Patient Testimonials | Dory Ellen Fish Acupuncture

A Patient's Perspective

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Annsely Celiac Disease, postpartum depression, mental wellness	Fern Stress management, anxiety, low energy	Amy Skin Allergies, Son's kidney stones	Erica Energy	Sandi Chronic pain, kidney disease, side effects associated with medications	Daniel Acute chronic elbow pain, aches and nerve pain associated with aging	Christine Infertility	Nikolaos Residual symptoms from near-fatal pneumonia, weakness both physically and mentally

Kerri Leg, pelvis and hip pain, immobility	Jim Symptoms while undergoing chemotherapy, acid reflux and painful indigestion	Michael Chronic illness, residual symptoms from pneumonia	Maia General health	Sarah	Sandy Side effects from surgeries	Amy H.	Joanne Interstitial Cystitis

Janet Overactive bladder and knee replacement	Monique Low energy, brain fog, muscle aches/pains, exercise intolerance	Sue Ann	Emily Chronic Shoulder Pain	David Wellness	Jeanne Musculoskeletal Pain	Diane Side effects from chemotherapy, recovery after surgery	Kristin General well being, specific injury treatment

Betsy Low energy	Blanche Nutrition and fibromyalgia	Katie Fatigue	Beth Chronic back pain, digestive and sinus issues	Mandy Fertility	Joan Recovery from a double mastectomy	Rachel Digestion, recovery from pregnancy	Sarah Challenges throughout pregnancy

Dory Ellen uses a holistic approach to the body, catered to the needs of the individual. I can't say enough about how much Dory Ellen as a person and her practices have helped me overcome lots of issues associated with Celiac Disease, postpardum issues, and just over-all helps me balance my mental health. I really can't say enough wonderful things. She is an incredibly talented practioner who I would highly recommend.

- Annsley

"Dory Ellen has helped me to cultivate inner peace and balance into my hectic life. As a busy working mother of two, I have tried many approaches to stress management, including a daily exercise routine and yoga practice, but I find that my regular sessions with Dory provide a rare opportunity for complete relaxation. I have had acupuncture in the past and find that Dory's approach is extremely personalized. No two treatments have ever been the same and each one addresses whatever my issues happen to be at the time in a very targeted manner. Since I have been working with Dory, I have noticed a decrease in my anxiety levels, an increase in my energy levels and a heightened awareness of connecting with my true self."

- Fern

"Dory is the most amazing acupuncturist that I have ever sought treatment from. She has the ability to read people like no one else I have ever met. Not only has she helped me with my chronic problems, but my 8 year old son's as well. He was diagnosed with kidney stones and had symptoms for more than 3 months with no relief. After one visit, his symptoms started to dissipate. I can truly say that Dory is a remarkable practitioner, friend and confidant."

- Amy

"Dory Ellen Fish is an accomplished acupuncturist with the gift of insight and compassion. I have been amazed and surprised at receiving such rapidity of healing and restored balance from my sessions. In my practice as a physical therapist, I have referred patients to Dory Ellen who could benefit from her work. I have been pleased with the outcome of her involvement. It is a true blessing to be a patient in Dory Ellen's practice."

- Erica

"I have known Dory Ellen Fish for roughly 11 years and I consider myself extremely lucky for our relationship! Over the years she has helped me cope with symptoms such as: emotional issues, stress, the common cold, chronic physical pain, kidney disease, as well as side effects of the many medications I have had to take and am still taking. I would not be here if it were not for her gentle, compassionate and honest personality - which I truly value. Dory has been willing to work with me to continue our treatments and has been very flexible with her schedule, for which I am especially thankful. There are no words for how much I value having her in my life and I would be more than happy to share any of my experience in more detail with anyone who is interested."

- Sandi

"I have been receiving treatments from Dory for nearly four years: first to treat a very acute chronic elbow pain from a decade-old car accident, and then for some of the attendant aches and radical nerve scorches and arthritic-seeming quirks and occasional innermost organ-thumps that attend the lovely, but slightly melancholy, aging process. By some collaborative miracle, each session provides both relief and marvelous renewal. I've even written an entire book of poetry entitled "Stretched Out on Amethysts," with an introduction explaining the reference to her amethyst heating pad. Dory Ellen Fish combines wit and depth; intelligence and wisdom in her acupuncture treatments and I've responded so well that I recommend her to everyone who is in such need."

- Daniel Abdal-Hayy Moore

"My husband and I had been trying to have a baby for a while with no success. It was a very emotional process because as each month passed by, I feared I would never have children. I also became very frustrated because my menstrual cycle was so irregular, ranging from 40-60 day cycles, which cut down on our chances of conceiving. After some time, someone recommended trying acupuncture to help with the process and I was given Dory's number. After two appointments my cycle was back to 30 days and I was pregnant two months later! My husband and I now have two children! I don't know what I expected in the beginning, but was thrilled with the whole process that led up to both pregnancies. It is such a nice period of time reserved just for myself where I could relax and let all stresses go away. Dory Ellen Fish is beyond professional - she's caring, thoughtful and so sincere. I feel blessed to know her and am thankful for all she's done for my family and me."

- Christine

"Following a near-fatal pneumonia, for which I was hospitalized for a week, I returned home to recover; grateful that modern medicine had saved my life. What I wasn't prepared for was how long and difficult the recuperation period would be. I started developing really bad night sweats. Not only could I not get a good night's sleep; but I was left weak and with no energy to pursue normal daily activities. I was feeling physically and emotionally drained and I wasn't improving at all. Neither my trusted internist, the pulmonologist nor the endocrinologist could tell me why this was happening or what I could do to make it better. I was extremely frustrated, tired and frail. After the third week of this I paid Dory a visit. At that point, all I knew about acupuncture was that my wife Laura had gone before to see Dory and always came back with a smile on her face; feeling relaxed and energized. I was willing to try it! Dory finished my first session by recommending some foods that I should be eating and some to avoid and for the first time in weeks I felt optimistic. That night I fell asleep easily and although I woke up twice with some sweat, I felt that I rested a lot better. I'll never forget the feeling when I awoke the third morning after treatment…I felt goooooooood! Eventually, the night sweats may have disappeared on their own, but Dory did her thing and they were gone in two nights!! I call this a high probability of successful treatment. "

- Nikolaos D. Karellos, D.M.D.

"Dory Ellen Fish has positively impacted my life in so many ways in the relatively short time I have been her patient. Without her knowledge, compassion and support I would not be able to be an active and involved mother and wife to my three children and husband. After having gone through almost a year of leg, pelvis and hip pain, immobility and a feeling of despair, I was fortunately referred to Dory. Several doctors I saw wanted to prescribe painkillers and muscle relaxers, neither of which I was willing to take. I was very skeptical about acupuncture and terrified of needles. From the very first appointment Dory put me at ease and assured me she would tailor her treatments to what I could tolerate. In a few months as her patient I have gone from not being able to participate meaningfully in everyday activities without enduring a lot of pain to feeling like my old self again – active and optimistic –and for that, I will always feel indebted to her. Thank you so much Dory for everything you have done for me and my family!"

- Kerri

"I first treated with Dory Ellen Fish in 1998 for chronic acid reflux and painful indigestion. I had been looking for relief from these conditions from a series of medical doctors for more than a decade and found no solution. After treating with Dory for six sessions; however, my symptoms were gone and the problem has not recurred for 11 years. Since then, Dory has treated me for a variety of ailments – large and small. My biggest health challenge came in 2005 when I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. While I was undergoing chemotherapy, Dory's treatments alleviated my nausea, depression and physical pain. I have been in remission since 2006 and I credit regular treatments with Dory as one of the main reasons for my initial recovery and my ability to remain healthy over the past four years. Dory is a very talented practitioner – but more than that, she is a caregiver, a true human being and a healer in every sense of the word."

- Jim

"Dory was my secret weapon that helped me overcome many side effects from multiple surgeries. She rebuilt my strength both mentally and physically. I must admit, I was a skeptic at first, but the results in my reduction of hot flashes and mood swings was tremendous. Dory knows how to bring a wave of calmness to my extremely stressful life. An hour on her magical table is all it takes to lift me to my happy place. Dory, thank you for making such a difference in my life and helping me during a very difficult time."

- Sandy

"I cannot say enough good things about Dory Ellen Fish. For nearly a decade, I have struggled with chronic illness, despite being on a regimen of some of the nastiest drugs that traditional medicine has to offer at the highest dosages that my physician has ever prescribed to a patient. Last autumn, I came down with pneumonia, which put me in the hospital for over a week and out of the office for close to two months. The toxic drugs had lowered my white blood cell count and hemoglobin levels so much that my body was unable to fight the underlying infections. When I was discharged, my wife hounded me to see an acupuncturist. After trying acupuncture and other alternative therapies in the past and finding little or no relief, I was a skeptic to say the least, but Dory put me at ease immediately. Her compassion and sense of empathy were apparent from the start. She is not only a practitioner; she is a healer. Dory Ellen has repaired me physically and renewed me emotionally. Her treatment has helped me to achieve the first true remission from my disease that I have ever experienced, enabling me to come off of medications that my doctor assumed I would be on for life. She accomplished this, not by eschewing western medicine, but by crafting a truly complementary plan of care. Now, after each and every session, I feel like the person that I've always wanted to be. In Dory Ellen, I have found the consummate caregiver. I have found a friend and an angel. I owe my good health to Dory Ellen's care. Indeed, I owe my life to her. Dory has given it back to me."

- Michael

"Dory Ellen uses intuition, wit and humor to transform a very ancient science into a very modern art. She reweaves the threads of the ancient art of acupuncture into a pattern appropriate for Americans in the twenty-first century. She always approaches each client in the present tense, observing their situation anew, which not only leaves room for, but encourages change and growth. She balances compassion with clarity."

- Maia

"It's hard to put into words what makes Dory Ellen such an exceptional practitioner. For her, acupuncture really is an art form. She is caring, gentle and has treated me with such empathy. I credit my continuing good health to her care, and recommend her highly to anyone in search of balance, healing and wellness."

- Sarah

"I feel fortunate to have Dory Ellen Fish as a partner for treating patients. I rejoice when I have a patient who is interested in acupuncture, and they are able and willing to travel to Dory because I know that they are going to receive the best of what acupuncture has to offer. She has a broad base of knowledge and a wealth of experience that shows in both her confidence and skills. Some patients are intimidated by acupuncture, confused by acupuncture or simply afraid of it. I know that Dory will be able to surmount any of these barriers. I also know that I am able to refer patients to Dory without her contradicting any of the current traditional treatment I am recommending for the patient. She is open to developing a truly complementary plan of care, not turning the patient against western medicine."

Amy Rejba Hoffmann, MSN, CRNP

"I was fortunate enough to find Dory at a time in my life when the pain was so bad that I'd pray for something or someone to help me get through. When time, expertise treatment and most of all, Dory's ability to listen and empathize, I began to feel better and more importantly, get my life back. Dory is special in so many ways because she is what anyone who practices medicine should be: a devoted and caring practitioner who does it with both warmth and humor. She wants you to feel better and works with you every step of the way until you get there. I am grateful every day that I was sent this "angel" on earth who continues to help me be me again."

- Joanne

"I was having a problem with overactive bladder and tried medications to relieve the problem. The medications had too many side effects and it was recommended that I try acupuncture. Dory Ellen helped me with that problem with acupuncture and diet recommendations but also helped me in many other ways. She helped me with my knee after having knee replacement surgery and also to relieve the stress in my life. I find I am able to relax completely in her sessions."

- Janet

"I was not doing well before I met Dory. I would have flares of trigger points, overwhelming fatigue, brain fog, and difficulty getting up in the morning, to the point where the only thing getting me through a day of work was pure determination. During those flares, even my muscles would be so weak that turning my steering wheel took effort, walking 2 blocks would exhaust me, and playing my accordion was out of the question. It was becoming that I was in a flare more often than not; the doctors had no idea what was wrong. One of them sent me to Dory, and Dory has changed my life. I have not had a flare since I met her, and after about 2 months, my exercise tolerance bounded back to normal. Five months later, I was able to rehearse for the Mummer's Parade six hours a week and make it up Broad Street, playing my accordion the entire time. The next morning, I suffered no ill effects beyond what would be expected for that feat! Before, I would have been in bed for a few days in a flare. Dory made it possible with her compassionate and truly individualized care. She listens to you and to your body, never pushing more than what your body is able to take. She gave me my life back and more, and I am eternally grateful! "

- Monique

"Our family has benefitted from Dory Ellen's acupuncture skills and healing gifts for over a decade. My husband, most recently, for a sleep disorder; our daughter, during the long years of her adolescence and young adulthood, my mother, after open heart surgery; my father, for his atrial fibrillation; and I have received years of relief from chronic and debilitating migraines. With Dory Ellen and acupuncture the quality of our lives has vastly improved and the maintenance of our health is assured."

- Sun Ann

"After being a competitive rock climber for nearly ten years, the sport began to take its inevitable toll on my body. As a result, I was suffering from chronic shoulder pain due to an unknown slight dislocation in my socket, which lead to horrible tendonitis in my bicep. I was forced to take roughly six months off of climbing and began seeing a physical therapist as well as a massage therapist. Both gave me relief from pain and set my shoulder back in its proper place, but that relief was temporary and required an intense regiment of visits. After two months of this, I was getting restless and just wanted to begin climbing again, regardless of the pain that it caused. Seeing this, Dory suggested that she try cupping on the area. After she treated me, I rested my shoulder for a day and then returned to climbing. I have yet to feel any pain due to the sport and finally feel confident that I can start competing again! I am currently training for a national competition in Colorado in April and I am feeling very excited about the strength of my shoulder and my ability to keep moving forward with the sport. I can't thank her enough for bringing me back to a lifestyle that I simply can't live without!"

- Emily

"Dory Ellen is one of the wisest yet down-to-earth people I have ever known. Working together has had a big impact on many things but has given me insight into energetic medicine."

- David

"I believe that Dory Ellen Fish is the best acupuncturist I have ever had the pleasure to work with. As a psychologist, I understand the importance of the mind-body connection and I believe that Dory's exceptional training along with innate skills allows her to create individual treatments for each client. She is a master acupuncturist who provides exceptional care. I not only refer clients to her, I use her services myself for a variety of ailments."

- Jeanne

"Dory Ellen treated me while I was having chemotherapy for breast cancer, and during my recovery from surgery. She is a caring and nurturing practitioner and I valued having her on my team. We worked together to time my acupuncture sessions around my chemo treatments for the best results, and I believe I felt less yucky because of Dory Ellen's work. She also helped me recover from surgery. Dory Ellen put her whole heart into my sessions and did whatever she thought was needed during each session. I am grateful for the care and TLC that Dory Ellen gave me and I recommend her to anyone going through chemo and surgery."

- Diane

"I first began acupuncture with Dory Ellen because I was curious. I wanted some support as I headed into my forties to help me balance my overall well being. I was amazed not only by the effect of the treatments while I was on her table, but with the way the treatments stayed with me after I left; nurturing my relationship with myself, and those I loved. I quickly realized the benefit to body, mind and spirit. There was an immediate interpersonal connection made thanks to Dory's generous listening and candid counsel. She is both practitioner and artist as she integrates her deep knowledge of Chinese medicine, aromatherapy, and lovely good humor with her acupuncture. My ongoing appointments with Dory Ellen have helped me to recognize and heal old wounds I was both aware and unaware of and to move forward in my daily life with less physical and emotional burdens. Some of the experiences I have had on her table could be described as just plain groovy. Others have been more 'functional', targeting horribly crippling sciatica and a debilitating shoulder injury after I was in a car accident. The vibe at her space at White Lotus is artful and practical, a perfect reflection of the way Dory Ellen practices her healing art."

- Kristin

"My friends gave me a gift certificate for a session with Dory for my 50th birthday. I was going through a difficult time in my life. I had lost a lot of weight, my energy was very low and I was emotionally drained. During my first visit (my first ever acupuncture treatment!) I felt nurtured, cared for and soothed. At my second visit Dory did some of her wonderful magic and I began to get my healthy appetite back. She puts so much energy and care into each visit to find out just where I am at and what I need that particular session. I am coming up on my one-year anniversary of visiting Dory and I am so grateful for her loving care and sincere guidance. "

- Betsy

"Dory Ellen Fish is one of the most intuitive and compassionate practitioners that I have ever met. She is a talented and caring person, and always greets her patients with a warm smile. I met Dory in 2010. She was the only person who could help me with my severe stomach pain, and through acupuncture treatments and recommended nutritional changes to my diet, I could start eating normal meals again within a few months. She has also helped me to manage my fibromyalgia, which causes severe muscle pain, headaches and fatigue. She employs a gentle approach to minimize my pain from pressing on trigger points, and often will use other treatment modalities such as essential oils and cupping techniques to enhance my acupuncture treatment. I highly recommend Dory for her holistic medical practice and acupuncture therapy!"

- Blanche

"When I first went to see Dory Ellen, I was exhausted and desperate. I was trying everything to regain my energy: no sugar, no caffeine, no gluten…but I was still collapsing into bed at 4pm in the afternoon and sleeping until morning. I was unable to exercise without becoming short of breath and woozy. I am not a person who has ever struggled with fatigue, and so I was at the end of my rope. Not only did I feel immediately comfortable with and connected to Dory Ellen during my first visit, I started to feel more energetic after the treatment. Over the next several months, I 'came back to life' completely. "

"After dealing with the fatigue issue, Dory Ellen began supporting me in my efforts to get pregnant. As someone who has always had a very irregular menstrual cycle, I was concerned that I would have a hard time getting pregnant at all. I'm happy to report that I got pregnant after about 4 'trys' and my husband and I are expecting our first baby any day. "

"Furthermore, beyond having a fairly easy time getting pregnant considering my age (37) and my menstrual history, I've had an amazingly smooth and comfortable pregnancy. I've continued to see Dory Ellen throughout the pregnancy and attribute much of its ease to our work. For the last three weeks (leading up to my due date), I've been seeing Dory Ellen weekly to help prepare me for delivery."

"Finally, in addition to what Dory Ellen brings to her clients as a practitioner is what she brings to her clients as a person. Dory Ellen is one of the warmest, funniest, and most present women I've ever met. I think her personality, as much as anything, helps to create the environment of trust in which healing can occur. "

- Katie

"As one of Dory's first patients, I've now been seeing her for close to 20 years. Each time Dory treats me, it feels like coming home again. I instantly feel the tension leave my body and I can breathe again. She has helped me with chronic back pain, digestive and sinus issues and even grief. Dory's treatments have been a huge part in helping me maintain a healthy lifestyle."

- Beth

"When I came to Dory in September of 2012, I was at my whit's end. I would literally do anything to get pregnant. Acupuncture was most definitely NOT my thing. I started out going once per week, in combination with medicines in hopes to get something to work. Not only did Dory listen to my ALL of my problems, weather they be infertility wise, or just life problems but she was there for me emotionally when I needed the most support She squeezed me in through not one but two canceled IVF cycles, trying her best to help salvage what we could After the 2nd cycle was cancelled, I came to Dory at rock bottom. She spent more time then she probably should've listening to me cry, and just explain how heartbroken I truly was. We decided together that after15 months of fertility treatments, we would just start to cleanse my body of all that I've been putting into it. Two months of this, and something with my body didn't seem the same. It was Friday, I had an appointment with Dory the following Monday, when I called her Saturday to tell her, WE DID IT.. I was finally pregnant! There really was no better news to share with the person that helped us achive our #1 goal. All medicines aside, my acupuncture treamtnets are hands down the only reason I believe I'm sitting here 10 weeks away from giving birth to my second child I cannot thank Dory enough for the time, efforts and energy she put into my story I know, with out her, I would not be pregnant. I credit her to helping my body best prepare for pregnancy."

- Mandy

"It has been a privilege to work with Dory Ellen Fish for the last 7 months. I was diagnosed with a reoccurrence of breast cancer in March 2013 and had a double mastectomy on May 1st. I saw Dory Ellen prior to the surgery and her acupuncture technique was amazing in my healing process. She has been doing this work for 18-some years and her intuition, compassion, understanding, wisdom, loving and caring heart have assisted me to get through this bump in the road with ease and grace. She has extensive experience working with breast cancer patients and she educated me in many ways. My Plastic Surgeon endorsed her work, and I truly feel blessed to have come upon Dory Ellen on my journey of life. She is a gem and her work demonstrates her dedication and devotion to assisting others in their healing process. I highly recommend her."

- Joan

"When I think of an acupuncturist who has changed my body and mind, there is only one that comes to mind andy that is Dory Ellen Fish. I am constantly amazed by her commitment to her clients, her commitment to ongoing education, and her love for what she does. Dory changed my life. She helped me to improve my digestion, support my body through two pregnancies, and was a person that I could trust on every level and that is an important part of healing the body. As a health coach, I know the importance of the relationship between the client and the acupuncturist, and without a doubt Dory gives 200%. There are not enough words that can express my gratitude for her work and commitment to my own life and the lives of her clients. Thank you Dory."

- Rachel

"I attribute the fact that i have a dream baby to working with Dory Ellen throughout my pregnancy"

- Sarah