Success Stories
* Note that each person’s healing journey is distinctly theirs and results can vary from person to person.
- All
- Biopuncture Works
- Cleansing Assistance
- General Success
- Immune Supported
- Pain Relieved
- Stressed Relieved
- Wellness Addressed
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,
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,
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 prostate.
N.W., Victoria
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!
— B.T., Burnaby
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.
— C.Y., Vancouver
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.
— E.K., 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!
“Total bliss,” my first thought as I rolled off the table. Hard to believe 60 minutes ago I suffered from needle phobia. Her thorough explanation of the procedure and constantly checking in with me to see if things felt okay were perfect. I have recommended Dr. Carr to friends and family who feared the needle as I once did. Thanks to Dr. Carr’s advice, we’ve implemented acupuncture at Beauty Night to benefit our participants.
Whenever I travel I arrive home with the flu. It usually hits the last few days of my vacation and I’m sneezing, coughing and feeling downright horrible on the long plane trip home. Of course, I’m infecting everyone around me as well which no on appreciates. I went to Dr. Carr for Immunity Workup to see if it could make any difference. When you pay a lot of money for a trip, you want your money’s worth. And you can’t do that when you’re sick for part of it! Because of the length of my trip, I had weekly treatments of one hour for the 3 weeks leading up to leaving for Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore. Although my husband had flu symptoms for several days and a couple of stomach episodes, I was illness free throughout the trip and after I arrived back home! Whenever I travel I will certainly be visiting Dr. Carr beforehand. She takes a personal interest in her patients and makes sure the acupuncture is a comfortable, relaxing experience.
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 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.
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!!