Turning Point Center, LLC

In this video from 2011, patient Scott Wiggins describes his experience of receiving acupuncture for smoking cessation from Tom Williams, L.Ac of Turning Point Center LLC in Eugene, Oregon.

“It’s been 21 years since I’ve smoked a cigarette. Before then I was at a pack a day. My wife says I was at close to two packs a day. I visited Tom Williams. We went through three treatments. I tried to disprove it, and then on my last treatment, I decided not to smoke.

“The thing for me for smoking was physical. Psychologically, I would tell myself I wanted to quit smoking, get myself prepared, and then at one or two days be overwhelmed with physical craving for smoking cigarettes. That was the one piece that was just really hard for me.

“With the acupuncture, I was able to not have that physical craving for cigarettes. Therefore, I finally won the battle of trying to quit smoking. It’s been 21 years that I have been cigarette free. I’m just really thankful. I have my health back. I feel so much better now. For something to actually own me like cigarettes did was really a tough thing for me. So really, it’s been many gifts.”

“When I first started getting acupuncture, there were days when it was so painful to bend my knees that I could barely get down the three stairs in front of my house. Now I can run down whole flights of stairs, do strenuous yoga exercises involving deep knee bends, and sit cross-legged during meditation for an hour at a time without experiencing any pain at all. Having weekly acupuncture treatments made this dramatic healing possible in two ways. The first was the acupuncture itself which helped my knees heal and regain their strength after years of a nearly constant inflammation. The second was that having time every week to talk with Janeen and Tom about my state of health enabled us to eventually discover that the cause of my inflammation was a wheat allergy. Once the source of inflammation was removed, the acupuncture had even more dramatic healing effects.

The initial health history forms are so thorough. Just filling them out was an amazing lesson in what true health actually is. Having lived a pretty healthy lifestyle for most of my life, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what it meant to be healthy. But time and again I found myself checking off a symptom on the symptom check-list that I had had no idea was a sign of imbalance. ‘Waking up during the night to pee?!’ I would later object to Tom. ‘Doesn’t everyone?’ No, it turned out. They don’t. And neither do I, now that my kidneys and associated organs have been strengthened by acupuncture.

From the beginning, I have been very sensitive to the needles. Tom likes to joke that it’s because I’m a redhead. Janeen just says I’m just a very sensitive person. Whatever the reason, the discomfort was certainly never going to stop me from having acupuncture treatments for I knew that it meant that the needles had been put in just the right spots. Besides it never lasted long. However, when Tom and Janeen placed a special order for a box of super-super thin needles, I was touched by their desire to make the process more pleasant for me. I was even more delighted when we tried them out for the first time and I could barely feel them going in!”

–Tara Jones, Eugene, OR

“I believe acupuncture helps my body heal itself and return to a balanced state. I know it has helped me avoid surgery on several occasions. I feel at peace after each session.”

–Jim Jamieson, Eugene, OR

“I’ve worked with acupuncture for several years. I’m very aware that the medications I take, while they have been the best way to manage my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) so far, have the potential to be very toxic and harmful to other parts of my body. I really think that acupuncture has helped to balance the impact of those side effects. The medicines that work best for RA also suppress the immune system, and I strongly believe that I am able to fight off colds and other infections because of regular acupuncture sessions. Over this past year, I have had a little more trouble with some of my joints, and acupuncture has helped to ease the pain of those flare-ups too. So yes, I’m a big believer in acupuncture and the role it plays in managing my arthritis and improving my overall health.”

–Jennifer Mroz, Eugene, OR

“Acupuncture has helped me in many areas. I first went to see Tom when I was having trouble after foot surgery. I have no more foot pain. Now, I will usually try acupuncture before any other service: for anxiety, vertigo, shoulder, arthritis, neck pain, and headaches. It has consistently eased my pain.

I also use an Alpha-Stim that I received through CAFA and was surprised when I was able to use one in conjunction with acupuncture treatment at Turning Point Center. I have eased my anxiety and insomnia by using the Alpha-Stim.”

–Echo Lucas, Eugene, OR

“Hi, I’m Dan Close and I came to the Turning Point Center because I have seasonal allergies.

Ever since I came to Eugene in 1974 I had severe allergies in February, March, April, May, and June. I attempted to manage these allergies through a variety of procedures: Medicine, avoidance, over-the-counter medications, masks, everything.

My wife had been telling me for years that I should try acupuncture but I was just a little nervous or leery about that. One day she persuaded me to go see an acupuncturist… I heard a good report on Tom Williams, and the Turning Point Center was so close to the University that I came over. I think this is my fourth or fifth year, having my seasonal allergies treated.

It’s an unbelievably effective treatment in that you come prior to the onset of the major allergens from the trees and grasses and you sort of build up the ability to counter them. I don’t know how. I’ve never really figured out how it works. But what’s interesting is you come for a period of time and you kind of build up and then go away for a awhile. I usually come three separate sequences of time: in the middle of February, late March to early April and then mid-May to June. That seems to be an effective way to treat my seasonal allergies and I would encourage you to do the same.”

--Dan Close, Eugene, OR

“After I was hit by a car door while riding my bike, I came to Tom because of the persistent pain from liver lacerations and crack/bruising of the ribs. It was five months after the accident and the pain would not go away. Tom was very straight with me about what he could provide, how it would help me, and where he was not sure if it would help.

I went through three months of treatment and did not have any pain to speak of when doing day to day activities. I returned a month and a half later because a little pain had returned. Tom taught me how to use moxibustion, which again alleviated the pain (and helped in a different ailment that had bothered me for years prior). Tom and his group did an amazing job with my physical ailment. I would recommend Tom to anyone, even if there are no ailments, just because of the good feeling you have after visiting the office.”

–J. Heyl, Eugene, OR

“I love the way I was treated at Turning Point. I was treated like my concerns mattered. Turning Point staff has been nothing but professional and courteous! My experience with the medical field has been negative. At the first accupuncture treatment I was able to sleep soundly and when I got up, I was able to move better and pain free! Each treatment was beneficial to continue with freedom of movement and pain relief. Doctors prescribe pain relievers that have an adverse effect of not being able to think clearly or work properly. Accupuncture is a form of pain relief without negative effects. I feel more energetic and content! Thank you Turning Point! “

–Sharon, Cottage Grove, OR

“Tom takes time to listen and is present with you. He cares and is attentive. The office staff is warm, caring and reliable. Tom is one of the few acupuncturists in town who does Japanese style acupuncture. It is gentle and effective. You’ll be glad you chose Turning Point Center.”

–Kim D. Eugene, OR

“I had suffered for over a year with chronic neck and shoulder pain. Tom and the staff at Turning Point were wonderful! I had tried everything with no results. Tom’s clear explanations and warm, caring approach helped me so much. Thanks for everything!”

–Rebecca Easton, Eugene, OR

“Tom and Janeen are both well-educated and experienced practitioners who listen deeply to my health concerns and treat me with utter respect and kindness. I recently had a series of acupuncture treatments for shingles that helped immensely, and I have seen Tom over a number of years for different health issues. His gentle and compassionate spirit is very soothing, and brings healing to my body and mind. The Turning Point Center staff, as well, offer caring and knowledgeable support.”

–Judith, Eugene, OR

“I have seen Tom for acupuncture for many years and value his expertise and wisdom.  He is truly a healer of body and mind. I always feel energized and relaxed after a treatment and the long term effects are lasting. I would recommend Tom and his caring staff to anyone who is interested in acupuncture in a nurturing environment. Thanks to all at Turning Point!”

–Lynne, Eugene, OR

“Thank you Tom Williams and Turning Point Center for helping me with my back pain and stress relief. Your staff is warm and friendly and I always leave with a smile! I appreciate you and look forward to my next visit! Thank you!‎”

–Brandy, Eugene, OR

“I first visited the Turning Point Center for smoking cessation and infertility. I’ve tried the patch and going cold turkey to quit in the past unsuccessfully. With acupuncture, it was a very smooth transition, free of stress and nicotine cravings. I would recommend anyone seeking better health to check out acupuncture.”

–Caitlin Richardson, Eugene, OR

“When I first came to the Turning Point Center with injuries from an auto accident, I was experiencing chronic headaches, chest, neck and back pain, visual impairment, and dizziness and I needed assistance walking. Regularly scheduled visits with Tom and Janeen for acupuncture, moxibustion, herbs, and cranio-sacral therapy not only aided my recovery from the concussion and other injuries I sustained, but helped reduce the discomfort and stress I was experiencing throughout my whole body. I greatly benefited from their professional and compassionate care, and highly recommend their services.”

–Lee Erickson, Eugene, OR

EXCERPT: “There was a day when I couldn’t even pick up a comb. One of my clients is a neuro-surgeon and he said ‘You’re going to have issues with carpal tunnel and you might have to look at surgery.’ That wasn’t something I really wanted to do.

My next client said, ‘Look, I’ve got a guy. I’m going to take your right now.’ I got in the car, drove over. I didn’t know anything about acupuncture. I walked in, sat down. Tom fit me in between patients, put some needles into me. Thirty minutes later, I walked out. I could go play tennis, lift weights, and I was sold right then and there.

I went back a few days later. He explained the whole thing: The relationship of chi in the body and how it all moves. All I know is it works. I’ve highly recommended him ever since. That was about 14 years ago.”

--David Fletcher, Amadeus Salon, Eugene, OR

“After experiencing tinnitus for eight months, I had grown weary of its impact on the ‘quiet’ periods of my life when it was the most noticeable. Receiving acupuncture treatments markedly decreased my tinnitus, making it possible for me to relax more during the day and when falling asleep at night.”

–S.K., Eugene, OR

“I have suffered from tendonitis in both my arms, hands, and back for twelve years. The pain was so debilitating at times that I could not do simple acts like picking up an eating utensil without dropping it. I could not hold a pen to write. As one can see, I can pick up my pen now to write about my acupuncture experience.

Before I tried acupuncture, I tried the usual anti-inflammatory drugs. These only dulled the pain and did little, if anything, to cure the problem. The combination of stretches, strengthening of the muscles, and massage that I learned from physical therapy started my healing process, but it was not until I combined these with acupuncture that I really reaped the benefits.

I am a professional classical saxophonist. Thanks to acupuncture, I am able to continue my career. I sincerely believe that without acupuncture, my career would be over at age thirty and that I would be jobless, wandering and looking for a new career.”

–Christopher Walker, Eugene, OR

“I developed bursitis in both my shoulders from overuse due to swimming. I went to a Sports Medicine person for treatment. He used ultrasound, massage, and ice. Neither of my shoulders responded. I then went to Tom Williams for treatment. Tom said he had good luck with shoulders and he thought he could help me.

I had the first treatment and enjoyed the whole experience. When I went home my shoulders ached more that night than ever before. This was not a good sign, I thought. The next morning I woke up and the pain was gone. I now swim four days a week, pain free, and the bursitis has never returned.

Thank you.”

–Greg Zwettler, Eugene, OR

“I am on my third acupuncture treatment and have already seen a great deal of pain relief. My left upper arm nerve was injured by a [hypodermic injection] and I had been going to a physical therapist for months with no relief.

Tom Williams was recommended to me by a coworker who had gotten total relief for his shoulder problem. I am so glad that I went because the first visit I received relief and was able to sleep through the night for the first time in months.

I highly recommend acupuncture to all my family and friends and have complete confidence that I will be pain free and back to normal soon.”

–M. Goddard, Eugene, OR

“I first saw Tom Williams because I had shingles and someone suggested acupuncture as a possible remedy. The only other approach seemed to be medication for pain. Tom was personable, thorough, and clear in explaining a plan for treatment. My shingles discomfort disappeared in three treatments.

The staff at Tom’s office is welcoming and caring. The office setting is calm and peaceful, which enhances the treatment.”

–Gretchen Merten, retired, Eugene, OR

“Starting at age 20, my joints became inflamed and very painful. Ibuprofen, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory medicines subdued the symptoms for a while, but by age 27, I could barely walk, hold a toothbrush, or drive my car. After seeing a rheumatologist, I was put on several serious prescription drugs (methotrexate, Celebrex, and prednisone, to name a few).

I took these prescription drugs for about three years. They did take down some of the inflammation, but they also caused severe exhaustion, bowel problems, irritability, and skin rashes. I began to get really sick. Four months of flu-like symptoms convinced me that the choices I had made in regards to my health were not successful. At this point, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I changed my diet, began using essential oils, and gradually eliminated the drugs from my routine. The rashes continued to get worse. I left my job and began searching for alternatives. For three years, I looked for ways to lessen the irritation, redness, and itching caused by the rash, as well as something to break down the calcification in my wrists left by the rheumatoid arthritis. I have tried all types of creams, oils, and bio-frequency machines, as well as numerous diet changes and other types of healing therapies.

For months now, I have been receiving regular acupuncture treatment from Tom Williams L.Ac. and I have been using an exclusively certified organic skin care line, which together have made huge improvements in my condition. I am still a very health-conscious eater, use essential oils, and try other healing modalities, but I believe acupuncture has been key to the healthy life I am meant to live.”

–Holli Smith, Eugene, OR

“Tom Williams’s acupuncture treatment has aided me in managing a respiratory problem and has eliminated most of my chronic neck and back pain. This alternative to conventional medicine eliminates the need for the prescribed and over the counter drugs. I sincerely urge anyone to consult with Tom Williams for any ailments to determine if acupuncture can help your condition. It’s been great for me.”

–V. J., Eugene, OR

“As a child I had polio as well as other physical trauma. Entering the second half century of my life, aches and pains have increasingly become an everyday occurrence. About six years ago I decided to do something about the pain. Since then I have tried acupuncture along with physical therapy and chiropractic therapy.

No one therapy has been a ‘cure all.’ However, I have received the most long-term relief from acupuncture treatment. Both mobility and the quantity of pain experienced have greatly improved. I now believe it is possible to have the active life I want and not have pain dominate my daily thoughts.”

–Val Monshke, Eugene, OR

“I am fifty years old and am in very good health. Unfortunately, every spring for the last four years my neck has turned into knots. Each time I have had physical therapy for two to three months with the appointments one to two times per week, exercises, etc. Although I am not a believer in alternative medicines, I had two acupuncture treatments at the suggestion of a friend. My neck is great! That was two months ago. I’m a believer now.”

–P.T., Eugene, OR

“I am an RN who [Tom] treated with that ‘neck thing’ he does. My symptoms were intermittently numb/achy arms, inability to fully turn my neck, and an inability to lift anything heavy, especially with my right arm. After one treatment, my symptoms were 85% better and 100% better after the second treatment. I was able to turn my head completely in either direction, something I hadn’t been able to do in years. A very nice side effect was an overall sense of calmness that descended upon me and lasted nearly two weeks. I have a very stressful job and nothing seemed to bother me for a while. Very nice side effect.”

–Candy Whitney, RN, Eugene, OR

“The summer of 1997 the heater stopped working in my water bed. Since it was a very hot moment for Oregon I thought I might sleep in ‘cool’ comfort. Wrong! I woke up with a stiff neck unlike anything I’d ever experienced. I was in such pain that the thought of anyone moving my neck sent chills through me. Stiffly, not moving my head, I called Tom Williams. I drove straight down to his office, with emphasis on straight as there was no way I could turn my head.

I remember Tom put a needle in the web of hand between my thumb and my first finger and said quietly, ‘Try turning your head.’ And I did! Amazing. He rotated the needle slightly and I was able to turn my head from side to side. Wow! He then warmed my neck with a moxa treatment and suggested I get a new heater for the water bed. I was convinced.”

–Cathy Coulson, Veneta, OR

“I originally came to see Tom for some neck and back pain. After one session, I was amazed at how much relief I was able to get. I continue to see Tom on a fairly regular because I just love the feeling of calm and relaxation that I get when I am on the table. I look forward to going because I know it will be one hour that I can just be completely relaxed and free of any anxiety. I would recommend Tom Williams to anyone with chronic pain or anxiety.”

–A.R., Eugene, OR

“One of the symptoms of my menopausal journey was erratic bleeding. The condition had two forms. One was flooding which was so intense it was hard to leave home. Secondly, at times the bleeding was lighter but would not stop for over a month. After having a biopsy, trying herbs, and spending a great deal of money, I tried acupuncture. It took about three treatments to help my body balance. Since then I notice the early signs of menstrual irregularity and go in for treatment. Acupuncture has allowed me to experience this time of change with a bit of grace.”

–Maggie Donahue, LMT, Eugene, OR

“I began a series of visits for acupuncture with Tom Williams because of pain from an injury to my knees. The pain control was so effective that I was able to postpone surgery until I felt stronger. After surgery I found the acupuncture very helpful to control pain and stimulate healing. Tom is very gentle and has an excellent healing attitude. He doesn’t lecture but explains what you want to know about the healing process.”

–Maureen Hudson, Eugene, OR

“After trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant, I was prescribed Clomid (a fertlity drug). For two years my husband and I tried to get pregnant while taking Clomid without success. At that time I visited the Turning Point Center for help with an unrelated condition. During my initial visit there the fertility issue came up and Tom offered to include help with that in my overall treatment plan. One month later I was pregnant and am now five months along.

In my professional work as a massage therapist I’ve heard many other success stories from clients about acupuncture. I am a firm believer in acupuncture and would recommend it to anyone seeking better health.”

–Caitlin Richardson, LMT, Eugene, OR

“I came to the Turning Point Center because my partner and I were told that due to age and my high FSH levels, we had very little chance of conceiving a child. As part of our efforts to increase our fertility I received several months of regular acupuncture treatments from Tom to help improve my overall ovarian function. Not only did the needles not hurt, I found each session to be completely relaxing during what was a fairly stressful time. I believe that my work with the Turning Point Center and fertility doctor finally created the right environment for becoming pregnant and we are grateful to be expecting a little girl in 6 weeks. I personally believe that acupuncture was a tremendous help and one of the main reasons we are pregnant.”

–Kelly Darnell, Eugene, OR

“I had always wanted to try acupuncture for my chronic neck/back/hip pain developed over the years from several rear-end collisions, providing care to my disabled daughter, and lifting her very heavy wheelchair.

Over the years I have been treated by physical therapists, chiropractors, and back pain specialists and been prescribed muscle relaxants and/or prescription drugs for pain. Ben Gay and his cousins have a special place in my bathroom too. All of those things have helped for a while but acupuncture has reduced my symptoms better than any other treatments. Plus I sleep better and don’t require prescription sleeping aids anymore–what a great ‘two-for-one’ deal!

Acupuncture is an amazing natural art for healing and I am blessed to have Tom and Janeen share their gifts in tuning up this always grateful ol’ body of mine!”

–JM, Domestic Engineer, Eugene, OR

“Standing on the summit cornice of 14,162 ft Mt. Shasta in northern California, I could not believe that less than two months earlier I could not muster the strength to pull myself out of bed. Cutting icy turns down the north side to our high camp, and idea of pain was history, for it could have meant disaster.

Upon returning home I made a point of seeing my regular doctor to share my thoughts about the benefits of acupuncture. Following an injury which left me in great pain, of the hip and lower back variety, he had recommended a regime of pain killers and killer physical therapy. Not that physical therapy doesn’t have its place, it just wasn’t working for me. I always felt worse after my visits.

Upon a friend’s recommendation, I paid a visit to Tom Williams, a local acupuncturist. My revelation came when he pressed the ground zero pain in my hip, found a corresponding source in my leg, placed a very fine needle in my leg, returned to ground zero with a firm press and wow, what happened? A mere trickle of sensation.

After three hour-long sessions, I was back on my feet, and less than a week later packing a full load up the side of a mountain. Knowing that I may be pushing it a bit, I told myself that I would turn around any time. It didn’t happen. I’ve felt great since and never miss a chance to recommend acupuncture to friends and relatives.”

–Mike Stickling, Eugene, OR

“As far as anyone can remember, my migraines started in the first grade. They were a consistent presence through my adolescence and became especially debilitating when I began at the University and took on all the stress, transition, and poor health habits that came with it. Throughout the years I saw several doctors and neurologists. I was prescribed four different prescription migraine medications, one of which actually worked for a while but then gave way to far worse breakthrough migraines. One pill was a daily preventative medication, which failed to cause any difference in my migraine frequency or severity but heavily impaired my mental function, furthering my compromised experience. I had several migraines a week, almost all of them lasted the entire day and caused me a great amount of pain and nausea. The various doctors I saw had no new information for me and continued to pressure me to take various medications. At the risk of sounding melodramatic, I was feeling quite helpless and fearing a lifetime of suffering.

I honestly got a little teary eyed writing this. Thank you all so much, from the bottom of my heart.”

–Navit, Eugene, OR

“I am very grateful for the healing assistance I have received from Tom Williams. About nine months ago, I started having strong, debilitating headaches. They were much stronger at night; therefore, I didn’t sleep well. I had difficulty thinking clearly, had erratic mood swings, and feared they would never go away. Doing some yoga didn’t alleviate them.

Since I have been receiving acupuncture treatments twice weekly for almost six months, my headaches have decreased significantly. They are almost totally gone. After only five weeks of treatments, I was able to stop taking hydrocodone and only take ibuprofen. Currently, I sleep better and am more relaxed. I believe the acupuncture treatments, healing atmosphere of Tom’s office, and the caring treatment I received from everyone at Tom’s office have made a difference in my health.”

–C.D., Eugene, OR

“In December of 2007 I had been sick and in a great deal of pain for many months spending a good portion of my days in bed. Western Medical Professionals had been unable to give me answers to my health problems. The holidays were coming and I was afraid I would be unable to enjoy them with my husband and children. My Nurse Practitioner suggested I try Acupuncture. I called the office of Tom Williams and from the very first phone call I felt a great deal of care and concern. I started treatments twice a week and was feeling well enough by Christmas to enjoy it.

I am so very grateful to Tom, Holly and the whole staff. I was given help and concern at a time when I had no answers and no energy. They gave me quality of life and help with the pain until I was able to find answers and treatment to all of my problems.”

–Heidi (Magi) Hicks, Mary Kay Consultant, Eugene, OR

“I initially started going to The Turning Point Center in April of 2008. The reason for my visit was that I had been suffering from chronic headaches for several months for which over the counter pain relievers offered no relief. Also with those headaches, I had been suffering with chronic neck pain that I describe as feeling like I had the flu in my neck everyday. It was that body ache feeling you get with severe flu symptoms.

With the first visit I had immediate relief from both my headache and neck pain. It was absolutely amazing. I continued my visits for a series of 16 visits, 2 visits a week for 8 weeks. My results have been phenomenal! I feel fantastic. I no longer suffer from the neck pain at all, which is nothing short of a miracle as I have suffered chronic neck pain since I was a child. I am now 44 years old (young now) and finally pain free. I feel better than I have in years. I can now exercise freely several times a week and I am for the first time in my life able to stick with a work out routine. In years past, when I would exercise; the neck pain would be so severe that I would have to take weeks if not months to recover before trying to exercise again with the same results.

I am so happy that I finally took the leap and tried acupuncture – my only regret is that I did not try it sooner. It has changed my life.”

–Leona Kephart, Elmira, OR

“I got quick relief for an episode of gout.

The staff at Tom’s office is welcoming and caring. The office setting is calm and peaceful, which enhances the treatment.”

–Gretchen Merten, retired, Eugene, OR

“After struggling with the pain of fibromyalgia for the past eight years, I decided to try acupuncture. Prescribed pain relievers were giving me only limited relief and increasing medication was unwise.

When I first met with Tom Williams, I felt confident that I could be helped in a kind, professional, caring program. From the first treatment, I walked away with less pain, and went home to enjoy a night of more relaxed sleep.

Thanks, Tom Williams!”

–C.H., Eugene, OR

“I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1981. I had major sleep problems and severe pain my neck, back, shoulders, and general flu-like symptoms. My doctor prescribed an antidepressant that controlled and reduced the pain and sleeplessness. However, through the years, I needed to increase the dosage, causing more and more side effects. This year, 2006, I started to look for some other options. My nurse practitioner recommended Tom Williams.

I have needle phobia so I was concerned about acupuncture. When I went to my appointment, I was immediately reassured by the calm, comfortable office and staff. Tom is a caring professional. I told him I was looking for a way to relieve pain and sleeplessness without drugs. I told him I was taking Pamelor (antidepressant) and Celebrex (pain medication), and I had tried many antidepressants over the years. Pamelor was the only one that worked, but I needed to keep increasing the dosage. I have tried all the new sleep medications: Lunesta, Ambien, Sonata and they all had bad side effects for me. I also shared my dread of needles.

Now, I have had several treatments with Tom. The needles did not bother me. Perhaps because I felt the value of them immediately. That was the surprise–the instant effect. And the long-term effect was being able to reduce my dosage on medications.

I feel I can recommend Tom to anyone. They have and continue to help me so much. Thank you, Tom and office staff, for all your caring service. I really appreciate it.”

–M.N., Eugene, OR

“I have had fibromyalgia most of my life, but was diagnosed in 1994 when I was at my worst and medicine didn’t work or only worked for a very short time. I had driven school buses for over 25 years steady, so body damage was taking its toll. I went for chiropractic treatment, which helped. I also tried massage therapy, and I did improve somewhat after several years.

Thank you Tom Williams for changing my life.”

–Joy Decker, Oakridge, OR

“Living with chronic pain has been a way of life for the past 20 plus years. I have seen doctor after doctor, taken drug after drug. I’ve done PT, massage, chiropractic; the list could go on and on.

Four months ago I called Turning Point. Since working with Tom and Laura my pain has gone from a daily 8/9 to a much more bearable 3/4. I started acupuncture with no expectations and now find myself hopeful that with continued treatment I can reduce my pain even more.

The entire staff is incredible–their positive, upbeat nature can’t help but make your day bright.

Much thanks to all of you!”

–P.B., Eugene, OR

“I was treated by Tom Williams for a painful rib condition caused by using a weed eater for an extended period of time. I could hardly bend over to tie my shoes.

The next day-SURPRISE-I woke up to the complete absence of pain. Not a trace! Amazing! Everything else I had tried had helped only a little, and certainly did not last. I was cured.”

–Ted J., Eugene, OR

“As you know, Tom, I have come to see you for professional services on three separate sets of occasions. My visits date back to probably the early 1990’s, although you and I have known one another for much longer. Each time I wound up at your office for help, I received exactly what I was looking for: relief from my problem. It was the same problem really, revisiting me over a period of fifteen years or so. With each episode, I doggedly pursued relief through the modalities that I practice and promote–chiropractic and homeopathy. I also wore out a few massage therapists, until finally I had to admit to myself, ‘This is clearly an energetic problem of mysterious origin, and if I were my own patient, I would have referred myself to Tom by now!’

And sure enough, each episode of severe discomfort was brought swiftly to a close within just a few treatments. (I could usually tell by the end of the first treatment with you that things were going to resolve.) At which point I would solemnly vow to myself to remember you first, should the problem recur.

So many years pass between each occurrence that I can forgive myself for forgetting your talents; the point is, you’ve been there for me every time, in a totally receptive, caring, and effective way! Your knowledge and style and service orientation all add up to a tremendous resource for this community. I count myself a very lucky guy, because I have you over all these years as both a friend and a skilled practitioner. Thanks Tom!”

–Vip S., D.C., Eugene, OR

“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, a good friend strongly recommended acupuncture. Knowing that cancer treatment would be expensive, but feeling so strongly that this should be part of my wellness plan, she sent me money to cover several months of visits.

For the duration of my chemotherapy, about 6 months worth, I visited Tom/Turning Point twice a week. Though many days were difficult, physically, to get there, every visit was worth the effort. I suppose the only way I could truly know that acupuncture helped would be to go through chemotherapy again without the support of acupuncture. But I can say that on most occasions I went home with immediate relief from the prevailing effect of the day, be it nausea, insomnia, bone pain, or other ailments. That was reason enough for me to keep acupuncture as an adjunct treatment, but I was also encouraged by my oncologist. Not only did he feel acupuncture was worth my time, but my tests and check-ups after each chemo session showed that I was faring better than most others taking the same drugs. Many possible side effects were either nonexistent or mild. Typical side effects that I did experience, such as nerve damage, last long after chemotherapy is done. Even though I’ve cut my acupuncture visits to once a week, I feel certain that the treatments have quickened my recovery significantly. Again, this is supported by the progress seen by my oncologist.

I’m now on a 5-year drug regimen to keep cancer at bay, and new drugs mean new side effects. I will continue with acupuncture to address these. Two recent and extremely beneficial visits come to mind; one for stiff/painful neck strains and one for food cravings. After both visits, my results were immediate.

Although acupuncture is new to me, my sense is that this would be a useful treatment even for the healthy individual. Given the way in which my particular breast cancer developed, it may well have helped me avoid it completely. Regardless, one of the beauties of acupuncture is that a treatment can be specific to one ailment while at the same time benefiting overall balance and wellness. I highly recommend acupuncture.”

To your health,
–Karen Schneider, Eugene, OR

“I work for a lumber mill and my work consists of my standing in one place all day. Over the years my back has hurt and I have had chiropractor treatments which gave me temporary relief. After my first treatment with Tom Williams of acupuncture I felt great relief before even leaving his office. I have not had to go to a chiropractor since.”

–David, Veneta, OR

“I injured my back four months ago and have been to my chiropractor several times during those months. The treatment was expensive and I didn’t get much relief. So, I went to my general practitioner to see if there was something else wrong the chiropractor could not treat. She told me my back was in a spasm. She gave me some pills to take and that was that.

Silly me. Suddenly I remember you–after four months of pain. It has been almost a week since I was there at your office for acupuncture treatment. I wanted to write to tell you what I am experiencing now.

Once again, thank you!”

–Judi Greig, Bend, OR

“Two years ago I sprained the ligaments of my low back. I now have vivid empathy for folks who describe debilitating pain. The slightest movement would cause hot, stabbing pain. I used primarily chiropractic care and a series of exercises in the first year and was very careful not to re-injure myself. After about a year and a half I had recovered to about 80% of my former strength and flexibility. Still, every morning brought painful stiffness and always a feeling of weakness.

At that point, I tried acupuncture. The first treatment was dramatic. For three days, I was pain-free for the first time since the accident. The stiffness returned, but was less. The second treatment yielded the same results: about 3 clear days and then some stiffness. The third treatment had less impact and I stopped there. What I noticed was that soon after that I started waking without pain or stiffness. Then I began to feel an increase in strength. It was exhilarating to notice that my back felt as strong and flexible as it used to.”

–Maggie Donahue, LMT, Eugene, OR