Meet Christa Saltzman!

This month, we're featuring Acupuncturist, Christa Saltzman. She's had her practice, Eagle Acupuncture, at the Holistic Center for five years.

Christa, how long have you been involved in acupuncture?

    I have been involved in acupuncture about 10 years.

What drew you to learning acupuncture?

    Back in mid-80's I got the "never -ending flu". I was given a diagnosis of CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), or fibromyalgia. After seeing 12 specialists from University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Jefferson and John Hopkins, with my symptoms of daily fevers, debilitating headaches and painful, swollen joints, they determined that 'nothing was wrong'. This went on about four years.

    My family doctor, however, refused to give up, and kept searching for answers. Meanwhile, I also developed neurological symptoms.

    My doc, while at a convention, called me late one night, as he had just sat in on a talk given my a doctor in Lyme, Connecticut. I was immediately tested, 'very positive' for Lyme disease, and began a 30-day treatment with antibiotics (IV Rocephin). My headaches and neurological symptoms disappeared after the course of antibiotics. But my aches, swollen joints and fevers persisted for another six months. I pretty much felt like I was thrown down a flight of stairs. Specialists decided they couldn't help me anymore and suggested that I go on permanent disability.

    But my one favorite doctor at Penn pulled me aside, and asked me, in the strictest of confidence, if I had heard of acupuncture, and suggested I go to Chinatown. I was also receiving shiatsu at the time from a friend I worked with. I would feel good for about for a day or two, but then the aches and pains would come back. She beleived I needed deeper treatment, and suggested acupuncture, so I was getting this message from two sources.

    It was a miraculous experience. The pain started to subside, the swelling went down, the headaches and fevers lessened.

    I started reading and researching everything I could about acupuncture. The funny thing was I thought I would have to go to China to study it, until a friend informed me that they have schools here in the US that teach it. (laughing)

What's your superpower? In other words, what unique gifts, experiences and insights do you bring to your practice?

    I think my superpower is my ability to put people at ease and make them feel comfortable. So many people have heard that acupuncture might be good for what they're dealing with, but are afraid of the idea of having needles stuck in them. Also, I have personal experience with long-term sickness, and the frustration of being told that nothing is wrong with me.

What kinds of people seek out your services?

     Desperate! (laughing..) Usually they fall into two categories: those people who already see the value of preventative care, and those that 'have tried everything else'.  In the second category, most people that come are looking for pain reduction.. more women than men, and among those, women with stress and anxiety issues, reproductive issues, etc.

What do you find most rewarding about this work?

    Having an impact and the ability to improve quality of someone's life.. allowing them to get back to doing things and being with people they enjoy,  getting them back to normal activities, allowing them to be productive and valuable again.

What's next for you? What's your vision?

    I would really like to expand my practice, and also do some presenting and teaching.

What else brings joy to your life?

    Family. Seeing my kids happy and doing well. Sharing time with family and friends. Attending church. Oh and food! I'm Italian, so I love to cook, and feed people, and see people happy, and enjoying the food I make.  

What would you like people to come away with from your sessions together?

    I'd like them to come away with a feeling of calm, to feel relaxed, have clarity, to feel physically better. Less pain, more grounded. Some people say it's their favorite hour of the week I want to give them a sense of peace and relaxation (The term, 'safe harbor' comes to mind...)

Thank you Christa...!

To reach Christa for a session, give her a call at: 610-304-0705, or email her at: csaltzman@officecenter.com.

Comments

[Helena]

Great facts from her, several thanks towards the author. It really is incomprehensible to me now, but in basic, the usefulness and significance is overwhelming. Thanks again and very good luck!

Helena

[Seattle Chiropractic]

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