I decided to try acupuncture as a last resort for my debilitating migraines. As I had already seen three doctors who couldn’t do much to help me, I was surprised when before treating me the acupuncturist talked, and more importantly listened, to me for about an hour, asking me questions about what I ate and drank and when, how I rested, what kind of work and family life I had, and essentially got to know me. He helped me identify triggers and patterns in my headaches and with that knowledge and three needle treatments I’ve been migraine-free for over 20 years. In subsequent years I’ve come to consider my acupuncturist, Maile McKain, my primary care physician. In the current healthcare system there seems to be only specialists prescribing drugs and surgeries. In contrast, Maile works with me, honoring my intuition, preferences and experiences, and uses needling, massage, herbs, nutrition advice, and she doesn’t hesitate to recommend traditional western medicine when it makes sense as part of the whole treatment plan. I sincerely believe that acupuncture and embracing Maile’s wholistic approach are the foundation of the robust good health I’ve experienced.