I had a black dog, his name was depression

In previous posts I have written about the effect that stress and unresolved anger can have on physical and emotional health. Today I’d like to discuss depression. From the point of view of Chinese medicine, depression is the result of unresolved emotions (especially anger) turned inward and “deep-pressed”. When the energy of anger is not allowed to motive us to change our lives and relationships, the eventual result is the energetic collapse that is characteristic of depression. Depressed individuals feel cut off... [Read more...]

Acupuncture for pain

Although acupuncture is effective for a wide variety of conditions, it is mostly widely renown in the United States as a treatment for pain. In general, there are three types of pain patients who walk in the door of an acupuncture clinic: Patients with acute pain – This type of pain is typically the result of an injury. A good example would be an ankle sprain. In this case, pain serves as an alarm that signals you to rest and protect the painful area long enough for it to heal. In a way that is not yet understood by science, acupuncture... [Read more...]

Will acupuncture help with my condition?

There are seven key benefits of acupuncture: It relieves pain. It regulates immune function. It regulates and balances hormones. It elevates mood. It relaxes muscles. It eliminates stress. It enhances mental clarity. All of these factors taken together can be summed up by stating that acupuncture promotes dynamic balance in the human body, a condition called homeostasis, thereby enhancing the body’s ability to heal itself. For this reason, acupuncture is a valuable complement to conventional medical treatment of almost any condition.... [Read more...]

Pat Howard, Waco TX

“All my life I have had pain from skeletal and joint problems – with osteoporosis, scoliosis, a slipped disc, and fibromyalgia.  I had great help from yoga, chiropractic, massage, and a rheumatologist, but still endured almost constant pain.  Finally, I added acupuncture with Kristen Horner and was amazed at the relief I received from the painless sessions.  I have been impressed with Kristen’s professional and empathic approach and by her knowledge and expertise.  I have much less joint and muscle pain now and have been... [Read more...]

Eleanor Pilcher, Hewitt TX

“In the spring of 2006 I had severe back problems, this had been going on for many years.  I had been through four spine surgeries, physical therapy, chiropractors, neurologists, and neurosurgeons but with little relief.  I was referred to Kristen by a friend and fortunately she started treating me with acupuncture.  It has been a difficult problem but I have had more relief from acupuncture than anything I’ve tried.  Kristen has been so supportive through many emotional problems as well; she is very knowledgeable about the... [Read more...]

Holly Bryant, Moody TX

“As a child my nervous system began its long trek toward becoming more sensitive and more painful. Then about ten years ago when I was in my 40s, the stress of it manifested into depression, severe fibromyalgia, and hypothyroidism. You can imagine all of the symptoms spiraling and becoming chaotic, since most of them have similar effects. I was prescribed one drug after another after another for decades until nothing worked. My world was in upheaval, and I didn’t know where to turn next. A very trusted friend recommended Kristen... [Read more...]

Nicole Page, Waco TX (baby girl born 3/2007)

“After many months of struggling with fertility drugs and depression, I decided to give acupuncture a try and called Kristen on my doctor’s recommendation. Within a few weeks of beginning treatment I felt healthier, slept better, and felt more like myself again. After only a month of working with Kristen, I became pregnant and am now anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first child! Kristen was a tremendous source of support and knowledge for me and I feel extremely fortunate to have met her. I highly recommend her and believe... [Read more...]