Turning Point Center, LLC

“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

“I am an active building contractor on the job lifting, climbing, hammering, etc. Over four years ago, I started having lower back and hip pain. The pain was so bad at times it was hard to sleep even a few hours a night. Walking and even sitting was also very painful. After three MRIs, many X-rays, doctor visits, chiropractic visits, etc., I was ready to start living on pain medication. I thought it was my only alternative left. At this point I was already taking eight to twelve Advils everyday, but needing more.

I had heard about acupuncture from a friend, but thought it was some way-out thing that couldn’t work on me. If all the specialists I went to couldn’t help me, how could acupuncture?

I had only ONE treatment and it was completely painless and 100% effective! I didn’t feel anything during the treatment itself and when I left your office and got into my pick-up, I could tell something was different. That night for the first time in four years, I slept all night and woke up completely out of pain. It has now been over eight months and I still have not been in pain in that area.

I am truly grateful to you, Tom, and can wholeheartedly recommend you and the procedure. I have shared my experience with my doctor, Bill Nelson. Until he examined me, he didn’t believe that it could relieve the problem for me. He kept your name for referrals and said he will be sending people to you that are in situations like I was.

Thank you again, and you may publish this testimonial for anyone that may be interested in my experience.”

–John La Rocco, Florence, OR

“Acupuncture is the only treatment that gave me immediate relief for my chronic back pain. Thank you, Tom and Turning Point Center. I had tried every other method I could find including painkiller drugs with no noticeable results. That made it even more dramatic to arise from the acupuncture treatment table after weeks of severe pain and feel 50-80% better! Several treatments virtually cured me.

I do regular stretching exercises for back and neck pain prevention and that is important. But now at the first indication of muscle strain, I call Tom. His treatments have also helped open the energy flow to relieve hay fever and seasonal asthma symptoms as well as insomnia.

My primary care physician is all for incorporating acupuncture into my health care plan. I’m really glad I gave it a try way back when! If you have questions, feel free to give me a call.”

–Graham, Eugene, OR

“As I struggled through recovery from surgery, as well as the loss of both my father and a close friend in the same week, it was difficult for me to come back to my routine of work, family, and school. It was hard to concentrate on daily tasks since I couldn’t stop thinking about how my life had taken a sudden spin. Besides which, my body had to deal with a painful recovery during my mourning process. My family counselor referred me to the Turning Point Center where I found a valuable aid to my recovery in acupuncture.

At first I was hesitant because of the needles but I soon found there was nothing to be afraid of. After my first session with Tom Williams, the ease of pain I experienced was notable. Janeen Jones has also treated me regularly. Through use of the medicinal herbs Janeen prescribed, my mind has become sharper and more focused and my thought processes clearer.

Well, I was in Eugene one day and in a lot of pain. I had been to yet another specialist to which my doctor sent me to see if he could help. He told me if he operated on me, I could have some difficulties I wouldn’t want to live with, but I could go on some strong painkillers instead. Totally disheartened and fed up with everyone pushing pain pills as a fix-all, I went to a pay phone and called you out of desperation. You happened to answer the phone and had just had a cancellation, so you could get me in that afternoon. Now there was no changing my mind. I really didn’t know what to expect and had visions of twelve inch long needles, blood, pain, etc. I was wrong!

I would definitely recommend any of my friends to try acupuncture and get well naturally without having to be attached to daily chemical pill regimes. Acupuncture is safe, natural, and it works.”

–M. A. T., Teacher, Eugene, OR

“This last year was made much brighter because of your care and concern for my well being. Initially, I looked forward to each treatment as the highlight of my day. As I recovered, I continued to look forward to my treatments, but because of your care, my days were easier to navigate and I became more able to plan and follow though with activities that are so important to me.”

–Bethel Evans, Eugene, OR

“I came to Tom Williams about a year ago after being hit from behind in my car. I had neck and lower back pain that wouldn’t go away. A year later I am free of back and neck pain except when I do something that strains them in a way it would probably strain anyone. I think T.W. did the trick.

I also want to say how professional and friendly the staff at Turning Point is and what a pleasant and convenient location they have. Great people, great place, professional all the way around, and good results.”

–S.P.R., Eugene, OR

“I came to the Turning Point Center because of injuries I sustained in a car accident. Since the accident, every activity I participated in caused more pain. I even had trouble with my basic daily routines without getting a flare-up in my TMJ and neck pain. I have been to massage therapists and chiropractors and tried diligently to get rid of pain for nearly a year before finally being referred to Tom Williams for acupuncture. After my first treatment I was able to see some improvements, and with time, I have slowly progressed to actually having times without pain. Now, I have reduced my pain and continue to see improvements after each acupuncture visit. Thank You Turning Point Center!”

–Holly Gardner, UO Student, Eugene, OR

“I’ve had chronic pain in the form of fibromyalgia [with irritable bowel syndrome] and arthritis for over ten years. I’ve tried multiple disciplines to deal with the many symptoms that go along with these conditions, from exercise and meditation to diet, supplements and pain medication. But I was never really able to find the right combination until I found Tom Williams at the Turning Point Center. I had little to lose and so much to gain. What a difference acupuncture has made in my life!

From the first visit I started to feel profoundly different, physically, mentally, and spiritually. My world just seemed to get bigger and brighter. For instance, I found that I could see more clearly from colors and light to small details. I didn’t need to wear my reading glasses as often. My glaucoma disappeared. The experience was like being able to breathe fresh air for the first time. The depression I had suffered from for seven years slowly vanished and I had no more use for antidepressants. My memory and mental clarity improved. I started feeling like living out loud for a change.

Fibromyalgia is a strange animal. It seems to go hand in hand with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), skin hypersensitivity, extreme fatigue, mental fogginess, depression, muscle and joint pain and food/chemical sensitivities. After several months my skin sensitivity went away along with the IBS. My pain levels went down considerably. I found that if I was having a flare-up I could get a treatment with Tom and get immediate relief.

The Turning Point Center has become a big part of my proactive war against fibromyalgia and arthritis. Some of the other things I have found to be essential in my “war chest” are: Green First (a supplement from Turning Point that improves my energy level), chiropractic, getting plenty of sleep and exercise, hot baths and eating a well balanced diet void of preservatives and artificial sweeteners. When I have a flare-up, I tell myself, “this too shall pass” and once again dip into my war chest.

I would not hesitate to recommend anyone to try acupuncture with Tom Williams at the Turning Point Center.”

–Sherri Palmer, Cottage Grove, OR

“I was referred by Dr. James Morris to Tom Williams to help my fibromyalgia pain. I was diagnosed in 1993 with fibromyalgia. The pain in my lower back and hip are aggravations from many falls in my life. I have some bulging disks and disk degeneration up and down my spine. I was not able to shop, work, exercise or walk long distances. I have taken pain medication, had massages, chiropractic adjustments, and physical therapy.

–Marilyn King, Teacher, Springfield, OR

“I asked my doctor if she could refer me to an acupuncturist for my advanced, tri-level osteoarthritis in my knees. She told me that a number of her patients mentioned and liked a Tom Williams.

–C.B., Eugene, OR

“The quality of care I have received is great. Even better than great. After two treatments for arthritis and pain in my lower back and nagging pain and stiffness in my neck (that has been there for over ten years), I noticed remarkable relief. Continuing treatments have made them almost nonexistent. I was also treated for hot flashes and night sweats–these are down to almost none.”

–Pam Stanton, Springfield, OR

“I would like to thank you for the allergy relief this past allergy season. Tom’s work alleviated a number of my symptoms, and when I did have an attack, I seemed to rebound more quickly than usual. With your help, I was able to weather the storm without using any pharmaceuticals. That was a first for me. Keep up the great work!”

–J.B., Eugene, OR

“I am allergic to EVERYTHING! After nearly twenty years of immunotherapy, round the clock antihistamines and decongestants, daily sinus headaches, numerous sinus infections and asthma episodes, not to mention one too many systemic reactions to allergy shots, I finally had the good sense to seek alternative treatment.

I have not had so much relief from allergy symptoms, nor have I felt this healthy in general in more years than I can remember! No more decongestants (I still use an antihistamine nasal spray), no asthma meds, very infrequent headaches, very mild rhinitis and loving the outdoors!

I highly recommend acupuncture treatment at the Turning Point Center to control your allergies! You’ll love the staff too!! They are all welcoming, friendly, and competent and make your visits a pleasure.”

–Kathy Sniezko, Eugene, OR