Success Stories & Testimonials

These thoughtful patients took the time to write their acupuncture success story, hoping to inspire those who are considering treatments.

Abdominal Pain (ovarian cyst and unexplained stomach pain):

I have been trying to conceive for about 6 months, but because of suffering from severe ovarian cyst, I had become worried about my fertility, which brought me to Dawn Balusik. For the last year, I would have an extremely painful and large cyst every month. Neither my doctor nor my OB/GYN could help with the cause or fix them from getting so large, so, I would suffer from pain for about 2 weeks out of each month.

On the day of my first scheduled appointment with Dawn, I happened to have a flare-up of another problem. I have had 5 surgeries resulting from a ruptured appendix and later gall bladder removal. After that, I started suffering from a severe stomach pain and swelling. This would happen almost daily for approximately 2 years. I would never know when it was going to happen and when it did, I was in so much pain that I would cry and have to take prescription pain pills to make it stop. I had been hospitalized twice and had multiple tests like upper GI’s, Cat Scans, MRI, blood test, urine test, endoscopy, all with no avail to what the cause was. I had been working with my regular doctor and a specialist who finally referred me to Mayo Clinic for further diagnosis. There is an extremely long waiting list to get in.

I didn’t realize that this was also something Dawn could help with. So, as I was in pain, I started telling her about both of my problems, always being told that there was no way that the two areas could be connected. After my first week of acupuncture, following the diet and taking the herbs, I was already seeing a huge improvement, from having pain daily to just one time. After three weeks of treatment, I have had no more stomach pain, and my first month without an ovarian cyst in over a year. I couldn’t be happier. I only wish that I would have found Dawn sooner, it would have saved me many years of pain, suffering and frustration with my doctors.

- Heather C., Seminole, FL

Allergies / Sinus:

For the last 20+ years, I have been suffering from allergies and severe sinus infections, pressure and headaches. These would routinely flair up in the spring and fall months. When I moved to Florida 7 years ago, I was having flair ups almost year round, which at times were so debilitating that I had to miss days at work and avoid enjoying the beautiful outdoor activities in Florida like golf, swimming and picnics. I lived on allergy medicines, nasal inhalers and decongestants. It seemed I was always at the doctor for my allergies or a bronchial or sinus infection.

I began seeing Dawn Balusik in June 2005 and have been symptom-free since! Amazing! I can now enjoy activities outdoors, even on days with high pollen counts. As long as I have routine acupuncture and take my Chinese herbs, I remain free from my past allergies and sinus troubles. I haven't seen my family doctor for any sinus/allergy issues since treatment with Dawn began, and I no longer take any prescription or over-the-counter meds for allergies.

Before having treatments with Dawn, I was not a believer in acupuncture and was quite skeptical. As a matter of fact, I am terrified of needles, so I was not looking forward to the first treatment. Needless to say, Dawn is extremely professional, compassionate and puts you at ease immediately. The treatments are actually very relaxing, I usually fall asleep or meditate, and I look forward to them! I saw relief from my symptoms in just a couple of treatments. What is even more amazing to me, is how much better I feel in general after my treatments. I am now a firm believer in the benefits of acupuncture and Oriental medicine to my overall health and wellness!

Thank you Dawn for giving me my life back!

- Ellen C., Clearwater, FL

Low Back Pain:

I am a 39 year old firefighter paramedic and I have a herniated disc at the L5/S1 level of my spine.(low back) I injured my back and saw several traditional doctors looking for solutions. My pain lingered for over a year. I tried physical therapy, medications, spine injections, chiropractic, and massage. NOTHING helped. My pain interfered with daily activities. I could not even do simple tasks around my house without paying the price of pain. Several "specialists" told me I needed surgery. Two "specialists" told me I would just have to live with the pain. UNACCEPTABLE!

A friend of mine at church suggested I go see Dr. Dawn. I was very skeptical but I went as a last resort. I truly was desperate. Dawn did her thing and after the first visit I felt 80 percent better. Visit number 2, I was 99 percent better. Visit number 3, 100 percent! It has been 4 years since my last treatment and I have not had ANY pain since. The reason it took me 4 years to write this testimonial is because I wanted to make sure that what Dawn did was not a temporary fix. Keep in mind, I had major pain everyday for over a year and no other doctors could help me. Now, I lift weights, run, surf, play sports, coach soccer, lift patients, hold my children, and enjoy life without pain!

Thank you Dr. Dawn for giving me my life back.

- Randy C., Palm Harbor, FL

Low Back Pain / Sciatica:

Treatment for my condition began 10-17-07 after having had moderate to severe pain in my right leg since early July. The pain was caused by a pinched sciatic nerve. I initially sought treatment from my primary care physician. My daily routine consisted of a 12 hr. work schedule which caused significant pain followed by pain relievers at bedtime and starting the cycle over again the next day. My physician referred me to his colleague in pain management. I tried 2 pain relievers as well as steroids and medication for nerve pain. These provided some temporary relief. Since rest and medication had minimal and temporary effect we moved to the next level. I had steroid nerve block injections in the involved spinal area. This again provided some relief, however I still had significant pain. While getting treatment a family member related my situation to Dr. Balusik who indicated the she had recently started using a new acupuncture technique for this kind of condition. I had treatment and almost immediately the pain was gone. Two additional treatments by Dr. Balusik produced complete relief. I had sought treatment from Dr. Balusik on previous occasions for other maladies so I was familiar with acupuncture and therapeutic massage but this treatment method produced significant and virtually immediate relief.

Since lower back pain is one of the most common problems for which people seek relief. I would certainly recommend a visit to Dr. Balusik for treatment using the Tan Balance method as a first option.

I am a health care professional who had some initial skepticism about acupuncture but the results have been significant to the extent that medication is no longer necessary and the debilitating effects of the pain are gone.

To be treated in an atmosphere of compassion and concern for the whole person is an option I will certainly be using again. Dr. Balusik treats the whole person. She explains her methods and the intended results. She does not denigrate your previous experiences. She simply offers treatment and the results speak for themselves.

- Dennis T., Palm Harbor, FL

Diarrhea:

Dear Dawn, you saved my trip! As you know, I had been fighting severe intestinal problems for two weeks when I came to you. My Doctor's advise was to "eat what you want, you're going to be miserable for quite a while, your system will eventually get back to normal, but I don't recommend you get on a plane this week!" In addition to that, his tests showed nothing. I was afraid to leave home and I made it to your office in desperation after 5 straight days of being housebound.

During the acupuncture treatment I could feel my system calming down for the first time in two weeks. The very next day I was able to handle a 9-hour trip (including a delayed flight which caused a missed connection and a long wait). The herbs you prescribed have continued to keep my system manageable and comfortable. I am still amazed at the difference you made. Thank you so much for restoring my quality of life and for helping me to be with my parents on a very special day.

You are incredible!

- Meredith F., Tampa, FL

Diverticulitis:

My name is Barbara and I am a Registered Nurse. I have a long history of diverticulitis with intermittent mild attacks for the past 14 years. Other than that, I have enjoyed extremely good health. On November 1, 2005, I was awakened in the middle of the night with excruciating Lower Left Quadrant (abdomen) pain, backache, and fever. I was in bed for 3 days and over the next 2 weeks slowly felt better but had not regained my energy or usual feeling of good health.

On November 17th I had my first appointment with Dawn Balusik. Dawn assessed my body and I received my first acupuncture treatment.. Over the next 3 weeks I saw her weekly, took the prescribed herbs and homeopathic compounds and by the third week the Left Lower Quadrant pain had subsided, my gastrointestinal functioning had returned to normal and my energy had returned. It is now the second week in January and while I continue treatment every 3 weeks, I finally feel like my old self. I am thrilled at my recovery rate via Dawn's expertise and without the use of drugs or more invasive types of treatment.

Sincerely,

- Barbara S., Palm Harbor, FL

Dizziness:

I am a 2x breast cancer survivor, 1999 and 2004. I've had episodes of severe dizziness in 1996 and again in 2003. In 2003 the symptoms were somewhat resolved with a long-term detox program. In early summer 2005 I had significant episodes of dizziness. I went to a general practice MD who was stumped after a brain MRI, blood tests, etc. I asked the MD what she thought of acupuncture and if it was worth a try. The MD stated that she did not fully understand it but that she had known of positive results. We agreed I would try acupuncture prior to the battery of tilt table tests.

I was referred to Dawn Balusik's office by a friend. Dawn and I discussed my history and she recommended I try acupuncture / massage and two herbal blends. When I asked Dawn if acupuncture would work for the dizziness she believed there was a good possibility, but I would know for sure after a few treatments. After 2 or 3 treatments the dizziness was minimized. After a month or so of once a week treatments the symptoms have been resolved. I now have a treatment once a month and will work with Dawn to determine the frequency of treatments in the future. I will continue the simple herbal regime (less then 1/8 of teaspoon in AM). Dawn has also been working with me to resolve a sports-related hip flexor soreness.

- Lisa H., Clearwater, FL

Migraine Headaches:

I started acupuncture in October 2007, after my second epileptic seizure, which resulted in post-concussion syndrome with migraine headaches. The headaches would start mildly each morning and progressively get worse until they became excruciating by evening. The doctors increased medication that only created lethargy, diminished my appetite, and created an ability to sleep 16 hours daily. Any stress sent me into a pounding migraine.

A good friend recommended Dr. Dawn. She analyzed my medical profile very carefully and treated me immediately with my first acupuncture session on the first appointment. Within two appointments, my headaches started to feel less intense, much like their rough edge were being sanded down. By the end of the year, my headaches are infrequent and manageable by aspirin. I highly recommend Dr. Dawn’s gentle methods of practice to anyone in need of pain management.

- Susan H., Tampa, FL

Infertility:

Follow this link to our Infertility success stories.

Neck Pain:

I started seeing Dawn Balusik in November 2005 for chronic neck pain. I suffered from whiplash: I had neck pain during the day, and a hard time getting comfortable to sleep. I had been on pain medicines, gone to physical therapy, and was also seeing a chiropractor, which gave me some relief.

I, however, felt that I was only masking the problem, and the pain would always return. After having acupuncture treatments with Dawn Balusik for two months, I am now free of neck pain and only go for maintenance treatments. She made me feel very comfortable and the treatments are painless and very relaxing. I believe in Oriental Medicine because it treats a person from the inside. I will always incorporate acupuncture into my lifestyle of staying healthy and pain free.

- Renee C., Clearwater, FL

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD):

My name is Hazmin F. I have been [getting acupuncture] for about 2 years now. I have been going to Dawn Balusik for probably the last 8 months. I have RSD. For me that only means pain. Pain in my arm. Pain in my hand. In my shoulders. In my back. I injured my right wrist and arm in 2003. I saw a physical therapist for a year, had 2 cortisone shots and then had surgery. That escalated into RSD, which spiraled the pain out of control, and I STILL had no use of my hand, which was what the surgery was for.

I was on Bextra, Vicadin, the highest dosage of Advil. My orthopedist gave up on me and referred me to pain management, where they recommended a series of nerve block injections in my neck that would basically shut down the nervous system, hoping it would "reboot" and the RSD would go away. When I refused, he recommended Neurontin, an anti-seizure drug. I refused, so he recommended Gabitril, a milder anti-seizure drug. When I asked how long I would have to be on it, he said "forever"; I refused - making it only the third time in my life I said "No" to a recommended treatment by a Western-based physician.

That's when I left and made an appointment for acupuncture, which was recommended to me by a friend. Before my treatments, I couldn't cook. I couldn't braid my daughter's hair. I couldn't fold clothes. I couldn't even cut my own food. I typed only with my left hand (a real pain). I gave up on my passion - playing the piano.

Now I can do most everything, as long as I keep things in moderation. I planted a bromeliad garden with my daughter this weekend - What joy! I was sore for a day, but today, I am typing this note WITH BOTH HANDS. I know I wouldn't be at the level of recovery that I am without the acupuncture and massage.

I can't express enough my appreciation not only for the holistic approach and the amazing intuitiveness and expertise, but also for the tremendous amount of care and love that goes into the treatments. I love Dawn's quiet strength. Of all the methods of treatment I have received at that office, I think my body has responded the most to her massage, cupping and gua sha. I say that, but acupuncture has been wonderful, along with the Chinese herbs I have used along the way. I rely on Dawn's expertise week to week to recommend the treatment needed, and just watch with amazement how my body responds and heals to her touch.

- Hazmin F., Palm Harbor, FL

Sciatica:

I began treatment with Dawn Balusik in Oct 2004. I had been suffering from sciatica since May, and had been to my doctor, was taking the maximum amount of Motrin daily, and going to physical therapy, with no results. I was unable to sleep in my bed, unable to shave my legs or cut my toenails, and woke up most mornings in great pain.

I noticed a difference in the way I felt after only a couple of treatments, and was totally symptom-free by the end of the treatment period. I have a lot of faith in Dawn's abilities, as she has helped me in many ways. At the start of the flu season, she gave me herbs to take each morning, and I am the only one in my family who didn't get sick. I am currently having a problem with my shoulder, and when I get acupuncture I get relief from the pain, am healing nicely, and I'm sure that with a few more treatments, this too will be a thing of the past. My thanks to Dawn for using her extensive knowledge and training to make me well.

- Janet P., Holiday, FL

Tendinitis / Wrist Pain:

I started treatment with Dawn Balusik, AP, DOM, LMT on October 5, 2005. I had tendinitis in my right wrist, shortly after my Carpal Tunnel surgery. My doctor said I would need another surgery to take care of it. I did not want to have another surgery.

I had the problem for about a month before I came to see Dawn Balusik. A friend told me about her and how she helped her. I made an appointment to see Dawn. I could not write or play golf (which I enjoy very much.) Dawn gave me my first treatment on Oct 5, 2005. After six treatments I started to be able to at least start writing with no pain. Four more treatments later I was out playing golf and doing things without pain.

Dawn Balusik also does treatment for my sinuses, with which I have had a problem with for years. Now I take herbs for my sinuses with some acupuncture treatments. I also told Dawn about my migraines. She said she would be able to help me with them. She did help by a few treatments and I now take herbs for them. It is so great not having migraines. I have told many friends about Dawn and how she's helped me in so many ways. Some of my friends are thinking about using her. I hope they do because she is very good in all she does.

- Sharon B., Clearwater, FL

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