Testimonials for A Way of Life Acupuncture
"Having experienced the wonders of acupuncture in my past, I immediately thought of acupuncture when I lost a majority of mobility with my left arm. I was only able to lift it to a 90 degree angle. My life had been rather stressful and I was also feeling discomfort in my neck and shoulder area which is the location where I hold my stress. Massages were not helping in relieving the pressure and the mobility of my frozen shoulder. My immediate action was to find my old acupuncturist, who I trusted, only to find she had retired. My search continued and I found Christine. The combination of her caring nature and technical knowledge gave me comfort that I had found with another caring acupuncturist. My first session was met with a peaceful environment, conversation to discuss my ailment, and other things which could be affecting my troubled body. Christine's care in application of the treatment was delicate and thoughtful. After my first treatment, I found relief. After additional treatments, I regained full mobility of my arm and found a sense of calm. I recommend being treated with acupuncture. The science of eastern medicine is very old and makes a great deal of sense. It helped me not once but many times. I am very happy with the results and continue to refer people to Christine. I am very happy that I have found my acupuncturist."
~ Naomi Olenek, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Loss of feeling in Pinky Finger
"I found myself at Christine's practice at the encouragement of my wife, who believed acupuncture could help me. Over a period of time, I started to lose feeling in my small finger which was only exacerbated by a shooting pain and raised tendons in the palm of my hand. Like most, I was skeptical that this form of medicine would help me. I thought I would give it a try as I was tired of dropping things and was missing playing my guitar, as the discomfort was too much. After my first treatment, I found some relief. After additional treatments and other techniques which were applied as part of the practice, I regained full use of my finger and hand. I found acupuncture to be an amazing form of medicine which I would consider using again to help aid other ailments. Christine's knowledge of the science is one that I trust. I am extremely grateful for her help. I am very satistied with her treatments and refer others to her for help."
~ Sandro Malagola, Ponte Vedra, Florida
"I suffer from ankylosing spondylitis which causes severe pain in the spine and neck. I just started receiving acupuncture and have been finally getting some pain relief. I definitely plan to continue in order to get more relief. After a treatment, I am less stiff and the pain is greatly improved. I definitely plan to refer people to Christine for acupuncture. I am very happy I found A Way of Life Acupuncture. My only regret is that I waited so long. Dr. Yastrzemski is very skilled and knowledgable in her field. The acupuncture table is very comfortable, even for someone with back problems. The procedure is pain-free and the 45-minutes you are there are extremely relaxing. I fell asleep and did not want my time to be up."
~ Cindi Glennan, Jacksonville, Florida
Cough / Sinus Issues/ Overall Well-Being
" I came to A Way of Life Acupuncture suffering from a horrible cough, difficulty breathing, and sinus congestion. I was looking to improve my overall health and strengthen my immune system. Since having acupuncture, I am completely better. I am not coughing, have minimal congestion, and no difficulty breathing. I feel like my normal self and no longer need to stay in bed. I am able to care for my young children without difficulty. I am very satistified with the care received at A Way of Life Acupuncture. I definitely recommend Christine to my friends and family."
~ Laurie, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Hyper-thyroidism and Stress
"I suffered from high stress and hyperthyroidism. I have noticed that since having treatments with Christine there is an immediate reduction in my stress and nervousness during and after my session. I look so forward to my appointments. I decided that I did not want to medicate myself or radiating my thyroid, so acupuncture was an alternative treatment that works for me. My hair is no longer falling out (like it was prior to acupuncture) and I feel my thyroid is more balanced. I definitely recommend acupuncture at A Way of Life Acupuncture. Christine exceeded all of my expectations. I wish insurance would cover the treatments so I could come more often than I do."
~ Alison L., Ponte Vedra, Florida
Gift Certificate
"I received a gift certificate from a family member to try acupuncture at A Way of Life Acupuncture. It was my first experience with acupuncture. I immediately felt a sense of relaxation and well-being after the needles were inserted. I noticed my head and sinuses were completely open. I felt relief in my shoulders and legs, the two body areas on which I was concentrating during that session. I was very pleased with the experience and hope to return soon as I found this first acupuncture experience to be very beneficial both physically and mentally."
~ J.D. Scott, Jacksonville, Florida
Carcinoid Tumors / Ankle Issues
"I started acupuncture to help with carcinoid tumors and issues with my ankles. Since having acupuncture, I have a feeling of wellness and smoothness leading to relaxation and a cessation of ankle pain. I continue referring friends and family to A Way of Life Acupuncture as I have been very satisfied with the quality of care."
~ Carolee Bertisch, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Swollen Lymph Nodes and Addiction
"I originally came into A Way of Life Acupuncture seeking help with swollen lymph nodes and addiction to nicotine gum and diet coke. Since starting acupuncture, the more treatments I have had I have felt more relaxed and better overall. When I begin to feel stressed out, I vision myself being in the relaxed state in your office which helps me to unwind. I definitely recommend A Way of Life Acupuncture to friends and family members as I am very satisfied in the quality of care."
~ Penelope, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Torn Meniscus
"I had a torn meniscus for which surgery was the orthopod's solution. Being a nurse, I consider surgery to be a last solution, so I tried physical therapy, which helped somewhat while I did the stretches. As soon as I stopped, the pain and swelling was still present. Before a trip to Europe, I tried cortisone. I did get relief for 4 weeks. My 2nd injection only lasted 1 week. That is when I decided to give acupuncture a try. My kneww shows no swelling, nor any pain and I am back to walking the beach.
I have already referred many friends to A Way of Life Acupuncture. Acupuncture is easy and painless. For 1 hour, I am in total relaxation. I love it!"
~ Beverly Carrera, RN, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Knee / Back Pain
"I was in a work related accident 7 years ago. After two years of physical therapy, arthroscopy on both knees and treatments for my back, the doctor said 'you are the best that you will ever get and you must learn to live with it.' After roughly 5 years of 'dealing with the pain' and multiple prescriptions, I woke up one day in November 2009 with more pain than I had on the day of the accident. After being bed ridden for a week, I figured anything is better than what I have been doing. I was referred to Christine at A Way of Life Acupuncture by a long-time friend. After my first treatment with Christine, I was not only out of bed, I was back to my favorite past time, bowling. It was the best decision to date that I have made for the frequent major pains in my back and knees.
I wish that I had the time to get acupuncture more frequently. If I let too much time between appointments, the pain gets bad enought to put me down for days at a time. When that happens, I schedule an appointment with Christine and not only is the therapy very relaxing, but it also takes my pain level to almost zero. Every visit reminds me that I should be going more frequently, but even if I can not, the acupuncture still takes the pain away in a single treatment.
I refer everyone I know to A Way of Life Acupuncture. Unfortunately, many of my friends are not believers yet. One day they will be in need of an alternative treatment and they will see that acupuncture will work for them. Christine asks questions, listens to your problems and with a spin of a needle or placing a needle in different places, she will make the pain go away.
I have never been to another acupuncture because Christine has always listened to my problems, fixed the issues, and never given me any grief. I will continue to visit A Way of Life Acupuncture as long as my problems persist. I know they will take care of me with a smile on their face. Thank you, Christine, and see you soon."
~ Brian M. Archie, Jacksonville, Florida
Migraines / Fibromyalgia
"I started coming to A Way of Life Acupuncture for migraines. I have suffered from them for most of my adult life. Normally I have 6-8 migraines a month. In August 2010, I hat the worst migraine I have ever experienced and suddenly a few days later, I lost my mother. I began having migraines on a daily basis for over a month. I contacted A Way of Life Acupuncture from a friend's suggestion and decided to give acupuncture a try. From the very first treatment, I have felt better. The overal feeling of well-being was instant. I have been seeing her since October and the frequency of the migraines reduce every week. It has been 3 or 4 weeks since I have had a migraine. I have also noticed that when I do get one, they are not as intense. If I can not make it to Christine, my prescription migraine medication usually takes care of the headache in one does. Sometimes all it takes is a heating pad to make the migraine go away. I have never felt this good in my life.
During my initial visit with Christine for migraines, we discussed other health issues I was experiencing. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2008 and have been taking 8-10 pills daily to control the pain. After starting my treatments, within the first few months I weaned myself off the pain meds completely and I feel wonderful. Not only do I not have pain, I have so much energy to exercise and have been losing weight. I was also able to walk in the Susan G Komen 5k this year, which I had missed the last two years because I could not walk that far.
I feel very comfortable referring friends and family to Christine, as I am 100% satisfied with my experience at A Way of Life Acupuncture. I have never felt better in my life and my quality of life has improved so much in such a short period of time, my friends and family are amazed."
~ Wendy Morgan, Jacksonville, Florida
Children's Wellness
"I started coming to A Way of Life Acupuncture for my children's overall wellness. We do not want to raise our children on antibiotics and turned to Traditional Chinese Medicine to help. My son’s ear infections started around 9 months old and gradually shifted to recurring tonsillitis around the ages of 3-4 years. Due to continuous infections, we opted for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy just before his 5th birthday. I could not understand what was happening. I thought I was doing everything to promote health and wellness for my family...great nutrition, breast-feeding, vitamins, herbs...yet something was still out of balance for him. Thankfully, we discovered Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) two years ago. He wasn’t quite ready for acupuncture needles at age 5, but there are many components to Chinese Medicine that can help children until they are ready for acupuncture. Christine is excellent with children and able to introduce children to acupuncture and TCM in a very non-intrusive, gentle manner. A few months ago, my children crossed over into full-blown acupuncture treatments because Christine has done such a fabulous job introducing it to them and making them feel safe. Now, my almost 7-year-old and 5-year-old talk about how many needles they are going to get on our way to the session. Our 7-year-old hasn’t been on an antibiotic since we started Chinese Medicine two years ago, and our 5-year-old has never been on one...we hope to keep it that way and plan on sticking with it. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the many benefits it has given our family."
~ Anita Nall Richesson
Olympic Triple Medalist, Founder of PhenomeNALL Nutrition
Nutrition Consultant for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Chiari Malformation with Syrnx / Migraines / Menstrual Issues
"Chiari Malformation with Syrnx is a fluid cyst on the spinal cord caused by crowding at the base of my skull. The neurosurgeon said a cranial decompression surgery was my only option. I decided to try acupuncture. Since receiving acupuncture treatments with Christine at A Way of Life Acupuncture, I have avoided the cranial decompression surgery and reduced the pressure on the spine and eradicating the fluid cyst. Within 6 months the cyst was smaller in size and by 1 year, the cyst was completely gone. My neurosurgeon said there is no other case of the cyst going away without surgery. (I have 2 MRI's that prove a complete reduction of the spinal cyst.)
Prior to starting acupuncture, I also suffered severe migraines, extreme menstrual cramps, headaches and vomiting before and during menstruation. I have far less frequent migraines with regular stress management treatments. When I do have an active migraine, Christine is able to resolve the migraine that prior trips to the ER could not resolve. Christine has also helped to alleviate the various menstrual issues. I am very satisfied with my treatments with Christine and refer friends and family to see her."
~ Hollie McKitrick, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (CRPS) / Migraines / Fibromyalgia / Pain Med Withdrawal
"My husband actually sought out Christine’s help due to my progressive decline in health. I
was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/CRPS and the medical
doctors, although compassionate, where only able to minimize my symptoms
with narcotic painkillers. Acupuncture and herbs have helped me manage my pain levels without the mind-numbing effects of the medications. In
fact, the help given by Christine has enabled me to go through the
painful process of withdrawing off all medications without being
hospitalized. She helped me manage the nausea, balance/dizziness, muscular aches, and ringing in the ears.
The doctors even added fibromyalgia to the list of diagnosis for my body of pain. Upon
asking them what they can do to help it, I was again told they could
manage the pain with medication but no cure was available. Treating
symptoms is not the approach I was looking for, so acupuncture is more
in line with what I wanted from my health care professional…a fix it/get
me better at the core level mentality. Treatment has been helpful and will hopefully bring a full resolve to the issues.
Sadly,
chronic health issues and severe pain had given me a very dismal
outlook on life thus antidepressants were also prescribed by my
physician. I had even tried numerous health remedies on my own without success. Now, with the acupuncture and herbs, I’m off those medications too and I’m free from the resulting side effects of sleepiness.
Another
miracle, while seeking help from acupuncture for my other health
problems, has been to come to the office with a migraine headache and
the nausea that accompanies such beasts then within a few minutes of
treatment the headache is completely gone or decreased enough to
function fully. Furthermore, due to my ongoing treatments
Christine has helped with acute health issues such as bronchitis,
sinusitis, and allergies.
Christine blends professionalism, care, and love for her clients like no other physician does. I give her an 11 on a scale of 1-10. Her knowledge is remarkable and she is able to apply it because she really listens to your concerns & needs. With all the help I’ve received at A Way of Life, my quality of life has improved dramatically. In fact…I want to live again. I can continue to get better and I will. I have hope for tomorrow."
~ Stephanie D. Scarborough, Jacksonville, Florida
Lower Back Pain
“The treatments I received at A Way of Life Acupuncture for my lower back pain were very successful and I was able to resume normal activities within a few days. I’ve been treated by several other acupuncturists in the Washington DC area in the past – including a physician - so I knew that acupuncture could be helpful to me when I wrenched my back last winter. However I must say that Christine’s treatments were by far the most effective of any I’ve had before. Some people just have a healing touch and Christine is certainly one of those people. The time she takes to understand the nuances of each ailment before treatment and also the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere at A Way of Life combined make her treatments highly effective. I am 100% satisfied with my treatments and continue to recommend friends and family to Christine for treatments.”
~ P. Mallard, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Sciatic Nerve Pain
"I had never considered acupuncture before in all of my 57 years. However, I started suffering from sciaticnerve pain (starting in my lower back and
shooting down my right leg all the way to my foot), for about 6 months
that continued to grow progressively worse. I am not big on doctors,
but, when the pain started to affect my ability to walk, I finally went
in to see my medical doctor. After the gamut of x-ray's, mri's, etc.,
surgery was being recommended. I decided to check less invasive options first. I went for soft tissue manipulation.
This only doubled my pain. Then, I heard about acupuncture. I
researched info on the Internet and discovered :"Way of Life
Acupuncture" with Christine Yastrzemski. I was impressed with her
educational background and her web site.
After just the first session, I was
sold. The pain diminished by almost half. I felt relaxed and energized
at the same time. With each session, I feel better. I have been going
about a month and plan on continuing a maintenance schedule. My
symptoms are 95% gone! What else can I say? I haven't felt this good
in years! Christine also has great advice and herbs, oils and creams to
help with other types of problems. I feel like I discovered the "fountain of youth"!"
~ Mary Ellen Mulligan, Jacksonville, Florida
Jaw Dislocation
“I was hit by a basketball on the left side of my face and my jaw would slide out or dislocate at night while sleeping. I went to my dentist who prescribed a bite guard, which did not help. I also went to 3 different TMJ specialist who all recommended a various expensive procedures or different bit guard. One Orthodontist prescribed a muscle relaxer, steroid and Naproxen. None helped at all. After 5 weeks of waking up 2- 5 times every night, I decided to contact A Way of Life Acupuncture.
After several “needles” were placed in my legs, arms, hands and feet, my jaw which was no longer aligned properly (my bite was off due to inflammation and my disk in the condyle joint was slipping forward), finally came aligned after 15 minutes!. Very slowly I was able to close my mouth with my bite properly aligned. The effects lasted for 3 days, which included sound sleep at night with my jaw slipping out only once. After two more treatments, my jaw slipped only once since February 15th! I am extremely satisfied with my treatments and the results. I would absolutely recommend friends and family to A Way of Life Acupuncture.”
~ Paul Leone, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Multiple Pains in Body
"I suffered from multiple pains in my body. A friend of mine recommended acupuncture as a possible way to alleviate these pains. They mentioned seeing Christine Yastrzemski and told me of her professional assistance with very good results. I discussed my health situation with Christine at length and she advised me on the procedure and what can be done. She started the acupuncture treatment and after only three sessions, I felt noticeable improvement. Even my medical doctor was surprised by the unexpected results and improvements of the condition which Christine is treating. My experience of Christine Yastrzemski is that she is highly professional with a pleasant personality."
~ Mousa O., Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Shoulder Pain / Sciatic Pain
"I came to A Way of Life Acupuncture for unbearable aches and pains in my shoulders and right arm. I went in on a Monday afternoon for a treatment. Within 30 minutes of my first treatment for my left shoulder, I felt so much better. The pain was not so severe and I was able to look over my left shoulder and drive. By the next day, I was 100% pain-free. My next treatment was on Friday of the same week for a follow-up visit. Within 48 hours, I was 100% pain-free and the pain in my shoulder and right arm has not returned.
A few weeks later, I began having pain in my right hip from my sciatic nerve. The pain was so bad I could not roll over on my right side and at times I could not walk. I went back to A Way of Life Acupuncture for treatment. When I arrived, I was in tears and Christine immediately began to work on the pain. Within 15 minutes, the pain had let up enough to allow me to relax so she could continue with the treatment. By the end of the treatment, I was able to roll over on my side and walk without any pain. Along with the treatment, Christine provided creams and supplements. Within a week, I was pain-free and could function again without fear of the pain. I would absolutely recommend Christine for acupuncture, as she has made an acupuncture believer out of me. I am very satisfied with my treatments as they were wonderful and so relaxing. After Christine has all the needles in me, I am able to nap for the rest of my visit. It is a great place."
~ Margaret Brannen, Jacksonville, Florida
Severe Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) / Stress Management
"This is my first experience with acupuncture. I have had severe gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and a friend recommended I see Christine as I was not having much success with traditional treatments. When I walked in the door, I noticed the environment is very calming and relaxing. Christine is a wonderful person and is extremely knowledgeable. She really listened to my concerns and began treatment. I immediately felt very relaxed, which I have not experienced in quite some time! I have been coming for treatments now for about five months and I have really noticed an improvement in symptoms. Most importantly, I feel that acupuncture has significantly reduced my stress levels. Christine has been great about working in conjunction with any medications or treatments I have been on. I will continue regular acupuncture therapy as I have noticed a dramatic difference in how I feel and believe I will continue to make improvements. I recommend that anyone interested in feeling better to give acupuncture a try."
~ C. Seda, Jacksonville, Florida
Multiple Ailments
"I came to A Way of Life Acupuncture for Wholistic Health, specifically energy balance, severe back pain, numbness in my hands and chronic ovarian cysts. The improvements were immediately noticeable -- from the calmness of my anxiety to actually physically feeling blocked energy channels open up, ovarian cysts have not returned and general well-being has improved. I tell everyone about Christine as I found her to be extremely knowledgeable, sensitive, kind, calming and caring about her patients. I never felt as if she was trying to "sell me anything." She genuinely cares about her patients and wants to help them achieve wholistic wellness and a revised and renewed approach to life overall. All in all, I am extremely satisfied with my treatments at A Way of Life Acupuncture."
~ Meredith Lynam, Jacksonville, Florida
Sciatic Nerve Pain
"I came to A Way of Life Acupuncture with severe sciatic nerve pain that radiated to my groin and upper right leg (hamstring) and buttock. I could not walk more than 200 yards and had severe right leg weakness and occasional collapse of the right leg. After 6 months of treatment, I had 100% relief of pain and returned to all normal activities, including golf, tennis and cycling. I am very comfortable referring friends to A Way of Life Acupuncture and am 100% satisfied with my treatments."
~ Joseph Antelo, St. Augustine, Florida
Induce Labor
“I have been a patient at A Way of Life Acupuncture for over a year. I was a week overdue and wanted to have natural childbirth. I would have had to be induced if I did not go into labor within the week so I made an appt to have a treatment to see if labor would start in a more natural way. My appt was in the late morning and I went into labor about 10 hours later. My labor was fabulous! One hour of contractions with only the last 10 min being intense. I believe the treatment helped open both my body and mind to giving birth to my son. I was able to labor peacefully knowing my body was in charge and having respect for it. Honoring our bodies is so important and I believe taking that time out for myself that morning was the key to moving forward in labor. I am very comfortable referring friends and family to A Way of Life Acupuncture. I feel that Christine has been able to help me in whatever brings me to the office. She has a genuine desire to help people.”
~ Katie Hnath, Ponte Vedra, Florida
