cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cysts were all mentioned as possibilities and I underwent numerous tests.  After much worrying, all of the test results came back negative and my doctor was forced to admit she had no idea what was going on in my body.  She then offered to put me on drugs to force ovulation.  When I asked her if that meant I was not ovulating, she said she didn’t know for sure but that it was something we could try.  Since these drugs had several side effects (eg., multiple pregnancies and ovarian cysts), I was not willing to take that risk and because no one knew absolutely that I wasn’t already ovulating, I passed.

 

I then visited my midwife to see if she had any ideas.  She suggested acupuncture and mentioned Dr. Guoen Wang.  I had never had acupuncture before and did not know much about it.  I decided to go to one appointment and then make up my mind whether to go again.

 

It is not an exaggeration to say that I went into my first appointment with Dr. Wang with a lot of skepticism about acupuncture and a lot of doubt about my ability to have children.  I was very surprised to hear Dr. Wang say that he believed I would become pregnant in six months.  He answered my questions about both acupuncture and the herbs he would recommend, and even referred me to books where I could learn more.  I decided to return for another appointment.  Imagine my surprise and delight when my bleeding stopped for the first time in months!

 

I continued to see Dr. Wang and was able to chart the improvement in my cycle.  Towards the end of my fifth month of treatment, I became pregnant, meeting Dr. Wang’s prediction.  Words simply cannot describe how excited my husband and I were!  I made a few visits to Dr. Wang during the pregnancy, first to relieve my morning sickness and then to help my body prepare for labor.  The acupuncture helped with both.  We are now the proud parents of a beautiful and healthy baby girl.

 

Addendum: In 2004, my husband and I decided to add to our family.  We assumed it would take at least several months to conceive our second child.  We both visited Dr. Wang for a “tune-up” appointment.  Imagine our surprise when we discovered we were pregnant in just one month!  In January of 2005, our second daughter was born.  We feel truly lucky and remain convinced that acupuncture and herbs helped us conceive our children.

 

Stephanie Surles

 

 

When my first pregnancy ended in miscarriage at 13 weeks, my midwife suggested that I seek treatment from Dr. Wang to help me recover and prepare for a healthy pregnancy. I had had good experiences with acupuncture before— to treat allergies, rashes, bladder infections, and depression, so I felt pretty comfortable following her advice. I was very upset after the miscarriage, though, and I didn’t really trust my body to be able to recover. I was depressed and secretly afraid that I wouldn’t be able to have children.

 

I made some big changes in my life (quitting my stressful job and working at home in a more relaxed environment) and started to see Dr. Wang. At first I had treatments every week, then every two weeks, then finally once a month. At my early appointments, I was struck by how optimistic and supportive Dr. Wang was. I always felt comfortable telling him how I felt during the week, and I was encouraged by his cheerful attitude, even though I didn’t always share his optimism. However, after each treatment I always felt better: calmer, brighter, with less tension and pain in my body, and with a clear mind. My husband noticed that my mood was always much better after an acupuncture treatment. The herbs also made a big difference in how I felt from week to week.

 

However, I continued to doubt whether the treatments were working to restore my body’s ability to get pregnant and have a healthy baby. I started seeing Dr. Wang at the end of July and by the end of September my cycles had still not become regular. In October I told Dr. Wang I was ready to start trying to get pregnant again. He approved of that plan and put me on some new herbs. My cycles immediately became regular again. In late December Dr. Wang predicted that I would be pregnant within three months. At the end of February I discovered that I was pregnant; my daughter was conceived less than two months after Dr. Wang’s prediction!

 

I continued to take herbs and receive acupuncture treatments throughout my pregnancy. I was a little queasy during the first trimester but never had morning sickness, and I felt great through the whole pregnancy. My daughter was born at home and the birth went great. She was healthy and beautiful and is now a very happy baby. I believe Dr. Wang helped me to have an excellent pregnancy and birth and a vibrant happy baby. The treatment I received was always gentle, respectful, supportive, and strengthening. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to follow this path and urge my baby into the world in such a warm and holistic way.

 

April Smith West

__________________________________________________________________

 

My husband and I had been trying to have a baby for over a year.  I was 39 years old and beginning to lose hope.  I had been told that because of my age, my chance of becoming pregnant was declining rapidly.  My doctor suggested that we begin infertility treatments.  However, I was concerned about the cost and invasiveness of these treatments.  A friend referred me to Dr. Wang and suggested that I try acupuncture as a more natural approach to treating infertility.  I was open minded, but skeptical.  I tend to be analytical and I usually want to see a great deal of empirical evidence that something works before I try it. However, I believed there was little risk in trying acupuncture so I took a leap of faith.  When I went to Dr. Wang I was surprised at his optimism.  He told me I should be pregnant in 4-6 months.  He even smiled and said “Maybe you will have some good news for Christmas” which was four months away.  While his attitude was encouraging, I was afraid to allow myself to have such expectations.  I had been disappointed too much already.  However, this time I wasn’t disappointed.  I became pregnant, believe or not, in four months, sometime over the Christmas holidays. 

 

I continued to visit Dr. Wang during my pregnancy to increase my chance of having a healthy pregnancy and baby.  These visits were also emotionally beneficial as Dr. Wang and his assistant Matthew were a wonderful source of support and encouragement during my pregnancy.  While visits to my doctor often worried me about all the things that could go wrong, visits to Dr. Wang reminded me not to live in fear but to stay positive.  It helped me to enjoy my pregnancy and see a healthy outcome as the most natural and likely outcome.  Nine months later I had my beautiful baby boy. 

 

I would highly recommend acupuncture for those dealing with infertility.  Dr. Wang has a very high success rate.  In addition, data on the effectiveness of acupuncture for infertility are being gathered and published in top medical journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine.  These studies also show that acupuncture can be used alone or in conjunction with more modern medical treatments for infertility.  Through this experience I realized that many longstanding holistic approaches to health are important alternatives to consider, regardless of fact that the medical community is slow to endorse them. I believe very soon that acupuncture will be a completely mainstream medical practice.  Its effectiveness just can’t be refuted.  In addition, unlike other medical procedures, it poses no health risks, the cost is reasonable, and the experience is pleasant.

 

There have been just a few pivotal times in my life when I have made a decision that changed everything.  Going to Dr. Wang was one of those decisions.  I’m not quite sure why I put aside my doubts and went to see him, but there aren’t words to express how glad I am that I did.  I believe he is the reason I have my son, and the reason my life has become all that I had hoped for.  My husband and I will be forever grateful.

 

Sincerely,

Toni, Hector, and Little Hector Watt

 

Hands and Elbows

I am self-employed, single and rapidly approaching my 60th birthday. Earning my living as a hair cutter, I thoroughly enjoy the creative aspects and social interaction with my dear clients. I believe the work keeps me vital and active. Few things frighten me more than the thought of not being able to continue working.

 

My first acupuncture experience was seven years ago. After a prolonged period of stress, I had to stop working, because my right hand/wrist became very swollen, inflamed, and painful. My arm was aching and painful from the fingers and wrist area all the way to my shoulder and neck. Facing the inability to work and the expense of painful surgery, I worried about my future.   How was I going to make a living? In my profession I'd never known a single hair stylist to be able to continue after work-related hand surgery.

 

A friend recommended Dr. Wang. The inflammation was severe and painkillers and medicines weren't helping. I couldn’t sleep due to the pain.

 

Dr. Wang was kind and reassuring. He held my hand gently and asked me how I felt. I said I felt worried/afraid. He said that Chinese medicine treated the whole person and inflammation might indicate anger. He asked me if I felt anger. I was probably yelling when I said yes, I was very angry, powerless over a grandchild's illness.

 

He looked a little taken aback by the intensity of my response but still gently holding my hand said that it was good that I knew the cause of my anger. He treated me that evening with acupuncture and also gave me some herbs. He told me to return early the next day because of the severity of the inflammation. The next day I received the second acupuncture treatment and again was given even stronger herbs.

 

Dr. Wang said if there were no improvements overnight that I should go to an emergency room the following day. He gave me his home phone number and two other phone numbers and asked me to call him if there were any changes at all during the night.

 

As I drove home after the second session my purse slid off the car seat.

 With my hand and arm, I grabbed the purse. Surprisingly, the severe spasm that had seized my arm, wrist and hand was gone. Arriving home, I called Dr. Wang. I told him that the contraction and the pain were gone. Furthermore within an hour all swelling had subsided. That problem has never returned.

 

Today I saw Dr. Wang to get acupuncture for my right elbow. After working 12 very busy hours, I found that my elbow was tender to the point of "knocking the breath out of me." After just one treatment, I have no more pain and I will be able to continue with my work and family plans for the coming week.

 

Dr. Wang, thank you.

Diana Vicars

 

 

Dear Dr. Wang,

I understand that you are looking for testimonials from people about their experiences with acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Here are a couple of examples that you may wish to share with others. 

 

I have to admit that years ago I was a bit skeptical about Chinese medicine but had a couple of problems that were really giving me a lot of grief.  One was an elbow problem and the other a knee injury. 

 

The elbow had been painful for many years.  This was particularly true when the weather was cold or the humidity was very high.  It seemed that all my strength would be zapped and to lift anything with that are was a real struggle.  I had seen my regular doctor about it and he took a x-ray and said that I had a form of arthritis and that the pain could be controlled with medication but short of surgery there was little that could be done.  The thought of being on a pain medication for the rest of my life was almost as bad as the thought of having a surgical procedure that had no promise of success. 

 

My wife convinced me to seek alternative medicine.  She never told me about the needles or the Chinese herbs but I thought it would pacify her if I went.  I made an appointment and after a consultation you advised me that you thought you could help.  I remember your asking if I had any other problems and I told you about my knee.  Many years ago I had a yachting injury to the inside of my right knee during a slip and near fall overboard while on a race.  There was no pain but from about six inches below to about four inches above the knee it was numb.  You asked if there was anything else and after I replied there were not you told me about the needles.   After it was all over you told me to take some herbs that had been prepared until they were finished.  I asked when I should come back. 

 

You see, I had an employee who was injured on the job and workman’s comp paid for his chiropractic services.  The day the maximum was reached and the payments stopped, the doctor said he was cured.  I full well expected to hear the same song.  Actually you said the next time I should come back was when I had a different problem. I asked when the elbow and knee would be better;

you said that it would be about four or five days for the elbow and the knee would take about a week because it was more difficult and a much older injury. 

 

I took my herbs as instructed and after about five days, on a cold, rainy day, I was preparing to get some pain medication for the elbow when it occurred to me that there was no pain.  There hasn’t been any pain since and that was several years ago.  The knee did take a bit longer as you said but gradually all feeling returned. 

 

The next time I came back to see you I was passing blood in my urine and had a pain in my lower back. The doctor had sent me to an emergency room where they called in a specialist.  He ordered x-rays and showed me the location of my kidney stones.  He also told me exactly how they were going to be removed and showed me the instruments they were going to use. I went straight to your office where your needles looked much better.  The herbs still did not taste good but the combination worked.  The day of the procedure the Western doctor ordered another set of x-rays since the original set was a week old and he said things could have changed.  He couldn’t find the stones that were so clear the week before so he sent me to yet another doctor for another set of films.  That doctor couldn’t find any stones on his set either. 

 

I showed him the x-ray from the previous week and asked if there were any kidney stones on that film.  He said, “Now this guy has kidney stones.” He pointed them out while assuring me that I had none.  The procedure was cancelled and now I’ve begun drinking plenty of fluids every day.  It was funny that neither of the doctors offered an explanation as to what happened to the stones nor did they ever ask if I had done anything to cause them to go away.  They did assure me that if I had passed them it would be an experience that I would never forget so that could not have happened without my knowing it.

 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my experiences with others.  You have changed the way I think about both Western and Chinese medicine.

 

Sincerely,

Glenn Koons

 

 

Headaches  (Migraines)

For more than 16 years, I suffered from migraine headaches. I tried everything to get rid of them, with no success.  Then I met Dr. Guoen Wang and due to his treatments and herbs I have been without a headache for over 2 years.  I am grateful to Dr. Wang for his kind, compassionate, dedicated care.

 

I got sober in Nov. ’84.  In December of that same year, I had my first headache, which I treated with over-the-counter Ibuprofen.  No relief.

I continued to treat my headaches with over-the-counter medications for another year and a half, generally with no relief.

 

I moved to Oregon in April of ’87, and had yet another headache.  I went to see the local doctor who asked if I had ever experienced any other headaches, and I realized that I had had a headache every month since I had gotten sober. The doctor asked me if I would keep track my headaches.  He started me out on homeopathic medications.  I also tried chiropractic care.  The doctor suggested alternating ice packs and heat therapy.  The next month I returned with yet another headache.  It was so bad that the homeopathic doctor gave me a shot of some type of painkiller and said I had “migraines.” My migraines came each month 4 days prior to my menses and lasted for 4 days.  Because I was in recovery from drug abuse, I did not want to take narcotic painkillers. 

 

In 1989, I moved to New Mexico and started going to another chiropractor.  I tried deep tissue massage, myofascial massage, and Reiki.  I tried crystal-healing therapy.  Many times I ended up at the ER for a shot of pain medication.  All the while I experimented with any medication (taken as prescribed) that was suggested; for example, Midrin, Percocet, and Percodan.  Yet the migraines continued.  I tried gaining weight, since it was believed that thin people were more susceptible to migraines.  No effect.  I quit smoking, yet the migraines still continued.  I changed my diet, removing chocolate, cheese, onions, and MSG. I went to the dentist to check for TMJ and cavities.  Thousands of dollars later I still had migraines.  About this time I became suicidal.  On the third day of a particular migraine, the pain was so intense that I briefly considered suicide. Thanks to friends I was able to work through that fear.  When all else failed, I would alternate between Ice packs and heated rice socks.  Although this strategy seemed to help abate the pain, it was not totally effective all the time. 

 

I was told that when I went through the change-of-life, the migraines would diminish or go away.  In 1994, at the age of 51, I had a hysterectomy.  The next month I experienced my first rebound migraine.  I would have the regular 4-day one and then a week later I would have another.  For 6 months I had a migraine every 8 days for 4 days.  At this point I did not know how I was going to continue living; the quality of my life was controlled by migraines.  I no longer tried to work or drive while experiencing the migraine.  I used all my sick time from work.  I had to plan trips or visits to friends around my migraines. I could not go on vacations. I even lost jobs due to my inability to concentrate and the need to take too much time away to deal with headaches. 

 

Someone suggested Imitrex, a medication that at the time was only administered by injection.  The Imitrex gave me some relief.  The invidiousness of my migraines was my inability to predict their onset.  Just as I would be taking the latest medication or doing the latest therapy and thinking “At last I am free of pain,” another migraine would hit. I could not predict the onset and, if I did not take the Imitrex just at the right time, it would not work.  I think that at this time I found Vicodin.  I took one pill at night and the next morning I hit the side of the garage as I was backing out. That was the end of Vicodin for me.  My mother cut out an article on the pain reliever Stadol and sent it to me. The article claimed that Stadol was a nasal inhaler pain reliever, effective in treating migraines. I took the article paper to my doctor and he prescribed it for me, saying that although it was not rated a narcotic yet, I should be careful.  I took the prescribed dosage.  The relief was instantaneous and miraculous. I was hooked. From that first dose, I knew that this non-narcotic was lethal.  I went back to my doctor and told him that “no matter how I begged, do not ever prescribe Stadol to me again.”  Stadol was later classified as a Class 1 Narcotic and has been attributed to deaths. I continued to use ice packs and heat socks since I had run out of all other options.

 

In 1998, I moved to Texas. It was not until March of 2000 that I met Dr. Guoen Wang.  His Chinese acupuncture treatments and herbal formulas have made it possible for me to regain my life, free of the debilitating pain of migraines.  He prescribes herbs and I make a tea and drink it religiously.  There is no thought of “does it taste good?”  How could it taste bad?  I do know that one of the herbs looks very much like a garden variety Goat–Head.  Who would have known?

 

Holly Weseloh

____________________________________________________________________

 

Dear Dr. Wang,

Early in 1996 I woke up with a headache.  Throughout the day the pain increased.  Aspirin and Tylenol did nothing for the situation.  By the next morning I was incapacitated.  Sound, light, movement, anything seemed unbearable. 

 

After several days, my personal conclusion was that my suffering had to be the result of a brain tumor or something equally inoperable in my head and I would probably die, which might relieve me.  I managed to call a couple of friends who suffered from migraines and they confirmed that these were all classic symptoms: nausea, vomiting, pickaxe in the head, etc.

 

During a brief spell when I could see out of one eye, a trip to the acupuncture clinic seemed to be a logical stop on the way to the morgue.  At the clinic you had had a cancellation and was able to see me immediately.  About half way through my tale of pain and woe, you politely asked, “What do you want?”  Stunned by the simplicity of the question, after a long pause, my answer came, “Make this headache go away!”  Dr. Wang smiled and said, “Make the headache go away.  O.K. Get on the table.”

 

The pain had returned from the five-minute drive to the clinic and the talking.  As soon as the needles were in place, a tremendous heat began at my feet and slowly rose up through my body.  As Dr. Wang was leaving the room he paused and quietly said, “You’re very angry.”  Then I felt my anger.  I had a world war in my head, needles sticking out of me, and sweat forming all over my body. 

 

The heat gradually rose to the needle in the top of my head.  As this happened the awareness became clear that my primary feeling was fear, even more than anger.  My upbringing encouraged men to show anger but not fear.  At this moment of awareness, the heat and headache left my body through the needle in my head.  I drifted off comfortably for the first time that week.  My fear was based on my perception of emotional, spiritual and financial shortcomings, which no longer seemed completely reality-based or life threatening.

 

After more than an hour and a half on the table not a trace of the headache remained.  When leaving I asked Dr. Wang when my next appointment should be.  He gave me a puzzled look then smiled and said “If the headache comes back, come see me.  If the headache doesn’t come back, don’t come see me.”

 

Although the headache never returned, I continue to make regular visits to see Dr. Wang.  My overall health and outlook on life have improved greatly and I remain grateful and honored to be his patient.

 

Thank you,

Jim Panek

 

 

Hyperthyroidism (Grave’s Disease)

In 1986, a Western internist diagnosed me with Grave's disease, or hyperthyroidism.  Hyperthyroidism puts the body in a constant fight or flight mode, with an increased heart rate (my resting pulse was over 80), weight loss, anxiety, extreme weakness, fatigue, and difficulty catching one's breath.  The Western treatment is to use beta-blockers to reduce the heart rate, and to prescribe PTU in mega doses to shock the thyroid into remission.  PTU naturally occurs in the thyroid and, in some cases, the mega doses work to regulate the thyroid.  The possible danger is that, in large doses, it can also interfere with the effectiveness of white blood cells.  In addition, nothing about this protocol otherwise supports or helps the body to regain balance or strength.  If the PTU doesn't work, or if it works only temporarily, the Western solution to hyperthyroidism is to give the patient radioactive iodine that chemically ablates it, and then to prescribe oral thyroid hormone for the rest of the patient's life.

 

I started with the PTU and in about five months my thyroid levels returned to normal¾but unfortunately, not for long.  When I suffered a relapse, I was told there was nothing to do but get rid of my thyroid and take hormones orally. 

I decided to see an acupuncturist instead.

 

I remember feeling better after my first treatment.  More specifically, my hands, which were so weak that I could hardly make a fist, actually felt stronger as I squeezed my fingers together after the treatment.  I started a regimen of acupuncture treatments every five days, along with herbs.  The treatments and herbs immediately controlled my runaway pulse rate, which in turn made me feel much less breathless and exhausted.  Over the course of three months, I began to feel stronger and stronger as my depleted muscles gained mass.  I finally attained a state of balance and returned to the Western internist to have my blood levels checked.  He gave me the results¾normal¾and asked me what I'd been doing (since his records showed I hadn't been treated by him).  I told him about the acupuncture and offered to provide medical information about it to him.  He immediately asked me to step up on a chair so he could test whether my muscles were still "wobbly" or had actually regained their strength.  Having found me essentially healed, he said he didn't want any of my literature on acupuncture, then added rather begrudgingly, "I guess you should continue what you're doing since it's working for you."  He just couldn't allow curiosity or even scientific interest to disturb his static notion of what is possible.  And he was an original founder of the Austin Diagnostic Clinic.  I was very disappointed in his lack of curiosity.

 

Since this experience, traditional Chinese medicine has been the primary health care mode for me, as well as for my partner and our child.  It has headed off colds and flu, helped with menstrual problems, promptly broken fevers as high as 103, helped fractures heal, helped me sleep 8 hours a night without waking, helped to regulate my energy to make it more consistent, enhanced my body's ability to process and extract the nutrients from my food, and supported my physical and mental health by treating my whole body and mind in an integrated fashion. 

 

The only things I go to Western doctors for now are regular pap smears, dental work, and if I need it, surgery.  But I will always combine any Western intervention with acupuncture and herbs because nothing else supports the integrity of my whole body like traditional Chinese medicine.

 

Dr. Wang, I so appreciate all you do and have done to support my health, the health of Joy and Julia Kate, and the health of my friends and acquaintances who are smart enough to visit you.

 

Thanks,

Gretchen

 

 

Infection

When I saw you [Dr. Wang] in March, I had developed a terrible infection in the corner of my mouth that had spread down into my jaw.  The whole side of my face was swollen.  After taking the Free and Easy Wanderer Plus Formula for only 2 days the swelling was gone and my infection was all but gone. Within about 4 days there was no trace of a problem. I was so impressed.

 

Hugs and blessings,

Danielle

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

While in Laredo, TX a few years back, I picked up a nasty little parasite.  My health insurance had just lapsed so I spent thousands of dollars on doctor visits and tests.  I saw a Gastroenterologist and an Internist.  Their finale diagnosis was irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  They said I would just have to live with it.  I couldn’t see that [as the best outcome], given what I had been through;

I was miserable.

 

A friend told me about a [Chinese medicine clinic] in South Austin.  I arrived to find Dr. Wang. After being in his presence only a few moments I felt I was in the right place.  I was right!  Dr. Wang gave me herbs, [instructed me how] to make a tea, and said that I was to drink the tea several times a day. In three weeks my symptoms were gone and I felt great.  Since then, Dr. Wang has helped my whole family. He has successfully treated incontinence, A.D.D. and soon he will be treating my husband for nicotine addiction. I have been diagnosed with a gallstone, based on a recent C.T., and rather than having surgery I plan on seeing Dr. Wang for treatment.

 

Dr. Wang’s gentle manner, wisdom, and knowledge of the human body keep my family and me from the pitfalls of ill health.  Chinese medicine is good health medicine.  A program of preventative maintenance is highly recommended by this humble soul.

 

Cheryl Green

 

 

Neck Trauma

In your lifetime, you cold be one out of three Americans who will be affected by a drunk driver. I have already become part of this statistic. It was my birthday and I was on my way home with a birthday cake when I was broadsided by A drunk driver broadsided me on 1st and MoPac near Austin High School.  My car was totaled and the driver of the other vehicle did not stop. I heard later that he/she had hit two other cars on Mopac further down the road. I received an injury to my neck as a result of the accident, which left me with considerable pain and numbness to the right side of my body.

Two weeks ago, just as I was leaving to see my doctor I ran across a friend
who introduced me to acupuncture. I had heard of the treatment but had
never thought it would be something I would do. The more I talked with her I realized that perhaps it would be a good idea to try it as a mean of avoiding surgery, which I was told was inevitable. At the time I had to sleep with three or four pillows, and almost in an upright position; I could not stand the pain if I lay on my side or back.

It has been three weeks since my first treatment by Dr. Guoen Wang. I have been pain free since that time, and have only experienced discomfort when I stress out too much, especially when working for hours at my computer. I did not realize how simple and relaxing Dr. Wang's treatment would be. I felt very comfortable, listened to soft music and hardly felt the acupuncture treatment for the entire thirty to forty minutes.  The blend of herbs Dr. Wang prescribed has also helped with a severe allergy problem I have had for years. No longer do I have a runny nose, watery eyes and severe congestion at night. In fact I sleep all night and wake up feeling rested. I have not had this kind of sleep in over two years.

 

I am very grateful to Dr. Wang for the help he has provided to me and I hope
that with his continued help I can perform my duties and extracurricular
activities pain free for years to come.

 

Ben Ornelas

 

Peripheral Neuropathy

Dr. Wang: I am pleased to know that you may be writing a book on the health benefits of Chinese medicine, herbs and acupuncture.  I will be happy to share my personal experiences with you and you and others who may benefit. 

 

For a number of years, I have had hurting, burning, tingling and numbness in my feet. The diagnosis under Western medicine was bilateral non-demylenating distal peripheral idiopathic neuropathy.  This is a fancy phrase that means “damaged nerves in the feet and we don’t have a clue what is causing it.”

I went to one of the top medical clinics in the United States and for three days they did a lot of expensive testing and confirmed this diagnosis.   I was most disappointed that their chief neurologist merely informed me that I could expect increasing deterioration over the years, but that he could not offer any suggestions for improving the nerve situation in my feet or even slowing the progress of the condition. 

 

I began to look for alternative or complementary help for this condition.  You came highly recommended from a close friend and I decided to visit with you.  Your calm demeanor and positive belief that you could offer help to me meant a lot.  You prescribed a combination of Chinese herbs to increase the flow of “chi” to my feet, which were chronically cold and clammy.  Within a few days my feet warmed up and within about two months I began to notice an improvement in my balance, warmer and less pallid feet, and reduction in the pain. 

 

I have continued to use Chinese herbs to compliment a Western medication called Neuronton, which deadens the tingling and burning in the nerves.  The Neuronton alone does not seem to have an adequate effect.  Any time I reduce the dosage of Chinese herbs, my feet immediately become cold and the discomfort increases.

 

It has now been two years since I came to you with this condition.  In that time, I have had no noticeable deterioration of the nerves in my feet.  In fact, I am probably about 40% improved overall.  My primary care neurologist is so impressed with my progress that he is interested in exploring how the Chinese herbs that you have prescribed for me could be of benefit to other patients.  Please ask anyone who is interested in exploring constructive methods of dealing with peripheral neuropathy to contact me. Thank you for your kind and excellent care in working with me on this difficult condition.

 

Best personal regards,

Bruce T. Morrison, Attorney at Law

 

Pneumonia

 

Dear Dr. Wang: I want to express my deep appreciation for your involvement in our son Teo’s healthcare.  He just turned twenty-two months and during the past years has significantly benefited from the herbal remedies you have provided.

 

Last year Teo was hospitalized for pneumonia. He was treated with antibiotics that temporarily solved his acute crisis, but did not support his immune system. He kept struggling with chest congestion.  He had a relapse this fall and has had intermittent struggles with ear infections.  My hope was to find something to help him before the problem became a full-blown illness, or a chronic condition.  With the herbal formulas you provided, we have been successful in that goal. 

 

My anxiety and concern about his health has decreased tremendously.  He is thriving!  When illnesses come, they are less intense and he is quicker to bounce back.  His sleep has improved as well, as part of his overall health.

 

Thank you very much.  I also appreciate your availability by phone when needed.  I enjoy recommending friends and clients to you because I am sure they will receive the same excellent attention.

 

Sincerely,

Kalila Homann

 

Post-Menopausal Issues

First of all, let me say that I hope my comments will encourage others to try acupuncture and herbs with Dr. Guoen Wang.  I am a 66 year-old woman and have been a happy and satisfied client of Dr. Wang since he came to Austin. I have seen him for a variety of physical and emotional ailments over the years. In fact, the only times I have gone to a Western doctor are for my annual well woman check-ups, tests with a gynecologist, and vision tests.

He has successfully treated me for stress, colds, cholesterol reduction, cataracts, abscessed toothache, hair and toenail issues. Many times I have gone to him with the burdens of life either dragging me down to depression or causing me anxiety. I would leave his office after acupuncture relieved of those symptoms and a happy person again.  If I had cold or allergy problems, he could lessen the time I was uncomfortable with that ailment using acupuncture and herbs.

In 1997 I had an abscessed tooth. It was loose, the nerve was nearly dead, and the gums were in very bad condition. My general dentist and periodontist both said it would have to be pulled; no other treatment was feasible. Dr. Wang prescribed herbs and when I went for a check-up six months later, my dentist said the tooth was tight, the nerve very healthy, and gums healthy. I still have the tooth.

I tend to have high cholesterol and when my western doctor would insist on drugs to reduce it, I would instead get herbal pills from Dr. Wang that were effective and safe.  In 1998 when my ophthalmologist said I had cataracts and that surgery would be in order when they ripened, I started herbal pills from Dr. Wang to reduce the growth and avoid the surgery. When I returned to the eye doctor a year later, the cataracts had not increased, and my vision had improved! He was amazed! Till now I still have not needed the surgery.

When I was in Austin I would see Dr. Wang every 8 weeks for a "tune up" as we called it. This kept me feeling great. Two years ago I followed my daughters to live in Florida and my biggest concern was leaving Dr. Wang. I'm sorry to say that I have not found his equal here. I might have to come back to Austin! 

 

Mary B. Rolan

Satellite Beach, FL   (Mary has moved back to Austin, Texas as of this printing.)

 

Thank you, Dr. Wang, for the opportunity to tell of my experience
with you and your work. You have helped me in more ways than I can
express; the original reason I came to you was because of the
"blocked" feeling I had. You have helped me with my leg pain and the
general wellbeing I feel now.  

 

I am 57, although I look ten years younger.  I have always looked and felt

young for my age, until about a year ago.  Something happened and I started

to feel like my brain was "blocked".  I couldn't think with clarity or

concentrate for any length of time. I began to feel sluggish ... and old.

There was a type of heaviness and dullness, a "blockage" at the base of my

skull that just wouldn't go away.  No matter how many hours of sleep I got or how long my walks were or how many neck massages I gave myself, this feeling

wouldn't go away.  I started to worry.  Maybe my true age was starting to

catch up with me.  Was this how I was supposed to feel?  I didn't believe

it.  There are to many others out there who are "on top" of everything and

who are years older than me! This feeling wasn't going to take over my life!

 

I hesitate to go to doctors as I am not eager to fill my body with

chemicals [prescription drugs], and this condition just didn't feel like something a medical doctor would be able to fix or even understand. I was at a loss as to what to do.  My husband Larry had made the acquaintance of Dr. Wang and suggested I go see him. I had never been to an acupuncturist and harbored some doubts, but when Larry told me Dr. Wang was also an herbalist I decided to give him a call and open my heart to this new experience.

 

Dr. Wang listened carefully to my symptoms and seemed to understand what I was talking about.  With just a couple of visits I was feeling much better. The feeling of being "blocked" was giving away to clarity again.  With acupuncture and herbs my body was returning to the feeling of youth and vigor that I had always felt.  I continue to take an herbal mixture that Dr. Wang creates for me and, when I feel the need, return periodically for an acupuncture "tune-up".

 I am very thankful to Dr. Wang.  His knowledge and gentle, personable, nurturing manner is refreshing and reassuring.  It is a pleasure to go to his office. 

 

Sincerely,

Linda Gilmour

 

 

Here's a confession: I've never been sufficiently enthusiastic or passionate about any product or person to write a testimonial, even though I'm almost sixty.  

 

However, based on a remarkable healing experience with Dr. Guoen Wang,

I have decided to break this pattern. Here are the facts: in October 2007,

I arrived at Dr. Wang's office, exhausted and in tears.  For almost the entire year

I had experienced disturbing physical symptoms that sent me to four allopathic doctors—three general physicians and one specialist. I had undergone a variety of diagnostic procedures, from ultrasounds to CT scans. As a self-employed person with limited health insurance coverage, I had incurred significant out-of-pocket expenses, only to receive completely contradictory diagnoses from each doctor.

The bills were piling up, I was sleeping no more than 2-3 hours each night, and the stress resulting from chronic illness and mounting debt was taking its toll.  

 

My father, uncle, and two older cousins had been family doctors in the South Texas community where I grew up in the 1950s and 60s. Over time they all passed away … and suddenly no one remained to whom I could turn to for guidance, no one that deeply cared whether or not I slipped through the cracks.

 

And then I met Guoen Wang.  Although much younger than I had imagined,

Dr. Wang at once impressed me as exceptionally wise and extraordinarily compassionate. Instead of taking me further down the corridor of illness, he held open the door to good health and invited me to pass through. I responded with a volley of questions: Was I fatally ill?  What was his diagnosis?  How long would I be suffering?  Would I ever regain good health?  He answered my questions patiently and conveyed reassurance, not only through his words but also through the peaceful quality of his presence.  

 

For the first month, even though I lived a long distance from Austin, I drove in three times a week for acupuncture and herbs.  I didn't feel better immediately. In fact, for a period of time I simply had to place my trust in Dr. Wang.  

Being a type A, super-analytic personality, this type of trust was unprecedented on my part. However, slowly over time the symptoms of nausea, sleeplessness, and general debilitation diminished. After the first month of treatment, I began to feel optimistic. After the second month, I felt completely healed

 

As a professional editor and writer, I had hoped that words would flow easily in creating this testimonial. However, here's the truth: the depth of my gratitude to and respect for Dr. Wang is so profound that I could never make the language strong enough. What I have described here are external circumstances and events. What I cannot express is the heartfelt gratitude I feel for this man's bright and humble presence.  I understand little about miracles or blessings and refrain from pretending otherwise. Yet if I were forced to describe what a blessing looks like, it would very closely resemble Guoen Wang.  

 

A. Grossman

 

 

Stomach Pain

Dear Dr. Wang,

I will always keep the wonderful note you wrote to me the day after I came to see you with very severe stomach pain. You wrote, "Dear Sherry, Congratulations! You are happy and healthy!" Your confidence in my health at that time totally astounded me because I believed I was headed for surgery. Thank you so much for writing the note because I started becoming open to that idea right away and it also helped to alleviate the fear and panic that had gripped me. The acupuncture and herbs are tremendously effective and gentle, too. I want to end this by telling you how much I have learned about stress management during the course of my visits. It is so refreshing to experience a health care professional who is open to questions and who sees

the “whole” person that I am. I appreciate that so very much.

 

Thank you Dr. Wang.

Sherry Mussett

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

After having a stroke at the age of 43, I became very ill with stomach problems. The doctors had no answers for the pain and nausea I was experiencing, only many pills. One doctor said that I would have pain the rest of my life. A friend of mine who has cancer recommended her acupuncturist, Dr. Wang, who provided continuous support for her even when the [medical] doctors said they had done all they could do. She was feeling quite well as a result of the acupuncture and had amazed her doctors. I had to see Dr. Wang twice a week for many months, but I finally got well. No more pills. I cannot thank Dr. Wang and acupuncturists enough.

 

Kris McKay

 

 

Tendonitis

When I was 30 I developed tendonitis in my right elbow. The pain was so bad that I soon had my arm a sling. I was unable to use my arm¾unable to brush my teeth, to open a jar, or to write. Physical therapy helped but when I stopped going the symptoms returned. A friend recommended acupuncture. After two sessions I was cured.

Since that time I have returned periodically for other problems: shoulder and leg pains, back pains, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Acupuncture is not only a pain reliever but also a great way to relax. It reduces stress and keeps my body healthy. I really don't know what I would do without it.

Robin McMillion

 

 

Trauma

Dear Dr. Guoen Wang,

Thank you for your invitation to share my experience with your readers.  My story is not an extraordinary one, but I will be happy to share it in the hopes that someone may gain benefit from my account. I first came to experience acupuncture after a serious car accident that left me in both physical and emotional pain. 

 

Dr. Wang was always happy to see me, and at all times would have an understanding word or smile to share.  This was one of the main benefits I received from my acupuncture sessions; it was not just “going to the doctor” but more like going to a friend who would treat me with respect as he worked to heal my wounds.

 

The effects I received from my acupuncture sessions were more subtle than overt.  More often than not, the session was a time where I knew I could relax and let my body heal.  I felt comfortable leaving my troubles on the other side of the door.  This was of great benefit, as it was one of the only places where I could get away from the constant pain I was feeling in my every day life. 

 

The herbs were an essential adjunct to the acupuncture sessions.  Sometimes it was not clear that they were helping, so I would reduce the dose or stop taking them all together.  However, each time I would do so, it would never fail that the symptoms would return within a short amount of time.  After repeating this several times, I finally came to realize they were an integral part of the treatment. 

 

Taken as a whole, the therapeutic benefit of my sessions with Dr. Wang is immeasurable.  The time spent in his clinic each week was life changing.  It was a time in which I could continue my healing, as well as learn about myself.  I will always be grateful to Dr. Wang, his skill with acupuncture and herbs, and traditional Chinese medicine in general for helping to heal me after such a traumatic event in my life.

 

Sincerely,

Kevin Roux