Reviews

December 16, 2017

— Renae G.

November 10, 2017

— Chrissie N.

November 14, 2017

Mary makes the experience of getting any treatment amazing. All the treatments I have received (Acupuncture, Facial, and Massage) have been great. I highly recommend Acu-Na to anyone looking for a spa treatment or treatment of pain or other conditions through acupuncture.

— Alicia L.

August 24, 2017

— Mary Ann H.

August 1, 2017

Absolutely the most comprehensive and thorough approach available in WNC. After just a few sessions chronic and dibilitating symptoms that have been present for years began to improve.

I’ve tried several other acupuncture therapies in the area and around the country – Acu-Na stands out as the best.

— Mit M.

July 23, 2017

Lilly is AMAZING!!! I have severe back and muscle problems, and she is the only professional to offer some relief.

— Julie T.

July 16, 2017

— Kathie Y.

September 1, 2016

Sadhvi is fantastic, she has experience and a perfect touch. Sensing the problem areas she uses a firm but gentle hand, to work on those spots. Also using hot stones and oils as needed, to rejuvenate both body and spirit. I would recommend her to anyone.

— Bob G.

June 22, 2016

Mary is a gem! She makes sure you are comfortable, listens to you intently, and is devoted to meeting your needs. Her staff is friendly and always welcoming. I’ve been seeing Mary for 3 years now. She has helped tremendously with my journey toward health and well being. Thank you, Mary!

— Cindy E.

October 19, 2012

I cam for a back issue – probably sciatica and after one treatment I thought it was improved, but not gone. It was two days later that I realized I hadn’t even noticed my back. (Big for me.) I came to see I no longer had any back pain! So I began walking, hiking, and kayaking. Generally I redeemed my life! Very nice – all because of one acupuncture treatment!

— Patty

August 7, 2012

Hi, I have been a client of Mary’s for around three months. I have had two major back surgeries in the past two years, neck and another back surgery over the past several years. I have two rods, 12 screws in my back plus a plate and 6 more screws in my neck. I have endured severe discomfort since my last surgery. I visited my surgeon and he told me there was nothing more that he could do. I assumed that I would have to live with this the rest of my life which would not be the life I would like.

My wife suggested that I try acupuncture. This really didn’t impress me; why not try snake oil or some other way out treatment. I thought ok I will try this just to prove it would not work. I made my first appointment to see the witch doctor just to show my wife it would not work. I was very much surprised it did work. I felt like a different person. I thought this is great so I made more appointments and have continued improve. I don’t have the severe pain in my back or leg; I am able to do most everything I want to do. I would suggest treatment with Mary to anyone. Thanks Mary.

— Lee

Testimonial #1

August 29, 2006

Before I came to you in December 2005 I suffered excruciating neck and shoulder pain and tried many different avenues to help ease the pain with no luck. I tried 3 months of chiropractic care without relief, next I worked with a physical therapist for 3 months without improvement, finally I tried pain management and received steroid injections in my neck, and this too proved ineffective and did nothing to improve my situation.

When I came to you last December I was in extreme pain and had an unexplained swelling in my neck. After the first visit I could feel a difference and by June, 2006 I was almost completely pain free. The difference it has made in my life is immeasurable. I began to believe that I would be living the rest of my life plagued by constant pain. With proper maintenance I continue to enjoy pain free movement.

Throughout our treatments I have been amazed by your attention to various other aches and pains that occasionally arise. Your magic is a mystery I am glad I found. I have decided to continue to see you because the treatment you provide aids in my everyday life. Not only does it help my physical well being, but in my hectic, fast-paced life it does something else.it helps me to slow down, de-stress and simply relax.

Thank you for the difference you have made in my life!!

Testimonial #2

I have been going to Acu-Na for about 3 months now. My main problems were headaches, backaches, and joint pain. I first went for massage, then acupuncture, but decided to try wellness coaching, especially testing to see what foods I eat might be causing my pain. In 3 months time, I would say my pain level has decreased from an 8-9 on a scale of 0-10 to maybe a 3-4. I have no doubt that this will continue to improve, the more I apply what I learn about diet and exercise, etc.

M P KIRKSEY

March 17, 2011

I actually stumbled onto Acu-Na Wellness Center almost by accident a little over a year ago. At the time, I was simply looking for a new massage therapist, plus I also wanted to try acupuncture. In consulting the yellow pages, I found Mary Houge’s advertisement, and was happy to see that Acu-Na provided both. But I was also intrigued by the list of other treatments that were available. Having suffered on and off from chronic depression for most of my adult life, I had reached a point where I was tired of going on and off anti-depressants and was looking for another way.

So skeptically, I made my first appointment, thinking I didn’t have anything to lose. This began a process that has taken patience and commitment, but has resulted in profound changes in my general health and well being that conventional western medicine has not come close to achieving. Beginning with a home lab test, Mary was able to determine facets of my body chemistry that were not even mentioned during the often rushed visits to a “regular” doctor. I received an education on things like serotonin, and cortisols, etc. and it was explained to me that conventional medicines were designed to simply suppress symptoms and not actually be of a healing nature. Mary started me on a regimen of supplements that, over time, helped me to feel normal again for the first time in I don’t know how long. Anti-depressants had provided a false euphoric feeling (that faded eventually), and came with several annoying side effects, and then gradually stopped working all together. The supplements gradually restored my body chemistry over the course of about 8-9 months, and I have now been off of them for about 4 months, with no sign of depressive symptoms recurring. I do reiterate that the process took time. Just as it takes time for body chemistry to become out of whack, it also takes time to restore it to normal.

So given my success with this course of treatment, I very recently started talking to Mary about a history of bronchial issues that I’ve has since I was a child. Allergy testes had revealed that I wasn’t allergic to anything, and I was surprised to learn that my years of congestion and coughing were most likely the result of acid reflux. And once again, Mary has steered me away from the conventional wisdom of western medicine that simple suggested that I take Prilosec. Instead, she has put me on a regimen of supplements for enzyme support in order to improve digestion, and within 2 weeks, I have noticed a great reduction in congestion and coughing.

I highly recommend Acu-Na Wellness Center and Mary Houge as a natural alternative to the so-called regular doctors. She takes the time to listen and to explain, whereas doctors typically write a prescription and get you out the door. Plus, it turned out she provides the best massage treatments out of any practitioner I’ve ever visited!

— Eric

February 24, 2009

I met Mary Houge in August 2008 through research by my daughter, who was visiting from out of town. Mary quickly became a member of my health team. I was enduring chemo for a cancer diagnosis from May 2008. My daughter, who also had gone through chemo, had experienced acupuncture during her chemo and found it very helpful.

As a member of my health team, Mary helped eliminate neuropathy in both hands and part of my feet. She is a total healer. She listens to you and helps interpret where your body needs attention. Because of her skill and many modalities, she can utilize her skills to help relieve pain, nausea, detoxification, and rejuvenate your immune system. She also helped me with my healing through herbs and supplements. Her listening skills are a big help in one’s healing process.

After my surgery, her acupuncture, light therapy, lymphatic massage, and aromatherapy treatments facilitated a very rapid healing. Scar tissue is at a minimum. The medical doctors have been amazed how rapidly I healed.

I consider Mary a valuable member of my health team and would recommend her skills to anyone who is facing a health issue or who needs comfort and relaxation.

— Linda

February 11, 2009

This letter is to express my gratitude to you and share the hope you have given me with others you have touched. I began my journey wanting to find that one magic cure. The way allopathic medicine has taught us. I went to many extremes. From raw food, numerous i.v., horrible tasting concoctions, to too many vitamins, herbs and pills! Your patience and steadfastness were always a reminder that the only true answers lie within ourselves. Our many sessions unlocked things about myself that I wasn’t even aware of. Your practice and knowledge of Chinese ways and herbs is unsurpassable! If there was a problem we got to the bottom of it. Answers to many questions were solved. You assisted ways we lost as a child need to be once again explored. I have emerged not only healthier, but a happier, better person. This journey of healing is a full circle and only through ourselves are we able to make it. Without your guidance I don’t believe that I would have the understanding that I do today. So, thank you for giving me confidence when I was in doubt, a beautiful smile when sadness intruded, your friendship to brighten my being and faith so that I can believe.

— Gerri

September 24, 2008

I am writing in recommendation of Mary Houge as a certified advanced oncologist. Ms. Houge is an excellent acupuncturist, bodyworker and compassionate practitioner. Her professionalism, knowledge, and ambition will make her a great asset to your team.

Ms. Houge has graduated from both of our training seminars “Basic Oncology Acupuncture” and “Advanced Oncology Acupuncture” at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Our “Oncology Acupuncture” training provided our participants the knowledge and skill to evaluate and treat cancer patients safely and effectively. The “advanced” program offered the experience of top practitioners from Sloan Kettering in the area of pharmacology, herbal drug interaction, pain management, lymphedema management, cancer treatment, hospital environment, infection control, psychosocial challenges and research.

The Department of Integrative Medicine and its Clinical Services treat more than 16,800 patients annually in both in-patients and out-patients program using various modalities including acupuncture and bodywork. Our patients greatly benefit from receiving acupuncture for nausea, neuropathy, hot flashes, fatigue and pain management.

I know your patients will benefit from these integrative services. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Yi Hung Chan L Ac DPM, Chief Acupuncturist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Testimonial #1

August 28, 2006

I started treatment with Mary Houge on May 30, 2006. I had quite a few pains and problem areas. Mary has helped with my low back pain and neck pain. I was taking Claritan for over 5 years and after one session, stopped using (what a relief). I have more energy and can think “clearer”. Mary’s professionalism is the best ever. I will always refer Mary to my clients, family and friends.

Thank you Mary!

— Barbara

Testimonial #2

I have been going to Acu-Na for about 3 months now. My main problems were headaches, backaches, and joint pain. I first went for massage, then acupuncture, but decided to try wellness coaching, especially testing to see what foods I eat might be causing my pain. In 3 months time, I would say my pain level has decreased from an 8-9 on a scale of 0-10 to maybe a 3-4. I have no doubt that this will continue to improve, the more I apply what I learn about diet and exercise, etc.

M P KIRKSEY

June 6, 2005

As you know two weeks ago I came back from Cancun, Mexico with a rash around my chest. We were not sure if it was from a contact with marine animals that were in the Caribbean Sea or if I was bitten by a Jelly Fish. My intuition is that I have been releasing a lot of emotional stuff and the rash was one of the releases. Anyhow, I would like to thank you for helping me. The herb Silerex was wonderful. It helped me to have total relief from the itching, swallowing and redness. I started taking 15 capsules in the first day. Next day the itch had subsided (within 24 hours), it was itching a little bit but not like the day before. The redness and the swallowing were gone in about 2 days.

Thank you so much for your help. I hope more people wake up to this wonderful world of alternative medicine.

— Christina

After four months of pain and severe swelling from an injury to my foot, I decided to go see Mary Houge. I told her when I first injured my foot; I went to the emergency room because I thought I broke my foot. I had fallen on my foot with all my body weight. To my surprise the doctor said it was just a severe sprain. They instructed me to stay off of it and just to keep it elevated to reduce the swelling. I had to take two weeks off from work to be able to stay off of it and keep it elevated.

Weeks then months went by without any improvement to my foot. I could still barely stand, it was still too swollen to wear a shoe, and the pain was unbearable. I decided to go back to the doctor. They sent me home with pain medication and told me to stay off from it and time would heal it.

I decided to let Mary work her magic and try acupuncture. After the very first treatment my foot was 80% better. The pain was gone, the swelling was down, and I could actually wear shoes again. I went back to Mary for three more treatments; my sprain and pain were completely gone. It has been almost a year now and I have absolutely no foot problems or pain at all.

Thanks Mary, you did more than you’ll ever know!!!

— Jennifer

August 9, 2006

A few months ago I started having prostate problems. I visited Mary Houge in search of help. With her advice I started receiving acupuncture and taking herbs she prescribed. After a few treatments my urine flow returned to normal. My general practitioner advised staying with Mary’s treatment. My swollen prostate is now back to normal.

I am very thankful for Mary’s assistance with my case.

— [Name removed to protect privacy]

January 19, 2005

On this date, one year ago, I was in a very serious auto accident. As you know I suffered extensive soft tissue damage to my chest and arms. As I received chiropractic care coupled with massage I did begin to heal at a slow pace. By mid-February I was back to work, but for months that followed I continued to feel like I couldn’t get enough air into my lungs. It was like something was “sitting” on my chest and I had a chronic cough.

After seeing my doctor several times and receiving two x-rays, which showed nothing, I spoke to you about what was going on. You suggested acupuncture to see if that would help. At this point, I was ready to try anything to feel better! I remember lying on the table as you carefully inserted each needle. When you came to my right arm just below the elbow, I experienced a dull ache that increased the more you moved the needle. You kindly explained that the location where I was feeling pain was for bleeding in the lungs. Once the treatment was complete I didn’t feel much different.

When I awoke the next morning and came to work, I noticed that I hadn’t been coughing and I had no pressure in my chest. Wow! I was amazed! It really worked. I have not had one ounce of pain, discomfort or pressure in my chest since that day!

Thank you, Mary, for introducing me to the world of acupuncture.

— Robin

July 26, 2005

I am writing to thank you for your therapeutic massage services. I feel fortunate that our paths crossed. I have been having acupuncture treatments since January 2005 at the PIHMA College and Clinic. It was through those services that I was introduced to you.

I have had various reconstructive facial surgeries since 1970 for a congenital facial paralysis from birth. Each time I had surgery, scar tissue accumulated resulting in lumpy, tight, and hard areas on my right cheek. The Temporalis Muscle has been folded on the cheek area and fascia slings attached to provide functional use on the right side of my face.

I started the Tui Na treatments with you in April 2005 and it has been a blessing for my facial condition. After all these years I feel and see improvements. The treatments have penetrated and soften the scar tissue and through the deep massage therapy has smoothed and soften the fullness in the cheek area; and allowed improvement to the blood flow circulation and mobility of the right side of my face.

My past experiences have not always been positive ones and I have learned patience. I have experienced after many years, before my very eyes, improvements I can physically see and feel in the right side of my face.

I thank you for being patient with me and having the experience and knowledge to treat my condition and make a difference in my life.

— [Name removed to protect privacy]

February 1, 2007

Through this letter I would like to thank you for helping me gain my life back. The wonders you did on my body with the acupuncture helped me more than any surgery. Through your help and kindness I am able to do the things I thought I was never able to do again. I know that a letter is not enough thanks for what you did for me but it’s the only thing I can do for now. Once again thank you so much.

— Dragica

October 1, 2007

I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you so very much for your assistance in my varicose vein surgery. When I came to you I had pain and bruising in my leg. My doctor gain me pain cream and pills, which were not aiding the pain, you told me to use Dr. Bob’s oil and dragon’s blood for the pain, inflammation, bruising and blood flow. So I stopped using my other medications and only used what you recommended. Instantly the pain had gone away in my leg and by the next day the black and blue bruising had turned yellow. The doctor was amazed at how beautifully my leg had healed.

Thanks again for your aid and guidance in my recovery from surgery.

You are a blessing.

— [Name removed to protect privacy]

February 22, 2009

I am not sure that words can sufficiently capture what I think of you as a massage therapist and chinese medical practitioner, but I hope that this letter in some small way conveys to you just how much you mean to me.

There are massage therapist galore these days, and many of them are good and even therapeutic in their massage techniques. But they are not master at their craft. You are a master craftswoman when it comes to massage! I liken it to a master craftsman, who spends so much time and energy passionately working on his creation, that by the end he knows it more intimately than anyone else ever will. Well, you do that with massage. You spend the time getting to know the person who you are working on – more than simply analyzing them for a clinical perspective, evaluating what is currently causing them pain or where their muscles may be tender. You take the time to learn about them – their likes and dislikes, their passions, what makes them ‘tick.’ And then you take that whole picture of them (the clinical and the personal information) and you utilize it in a healthy, productive and proactive way to help their bodies respond to your touch.

When we met years ago you were recommended to me by one of my oncology nurses at Mayo Clinic. I was pretty beaten up (mentally, emotionally and yes, physically) coming out of the cancer, and I certainly never wanted to return to that condition again. You gently, yet firmly, walked along with me, as only a true friend would do, on my road to recovery and health, and for that I am eternally grateful to you. You patiently answered my many skeptical questions. You took the time to teach me about nutrition and my body in ways that I had not previously been exposed. You remained focused on my ultimate goal – my overall health and well-being. But most importantly, you became my friend, my sister.

Although we now live at separate ends of the country, you continue to walk this journey with me, and I so appreciate your continued friendship. I am so grateful and thankful that you willingly use the talents and energy God has clearly gifted you with to help and serve others in this much need area. Every cancer patient needs to be treated by you! Thank you – for everything. You’ve spoiled me – and I love it! I keep telling everyone I know about the healing benefits of massage therapy and Chinese medicine.and most especially about you! I think everyone should travel as far as they need to in order to experience you and your wonderful touch and love – and I’d be happy to tell them personally if I could!

— [Name removed to protect privacy]

November 22, 2005

I wanted to wait at least a week before I wrote to you – because (and I don’t want to jinx myself) since returning home I have not had any facial pain and my skin is clearing up! I cannot believe how amazing those words are for me to write – this after 4 years of chronic, daily excruciating pain in my face.

I have stopped taking those horrible pills my doctor prescribed and I am sure they were compromising my immune system. I am so grateful for your kindness and skill, words can barely express what I am feeling.

I think this is the environment for my husband and family – healthy, gorgeous and healing. And I have you to thank for a great deal of it.

I can’t wait to return and have you do your insightful therapy again. I feel you have given me back my life.

— Naomi

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