It was four years ago when I was introduced to John the therapist at Aylesbury Crescent Support Group.  I had been taking my pills for two years and found it very trying as they made me sick all the time, it was very difficult to face eating food and had trouble sleeping properly. When I met Jon I was reassured that sticking needles in me could be quite therapeutic and may also help!  I was sceptical about that – but anything was worth a go.

After attending the first few sessions I was amazed at the outcome, my stomach settled and I was able to handle taking my medication, I couldn’t believe it after so many years of feeling like I was on a rollercoaster all the time.  It was a release and my energy levels perked up – brilliant!

Next few sessions concentrated on my sleeping pattern.  Now I go to bed at 10pm every night regular as clockwork.

Then John got to work on my appetite – that I never believed would happen as I haven’t eaten properly since the age of five and would not eat.  Living alone didn’t help. I became a lazy cook and opted for crisps and chocolate instead of proper dinners, all washed down with cola.  I didn’t drink water ever and was addicted to these junk foods.

I have tried to tackle the problem for years but to no avail.  Always slipping back into bad habits. A stubborn twenty seven year old.

But now I am eating proper healthy meals and have cut out all the junk food. My addiction has been broken. When I met John I was six and half stone in weight and now I am eight stone.  Proud to say I have ballooned in weight.

A heavy battle won in a couple of years, instead of a lifetime of medical opinions and for myself nothing achieved. So with a much improved frame of mind and a healthy lifestyle I bit the bullet and asked John if he could help me give up smoking.

I smoked 20 cigarettes a day for twelve years – an impossible task I thought. One session of acupuncture later, I left the building and lit up a cigarette and it tasted so disgusting I had to throw it away.It got the ball rolling. I cut down and eventually stopped smoking. I have been a non smoker for a year and a half and have never had the urge to turn back!

I am so grateful to the staff at The Crescent Support Group for everything I have achieved over the years. Thanks for helping me and my family through tough times.

Mari

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