Testimonials
Hip Pain Better!
I first came to Redding Acupuncture Health Care in August 2010 for hip pain that I had been experiencing in both of my hips for about eight months. Previously, my medical Doctor diagnosed me with Bilateral Bursitis. Following the diagnosis he had also prescribed two treatments of steroid injections. Both times I was hospitalized for several days following the steroid injections treatments. I knew my body was not going to be able to tolerate another round of these treatments. I looked for alternative care, trying to preserve my body's health. I received chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and so many Bayer back and body pain relievers I made myself sick. I was unable to perform my normal daily activities such as walking, exercising, or squatting, and movements up and down caused me excruciating pain. I was referred to Michel Czehatowski, L.Ac. for Acupuncture treatment.
During my first visit Michel explained to me what was wrong, why it was wrong, and how he was going to use acupuncture to treat my condition. I felt immediate relief after my first visit. After my 5th visit I was back to all of my normal activities.
I highly recommend that anyone suffering from pain on any ailment come and visit Redding Acupuncture Health Care and see what they can do for you. I have had great success and think it is very important to share my story with others who are needlessly suffering. I plan on continuing my acupuncture treatments with Michel so I can maintain my health and active lifestyle to the fullest. Thank you Michel.
Sheila McCloud, November 2010
Sheila McCloud and Michel Czehatowski, L.Ac. (Nov. 2010)
Treatment of Back and Hip Pain
I first came to Redding Acupuncture Health Care for treatment in September 2009. I have had scoliosis most of my life and started seeing a Chiropractor in High School. At age 30 (1986) my lower back was fused. In 2003 I broke both my knees in an accident and later had both knees replaced. The replacement knee are not the same. My left leg is shorter which gives me back problems. I talked to my doctor about it and he recommended more surgery - which I refused. I had already given him four chances.
I then went to see Dr. Jamie Smith, DC in Palo Cedro, CA. X-rays showed degenerative bone disease, severe kyphoscoliosis, and arthritis in my spine. Dr. Smith was unable to help me and referred me to a pain management clinic. The doctor there tried several different procedures but they could not be completed due to the curvature of my spine. The doctor then suggested a pain pump which I also refused. I returned to Dr. Smith who did not give up on me.
Dr Smith then referred me to Redding Acupuncture Health Care where I started treatment with Michel Czehatowski, L.Ac.
From the beginning I have had success in controlling my pain with acupuncture. Over the past year Michel has kept me active with regular treatments. I am able to ride my horses and garden. I still have some pain but no pain pills. I am comfortable with Michel. I find him very easy to talk to and discuss my problems. He shows interest in my problems and never seems in a hurry. Also, the office staff is always pleasant and friendly and never treats you like a number.
I will stay with Michel and acupuncture treatments as long as he keeps me active.
Gwynne Livingston
December 2010
Gynne Livingston and Michel Czehatowski, L.Ac. (December 2010)
You guys are Awesome!
For the last eight months I was tired, off balance, and in a funk. I was physically and mentally exhausted all the time. I tried exercising to get back my motivation for life and even went to a medical doctor. The doctor wanted to put me on long-term medications to cover up the problems I was having. I refused the medications and exercising wasn't working for my emotional health. I was frustrated and continued to be tired and sick all the time. Then, by accident, I stumbled across Redding Acupuncture Health Care while shopping at a nearby store. I was a bit hesitant, not knowing if Acupuncture would help, but I decided to come in and ask. I meet with Michel and, after explaining how he thought he could help me, he put me on herbs and started me on regular Acupuncture treatments. Within a few treatments I started to feel like myself again. My energy was back, my attitude improved, and my "Qi" was back.
I continue my care regularly with Michel to maintain my health. I highly recommend anyone struggling with emotional and physical health issues to come and try Acupuncture with Michel. I am a believer and am so thankful for my treatments. It has truly changed my life. Michel, Holly, and all the rest at Redding Acupuncture, I just want to thank you with all my "Qi" for bringing me back into balance and restoring my strong spirits... I can't believe the difference your treatment has done for my back and whole bein. I thank you with all my heart, you guys are Awesome! xoxo
-Lynette Penick, March 2011
Lynette Penick and Michel Czehatowski, L.Ac. (March 2011)
"...Improved Quality of my Everyday life..."
I think Michel is amazingly gifted. He is attentive, has a gentle manner, is easy to talk to, takes the time to review your chart and then asks questions to update the information. Because of this, I feel like I'm receiving excellent care and have confidence that I'm going to feel better after each treatment.
I had been looking for an acupuncturist for a while. Since this isn't the kind of care one looks for in the yellow pages I asked friends, doctors, and massage therapists for recommendations. Michel's name came up three times. I visited the office. The staff was very friendly, answered my questions, the environment was clean and welcoming so I took some information and decided to think about it.
Finally, I got tired of feeling unhealthy, unhappy, unsettled and I had a pain in my right side that just wouldn't go away. I couldn't sleep at night and the hot flashes were driving me crazy. I was taking a variety of medications for a variety of things medically but never really felt good and I was questioning the need for so many medications. At my first visit, when it was time to fill out the various lists of ailments I was amazed at the thoroughness of each list. I was shocked when I checked almost every box on each list which told me I was either becoming a hypochondriac or perhaps there really was something wrong and I was finally going to get help.
Two weeks after seeing Michel I was sitting at my desk and I noticed I was feeling great. Since it had been so long since I felt good I didn't recognize it at first. I felt young and energetic. My head was clear. I was focused and happy. Little things weren't bothering me. I was smiling, having conversations with people on the phone, and felt really good. I mentioned that to Michel on my next visit - he smiled and said "oh, you are going to have more of those kind of days". I was very excited but also skeptical. The next thing I noticed I was laughing - a lot more. My energy was consistently improving. I started to walk and garden again. My outlook on life was changing. I was sharing this information with anyone who would listen. On my last visit to Arizona my children said "geez, mom, you're talking a lot." To which I replied "Guess why? I'm happy. I feel good. Get used to it!" We all laughed.
It's only been two months. I feel like a new person - like my old self again. And for a bonus, I've gone in with terrible cramps from IBS and felt better within 10 minutes. I've gone in on emotional days and left smiling and feeling calmer. Rather than feeling lousy, grouchy, unhappy and gloomy, I sleep well, my hot flashes have nearly disappeared, I'm happy and enjoy most of my days. As for that pain on my right side - it still acts up occasionally but how nice not to have it every day.
Michel has improved the quality of my everyday life and for that I will be forever grateful.
Michel, Thank you.
Sandy Grayson, April 2011
Michel Czehatowski, L.Ac. and Sandy Grayson (April 29, 2011)
“...Acupuncture and World Unity...”
Artist-Sculpture Jeff Gluck has always been interested in Eastern Medicine. While working as a designer/builder in Arizona Jeff had many friends that were acupuncturists. When a health problem came up several years ago he initially went to see acupuncturist and author, Misha Cohen, L.Ac., O.M.D. at her Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine Clinic in San Francisco.
Little did Jeff know at the time but Dr. Cohen and Michel Czehatowski, were former classmates, both having graduated from the San Francisco College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine where they shared most of their classes together.
Because travel to San Francisco was difficult and he required regular treatments, Dr. Cohen referred Jeff to Michel Czehatowski. Michel has been treating Jeff for several years now and over time they have become friends and have common interests to talk about.
When asked if he would recommend acupuncture, Jeff says he would recommend it and feels that people should also know that acupuncture works well in conjunction with Western medicine.
Artist Jeff Gluck (right) and Michel Czehatowski, L.Ac. pose with artwork from his World Unity Series that resides in the waiting area of
Redding Acupuncture Health Care. (May, 2011)
I feel 20 years younger!
Relief, energetic, and wonderful are not terms I would have used to describe myself about a month ago. I had back pain that made me unable to walk or stand up for long periods of time. Finally after living with it for so long, being miserable and with no answers from Western medicine besides pain pills. I was referred to Redding Acupuncture Health Care where I met the acupuncturist, Michel Czehatowski. After my first treatment I felt relief instantly. By the second week of treatment I was feeling wonderful. It felt as if I was 20 years younger! I had energy like I have never had before and I even quit smoking. Now I am able to enjoy life, walk more, and do activities that I wasn't able to do before. I can now enjoy shopping for my grand kids.
Michel is just great. Aside from his pleasant bedside manner he is knowledgeable and confident in what he practices. His office is not like a regular doctors office. Appointments are easy to make and he see's you on time. I would definitely, with no hesitation, recommend acupuncture for anyone who is looking for natural healing. It really works!
-Barbara Dean, November 2011
Within the first three visits my body...was on its way to healing and restoration.
Acupuncture is a holistic means of assisting our bodies when they require healing. In the Bay Area there are colleges that teach acupuncture where I could go for herbs or acupuncture treatments. When I arrived up here in the north state I was delighted to discover Redding Acupuncture Health Care.
For many years it was a comfort to know that it was there but then one day I had injured my back once again. I was unable to hold an adjustment to relieve the spasms even with additional massage.
I arrived at Michel Czehatowski's office a bit of a mess. After my first treatment I was calmer. It was not that it was instantly all better it was that my body was able to hold an adjustment and was on its way to healing and restoration.
Michel's calm nurturing manner is very assuring. I have always appreciated how treatment begins within minutes of walking through the front door. I refer patients to Michel on a regular basis from my massage practice.
-Susan Bradfield, February 2012
"I was in pain 95% of the Time..."
My job involves long hours of driving and making deliveries. Every day I have to lift heavy trays in awkward positions. My back and neck were hurting a lot and I could hardly get through a work day without taking a handful of Advil and pain killers. The root of my pain is two bulging disks in my lower back and one in my neck which caused frequent headaches. I also have accelerated arthritis. I was going through life in pain 95% of the time. I was considering surgery before I went to Redding Acupuncture Health Care.
I came to Redding Acupuncture Health Care and was pleasantly surprised to find Michel and the staff very easy to work with. Michel was always honest and hopeful during my treatments. After several visits I had reduced the number of Advil I was taking for pain. After a month I only needed to take it occasionally.
I currently come in for treatments every other week and still see positive results. I have cut my pain killers in half, and feel good during my work week. Thanks to Michel I am living a much better quality of life. I would recommend Redding Acupuncture Health Care to anyone in constant pain, or considering surgery. I could not have been more content with my entire experience here!
-Jayson Ritenour, April 11, 2012
Very Satisfied!
Very Satisfied!! I came in for Acupuncture in November 2012 with severe arm pain. I couldn't move my arm due to the pain and was unable to reach behind my back or move my arm across the front of my body. I had previously had a cortisone shot that helped a little but I was still having severe pain. A friend referred me to Michel at Redding Acupuncture Health Care.
On my initial visit I told Michel about my problem and he explained how acupuncture worked and how he would treat me. Michel was able to relieve my pain without putting the needles directly into my shoulder. He put them in my leg instead.
I had immediate improvement with the first treatment and when I returned two days later for my second appointment I was feeling much better! I had a total of five Acupuncture treatments after which Michel released me from his care. I am very satisfied with my outcome and surely will see him again if my pain returns.
- Neal Hess, November 2012
Headache Relief
Note: I received an email from Chinese Language Instructor Susan Zhang. She was on assignment in Redding several years ago teaching a four day introductory class in Chinese language. I was one of her students. One evening she was suffering from a migraine headache. She had this to say:
"I always remember when I was so sick one time after dinner. You took me to your clinic and treated me, I felt better in about 15 minutes. I admire you as a Westerner practicing Chinese medicine."
- Yuehua (Susan) Zhang, Singapore, March 31, 2013