
SUCCESS STORIES
|
-- Ashley Judd
I'm an avid supporter of
acupuncture and consider it a great healing art: it’s a
fundamental part of my positive self-care and wellness. One of the
first things I do upon arriving anywhere to film is to find a terrific
acupuncturist and practitioner of TCM.
In Vancouver, Dr. Melissa Carr has helped me acclimate to the damp
autumn climate as well as support my immune system during the critical
phases of transition when it can be so easy to come down with something.
During the filming of ‘Helen’, in which I play a fragile
woman with major depression, Dr.Carr’s practice of acupuncture
has helped me keep my body, mind and spirit strong, resilient and
flexible.
I so look forward to seeing her each week – and so do my liver and spleen!!
|

|
|
Instead of getting drugs for pain
and stress, I have been relying on Dr. Melissa Carr for
three years now. She is the perfect combination of the
caring, effective alternative care provider and the
mind-boggling skilled medical professional. Melissa is
amazing in any kind of health crisis, but more
importantly, she gives a great tune-up! If you are
feeling stressed, or you are not getting over an
illness, or are in pain, she can help you in balancing
your body and helping it heal. If you do what she tells
you to do you, will get and stay healthier.
I now see acupuncture as an
integral part of my overall health care regime. On top
of being a wonderfully skilled doctor, Melissa is a
caring and joyful person. Office visits are always a
pleasure.
It is so rare that true human
warmth and compassion are coupled with formidable
medical skills. Melissa has been through years of
training and it shows. She sincerely cares about your
health and your progress, just like the old-fashioned
family doctor of the past. I see her regularly and have
recommended her wholeheartedly to friends and clients.
Ellen Kreutz
Inspiring Interiors
A few months ago I began seeing Dr. Melissa
Carr as I had been suffering from back and pelvic pain and wanted to give
acupuncture a try.
Not only was I pain-free within the first 3
days of my first visit, but I have been pain-free since that time. Dr. Carr is
a total professional who took a thorough medical history, but also explained in
detail how acupuncture works and how it would help me. Her patient rooms are
clean and Dr. Carr follows strict hygiene protocols. Acupuncture turned out to
be painless and very relaxing…I look forward to going as I can have a 45 minute
nap!! Dr. Carr also prescribed a herbal tea to help me with my pain and it is
actually not bad, although she had warned me it would taste awful.
Dr. Carr’s office is welcoming and her
staff friendly. She also has a good-sized library on wellness and natural
health, which her patients are welcome to use.
I highly recommend Dr. Carr as an
acupuncturist and Dr. of TCM.
--Meridith Kho,
Owner,
MS Kho Consulting,
North
Vancouver
|
|
|
In January 2008, I had torn my Achilles
tendon while playing indoor soccer. On top of being a painful injury, it is
also a long process to heal. Being a fibrous tendon with limited blood flow to
begin with, it had a lot of scar tissue from the trauma of surgery. I had done
the physiotherapy required when I was able to. It was nearly 4 months before I
could walk properly. I noticed that no matter what I tried, there was a
stiffness that remained.
I had never tried acupuncture before, but
was eager to play soccer again and was willing to try anything. My goal was to
play in a soccer tournament for the May long weekend. Dr. Carr advised that we
had plenty of time to get there. After one treatment, the stiffness was gone! I
had renewed flexibility as I walked out of her office. I booked several
sessions after that initial one and began running and swimming after virtually
no exercise for a year. My confidence came back as I took up soccer again.
Further treatments worked on blood flow as well as other past injuries I had
sustained (a knee in particular).
Dr. Carr showed tremendous care in my
healing process. She would always explain the process she was attempting and
how it would work. Explanations were futile, however, as I would be so relaxed
as she began treatment that I would literally fall asleep as she placed the
needles in my legs. It became my weekly power nap. I would leave with a strange
sensation…a natural high, to say the least.
As May approached I was prepared to play in
the tournament over the long weekend. It was a success, we met my goal and I am
happy to say that I am able to be playing again when I thought the injury I had
sustained would keep me from playing altogether.
I recommend acupuncture to anyone who has
never tried it, in particular Dr. Carr who has a professional demeanour, as
well as a natural healer’s touch. She always greets with a smile and
immediately makes you feel welcome to her office. I look forward to my future
treatments.
Thank you Melissa!
--Alan Gowland,
Owner,
Speedpro Signs,
Burnaby
|
|
|
Dear Dr. Carr,
Yesterday, after mowing my lawn, I pulled
out my weed eater and attacked the 4 foot high long grass and weeds growing
along the ditch in my back alley. It was a tough battle. At the end I had to
crawl out of the ditch covered in weeds, grass and dust, but I crawled out
victorious and rewarded myself with a cold beer in the hot tub. All in all, a
pretty fine day.
Some people may ask what the big deal is,
cutting the grass, trimming the weeds, having a beer outside in the hot tub.
It’s not a big deal to most people; however, it is if you have had allergies to
grass and trees for the last 40 years…
Since I was a kid, mid-June has always been
a nightmare for me, the peak of the allergy season, a season that typically starts
in early May and end in mid-July for me. This is a time most Vancouverties look
forward to, as the sun starts to show its face after months of rain and
darkness. For me, I always wished for a long, wet, rainy and dark spring. It’s
a time I always stayed indoors as much as humanly possible, ideally in
air-conditioned homes and offices to further filter the air. You wouldn’t catch
me sitting outside having a cold beer in the hot tub, let along cutting the
grass and you definitely wouldn’t see me with a weed eater in my hands. Itchy
eyes, runny nose, sneezing, I had all of these in the extreme. Have you ever
seen someone sneeze 20 times in a row? The first one or two sneezes feel pretty
good, but after a dozen, you’re drained, you’re on the floor wondering if
you’ll survive.
This all started to change two years ago,
thanks to the incredible abilities of Dr. Melissa Carr. After an initial
consultation, Dr. Carr put me through a series of acupuncture sessions and set
me up with a herbal tea mix designed specifically for my needs. Being new to
acupuncture at the time, I didn’t know what to expect and was a little worries
about the needles. Turned out there was nothing to be worried about. I found it
to be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable experiences I’ve had. The tea mix
I still look forward to every evening, a little honey to sweeten it up, tastes
great. I don’t know all the details, but unlike allergy medications, the tea is
for my general health and in turn it helps my immune system deal with the allergies.
I get to feel great without the side effects of the allergy pills (which never
worked in any event).
When you have severe allergies, you’re
tired, you’re depressed, it’s like you’re in a prison watching the world go by
outside, and you can’t go out and take part in that world because it will make
you sick. Dr. Carr’s treatments changed all that and in turn changed my life. I
now enjoy the outdoors again. I’m one of the few people that can’t wait to go
outside and cut my lawn because it’s something I couldn’t do in the past.
Dr. Carr, thank you. You have allowed me to
open doors and enjoy the world again. I am forever grateful!
--Brad
Tower,
Mortgage Broker,
Dominion Lending Centres Financial,
Burnaby
|
|
|
Dear Melissa,
I have been wanting to write this letter to you for a long time. This
is to thank you profusely for helping me heal the injury I sustained
while rollerblading.
During the summer I came to see you 3 days after tearing my hamstring
and adductor muscles after I tripped while rollerblading in Stanley
Park. I was in severe pain and having difficulty walking - going uphill
was not possible unless moving backwards. In fact even sitting put too
much pressure on it and sleeping was difficult. The only thing mildly
enjoyable about the injury was observing the tapestry of blues and
purples which appeared as my injury “ripened”.
24 hours after one acupuncture treatment to improve blood supply and
support healing to the area I noticed a major improvement. My mobility
improved dramatically and I found that I was able to walk more
easefully and sleep through the night with much less pain. Your skill
and wisdom in treating me complemented and in fact, allowed for the
active release treatments I received a week later from a chiropractor.
Thank you again Melissa.
With great appreciation,
Ron Velin
www.velinperformance.com
|
|
In February 2009 I experienced on the right
arm an elbow ache (kind of like tennis elbow), which radiated down the
forearm and eventually affected my hand and my thumb. This was not good
as I use my elbows, hands and thumbs in conjunction with correct form
and alignment of my body to increase or decrease pressure of the
massage techniques. I noticed this was affecting my daily work
activities.
After loads of icing of the elbow and forearm as well as massage to the
forearm I still had this niggly ache and it was at this point I decided
to pay Dr. Carr a visit at her clinic.
During my four visits the Active Life Health, which I now call a
sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of city life, I received
great results from acupuncture treatments. These treatments were
specifically targeted to my concerns and more. During these treatments
for the arm I also received treatment targeted to my nervous system,
which included adrenals and liver, as I was experiencing anxiety,
nervous tension, and was feeling a tad bit stressed out.
Whilst I lay on her table listening to the melodic relaxation tunes and
staring at the word "breathe" on the wall I would find myself zoning
out from the world and escaping to that place of tranquility. Ahhhhhh.
What's a girl to do anyways laying on the bed with needles in her arm,
hand, knees and feet?
Her quiet space, acupuncture treatments, peaceful and calming demeanour
as well as professional bedside manner left me feeling so calm and
grounded. But besided that, my elbow, hand and thumb are now in good
working order.
So thank you.
Yours in health and wellness,
--Paula C. Lamb
CNCP, CCMP
www.MyNextChairMassage.com
|
|
| Dear Dr. Carr,
I'm writing this
letter on behalf of myself to express my gratitude to you and your
service. In the late fall of 07 I began
feeling a sharpness through my arm when I was playing guitar. The pain eventually became so intense that I
was forced to cancel my weekly lessons and ultimately put the guitar down for a
better part of a month. After two
sessions with you I was back on track, playing at times for upwards of an hour
per day. After five sessions I can say
that I play the guitar relatively pain free and that my lessons are scheduled
to resume early next month. On top of
that your friendly staff and comforting office space made my weekly
appointments something to look forward to.
Thanks again, Melissa.
Chris O'Brien
604-TRASH-IT
www.604-trash-it.com
|
|
-- K.F., Vancouver, B.C.
Melissa has in-depth knowledge of the body and a sensitive
understanding of how pain can affect physical and mental health. I felt
comfortable and trusting of her techniques. In addition to the
acupuncture treatments, her nutritional advice has aided in improving
my well being as a whole. My pain has decreased significantly, my
migraines occur less often and I am thankful for Melissa's dedication
in her practice that has led to my improvements.
|
|
-- C.Y., Vancouver, B.C.
My knee is doing well. It isn't as sore as it was before I came to you
that's for sure. I don't think it is as strong as it was but it doesn't
have a dull pain like it did before. I literally couldn't sleep because
I could feel my knee throbbing before I came to see you! I think after
a few more treatments (like you said), it should be all better.
As for my neck, dang girl, you're like a miracle worker. On my drive
home after my last visit, I shoulder checked like I never shoulder
checked before and I'm sleeping way better now that my neck has
loosened up. Thanks so much.
I have never experience acupuncture before and now I find myself
recommending it to people who have joint or muscle pain. I like that
you treat the problem as opposed to western doctors who would give me
pills to numb the symptoms. My mom also does acupuncture for her
chronic neck pain and she is a strong believer in the practice.
|
|
-- S.L., Vancouver, B.C.
I came
in with a tweaked back, and although still stiff after treatment, I was
more mobile to get through the rest of the day. About 8hrs after, I was
standing in my kitchen, when my lumbar just opened up on fire. I
thought I was going through menopause or something, but it was so
localized that I broke out in a sweat...it was like Tiger Balm/Liniment
to the 99th power. It lasted about 20mins, and afterwards I was able to
bend over and touch my toes, look over my shoulder, all the things that
were limited that morning. So good in fact, I was able to compete in a
triathlon the next morning and finish in 2:47.
|
|
-- D.B., Vancouver, B.C.
I feel really
fabulous that I've finally found a Doctor to see and keep my health
updated. I really feel calm after the treatment, and this is weird, but
my hands keep sweating and are really warm. I like that they are warm
for a change because they are usually so cold!!! It must be my
circulation circulating!!! It's great! I feel like your treatment
definitely let some of the blocked energy FLLLOOOOWWW!!! I think that
every human is their own best doctor, as we all know our own bodies
better than anyone else, but it really helps to have a
professional--kind of like a sherpa guiding you up the mountain.
|
|
-- P.R., North Vancouver, B.C.
The course of treatments was very satisfying, as the aches and pain I
had were quickly diagnosed and remedial treatment was articulated and
conducted in a very positive and sensitive manner. I was very pleased
with the whole process, as it clearly worked, and that was the relief
of a number of years of nagging and continuous discomfort.
|
|
-- K.H., Vancouver, B.C.
I have been
totally amazed with the treatment I have received. I have been in
pain for the last 6 months or so and regular medicine didn’t
work. After my 1st treatment I was astonished with how good I
felt.
I would recommend this course of treatment to all of my friends!
|
|
-- F.S., Coquitlam, B.C.
Melissa, I
LOVE YOU! Today I went on a 43kms bike ride, mainly along the dykes
which are either dirt and rocks or gravel; ie. not easy to ride because
you have to hang on to the bike quite hard so it doesn't get away from
you. Guess what?!!!!!!!!!! I'm soooooooo happy!!!!! I had no numbness
AT ALL on my left hand for the first time in a
loooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time. How about that?!
|
|
-- B.L., Vancouver, B.C.
Your
acupuncture sessions have been surprisingly effective. The sharp
pain was immediately negated and there was just some residual dull pain
which was addressed with succeeding treatments. Thanks!!
|
|
-- N.B., Vancouver, B.C.
The
acupuncture treatment was very helpful. It addressed an acute
condition/pain which disappeared within the first 4 sessions. It
also helped with other longer term issues (insomnia, muscle tension).
I enjoyed the holistic approach and the variety of treatments
(acupuncture, herbs, cupping). Very nice atmosphere at the office!
|
|
-- G.L., Vancouver, B.C.
Infomative and helpful advice/sessions. Very
relaxing!! I am experiencing immediate results. I had
originally gone in for acupuncture and am now receiving many forms of
treatment and well-rounded advice in addition to acupuncture.
|
|
-- J.B., Vancouver
Being a normally
active person, I had found it really difficult to have to limit my
activities due to an ankle sprain that persisted in being troublesome
for over 6 months. After trying the usual treatments of physiotherapy
and exercises and still being in pain, I decided to try acupuncture. I
found it really strange at first that Melissa put needles in my wrist,
but when I tried moving my foot, I found that the pain was no longer
there and I could move my injured foot to almost the same as my
uninjured foot! After a couple more treatments my pain was relieved,
the swelling was gone, and I could move my foot normally again. I will
continue to use Melissa's health advice and go for occasional wellness
treatments.
|
|
-- M.R., Vancouver, B.C.
The weekly
acupuncture treatments I took from Melissa Carr over a period of 3 1/2
months helped to relieve the severe pain of a herniated disk. At the
onset of this condition, I could walk only a few feet at a time, and
that only with the help of a cane, bent forward, and medicated with
painkillers. Improvement was gradual and I believe the acupuncture
played a significant role in my recovery. Now, six months later, I am
pretty well back to normal, though I am careful not to carry anything
very heavy.
|
|
-- N.W., Victoria, B.C.
I had
suffered from sciatic nerve problems for many months. I have found the
course of treatment of inestimable value. I have gone from a depressed
state to one of much more optimism, that the pain can be controlled,
and that life can be lived more normally once again. Before treatment,
I was using painkillers on a frequent basis. I am now using them but
rarely. I feel that a combination of the acupuncture and gym exercise
has helped considerably. I also appreciate the interest you show in all
aspects of health, e.g. digestive problems have been discussed and
remedies suggested. The same goes for similar problems with prostrate.
|
|
-- S.W., Vancouver
I used to catch
5-10 colds every winter season. Melissa helped me boost my immune
system with Chinese herbs and offered suggestions for dietary and
lifestyle changes. This year was the first that I didn't catch a single
cold!
|
|
--Y.G. , Burnaby
It was an interesting process for me as I have never had
acupuncture before. I had heard lots
about it and have to admit that I was somewhat apprehensive because I was formerly of
the view of simply taking a pill for pain. I’m a changed
woman. I am just very happy to have met you and have you treat
me. My life is so busy, as you know, and
I was so very worried about not being able to do the things I need to do with
the annoying pain in my back. To my great surprise, I only needed a few days
to heal and recover well enough to go back to the busy life that I lead. So, I want to thank you, it was a visit well worth it!!
|
Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos - the trees, the clouds, everything.
-- Thich Nhat Hanh
|
|
|
|
|

|