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An Unexpected Turn - Geerd Shares a Special Story
Geerd Jansen (71) from Deurne led a busy and international life for many years. After the loss of his wife, he found happiness again with a new partner. Until he suddenly experienced a severe facial paralysis during a vacation in Florence. Through his daughter, he came into contact with acupuncturist Anne Schrama-Gloudemans. His experience with the treatments gave him a different perspective on health and medicine.
A Life in Motion
Geerd worked internationally for many years, including as an executive at a large chemical company in Germany. He then spent fourteen years as the director of a company that built cleanrooms. He traveled all over the world for his work. ‘I have had a wonderful life and a great career, but it was very busy.’ He is now retired, although he still does consulting work in his former industry.
On a personal level, Geerd faced several setbacks over the years. In 2017, he suffered a severe infection in his foot, from which he largely recovered after a lengthy healing period.
At the end of 2021, he experienced a profound loss when his wife passed away after a long illness.
Fortunately, Geerd found love and happiness again with a new partner. Together, they enjoy life, alternating between Deurne and Rosmalen.
But just when he had gotten his life back on track and could look to the future with confidence, an unexpected new setback arose.
An Unexpected Turn
In 2024, Geerd was on vacation in Florence when he noticed a strange sensation on the left side of his face upon waking up. At breakfast, orange juice dribbled from the corner of his mouth. Fearing a stroke, he was taken to the hospital by ambulance. After a scan and blood tests, it turned out to be facial paralysis, likely caused by an inflammation pressing on the facial nerve. With a course of antibiotics, he flew back home.
In the Netherlands, he was told by the neurologist that it was a serious paralysis. On a scale from 1 to 5, he scored 4.5. The recovery would take about sixteen months, and he might have lasting issues. The first few months were a waiting game. His eye no longer closed properly, and eating and speaking were difficult.
It hit hard. ‘You’ve lost your wife, you’re happy to find a partner again, and then you get something like this. You really lose all positivity for a moment.
But I picked it up again quickly.’
A Different Perspective
His daughter had meanwhile arranged an appointment with acupuncturist Anne Schrama-Gloudemans and a speech therapist. Anne examined his complaints from the perspective of Chinese medicine and identified a possible connection with cold in the stomach meridian, which, according to Chinese medicine, runs over the face.
Already after the first treatment, he noticed a difference in his speech therapy exercises. His eye was closing again, and after the third treatment, he could whistle a little. After four treatments in three weeks, Geerd felt that his complaints had disappeared. Anne also found the recovery remarkably quick.
Three months later, the neurologist called for the scheduled check-up. ‘I said: I am doing more than excellently.’ Geerd told her about the acupuncture and suggested that she keep this treatment method in mind for such complaints. He is convinced that the treatments have certainly made a difference for him.
‘I said: I am doing more than excellent.’
Seize the Day
The entire experience has certainly changed his perspective on life in general and his health in particular. Recently, he unexpectedly lost a good friend and his brother-in-law within a short period of time, after a brief illness. ‘Seize the day’ has now become his life motto!
Even with new complaints, Geerd will surely find his way back to Anne. He summarizes his experience aptly: ‘A fantastic and successful introduction to a different perspective in medicine, which is absolutely worth exploring when you’re not feeling well.’
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 other personal stories and explore the experiences of clients and acupuncturists.
Want to know if acupuncture is right for you?
Feel free to contact a NVA acupuncturist near you.
