Patient Testimonials
Main problem before acupuncture: "Knee (torn ligament/cartilage) pain and low back pain."
How you felt about the problem? "I felt miserable, older than my years, a little helpless & hopeless; not wanting to have knee surgery."
How did acupuncture help? "After 3 treatments knee & back pain diminished by 90%! Yeah!"
How did acupuncture make you feel? "I feel fantastic! As well as being virtually pain free, my lifelong constipation problem is gone! Life is good again.
Thank you." - Yvonne Messemer
Judy treated me for a sprained ankle and it was completely cured in just 4 days! I used The Acupuncture Office's specially-made tinctures, and Judy applied acupuncture needles and deep light treatment. I learned that sprains need immediate treatment for the best results. -Elizabeth, Albany, NY
Dear Judy, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your assistance with my Crohn's Disease. When I came to you a few short weeks ago I was 108 pounds. Today I'm 125 pounds and feel GREAT. I'm able to hold down food and am positive I will reach my goal weight of 135 pounds with you in my corner.
I look forward to my appointments not only for the healing benefit but also to have an opportunity to chat and catch up for a few minutes. Your office is wonderfully calming and you make me feel so comfortable. I was referred to The Acupuncture Office by a friend and would not hesitate to refer others. Thank you again for improving my quality of life. My family also appreciates having me back as a functioning member.
I was a bit skeptical at my first appointment but not anymore! Sincerely, Denise Feulner (Malta, NY)
I came to Judy for help with my chronic migraines that kept recurring at least once a week. I consider my appointments with Judy a special gift, or even, a reason to live in the Albany area. Her treatments brought me relief from my migraines that are now much less frequent and painful. In addition, when I come to her with any other problems, be it muscle ache, heart ache or anxiety, I know that she will help me. Judy is my doctor, my shrink, and lifeguard in one person. I only wish I could persuade her to move to my block and have daily treatments. - E.F., 35 y.o. (Albany, NY)
My main problem was with anxiety. I felt that, with all of the problems I was dealing with at work, I had a small chance of overcoming the anxiety. I didn't want to take Western medications and decided to give acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies a try. These treatments began helping right away. The acupuncture was extremely calming and gave me hope that I could get through this rough period without taking Western medicine.
I am very pleased with my decision to try the Eastern approach and would definitely try it again. - J.B.
In 2004 I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. The treatment for this chronic disease is a lifetime of medication taken on a daily basis, up to three times a day. The side effects from the medication can be much worse than the actual problem itself. I wasn't very happy knowing that I would spend the rest of my life taking these medications, especially because of the possible very dangerous conditions that could occur because of them. A client of mine told me about acupuncture.
I made my appointment with Judy just about a year ago and have been off all medication since! In addition to helping my UC symptoms, acupuncture has also helped in other areas, such as stress and headaches.
I always feel great after leaving my appointments, relaxed and relieved knowing I'm taking a healthier approach to my condition. - Mary Connally, 41y.o. (Mechanicville, NY)
I have suffered with a severe case of chronic sinusitis and allergies for most of my life. This year was a particularly difficult year. Through use of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Dr. Lu was able to provide me with great relief to get through the season. I have seen four acupuncturists in the past; all of them were very competent. My experience with Dr. Lu exceeded my expectations. His expertise, as well, exceeded the care I had been given in the past. - Jon Canin, Ph.D. 58 y.o. (Troy, NY)
My initial issue before acupuncture and Chinese herbs was extreme pain and fatigue from Fibromyalgia and Grave's Disease. After over 6 years of trying Western medicine, all I felt was more tired and depressed. My outlook on my future was rather bleak. Since starting with acupuncture and Chinese herbs my pain has decreased incredibly. My stamina is increasing on a weekly basis. I now feel that I have a future of possibilities.
I am stronger, my attitude is upbeat and I am excited about my life again! - Terri Lee Teeling (Troy, NY)
You (Clarence) are amongst the strongest healers I've met and I am happy knowing that you are doing so much good in the world. I've really learned a lot from you. - H. Citrin (NYC, NY)
Two years ago, I developed a series of dermatological symptoms, including chronic folliculitus and seborrheic dermatitis on my face and head and neck, in addition to many undiagnosed rashes on my body. Later, I developed neuropathy in my arms, which often kept me awake at night. I saw several doctors and was either dismissed as "crazy," or given prescriptions for very strong medications, several that I was afraid to take, including strong oral anti-fungals and steroids.
I became very depressed and anxious about my health. I decided to try acupuncture, and two people recommended Dr Lu to me. I found him to be very intelligent, open minded and respectful. Many of my symptoms immediately improved, and everyone in my life noticed a difference. Other, more long standing symptoms, have taken longer to improve.
I think that Dr Lu is wonderful and I would recommend him to anyone. He has helped me tremendously. - L.V. (Slingerlands, NY)
[I had] weekly neck/shoulder pain that was sharp and shooting and I couldn't turn my head. I also had stress and anxiety. I was in pain, confused and despondent. [Dr. Lu] eliminated the physical pain and provided spiritual and emotional energy, vitality and focus. It's great. Pain is only ocassional and getting rare and is quickly addressed by Dr. Lu. [He is] an integral part of getting my life on track and keeping me on my purpose. - A.J. 38 y.o. (Albany, NY)
Originally I sought acupuncture therapy to relieve my feelings of anxiety as well as seasonal depression and hormonal imbalance. I felt that I was becoming very short with those I cared for the most, and though I knew I was doing it I had no control over my emotions at the time. I also felt sad internally and was constantly second guessing my life's choices. I had not been myself for a long time and I didn't know how to get back to feeling good again. I did not want to take medication/chemicals, so I decided to try acupuncture. My sister had great success with acupuncture to promote fertility so I was open to give it a try.
The acupuncture and herbal remedies really seemed to help. I wouldn't miss my appointments for the world. I feel much more like my old self again. I feel stronger and happier since I've started my treatment. I feel more at peace internally. The actual appointments are very enjoyable. There's no pain and I feel rested and refreshed at the end of my session.
I also took Qigong beginner classes at the Acupuncture Office. I found that they gave me more energy and helped me to relax and remove the tension of the day from my body. I would recommend it! - B.P.F. 45 y.o. (Selkirk, NY)
I sought treatment from Dr. Clarence Lu at The Acupuncture Office, for a back injury (ruptured discs causing sciatica and numbness in my legs) which had kept me disabled in excruciating pain for 6 long, miserable weeks. I did so upon a recommendation of one of my health care professionals, due to having found no relief following Western medical advice of muscle relaxants, physical therapy and narcotic pain relievers.
I was very frustrated, fearful of the possibility of back surgery, and growing depressed from complete incapacitation. I was also suffering from severe chronic constipation, my prescription and over the counter physician ordered remedies had completely failed me. I could not sleep, the pain and abdominal bloating pretty much kept me miserable around the clock. It was affecting my work, my outlook on life and preventing the usual simple daily activities for both home and personal care.
I had no expectations, only prayers that Clarence could help me heal my back and be able to move on from this devastating disability. I understood absolutely nothing about Chinese Medicine, but trusted the woman who referred me, and was grateful for another possibility since Western Medicine had pretty much abandoned me. I thought it may at least help me relax a bit, the stress of the situation was overwhelming. My mental state would not allow me to hope I had found a cure, I had years of treatments and surgeries for chronic disease by physicians who would have called such a notion preposterous, and I have to admit they had diminished my expectation.
After my initial consultation, I walked out upright and remained so thereafter, when prior physical therapy would repeatedly get me upright, but only until I sat in the car to go the 1 mile to my home. My pain was diminished, I was more relaxed and in fact wanted to curl up and go to sleep upon arriving home. I slept 9 hours that night, which was blessed relief in itself. Then something astonishing to me occurred, my intestinal blockage moved the following morning, without drugs, horrible laxatives or dietary change. A normal, daily constitutional prevailed thereafter. This after over 20 years of gastroenterologist advised drugs, procedures and a grueling pair of large intestine surgical repairs did not relieve my condition. For this I am grateful to the bottom of my heart, relief from this life long burden is nothing short of miraculous to me.
After 3 acupuncture treatments over a period of two weeks, my back was healed. I went from being hobbled over, unable to move without experiencing horrific pain, like an elderly, sick woman, to enjoying full mobility, able to travel again for my job, and sit without fear of returning to incapacity. I remain amazed. I am continuing to see Dr.Lu and Judy Kodela to help me complete the transformation by raising my physical energy, diminishing stress and treating other chronic issues to allow me to eliminate my dependency on pharmaceuticals.
While now, I have read a little about Chinese Medicine, and am confident my future will be much healthier than my past, much remains a mystery to me. Even so, being results oriented, I recommend acupuncture often to people in the course of my work and personal life, and have shared my experience strangers as well as my valued physicians. My current doctors are very supportive of this treatment and have witnessed the results in my health, thanks to Dr. Clarence Lu and Judy Kodela at The Acupuncture Office. I would urge anyone lacking the health they desire in their lives to call and make an appointment, I am living proof of the efficacy of Chinese Medicine.
You too may find your own healthcare miracle in their healing care. - M.B. 44 y.o. (East Greenbush, NY)
Prior to being treated by Clarence Lu I was taking 11 different medications.I was suffering with symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Grave's Disease, Anxiety and Depression. I was napping 2-4 hours and sleeping 10-12 hours each night. I had muscle pain, nerve pain, stomach and intestinal pain, along with chronic worrying and depression.
After just one treatment of acupuncture I started to notice a difference. Within months I came off of 10 out of 11 medications. I noticed even bigger results after starting Chinese herbs, more specifically, increased energy and the ability to let things go and not to worry as much. I have very few symptoms now of any of my illnesses. I ocasionally have an ache or pain or need to take a short nap, however, I feel 100 times better than I did before I starting acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
I have recommended Clarence Lu to several friends and family members and will continue to do so. - Kathleen T., 32 y.o. (Scotia, NY)
I have an auto-immune disease called Behcet's Syndrome which can cause havoc on just about all body systems - the eyes, the circulatory system, nervous system, gastro-intestinal system and joint pain. I have had this disease probably since birth, but it has really flared up in the past ten years.
Dr. Lu has guided me in making some simple life style changes such as more rest and less exercise, as well as how to be your own best friend and how to be more accountable for yourself and your actions. He has helped me cope with major life changes - the loss of family and friends.
Through the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbs I was able to go off Steroids, Colchicine, Protonix, Xanax and decrease my use of Lasix and Toprol. I no longer have pancreatitis or dry eyes. I now have less nerve pain, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, fewer headaches, fewer GI symptoms, decreased joint pain, less problems sleeping and less brain fog. I find I have much greater control of flare-ups and am able to work through them when they do occur without hospitalization.
I found for me that initially going more frequently was better. I would highly recommend this treatment for anyone with chronic illness. -- Ann Marie Giardenelli 56y.o. (Albany, NY)
I am writing this testimonial in order to thank Dr. Clarence Lu for helping me go through the most difficult period of my life. At the age of 38 I was diagnosed with early stage invasive breast carcinoma. In parallel with chemotherapy, I decided to find an alternatilve approach to help me cope with the treatment. Now that the treatment is behind me, I can only congratulate myself for making this decision.
After each chemo treatment I visited Dr. Lu for an acupuncture session. Acupuncture greatly reduced the side-effects of chemo, such as nausea, fatigue and neuropathy. It restored my energy level to the point that I was able to work almost throughout the entire treatment. Once the chemo was over, I managed to recover rapidly and to carry on with everyday life. I believe that with out Dr. Lu's assistance, going through chemotherapy would have been a more difficult and stressful journey.
Therefore, without any hesitation, I recommend Dr. Lu's office to everyone who finds herself in a life situation simlar to mine. -- J.L. 38 y.o. (Albany, NY)
I had been suffering from arthritis pain in my knee and lower back for years. I had exhausted what Western Medicine had to offer me for pain relief in the form of knee arthroscopies and lumbar epidural injections with no lasting effects. I was in so much pain that my lifestyle had completely changed. I went from hiking and canoeing on the weekends to sitting on the couch. My orthopedic surgeon told me my next option was back surgery to correct my severe spinal stenosis. I had heard about acupuncture from a friend of a friend and decided to give it a try. I was at the end of my rope... I was so tired of living with pain!
My first acupuncture visit was a refreshing change from any medical appointment/treatment that I had ever had. Judy took the time to listen to what I really had to say and she gave me hope that I could be pain free. After just one treatment I felt a remarkable relief in my back and knee pain. Before my acupuncture sessions I was not able to stand/walk for more than 10 minutes before I had to sit down to relieve the pain. Now after only a few months of acupuncture treaments I am 90% pain free!!!! In addition to being almost pain free; acupuncture has taught me to see that good health starts within. This is where the practice of qigong comes in.
Good health is a journey... and now a journey without pain. - A.T., 47 y.o. (Gallupville, NY)