"After one and one half years of trying to conceive, visits to the fertility clinic and a three month stint with an acupuncturist who, in the end was not a good fit for me, I found out about Dr. Mahanian through a friend who spoke very highly of her and her work. From the first visit, I immediately knew she was the person I wanted to work with to help me along this very personal and emotional journey. From our first visit, I felt confident in my choice because of Dr. Mahanian’s calm and reassuring manner, her thorough and unhurried approach and her ability to clearly explain her diagnosis and rationale for treatment in a way that I could understand and that made sense for me. (I should mention that I have a strong belief in Chinese medicine from a previous experience approximately 10 years ago where I was successfully treated with herbs and acupuncture by a Chinese doctor. This was for an entirely different issue; a condition of unexplained, and untreatable by western medicine, extreme joint pain and inflammation in both of my arms and hands. This experience left me thankful for the diagnostic capabilities of western medicine, and the wholistic treatment capabilities of Eastern medicine.)
Treatment with Dr. Mahanian for me consisted of, initially a very thorough discussion of my medical history, as well as reviewing my current health, monthly cycles and the overall functioning of my "systems" e.g. digestion, elimination etc. This initial visit was followed by weekly visits where Dr. Mahanian and I would continually review my progress, discuss any changes I was experiencing, and as well I would have acupuncture and receive a new "concoction" of herbs suited to my body's needs and to the time in my monthly cycle.
Through this process I learned that many of the monthly symptoms I had experienced for many years (PMS, depression, severe cramping) could be either lessened or eliminated by Chinese medicine. During the first few months, I noticed changes in my monthly cycles including no more clotting while I was bleeding, less emotional ups and downs before and during my period and less painful periods. I also became aware, through charting my cycle that the treatment was affecting my cycle by making it more "balanced" (my daily temperatures evened out to plot a more "classic" graph pattern; my cycles became much more regular - reduced from a 33 to 36 day cycle to a 28 to 29 day cycle). I was feeling good and was feeling empowered that, while the main focus was conception, most importantly I was improving my overall health and could feel and see the results (as well be thrilled to realize that with a more normal cycle length, this gave me at least one more ovulation opportunity each year!).
After about 3 months of treatment I was completely taken aback to learn I was pregnant! I attribute my success to the kind, compassionate and skillful work of Dr. Mahanian, and how we collaborated to improve my health and my chances for successful conception. As I write, I am now 6 and 1/2 months pregnant and thrilled for this opportunity to grow and nurture a new life and bring a new being into this world. As I progress through this journey, I have become very aware of how important it was for me to find a practitioner who, as well as having the necessary knowledge and expertise to address my condition, also has a gentle, personal touch that Dr. Mahanian has, which helped instill in me confidence in myself, that I was doing all I could to promote my health and my chances of becoming pregnant.
Thank you Dr. Mahanian for your part in our little miracle".
-TR, 39 yrs old, Vancouver BC
"I have been receiving acupuncture from Dr. Mahanian for about 6 months now - approximately twice per month. The reasons for my treatment are strictly preventative / health promotion related, as i do not currently have any acute or chronic health issues.
I have found Dr. Mahanian’s personal approach to her practice to be very compassionate and therapeutic in itself. The acupuncture therapy, although a "foreign" sensation at first, has never hurt - in fact, on the contrary, i look forward to each session as they seem to become increasingly more relaxing and enjoyable. I do not suffer from any neuro / vascular health issues but i have noticed improvements in my circulation and sensation, especially to my legs and arms - therefore, I am sure that anyone suffering from peripheral vascular disease or any sort of neuropathy would greatly benefit from these treatments. Although my baseline concentration and stress levels are usually “healthy”, I have noticed improvements in these areas with the acupuncture. I am more relaxed in general and have also noticed an improvement in my concentration level.
Although a “healthy” person prior to commencing acupuncture, I have noticed marked increases in the functioning of my peripheral nervous system, circulation, mood, and concentration level. Therefore, I would recommend to anyone to try acupuncture therapy, by itself or as a complement to other therapies - for acute or chronic ailments, or for health promotion reasons. Although I noticed the benefits of the treatment immediately, they seem to be getting better and better each time. I recommend at least a few months of therapy before evaluating its efficacy, as its therapeutic effect seems to be cumulative in nature."
-JC, RN, BN, BBA, 32 years old - Vancouver, BC
"Dr. Mahanian was very helpful in treating my problem with clammy hands. Her treatments have also improved my overall health and wellness. As a result, my confidence, both in professional and social settings, has improved significantly".
-LB, 23 Years old - Vancouver, BC
"Currently I am 27 years old and have been struggling with acne for 15 years. Besides my family doctor, I had gone to several dermatologists who had perscribed all sorts of drugs ranging from birth control to antibiotics. The results left no permanent solution to my problem, and had only done physical harm internally. It was not until I had pursued Chinese Medicine combined with acupuncture, that I had seen amazing improvement and consistent results with my acne. The treatments had even erased harsh scars that I might have used laser skin treatment for. Energy levels, better sleeping patterns, and overall health were additional results to the treatment as well. I have, and highly recommend the approach of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for skin treatment. "
-TZ, 27 years old – Vancouver, BC
"Dr. Mahanian, DTCM RAc, provided me with excellent patient care in the form of acupuncture for muscle injury and pain, herbs for organ and blood disorder, and massage for both. All remedies were very effective and rapidly brought relief where all other modalities of medicine had failed. Dr. Mahanian comes highly recommended -- after five years of ill health, I feel significantly better, thanks to the healing she has provided."
-EB, Ph.D., 32 years old – Vancouver, BC
"I was suffering from muscle aches and extreme fatigue for over a year due to food allergies. Then I started Acupuncture treatments and Chinese Herbal Medicine and within a month I noticed great improvement with my muscles and fatigue. I felt a lot more energy, and along with a healthier diet was able to get back to my regular lifestyle that I had before these health problems started. Today, I have no muscle aches and fatigue, as well I have overcome many of my food allergies and am able to eat more regularly."
-JA, 24 yrs old – Surrey BC
"I had been struggling with frequent breakouts of acne for many years and my scars would take such a long time to heal. I didn’t think my skin would ever become clear. I didn’t want to take medications like accutane because of all of the scary side effects so I decided to try the natural route. I was introduced to Chinese Medicine by a friend who had had a similar acne problem. Dr. Mahanian prescribed a Chinese herbal formula and advised me in detail on my diet. Within 3 days I noticed my scars were healing and new breakouts weren’t coming on. I stayed on the herbs for 2 weeks and kept up with my diet and my skin showed a dramatic improvement. Now I have people telling me that I have “beautiful skin”…it feels great!"
-SD –Montreal, Quebec – 27 yrs old
"When I was 25 years old, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The doctors prescribed a very aggressive chemotherapy regimen. I was scared when they told me about the symptoms that I would experience and the many drugs that I would need to take to relieve these symptoms (which weren’t without side effects of their own). A certain anti-nausea drug caused me to have anxiety, sleeplessness, and lockjaw to name a few. The only relief I had was with the treatments I received from Dr. Mahanian. When my symptoms were at their worst right after a dose of chemotherapy, Dr. Mahanian inserted the acupuncture needles and almost immediately my symptoms of nausea, anxiety, and restlessness were relieved and I was actually able to sleep at night. Before this, I had little experience with acupuncture and Chinese medicine, but now I strongly believe that it should be included in all cancer therapies."
-PA - 27 yrs old - Vancouver, BC
"For years, I had been plagued with digestive troubles, joint pain, and acne - if you would believe it - all before the age of 24. No matter what the doctors prescribed, my problems persisted, if not worsened, only because my doctors just did not know what to do. When Dr. Mahanian began treating me, I was shocked to find out that according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, all of my ailments were related! And upon treatments with herbs and acupuncture, as well as Dr. Mahanian's diet advice, everything, and I mean EVERYTHING has been relieved. I don't even know what to complain about anymore! I trust a science that has been around for thousands of years more than a science that has only been around for decades, and that is Traditional Chinese Medicine."
RH, North Vancouver, BC
"I first sought out acupuncture after becoming afflicted with facial eczema. My face hurt, especially the mouth area and forehead. Facial expressions, even chewing food was painful. Any movement felt terrible. My skin was raw and burning and infections became a concern of mine because the skin was so inflamed. I had to retreat from work, social gatherings and actually many things I enjoy. Although I have always looked to natural therapies in the past, I avoided acupuncture due to my dislike of needles. I overcame that idea after my first treatment. There is no pain or discomfort in receiving the acu-needle. Maryam instructs on breathing as the needles are inserted and a breathing rhythm is established that is deep and relaxing. Acupuncture has helped me to reconnect with myself. It stimulates an energy that feels fluid, free from the memory of the problem. The mind and body are refreshed in a manner that allows healing to happen and in conjunction with the Chinese Herbal Medicine, balance is restored. One takes an active role in the process. Maryam is a keen professional who listens, looks, and guides the healing process. She is a very knowledgeable, sensitive, trustworthy healer and her treatments worked very well for me. Now I go occasionally to maintain and nurture balance within and I like the treatments, even the herbs. I have recommended this to family and friends. Thank-you Maryam." Sincerely Grateful,
-MG – Vancouver, BC
"Acupuncture has helped me tremendously with my ability to get through my days comfortably as I get it done to reduce the pain I have associated with my menstrual cycle. In the past, I got severe cramps and wouldn't be able to function normally unless I took pharmaceutical drugs such as Naproxen (an anti-inflammatory), or large amounts of Ibuprofen. I also had a problem with my lower back & some days wouldn't be able to stand up properly because of the pain in one of my lower vertebrae. After getting a few treatments of acupuncture along with some acupressure massage, the pain has completely disappeared. Sometimes from standing all day at my job, I get pain in my upper back between my shoulder blades. Every once in awhile, I'll go in and get a treatment with needles in that area with some massage & I'll feel great for weeks after with no complications. I have found that the treatments along with the herbs have helped me feel more alert & my energy has increased to a healthy level. I no longer feel as tired as I used to. I also found that if I'm feeling stressed during the week, acupuncture is a really great way to alleviate the stress associated with everyday life."
NF – 24 yrs old – Vancouver, BC
Acne I Arthritis I Crohn's Disease I Eczema I Fertility I Fibromyalgia I Irritable Bowel Syndrome I Irregular Menstruation I Menopause I Migraines I Painful Menstruation I PMS I Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome I Psoriasis I Weight Loss I Stress & Fertility I IVF
