Eliza Mellen-Smith Acupuncture

I have been coming to Eliza for several years. Most recently, her expertise literally cured my carpel tunnel-like condition; she took the time to understand where the root of the problem was (coming from neck issues) whereas the medical community just wanted me to get the carpel tunnel surgery. Please make Eliza your first stop after experiencing this type of pain (or any for that matter)!!

I have been a loyal and enthusiastic patient of Eliza’s for years. She has guided me thru and treated me for, many health conditions that have arisen for me over the years: carpal tunnel syndrome, a torn rotator cuff, a knee replacement, foot neuropathy and irritable bowel syndrome. She has helped me immensely with all of them. But the thing that has stood out the most, was when she helped me with a case of shingles I developed after my knee replacement. She diagnosed it when doctors couldn’t figure out what it was, and the acupuncture treatment she gave me was the ONLY thing that gave me relief from the excruciating nerve pain ( I couldn’t sleep, read, knit, or even watch television.) Eliza guided me with her empathetic, and deeply knowledgeable treatment, from agony to tolerable, and then to total relief and resolution of the shingles.

Eliza is very smart and caring, but she also seems able to intuitively pick up on things in my health that I wasn’t even aware were happening, and then help me with them.

I had tried many acupuncturists before Eliza but never found their healing and knowledge to be so all encompassing and effective. If you want to experience a truly gifted healer at work, go see Eliza.

In September of this year my wife and I went on a 12-day group tour in Brittany, France. Because some porters did not show up when needed, we had to transport lots of heavy baggage by hand over long distances and up flights of stairs. Four days after our return to Marblehead, the results of overexertion began to appear as a single sore muscle. In three more days they progressed to widespread back and neck pain, forcing me to sleep sitting up and walk with my face down. I then went to an urgent care facility, where I was prescribed a muscle relaxant. When there was no improvement over the next few days, I went to see Eliza Mellen-Smith for evaluation and possibly acupuncture treatment.

Eliza has three very pleasant and clean treatment rooms, as well as a bright and comfortable waiting room and office. She led me to one of the treatment rooms and spent some time examining my back and neck, and discussing with me the medical situation. She was quick to understand the situation and clear in explaining the options and probabilities that she foresaw. Her obvious empathy also was comforting. When I agreed with her recommendations, it was time for me to get into position on the treatment bed. But I just could not lie down on the bed, because of the pain. After about 20 minutes of experimentation, Eliza got me into a comfortable position partially sitting up, propped up with pillows. Then she inserted acupuncture needles in carefully selected places, and left me in place for about three quarters of an hour, after which she removed the needles. I noticed a small, but immediate improvement in my pain. This greatly encouraged me, because previously the pain had only worsened. Eliza helped me with several additional treatments over the next month, and I can now say that I am now generally very comfortable and pain-free, except that I don’t yet have full range of motion in my neck. It seems that I am on track to achieve full recovery during the next couple of months.

I have also received some osteopathic therapy from my PCP, who has a Doctor of Osteopathy degree, and I have consulted with an MD who is a Physiatrist. I am also on track to obtain some physical therapy. Eliza has been very comfortable with this multimodal approach, and has kept herself aware of the results in all areas. Also, all the professionals I have consulted have been very supportive of my obtaining acupuncture treatments from Eliza. I feel that Eliza’s treatments have contributed prominently to my recovery, and I plan to continue them as long as she recommends.

I would certainly recommend Eliza Mellen-Smith, Liz.Ac., Dipl.Ac., MAOM, to others for evaluation and treatment of a variety of conditions, particularly those similar to mine, involving back and neck pain. She is an intelligent, empathetic, knowledgeable, and responsible professional, who provides excellent advice and service.

Eliza is a kind, caring and highly skilled healer. She is able to get to the root of a problem and offer transformative treatments. The space is beautiful and relaxing and Eliza offers flexible scheduling. She has extensive knowledge with herbal supplements as well! Eliza has helped me with back and neck pain and it feels wonderful to be pain free. I highly recommend Eliza!

Eliza is an incredibly wise and gifted acupuncturist. The space is beautiful and has this incredible "homey" feel to it. I will certainly be returning here in the future. The whole experience was very good and there isn't a single aspect of it that I would change.