"It was after the birth of my second child that I began having ongoing sinus problems. Prior to his birth, I'd had approximately 3 sinus infections in 36 years! After his birth I had 5-6 within 10 months. It had gotten to the point where the infections were low grade and almost constant. Both x-rays and CAT scan failed to give definite proof that an infection actually existed. However, a course of antibiotics relieve the symptoms - although only for a few weeks at a time after which the problems reoccurred. It was the sinus issues that originally brought me into Shasta' care.

During this time period I was also suffering from uneven energy levels. Some days I would feel totally energetic, alert and clear headed. Other days, for no apparent reason, I would feel sluggish, have difficulty concentrating and in general feel less than 100%. I also experienced ongoing sleep difficulties.

During the first 10 months after my son's birth I had logged more office visits to the urgent care and my personal physician than in the previous 6 years combined! When I asked one of the urgent care physicians why this was happening to me he stated "well your body probably has changed" (gee - ya think?!)

Our family practitioner cares for both myself and the rest of my family and I highly value his opinion. However, in this case my instincts led me to believe he was not on the right track. He felt my problems were probably due to depression. I partially agreed with him. After all, if you had constant sinus infections, sleep difficulties and no energy to keep up with your kids you'd be depressed too! Our difference of opinion centered on whether the depression was causing the symptoms or whether the symptoms resulted in depression. To make a long story short - I asked him for an acupuncture prescription for sinus headaches and was given one. I began seeing Shasta at the end of November 1996. Within 3 visits, the nasal congestion and sinus headaches had improved remarkably. I have not had a sinus infection since. We continued the treatments, focusing on my energy level and muddled concentration issues. I began noticing a leveling of my energy. Shasta recommended a diet very contrary to the present (especially in Santa Cruz!) fads. NO cold salads, NO fruit juices, NO raw veggies. In fact, very little if any cold or raw foods. I began eating oatmeal with nuts and cinnamon in the mornings instead of cold cereal with even colder milk. I cooked my veggies (they were still slightly crisp) and even my apples and pears. I ate more nuts, used more fats and yes - ate more meat! Miso soup has become a staple part of my diet. Occasionally I still thoroughly enjoy a Caesar Salad but I now have a warm drink with it. Of all the faddish eating plans I've tried over the years this one is the easiest and healthiest. In fact, looking back at my childhood, it is very close to how I naturally ate during my youth.

I have also experienced some relief in PMS symptoms. Although I still bloat and feel somewhat "off" for several days a month, I now manage this time much better through my diet. I feel better now than I have in a long time. I credit acupuncture and Shasta's guidance!"