Asthma, Eczema, Allergies, and Acne
After 15 years of suffering from various allergy triggers along with asthma, I was tired of getting sick every season. I also wanted to avoid the side effects from allergy decongestants and asthma steroid inhalers. I found that acupuncture treatments with Joe Alban helped relieve many of my symptoms. A great benefit to the treatments Joe Alban gave me was that he could alter them based on the season and whatever symptoms were bothering me the most. The most noticeable change came in two ways. One is that I am now living with a cat even though I am allergic to cats. And the other is I have been able to reduce the amount of steroid inhalers I take. I have more energy and have less colds and congestion. I attribute the improvement to the combination of acupuncture treatments with Joe Alban, some herbal teas and acupressure that I’ve learned as part of the treatment. I recommended acupuncture to my father and he’s been able to avoid dialysis thanks to his own acupuncture treatment.
I came to see Joe because I’ve always had problems with tension — leading to constant flare-ups either in my skin or stomach or any number of other areas. I was a bit suspicious of whether acupuncture could help, but was quickly proved wrong. What’s incredible about Joe is how he tailored a program specifically for me to help me improve over the long-term. I’ve begun to see a gradual relief of symptoms I’ve had for over 10 years that I never thought would go away. On top of being incredibly knowledgeable and a consummate professional, Joe also is just an oasis of calm — always positive, reassuring, and the best listener I’ve perhaps ever met. Can’t recommend him highly enough.
Joe has that combination of compassion, intelligence, and insight that’s needed in any school of healing. When I first met him, he told me people don’t come to him for stress, but they should. Several months later I came to him with flaring asthma, migraines, recurring colds, back pain, and various other physical manifestations of stress. I was sheepish that I had waited until I had no choice but to take care of myself, but I got no judgment from him. He just got to work on what we had to deal with. He’s supportive of my desire to wean off some of the medications I take, but doesn’t pressure me to get rid of them all. He is part of the new generation of acupuncturists that doesn’t see western medicine as the enemy, but wants to use everything in its proper time and place. Also, just the nicest guy you’ll meet!
Within weeks of coming from Russia to the US to study, I began to experience an allergy which I never had before. I felt very bad, I couldn’t sleep, and my face became itchy and red. I tried many different things on my own, but nothing worked. So, I decided to try acupuncture. Even from the first acupuncture appointment with Joseph I felt a lot better. The allergy on my face was much less and my general condition was very good. After 3 months of treatment I have a significant improvement. My skin is not that sensitive anymore and, I believe, I’m not going to experience that allergy in the future. Thanks a lot to Joseph Alban, L.Ac!
Throughout my life I have struggled with acne on both my face and body. I felt like I had tried just about everything that Western medicine had to offer – accutane, light therapy, facials, antibiotics – you name it, I’ve tried it! Finally, my fiancé suggested I look into acupuncture since other methods certainly did not seem to be doing the trick. I had always been interested in trying Chinese medicine, but I was a little doubtful since it doesn’t promise the immediate results that big name pharmaceutical companies advertise. Much to my surprise, I started seeing results almost immediately – in more than just my skin. My anxiety, which has always been an issue for me, is basically nonexistent at this point and I feel calmer and more clear-headed in general. My night sweats, that I learned were tied into the food I was eating and the overall condition of my body that had produced the acne, are completely gone. Throughout this process I have not only learned so much from Joe, but I have gained a deep respect for his technique and abilities. Joe is such an amazingly calming force and is extremely open-minded and intelligent – I can’t recommend a better acupuncturist!
Before I saw Dr. Alban my eczema was out of control and getting worse every year. I tried all western forms of therapy including steroid cream after steroid cream. But after one month of visits with Dr. Alban, between the acupuncture therapy and the supplemental herbs he suggested the eczema not only cleared up but has since yet to return. I expect to continue regular visits in order to maintain the equilibrium I’ve reached and to prevent further flare ups. Additionally it is worth noting Dr. Alban was extremely flexible with my busy schedule and always a pleasure to meet with
