Name: Dr Vitalis Acupuncture Auckland
Price range: $$

I would like to place on record my recent and ongoing successful treatment story with Vitalis and
Roberta at the Dr Vitalis Acupuncture centre in Auckland.

This all began late last year when I noticed the first symptoms of what is later diagnosed as distal
peripheral neuropathy in my lower limbs. This began with just a strange crinkly-paper feeling
under my foot and tingling in my left big toe – hardly earthshaking and scarcely noticeable at first but
swiftly becoming troublesome, interrupting my sleep and making for uncomfortable days. As this
spread rapidly to my other toes and foot generally, then progressing to a horrible heat sensation up
my outer legs, I sought help from my GP. That proved rather frustrating, no ideas seemed
forthcoming and without my husband’s research and the suggestion that this was likely PN would
likely have had no result. Be that as it may, it was decided that a course of TCAs was in order! TCA
means ‘tricyclic antidepressants’ originally developed for treating major depression, chronic pain and
insomnia, but handily has a useful side effect (in the same area of the brain) of inhibiting the random
‘misfirings’ coming from the damaged or failing nerves in my extremities. With some reluctance I
acceded to this advice and started on a low dosage of Amitriptyline (despite a long list of side-effects
including a recently reported increased risk of Dementia with prolonged use in the aged – and I am a
78 year old female) but with the help of AI we searched for alternative therapies and soon
recognised that Acupuncture was a real possibility. Thank God for that!

Our search for a competent therapist led quickly to the Dr Vitalis Acupuncture centre in Auckland
and a rapid appointment. Dr Vitalis was from the start in listening mode, had treated similar before
and clearly understood this complaint. We started a series of electro-acupuncture treatments
which, though lasting longer than expected, have resulted in at first managing and latterly
contributing to some regeneration and remediation process.

What has surprised me the most about the results is the contrast between the ‘medication’
prejudice of traditional medicine and the holistic approach of Vitalis and Roberta in their TCM
acupuncture practice. During this whole period we have still kept on with the former, seeking help
both privately and from the Genetic Health Service of NZ. We are currently seeking a genotyping
and a possible explanation of the origin (currently unknown) of this dreadful condition. Though
seemingly somewhat ignored by the traditional community, Acupuncture has certainly surprised us
most by the immediacy of results of the treatment, managed pain and we think some remediation,
which has been of great help and reassurance to me. We are certainly able to recommend to
anyone that this team are empathetic, effective and offer a very worthwhile alternative therapy.