Attention to Quality of Life - John Speaks About Acupuncture

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‘It’s not just about the acupuncture; it’s about having someone who listens.’

For Acupuncture Awareness Week, we speak with John (64), who has been living with prostate cancer for seven years. His life used to look very different. For many years, he worked in lightning protection, travelling extensively and doing physically demanding work. His daily life has since changed dramatically. For almost a year now, he has been seeing acupuncturist Marlies Schoenmakers every week. He shares what these treatments mean to him.

A Body He Could Always Rely On
John worked in lightning protection, travelling all over the Netherlands, from Groningen to Limburg. He climbed roofs, masts and church towers. He had no fear of heights and was in excellent physical shape. ‘But if you look at me now, there’s not much of that left.’

When he started needing to urinate more frequently and developed back pain, he initially put it down to his work. Until things became unbearable. What followed was, as he describes it, a rollercoaster. By early June 2024, he had already made 63 hospital visits that year. Together with Aafje, his partner of 27 years, he tried to keep their spirits up as much as possible during that difficult time.

A Different Stage of Life
The illness and its treatments have profoundly changed his life. ‘At the moment, all we seem to see is the supermarket and the hospital.’ For a while, he continued exercising, first with his physiotherapist and later with a local fitness group. ‘But eventually, you reach your limit.’ What keeps him going is his relationship with Aafje, along with a sense of humour.

He has also discovered something new. John, who never used to read, now reads a great deal. On his physiotherapist’s advice, he kept a diary for more than three years, which helped him enormously. He also takes a walk every morning with the dog he and Aafje are looking after.

Acupuncture Alongside Medical Treatment
After three of his six planned chemotherapy cycles, John had to stop treatment. He developed such severe neuropathy that he needed a walking frame to get around. A previous acupuncturist had helped him considerably with this, but he didn't feel a personal connection. Through Aafje, he found Marlies, his current acupuncturist. His oncologist is supportive of the acupuncture treatments.

What makes these treatments special to him is the personal attention and genuine care. ‘It’s not just about the acupuncture; it’s about having someone who listens.’ Every session begins with a conversation about how he is feeling and what has happened during the week. That personal involvement extends beyond the treatment room: after he receives test results at the hospital, Marlies sends him a message. ‘You feel heard.’

The changes he notices are often in relatively minor symptoms. Dry lips, a tingling leg, a painful shoulder: these symptoms ease. The improvements are gradual and, according to John, difficult to describe. He also feels that the treatments help when he is feeling low. His fatigue, however, remains. ‘I wish I had a bit more energy.’

The treatments have also given him space to express his emotions. After one of his first sessions, he couldn't stop crying, even after he got home. It was a real emotional release, and since then, he has found it much easier to cry.

Looking Ahead
Soon, John will be going to the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek for a new treatment that he has confidence in. What matters to him at this stage is not just how long it will take, but especially how it will be done. ‘The quality is very important to me.’

As soon as things calm down, he wants to start moving again: with oncological physiotherapy and, of course, together with Aafje doing gentle exercises like tai chi. In the evenings, he practices breathing exercises. In March, around his birthday, they are going to Drenthe for two weeks. ‘We just try to keep doing that.’

What would he advise others who are hesitant about acupuncture? ‘Just look at me.’ When he spoke to a woman in the hospital who was suffering a lot from neuropathy, his advice was clear. His enthusiasm for acupuncture is now something he literally wears: he has ordered a T-shirt that promotes acupuncture.

More Stories During Acupuncture Week
This interview is part of Acupuncture Week 2026, themed Living Vital with Acupuncture. In this campaign, you will discover what acupuncture can mean at different stages of life. Also, read the other personal stories and find out how clients and acupuncturists view this.

Do you want to know if acupuncture is right for you?
Feel free to contact a NVA acupuncturist near you.