{"id":10680,"date":"2021-09-19T04:48:47","date_gmt":"2021-09-19T04:48:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chewhs.org\/our-patient-stories-kevin\/"},"modified":"2022-04-06T23:17:12","modified_gmt":"2022-04-06T23:17:12","slug":"our-patient-stories-kevin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chewhs.org\/zh-hant\/our-patient-stories-kevin\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Patient Stories- Kevin"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"image_pdf\"Download PDF<\/span><\/a>\"image_print\"Print this page<\/span><\/a><\/div>[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_custom_heading text=”Traditional Chinese Medicine Transforms Health for SF International Relations Professional” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]Kevin O\u2019Donnell made his first acupuncture appointment to resolve a numbing sensation he was experiencing in his left arm and left leg. He had no intention of transforming his lifestyle. But over the past eight months since he started treatment with Emily Yuen, L.Ac, he\u2019s not only healed the numbness naturally, but also lost more than 15 pounds, adopted a consistent exercise routine, and gained loads of energy and strength.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was skeptical at first, but now I am a big believer that Traditional Chinese Medicine equips you with the tools to manage your own health,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

An Assistant for Intergovernmental Affairs at the Consulate General of Japan, Kevin works in the San Francisco Financial District office, liaising with local and state governments, and coordinating the itineraries of incoming Japanese delegations. He was sitting at his desk one day in late 2018, when he experienced a dull, numb sensation in his left arm and leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was strange and frustrating–and unignorable,\u201d he reflects. Days went by, and the uncomfortable feeling did not go away.<\/p>\n

Kevin tried physical therapy unsuccessfully, followed by a battery of neurological tests including an MRI, electromyography, and musculo-skeletal evaluations to assess his nerve function. Still, there was no diagnosis, and no change.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere I was, my central nervous system clearly announcing that something was wrong. But all Western medicine could tell me was that I had mild carpal tunnel and I should de-stress a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

In February 2019, Kevin made an appointment with Emily Yuen. \u201cAcupuncture is fully covered in my CCHP health plan, so I figured, why not give it a shot?\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin didn\u2019t know what to expect, but felt comfortable at East West Health Services from his very first visit. \u201cThe clinic is very streamlined and modern. The front desk staff is friendly, and the music is relaxing. I enjoy the vibe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emily performed a detailed intake, including a Q&A about diet and lifestyle, and a tongue examination. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the tongue\u2019s appearance is considered to reflect the health of the body\u2019s Qi (energy) meridians. After making some observations, Emily asked Kevin if he consumed a lot of dairy, sugar, alcohol, and fried foods.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, those were my four food groups!\u201d he admits.<\/p>\n

Emily noted that Kevin\u2019s physical symptoms pointed to a deficiency of Spleen Qi. Spleen Qi refers to a specific meridian\u2019s Qi, which helps to manage the body\u2019s digestive system. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, when Spleen Qi is not flowing properly, the digestive system also functions improperly. Certain foods can make internal systems \u201cdamp\u201d. This causes the body to feel phlegmy, sluggish, or swollen.\u00a0Often these symptoms start in the digestive system, but can accumulate and bring stagnation to the rest of the body, causing many other unwanted symptoms.<\/p>\n

To reverse this, Emily suggested a combination of weekly acupuncture treatments plus significant changes in diet. Kevin was nervous about the needles, but Emily explained that a single blood draw needle can hold 30 acupuncture needles inside of it. \u201cThat visual was super reassuring, and allowed me to relax into the treatment,\u201d Kevin recalls.<\/p>\n

Kevin came back weekly for the acupuncture appointments, but found the dietary changes very hard to make. Emily encouraged him to start with small changes, and helped him see the positive effects of these adjustments. This inspired him to do even more. After several months, Kevin was able to cut out 90 percent of the sugar, dairy, and alcohol he had been consuming. \u201cThat\u2019s when I finally started to feel the numbing sensation lessening,\u201d he remembers. But that wasn\u2019t the only thing that changed.<\/p>\n

Kevin felt his digestive system getting stronger; he was feeling lighter and less queasy in the mornings. He had lost 15 pounds, and experienced a boost in his energy. As a result, he joined a soccer league and practiced weekly. That felt really good, so he also joined a volleyball league. Kevin was now playing team sports twice a week, incorporating consistent physical exercise into his healthier lifestyle.<\/p>\n

\u201cTraditional Chinese Medicine has been transformational. It has taken a lot of self-discipline, and I wouldn\u2019t have been able to do it without Emily, an experienced acupuncturist who has motivated me along the way.\u201d He encourages people to consider acupuncture for anything from numbness to pain to stress.[\/vc_column_text][nectar_single_testimonial testimonial_style=”basic” image=”10660″ name=”Kevin O\u2019Donnell” quote=”I firmly believe it can help you feel better. It definitely requires more work on your part than just popping a pill, but it is hands down worth it! “][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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