Testimonials
On Complementary Cancer Care
“I’ve been seeing Dr. Ruonan Zhang, the cancer specialist at Tao Clinic, for the past 4 months for acupuncture treatments, herbal supplements, and medicinal teas for my metastatic cervical cancer. The various treatments she’s administering are helping me greatly in handling this second round of chemotherapy treatment. I have a lot more energy, good appetite, restful sleep and much pain relief. I’m very grateful to Dr. Zhang. She’s an excellent doctor. She’s kind, caring, reassuring, and attentive.”
-Dorothy
“I was recommended to the Tao Clinic of Acupuncture by Dr. Yang’s reputation. I came to Tao Clinic with severe and crippling back and leg pains. I tried epidural injections and many different medications to find relief. The condition was only getting worst. Before I have seen Dr. Yang, the pain lasted for a year in duration. I was immobilized by the pain, unable to walk easily, and unable to pursue recreational activities; the pain was excessive and crippling. After receiving weekly acupuncture and herbal treatments, almost immediately I have seen a difference. Overall in about 4 weeks the pain lessened and in about 9 months the pain was almost gone. My experience with acupuncture was spectacular: the elimination of pain and my general health is much better, and physically more sure of myself. I had some other difficulty with the treatment of metastasized Prostate Cancer and the acupuncture treatment was beneficial in that area also.”
– Alvin
My name is Olga Dedkova, and I’ve been Dr. Jingduan Yang’s patient for 2 years. I have had Stage 4 Breast Cancer for the past 4 years. Since my treatment by Dr. Yang, of the Tao Institute, I have had no fluids on my lungs – something conventional medicine could not stop. I now have good energy, a good appetite and I sleep well. I am very grateful for everything he and Dr. Ruonan Zhang are doing.”
-Olga
“I am a patient with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. I have been going to Dr Ruonan Zhang for over a year now. She has helped me a great deal in treating my side effects from chemo for my cancer. I have been on chemo for over a year now and with Dr Zhang’s caring and skilled acupuncture treatment I feel so much less nauseous, have good appetite, sleep well and have good energy. Dr Zhang has been absolutely wonderful in treating any issues I bring to her attention. She is very kind, attentive listener, and knowledgeable. I am very thankful for the treatment and care she has provided me.”
-Richa
Pain Relief Testimonials
“Our son has been suffering from chronic headaches/migraines from the age of six. He would be sick at times, four to five days a week. We often carried him off soccer fields, left Disney parks. Over the past five years, we have attempted traditional medicine, seeing everyone from neurologists, ophthalmologists, neuro-ophthalmologist, allergists, and chiropractors. He was even placed on blood pressure medicine at the age of seven. We attempted a holistic doctor, multiple supplements, and different specialized diets including gluten-free. Unfortunately, nothing provided him with relief.
After exhausting what we thought were the most obvious doctors and treatments, we decided to take him for acupuncture. Concluding the very first visit with Lynne, Christopher got off the table and exclaimed, “I have never felt better in my life!” For the next two days, our child never lost his smile and continually expressly how good he felt. The weight of the world had been lifted from all of us when he said, “I think this is the help I need. I think this is it. Each day I feel great!”
With unbelievable appreciation, humility and gratefulness, we can’t thank you enough for giving our son his childhood back. He now plays hard like the other kids without having to be carried home because he is in so much pain. He now has normal sleepovers with friends without getting sick.. He now can finish his baseball games without having to be taken off the field. He now completes his homework without having to take a nap when he is done.
Although he has had a few headaches since beginning treatment, they are not as often and nothing near what they were in severity. We are confident that with time and dedication to treatment, Christopher will be able to continue his “new normal” life. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for bringing relief and health to our son!”
– The Pappas Family
“Dr. Ruonan Zhang has been my savior. I had a chronic case of Sciatica and Piriformis syndrome that cause me to experience excruciating and unyielding pain for over a year and a half. I literally had a real “pain in the butt.” During this time, I had two steroid shots within six months of each other, went to massage therapy, physical therapy, and continued working with my wonderful Chiropractor gaining only temporary and intermittent relief. Given that I am an avid walker – 5 miles a day back and forth to work, and exercise 6-8 miles on the weekend – this was devastating me. I then read about acupuncture and decided to give it a try.
UNBELIEVABLE…it worked!!! Dr. Zhang told me I would come for ten sessions. After each session, the degree and location of the pain began to change. I was finding relief…and by session ten, I no longer had piriformis pain. Gone!!! I cannot tell you how and what she did, exactly, but intuitively I knew what she was doing each week was healing. Oh, and she cured my shoulder pain as a bonus!
Given that I have a history of chronic back pain, I continue to go every two weeks. I can actually say the relief I feel is something I never thought would be possible.
Dr. Zhang is a pro and a very professional Doctor….a Doctor who has healing hands!!!
– Francesca
“As a 63 year old man, I have suffered with migraine headaches since the 7th grade. I remember that my head would hurt so badly that I really believed I was going to die. Soon after my headaches began, I learned that a dark room helped. I used to close the blinds, put Vick’s Vapor Rub on my head and cover my eyes with a towel. I also recall that it was right around the time that the headaches began and grew worst that I began to feel sad. I didn’t always know why I was sad. Often, I would feel nervous too and would have nightmares. My headaches continued all my life as did periods of sadness. As an adult, I realized I was suffering from depression. My headaches came at least twice a month. My depression, thank God, did not exist every day and would be gone for years only to return with a vengeance. I met Dr. Daniel Mirro, who helped me with my depression. I met Dr. Jingduan Yang, who also helped me deal with my “highs” and “lows. Dr. Yang began to use acupuncture when he realized I also suffered so badly with these headaches. Dr. Yang has really helped me. Since I started his treatments, I have only had one headache in the last 6 months!!!”
– Thomas
“Of course I know that acupuncture is amazing, but I wanted to see what Western medicine had to offer. IN ANY CASE I woke up this morning mobile – I can walk quite easily now from my car to the classroom, and in a wonderful mood. I feel totally renewed. Just want to thank you and your staff!”
– Arthur
“I started acupuncture because of fairly intractable neuropathic pain, which was the after-effect of a long-term autoimmune disease. My results have been excellent after a period of visits at the Tao Clinic. My pain is much reduced and most times non-existent. I have been able to resume exercising. My mental well being is vastly improved.”
– William
“I came to the Tao Clinic with excruciating pain from sciatica which had not been relieved by other methods that I had tried which included exercise, physical therapy and medications. I had six weekly acupuncture treatments and now come every other week. There was some relief immediately and every treatment produced more and more relief. Most importantly, I felt that I was receiving personalized care. The doctor would ask me about my symptoms and plan my treatment around those symptoms. He also answered every question I had so I felt better educated about my condition. I always left the Tao Institute feeling better physically and emotionally. I have taken brochures to my job and share my experience whenever I get a chance. I’m happy to say that one of my co-workers has had a similar experience on my recommendation.”
– Judith
“My experience with the Tao Clinic of Acupuncture has been very positive and has had a great impact on my life. I received acupuncture to treat my migraines after all the prescribed medicines did nothing to help. The number of migraines I got decreased considerably after starting acupuncture. I was very happy with the results.”
– Sarah
“I came to Tao because I had a lot of pain and Fibromyalgia. I haven’t found anybody to help it go away. I was diagnosed in 2003 with Fibromyalgia. I had a lot of Charlie Horses, Muscle Spasms, Joint Pain, and soreness on my skin. Other Doctors were putting me on a lot of different kinds of medication. I was having reactions to them. Then I went to Jefferson and had the Bee Vernon which was helping but it was not as long lasting as I have now. My experience with Tao has been awesome; it gave me my life back. Before the treatment I was bedridden. Now I have some bad days but not like before; when it is rainy out or I don’t pay attention. Maybe once in a blue moon I’ll have excruciating pain, but now it is tolerable now. I feel better about myself emotionally. I have more energy and I am happier. Also when I come here I do not feel like another number. I feel like a friend, a person, a human being.”
– Lisa
“Sunday November 26, 2006, I had a sneezing fit around noon. After the last sneeze, my back, lowest region, felt like it was struck by lightning. I had the most intense pain I have ever felt. I went to the floor immediately, and could not move for several minutes. After dealing with constant pain for a few days I went to the emergency room on Tuesday morning, I could not endure the pain any further. The only thing the hospital was able to do for me was to give me pain medication and a muscle relaxant. I received treatments from my chiropractor but the pain was still there. I cam to your office on Wednesday and you saw that I was in great distress and offered to give me a treatment. After two needles were applied to my right hand the pain was literally turned off. I believe the acupuncture is directly responsible for me quick recovery. I will be sure to spread the word about the miracle of acupuncture and what a great doctor you are. Thank you.”
– Joseph
“I have very flat feet and in my youth wore corrective shoes. In my adult years I spent a great deal of my life on my foot as a teacher. I developed an acute problem with the tendons in my left foot. The pain in my left foot was always near 10. Since having acupuncture with Dr. Yang over 3 months, my foot feels much better. The pain now is usually only around a 2 at the end of the day. I do not like needles and I was only used to Western medical treatment. I would now recommend Dr. Yang’s acupuncture treatment and his methods.”
– Tom
“I suffered from hot flashes, severe hot flashes. To describe them…you could fry an egg on my back. That’s how hot I would get. I was constantly hot and sweaty, I even had night sweats. I tried everything that on the market that might help; anything I could get my hands on. You name it, I tried it. Nothing worked until I came to the Tao Clinic for treatment with Dr. Yang. After 12 treatments of acupuncture and herbs, the hot flashes started to go away. And now it’s been a year and it’s like I don’t even have them anymore. Acupuncture and herbal medicine has also helped with the pain in my hands from carpal tunnel syndrome, my bowel movements are more regular, and a mole that was on the center of my back has completely disappeared. Acupuncture makes me feel good. After treatment the experience leaves me so relaxed, and like there’s a light energy around me. I feel like I’m floating when I leave Dr. Yang’s office. I’ve recommended the services at the Tao Clinic to a lot of people. I know some people are apprehensive about trying something that seems new and typically unconventional, but I was at the point where I had to try it and the results were outstanding.”
– Elizabeth
I came to Tao Clinic of Acupuncture because I was in need of a Psychiatrist. I became very anxious because of my pain; I could not find anybody to help me with the pain. My pain comes from an occupational injury that I received in 1993. The Workers Compensation Representative helped me find the Tao Clinic. My daily living was very hard. I have pain around the base of my skull and down my spine and neck, and my left arm tingled. The pain made it very difficult to do daily chores such as pulling clothes out of the laundry, making the bed, and vacuuming the floor. My mood was affected, because I have been depressed for many years. The injury happened in 1993 and as I’ve gotten older my activity decrease. Life was not very good.
On December 3, 2007 I received my first treatment; it was an herbal medication. Later we found out that is was causing my blood pressure to rise. We stopped that. We began Acupuncture. Not right off could I tell mentally; I was a little skeptical of the Acupuncture.
Today it is the only medicine since 1993 that really worked for me. My mind, I have more clarity when I think. I do a lot more at home, vacuuming is still a chore for me; with persistent I can get it done. I look forward to my visits with Dr. Fang. I know I am going to feel better during the week. It is a very pleasant visit. I think she understands where I hurt. It is a very good relationship. The people at Tao are very nice people, very cordial and very professional. I just like coming to Tao. I know this is selfish, but you keep my pain at bay and keep me from falling into that dark Depress hole again. I have already talked to friends, family and people about Tao; I was skeptical in the beginning about Acupuncture. My friends wanted to know where I go so I tell them and hopefully they will call and will make an appointment.”
– Caroline
“When I was in the 7th grade I began to get very bad headaches. I was actually afraid when these headaches would come because they hurt so badly I thought I had a serious brain tumor. The doctor at that time said they were from sinus and also that I may need glasses. I did not need eye glasses so my parents thought it was a sinus problem.
As I grew older and in high school, my headaches got worse. I noticed that my eyes hurt, too!! I don’t remember when I began to sometimes vomit when I got my headaches but it did happen sometimes.
When I got my headaches I would have to go to bed. I needed to get out of lighted areas. I used to put hot towels on my head and close the blinds to make the room dark. For the reminder of my life, I got one of these dreadful headaches every month! In June this year, Dr.Yang of Tao Clinic of Acupuncture began to treat my headaches with acupuncture. I really did not think it would work but I thought ‘why not try it!’ Dr.Yang has also helped to control my Bi-polar with acupuncture and believe me it works.
Now my headaches are gone. This has been the first summer my life that has been migraine free. As of this writing, I have not had a migraine… Thank goodness!”
-Tom
I tore my rotator cuff two years ago, following the MRI, the orthopedic doctor administered a cortisone shot, along with physical therapy sessions. The pain relief lasted for a few months then wore off, while I continued PT exercises, still my nightly sleeping was disturbed with pain. Twenty months later, I went back to the orthopod and a new MRI revealed no further tearing. I refused a shot, not wanting toxins in my body. Instead I continued daily exercise and hoped for the best. A monthly massage gave mild relief to the pain in my neck and shoulders. Then I remembered years ago having a successful experience with a Chinese acupuncturist, while abroad in England. I found Tao Clinic of Acupuncture. When I arrived I was unable to lift my shoulder, wash my hair or dress, all painful rotator issues. My sleeping was disturbed, the right shoulder painful. I often suffered neck pain, sitting for prolonged periods was also an issue, a sciatic nerve would flare up. Following a couple of treatments the rotator pain was gone. A restful night returned immediately… who doesn’t love a good night’s sleep! Through further treatments the shoulder, upper back pain, and sciatica are gone. I no longer notice any discomfort during my daily activities or while sitting. I am in my early 60s, and I feel that I now have a partnership in progressing through this holistic approach.
– Maggie
“I just wanted to say that since coming to the Tao Clinic of Acupuncture for the past 7 weeks and I have had a remarkable improvement with my back issues. My flexibility is coming back much faster than I thought would have been possible. Moreover, I do not have any tingling sensations in my leg any more and my inflammation has lessened considerably.
– Mark
“Today is the 1st day I woke up without pain!!! I am so happy and looking forward to my next treatment
session.”
– Patricia
“For year I suffered incredible pain from my arthritis. Without the burden, I am now energized, refreshed, and stress-free! Dr. Ruonan Zhang gave me a new life. I am eternally grateful and most fortunate to have found such a wonderful practitioner… My only regret – I waited so long to seek alternative therapy.”
– Jacqueline
Cosmetic Acupuncture Testimonial
“Originally I came because I was having a recurrence of pain from adhesions due to a previous operation due to my Crohn’s disease. I had heard about cosmetic acupuncture and the idea that I could do it without any cutting or any kind of damaging to my skin was very appealing and I believe in acupuncture so I wanted to try it. After about 7 or 8 treatments, I noticed the tone of my skin changed and it looked much brighter and clearer and it was just really nice. The overall experience was very comfortable and very enjoyable. Dr. Gong listens to my questions carefully and gives me very thoughtful answers and I have complete confidence in her. I continue to do the treatment every once in a while. I would say the results have lasted for months. Other people noticed a big difference in my appearance as well. I get comments from all over.”
– Rosalyn
Testimonials on Women’s Health
“Personal referral brought me to Tao Clinic. I was in need of treatment of menopausal symptoms – sleeplessness, hot flashes, mood swings, sinus headaches, sinus infections, bronchitis, allergies. I started seeing Dr. Yang 4 weeks ago. I have been receiving talk therapy to get to issues & pinpoint a treatment plan. Now I receive acupuncture & herbal capsules. Now I am off all of my “traditional Medicine” which included 2 allergy pills a day, eye drops for allergies, nasal spray for allergies and HRT for menopause. I am sleeping better, am more content, have more energy; and no sinus problems.”
– Teresa
“I suffered from hot flashes, severe hot flashes. I was constantly hot and sweaty, I even had night sweats. I tried everything that on the market that might help; anything I could get my hands on. You name it, I tried it. Nothing worked until I came to the Tao Clinic for treatment with Dr. Yang. After 12 treatments of acupuncture and herbs, the hot flashes started to go away. And now it’s been a year and it’s like I don’t even have them anymore. Acupuncture makes me feel good. After treatment the experience leaves me so relaxed, and like there’s a light energy around me. I feel like I’m floating when I leave Dr. Yang’s office. I’ve recommended the services at the Tao Clinic to a lot of people. I know some people are apprehensive about trying something that seems new and typically unconventional, but I was at the point where I had to try it and the results were outstanding.”
– Elizabeth
Testimonial for Fertility Support
“As a 38 year-old woman wanting to get pregnant with my first, I decided to give acupuncture a try to give my fertility a boost. I read about Dr. Yang in a magazine article and researched his profile on line. Based on his wonderful reputation, I decided to give Tao Clinic of Acupuncture a try. Dr. Yang even exceeded his reputation as a highly caring medical professional who takes time with the overall assessment of each patient’s health, emotionally and physically. I felt both relaxed and energized after treatments, and I am delighted to say that after only four acupuncture treatments, I became pregnant! I am thrilled and will continue to go to Dr. Yang for treatments to support the pregnancy and my general health. While I went to Dr. Yang for fertility, the treatments encompassed a range of issues including anxiety and even some facial acupuncture at my request. I highly recommend Dr. Yang and the Tao Clinic of Acupuncture to women thinking about getting pregnant. Whether there is a fertility issue or not, this is a terrific way to ensure optimal health for yourself and your baby.”
-Sarah
On Healthy Aging
“Dear Future Patient of Dr.Yang:
Does this sound familiar? You fall asleep easily, but wake up in the middle of the night. Your mind is racing, mostly stupid stuff:the dry cleaning didn’t go out, oh and here’s a great idea for a new project … Thoughts begin to spin out of control. Next thing you know, you can’t get back to sleep and you’re worried that you’ll be tired the next day. Well, that’s not me any more!
After dealing with insomnia for over 20 years, I can honestly say it’s not an issue. I feel greet, I’m sleeping better than ever and I have Dr.Yang to thank for this phenomenal change in my life.
I’ve tried everything! Sleeping pills worked for a number of years but I felt as if I were losing mental clarity. Dr. Yang put me in touch with myself on a deeper more natural level. He used a multi-tiered approach, diet, supplements, acupuncture, and good old-fashioned conversation to get to the root of my problem. We figured it out together.
For so many years I would go to my doctor, relay my symptoms and walk out with a new prescription. Nothing worked to rid me of my ongoing problem with insomnia; the drugs only masked the overlying issue. I decided it was time to get off the hamster wheel and began investigating Integrative Medicine. Thankfully, a good friend recommended Dr. Yang.
So many of us feel we have to try the latest and greatest ideas in medicine but what we really need is to reach back into the past, where treating the entire patient was paramount. For me, traditional Chinese medicine proved to be the answer: Mind, Body and Spirit.
In the short time I’ve been seeing Dr. Yang and his associate Dr. Zhang my life has become calmer, my mind sharper and my creatively more abounding. The food fueling my body is energizing me and the supplements are helping my digestion, not to mention a myriad of other concerns.
By taking time to focus on myself I feel my quality of life has improved and this small journey to overcome a big problem has been worth the effort. I hope these words encourage you to take the next steps forward to solving your problems. Your life can get better. Mine did.”
– Christine
“Now in my mid-fifties, I came to the Tao Clinic because I wanted to do something more for my health and well-being than just my regular gym workouts and annual physical, and I had heard wonderful things about Dr. Yang. I had recently finished an exciting but stressful four-year film project, and Dr. Yang first suggested that we focus on reducing my anxiety and stress level; following his proposal of dietary changes and supplements, I felt much calmer. I also started a series of acupuncture treatments that immediately alleviated a sinus problem, and gave me more energy. And I discovered an unexpected “bonus” when friends began telling me my skin was glowing and I looked younger. I’m so pleased with how the acupuncture treatments with Dr. Yang and Jaesun Yoo have improved my facial skin tone that I’ve discontinued my usual quarterly visits to the dermatologist for botox and fillers. It has been a wonderful, mind-opening experience and an important step towards healthy aging.”
-Pam
“I have been a patient of Dr. Yang’s for two years and his holistic and multi-faceted approach has been very beneficial and life-affirming for me. The use of herbs, massages, acupuncture and facials gives one the whole person approach. One sees the difference between living and living whole.”
-Kathy
“I was initially seen by Dr. Jingduan Yang in his Jefferson Hospital office. Dr. Yang came out and greeted me personally and invited me to come in to his office. During the next hour he patiently listened to me, taking notes and asking questions related to the problem I was experiencing. As a new patient I felt at ease. I did not feel rushed, which was very important to me. Upon deciding on the course of treatment Dr. Yang invited me to the Acupuncture procedure room with a nice, relaxing and pleasant atmosphere. The experience of Acupuncture was entirely new to me and was nothing like I ever experienced before. Prior to administering each needle Dr.Yang explained to me the sensation I would fee. At times it felt as if the cool water was flowing through my body, with a pleasant and relaxing effect. Other times I would feel a tingling sensation. After a while I began feeling very relaxed and calm. As a new patient I feel very encouraged and hopeful of the eventual success of my treatment.”
– Alex
Lyme disease treatment testimonials
“I came to Tao Clinic of Acupuncture due to my conditions of emotional & physical exhaustion from the effects of Lyme disease. I suffered from fatigue, inability to sleep, GI disorders, difficulty eating, and liver problems. I started seeing Dr. Yang since October 2006. I was treated with Acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies. The treatment lasted for 2 years. In the first month of the treatment I was able to sleep better, which to me was the biggest improvement, my emotional torment was relieved, my exhaustion & fatigue greatly improved. My GI symptoms improved and I was able to enjoy eating again. It was absolutely life changing. The environment at the Tao Clinic is welcoming, open, filled with positive energy. Dr Yang has been and continues to be there for me. It was a leap of faith for me to try something new, and I feel as if I was sinking and Dr Yang threw me a life raft. He has brought me to a higher level.”
– Susan
“I have had chronic Lyme disease since age 5. I suffer from chronic pain, and the horrible neurological, psychological and physical reactions from antibiotics. Acupuncture has given me a way of a life during my medical treatment that I would not have otherwise had. Mentally I am able to process things that I normally was not able to. My level of understanding of the world in general has improved. Physically I am able to do things that I was not able to do.”
– James
