My journey began at age 16 when I had my first panic attack. In those days, people weren't talking about anxiety, and there was no diagnosis for panic disorder. After enduring a series of cardiac examinations, I was told that there was nothing wrong. I continued suffering silently, thinking that there must be something mentally wrong with me. By the age of 18, I was introduced to a new drug called Xanax which unfortunately fueled an addiction and did little for my chronic anxiety. By the time I entered my early 20's, I was on an extensive list of medications for other emerging health issues ranging from digestive problems to chronic headaches. I went from doctor to doctor looking for answers and by the time I turned 30, I was battling chronic fatigue, hives, unexplained pain, and dealing with my second round of shingles.  As I left yet another specialist who offered yet another prescription but no real answers, I sat in my car and sobbed.  It was at that moment of physical and emotional desperation that I decided there must be a better way. I went home that night and fell to the floor asking God, "Why won't you heal me?"  And then I heard His gentle voice reply, "Because you won't let me...you're not listening.”  Although I wasn't certain what He meant by those words, that experience sparked something in me. Shortly after that night, I walked nervously into my first acupuncture session; then everything began to change.  I discovered a world I never knew existed. A world where people offer hope and understanding, where practitioners take time to listen to your story, and where they look beyond a patient’s physical symptoms for underlying physiological and emotional imbalances. I learned about how we as humans are programmed, the often-untapped power of our thoughts, and the importance of good nutrition (we truly are what we eat!).  I learned how stress affects our body and keeps us in a state of heightened survival mode which then becomes a breeding ground for disease and illness.  

In short, my body had been talking to me all along but instead of listening, I was seeking answers in all the wrong places.  Rather than popping a pill, I just needed to learn how to give my body what it required in the way of clean food, effective stress management, and healthier, more positive thinking. Now, many years later, my personal experience and academic study have convinced me that our bodies have the innate ability to heal themselves when given the proper tools. 

This amazing journey ignited my passion to help others learn to listen to their bodies and walk in hope again!  If you are tired of being tired, if you are frustrated with doctors who offer no answers, if you are ready to try something different—something meaningful and effective—I would be honored to walk beside you on your own journey of self-discovery to a healthier and happier life!

 

Be WELL, 

Dr. Leslie