The Person Behind the Symptoms – Manon Shares Her Experience with Acupuncture

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Client Experience | Acupuncture Week

Music, movement, and natural health play an important role in the life of Manon (75). She has a distinct perspective on health and has been exploring the impact of lifestyle on the body for many years. When she was diagnosed with a serious eye condition a few months ago, she decided to try acupuncture alongside her hospital treatments. She shares her experiences, the surprised reactions it sometimes elicits, and her views on health and well-being.

A Healthy Lifestyle
Manon worked for many years as a gymnastics and music teacher and as a vocal coach. She still enjoys teaching advanced singing students. Additionally, she can be found at the gym four times a week for strength training.
Her interest in health goes back a long way. She has been studying nutrition, herbs, and the influence of lifestyle on the body for many years. She has completed various training programs in herbal medicine for both people and animals. Her love for nature and her interest in health come together in this field.

Manon: ‘I am convinced that your lifestyle affects how you feel and how your body functions. For me, it all goes hand in hand.’

Returning to a Familiar Acupuncturist
When wet macular degeneration was diagnosed in Manon five months ago, an eye condition that affects the central part of the retina, she thought again about acupuncture. She had previously received treatments from acupuncturist Joost Zalm years ago and decided to reach out to him again.

At the hospital, she receives injections for her eyes. Additionally, she wanted to explore whether acupuncture could support her.
Manon: ‘Since I was already familiar with acupuncture, I thought it made sense to investigate that option.’
She quickly noticed a difference. ‘My eyes felt calmer. I also noticed that I could see better in the car. Those are things that really stand out in daily life.’

During her check-ups at the hospital, improvements in her eyes were also noted. Manon enthusiastically shares this. She is pleased with the progress and finds acupuncture to be a valuable complement to her hospital treatments.
‘People sometimes think that needles are being placed in my eyes!’

Surprised Reactions
That she is going to an acupuncturist for her eye issues sometimes surprises those around her. Manon explains how people wonder how such a treatment works. She clarifies that an acupuncturist does not always treat at the site of the complaint. The needles can actually be placed in very different areas of the body.
Manon: ‘I find that so interesting. You come in with a complaint about your eyes, but the needles are placed elsewhere. Many people don’t realize that’s how it works.’

It doesn’t surprise her that people don’t immediately think of acupuncture for certain complaints. After all, you have to know that option exists.

Notable Changes
Her eye issues brought her back to acupuncture, but Manon also notices changes with other complaints.
Since 2016, she has had heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation, for which she has seen a cardiologist. She also regularly sleeps poorly. The heart rhythm disorders have not disappeared, but she does notice that her overall sleep has improved.

Additionally, she has arthritis in her hands and knees and has suffered from eczema for many years. She often experiences quick relief for painful joints. She also notices an immediate effect from the treatment for her eczema issues.
Manon: ‘I sometimes have itchy eczema spots after eating certain foods. When Joost treats one of those spots, I notice an immediate difference. That continues to fascinate me.’

She takes a keen interest in what happens in her body. Using her Garmin watch, she monitors her stress levels and recovery, among other things. The readings after an acupuncture session are particularly striking to her.
Manon: ‘After a treatment, I often see that my watch has recorded a remarkable number of restful moments. My Body Battery, which indicates how much energy I have available, often shows a noticeable increase. It's important to build enough moments of relaxation into your day to balance out periods of stress. I find it fascinating to see how this is reflected in my readings after an acupuncture treatment.’

Acupuncture, Also for Animals
With her love for animals and background in herbal medicine for animals, it’s not surprising that Manon is also interested in animal acupuncture. Her own cat is now receiving acupuncture from a veterinarian who specializes in this.
Especially the calm reaction of her cat during the first treatment left an impression.
‘I found it remarkable to see how calmly she reacted. She seemed to accept the treatment very well.’
The treatments have only just begun, so she can’t say much about the final result yet.

Health is More Than the Complaint
What stands out for Manon is her belief that health is closely related to the way you live. According to her, it involves much more than just physical complaints.

Manon: ‘Two people can face the same circumstances and still react very differently. How you live, how you sleep, and how much stress you experience: it all plays a role.’
It is precisely this broad view of health that appeals to her in acupuncture. The focus on balance and the self-healing ability aligns with her own belief that body and well-being are interconnected.

‘When you are ill, something is out of balance. I believe that you should not only look at the complaint but also at the person behind it.’
For Manon, acupuncture is a valuable addition to conventional care. It fits with the way she has been taking care of her health for many years, with attention to movement, healthy nutrition, and relaxation. For her, it all goes together.

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

Want to know if acupuncture is right for you?
Feel free to contact a NVA acupuncturist near you and ask your questions.