I am a fifty six year old man, father of two college age young men and a criminal defense attorney. I came to Rachel Nevas for my first experience in acupuncture. My goal was to explore a treatment plan that could reduce the stress I built up cumulatively that in turn reduced my quality of life through anxious overeating. I saw weight gained and self control lost. I jumped right in with a series of treatments wanting very much to succeed but skeptical that this ancient therapy would make a difference. To my surprise after several sessions and several weeks I developed a calm and internal quiet that I had not felt in recent memory. This new equanimity permitted me to control my overeating and return to a diet and a sense of self control.
 
The experience was profound for me because I felt more at ease than during any traditional western doctor visit. The thoughtful interview process, drinking of the water and the holding of my hands during the pulse readings created a nurturing environment even before a single needle was administered. The needles were placed so delicately and expertly that I could not tell when they were placed or when they were removed.
 
Rachel Nevas surprised me with her ability to quickly help me reach a curative state. I certainly don’t believe this is the end of this journey. But her ability to listen, perceive and execute a strategy that I consider to be very successful has to be unusual for a woman still young. In her hands I felt I was with a contemporary both in experience and in wisdom. I hope this letter provides an insight into my experiences with someone I consider to be a gifted practitioner.
 
 
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I wanted to receive acupuncture because it had been a very effective therapy for decreasing my migraines, muscle spasms, and weakened immunology. Rachel Nevas is a very knowledgeable and perceptive acupuncture practitioner. She has a deft touch and has repeatedly fashioned treatments that eased my path to equanimity and replenished my physical stamina. In my experience, acupuncture is both a support and motivation for the pursuit of good health. It provides for me a consistent relief from pain and anxiety, and has been a crucial component in my pursuit of better health.I would recommend Rachel’s expertise in helping anyone with physical problems and the related psychological stress that accompanies those issues. She has been great!
 
 
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I have been an acupuncture patient of Rachel’s since March 2010. This has been my first experience with acupuncture, and I’m happy to report that it has been and continues to be a positive one. During each of my sessions with Rachel, she listens attentively to my story, never rushing me, to hear what I have been experiencing since my last visit. She asks relevant questions, listens to what I have to say, and contributes her own insights at appropriate times. She’s very friendly and good-spirited during the sessions. Without fail, she always asks, “What would you like to get out of acupuncture during this visit?” This question reveals that she is most interested in knowing how I would like to benefit from acupuncture rather than presuming to know what I want or need. It demonstrates her respect for my autonomy as a patient, as well as her keen ability to craft a treatment that will best suit me according to my current needs.
 
 
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During the application of the needles or other related treatments, Rachel is very precise and consistent with her practices. She carefully marks my body and checks the markings. She is respectful of my body, such as when she returns my hands to a comfortable position after checking my pulses or when she applies light pressure to an acupuncture point to alleviate any discomfort after removing a needle. Rachel’s high-degree of professionalism is evident in her attention to detail and mindfulness as a practitioner
 
As mentioned, my acupuncture experience has been a positive one. At first, I was surprised at how much of the session is dedicated to talking about the body, how I’ve been feeling, what I’ve been experiencing, etc. I have come to thoroughly enjoy my treatment sessions, as they address both mind and body. I find them relaxing, introspective, and therapeutic. I have become more aware of how stress and feelings/emotions manifest in my body. I also find that I am generally more present in my body than I was before having treatments. Overall, I’m glad to have discovered acupuncture through Rachel.
 
 
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I wanted to try Chinese Herbs, my energy and mood had been low for a couple of years – and my periods were very painful and were accompanied with an array of symptoms. I felt like I had gotten to a place of coping with my symptoms but felt the desire to try something different and attempt to free up some more energy – I wanted to feel less exhausted and less foggy. I was beginning to resign myself to how I was feeling b/c I had tried a lot of different things to help that hadn’t necessarily worked.
 
After several treatments with Rachel and after taking Chinese Herbs for a few weeks I immediately had improved energy, I was less emotional and had almost all of my cramping go away during my period.
 
She was so open to supporting me and I felt so comfortable expressing to her how I was feeling. She is compassionate, free of judgment and effective. This is the exact combination I need for my healing and growth. The combination of the Herbs, Mayan abdominal massage, Acupuncture and presence with me in the treatment space left me feeling healthier and happier all together.