My first appointment with Brian Vick and Balance Point Health was made from desperation. I had been suffering horribly from severe tinnitus for over a year, which caused frequent bouts of vertigo, nausea, vomiting and a sensation of fullness in my ears and head. I had been evaluated by my primary care doctor, an ENT, a neurologist, and had an MRI and several other tests which showed inconclusive.
I was told “maybe” it was Meniere’s disease, and at this point all that could be done was to manage my symptoms. I was offered steroids and medications but was hesitant to go down that road just yet. I tried massage therapy and visited many chiropractors with little to no relief.
A friend asked me if I had tried acupuncture, as she had heard that it often helped relieve tinnitus. At this point, I was open to trying anything. I happen to work in the medical field and had access to referral information to many specialists, and Brian Vick happened to be the first name on a list of acupuncturists. I didn’t hesitate and made the call to set up the first appointment.
Immediately, I felt a comfort level with Brian. He listened to my story, went over all my symptoms and explained how acupuncture, herbs and other alternative treatments could work for me. He was up front that it could take several treatments to see improvement, but if I stuck with it, he was confident I would feel better. Brian was interested in my overall health. He was not fixated on my diagnosis, but on my symptoms to get to the root cause. I was eventually diagnosed with vestibular migraines after an episode of vertigo that lasted several days.
Brian didn’t hesitate to be available during this time in order to get me some relief. I have worked with Brian for well over 2 years and not only has my tinnitus become controlled, as of today I have not had another migraine. He has also helped me with other aspects of my health.
I have had acupuncture for other health conditions including arthritis in my knee and hip, sleep issues and even anxiety. No medications with serious side effects or invasive procedures have been needed. The appointment made out of desperation changed my life!
My overall health has improved, pain is controlled, I am active (having lost 35 lbs) and I leave his office after treatment feeling better than when I walked in. I will continue to see Brian regularly. I have come to believe that acupuncture, cupping, herbs, and blood stasis therapy (wet cupping and bloodletting) have improved my quality of life. Thank you Brian for your knowledge of eastern medicine, and for caring about my health and wellbeing! Forever grateful!
– Linda Sawano