Recovery from rock bottom: Erika's journey to resilience

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'My husband knew that after an acupuncture treatment, I would sleep for the rest of the day. He also saw how I slowly recovered from it.'

As part of the Acupuncture Week, Erika, 59 years old and a civil servant, shares how she recovered step by step from a severe burnout and regained her balance thanks to acupuncturist Marieke Wolters-Ellens.

Erika: 'I went to Marieke, my acupuncturist, when I was very ill. You could say I had a severe burnout. I was desperate. It started during the corona period. I had worked hard for years and found it difficult to set boundaries. A lot had happened in my life; a divorce, a new house. I became increasingly stressed and developed various physical complaints. At one point, my heart rate was 170 at rest. I became more and more anxious and depressed and ended up in the Emergency Room three times in a row. I thought I was dying each time. I couldn't work anymore. That's when I started trauma therapy and medication. It helped, but I still had symptoms. Years ago, I had tried acupuncture for other complaints, and it had worked well. So, I started looking for an acupuncturist nearby. I found Marieke on the internet.'

Sleep
'In the beginning, I went to her weekly. Marieke is very knowledgeable. She knows what she's doing. Fortunately, she's also very empathetic. We really clicked. That's important because I had to cry a lot. I was at a low point and everything came out. The first effect I felt was that after a treatment, I would sleep for the rest of the day. I was completely knocked out. That was also Marieke's intention: first peace in my body and mind. She would say: I'm going to needle you flat. So, for the first few months, the treatments were only focused on bringing peace. It was necessary because I literally couldn't do anything anymore. Walking, eating... I couldn't do it anymore. I had lost ten kilos. I slept a lot, and my husband was completely prepared for it. He knew that after a treatment, I would sleep for the rest of the day. He also saw how I slowly recovered.'

Maintenance and Balance
'From that calmness, I slowly started to recover. I became more relaxed and regained some energy. My resistance also improved. It was a long journey to recovery and actually it wasn't even a very conscious process. Looking back, you could say that I started with just hope. I was looking for a way out. It felt like I was fighting for my life. Eventually, I started to experience real positive effects. Some complaints improved faster than others.

Acupuncture has now become a part of my life. The trauma therapy has stopped but I still go to Marieke. I go less often than in the beginning, but I always schedule a new appointment immediately after a treatment. I see it as maintenance. It helps me to stay in balance. Especially when I notice that I am getting stressed again. But she also helps me when, for example, I have the flu or another complaint. It varies a lot where she pricks.'

Feeling the Connection
‘I definitely recommend acupuncture. That is, if you're not afraid of needles. I'm not particularly fond of them myself, but it's a safe way of treatment. You might feel something right away with one needle, while it may take longer with another. It's crucial to thoroughly research who you're going to. An acupuncturist must be well-qualified. You also need to feel a connection with someone. You'll notice right away during an intake if that connection is there. If it's not, then you shouldn't proceed. Marieke and I do have that connection. Her guidance is very comforting and contributes to my recovery.’

More stories during the Acupuncture Week
This interview is part of the Acupuncture Week, which this year focuses on burnout. During this week, we share various conversations with acupuncturists and clients about how they view recovery from both physical and mental exhaustion from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Also, read the other interviews and be inspired by stories of acupuncturists and their clients about recovery and balance.

Want to experience what acupuncture can mean for you too?
Feel free to contact NVA-acupuncturist Marieke Wolters-Ellens or find an NVA-acupuncturist near you.