Not every case of pain can be resolved with acupuncture. That’s something I’m always honest about upfront, especially in complex or severe cases. One case that stands out involved a veteran suffering from severe shoulder pain, numbness, and tingling caused by nerve compression in his neck. From the beginning, it was clear that surgery was necessary. The nerve was so compromised that the body didn’t have the capacity to heal it on its own, even with acupuncture.
This patient had to sit in very specific, unnatural postures just to stay comfortable. Reading, concentrating, and playing video games were difficult. He couldn't even look down to complete a simple form without triggering a 7/10 headache.
While I knew I couldn’t fix the structural problem, I hoped to help him manage the pain and reduce his daily stress caused by the problem.
Accessing the Deeper Layers of Healing
What happened next surprised us both. As is common with veterans living in chronic pain, this patient also struggled with PTSD. His sleep was poor. He was easily startled and sometimes had to retreat to his car while in public spaces.
Because he was open to exploring more, we tuned in to his body more deeply during treatments. That’s when things began to shift. He began to experience emotional releases during our sessions. One day, an image came up—of someone holding a gun to his back. His body was holding onto a trauma memory symbolized by that gun. We worked with it gently, using breath, acupuncture, and guided awareness to release the tension and reprogram the body with messages of safety.
Other emotional imprints began to surface. We released guilt that wasn’t his to carry. We worked to bring peace into places that had been locked in a pattern of high alert. Each session gave his body more permission to relax and reconnect with a sense of peace.
From High Alert to Deep Release
While the nerve compression remained, something else internal shifted dramatically. He felt more relaxed overall and it was easier to cope with the pain. He began to sleep better. He was less reactive in his daily interactions with others, and he noticed that he was no longer constantly pushing to keep his energy up and maintain a positive attitude. He could do so spontaneously, without any extra effort at all.
It almost seemed unnatural, but he described that he could simply be present and relax without needing to escape, and he felt peace! What a profound relief!
Healing Isn’t One-Dimensional
This veteran’s story is a reminder that healing isn’t always linear or limited to the body alone. I hope he gets the surgery he needs for his neck to work properly so he can move and get around as usual. But acupuncture helped clear a deeper layer of tension and distress that was causing a whole other set of problems that no surgery will rectify. The result: presence, calm, and the kind of inner peace so many people long for.
Grateful & Honored to Witness the Journey
I love to hear stories like this and to be part of them! This work I do is beyond me. It’s much bigger. It’s cool to see people find relief. And I feel privileged to be able to be present for it and to help the process along.