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Weekend appointments are only available to existing patients at this time.
Currently accepting new patients for weekday appointments only.
Complimentary telephone consultation.
Call or Email the Acupuncturist with questions or to schedule an appointment.
(254)741-6030 Email: liveoakacupuncture@gmail.com
Office is conveniently located 1 block South of Providence Health Center.
305 Londonderry Drive Suite 3
Waco, TX 76712
All text and photos © Kristen Horner, 2007
| Today: |
Comments from Past and Current Patients
Below are the unedited comments of patients of Kristen Horner. As these patient comments indicate, dramatic positive change is possible with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. By the same token, however, there is no miracle "cure" for many chronic health problems. Significant, sustained improvement in a chronic health concern generally only comes about with a multi-faceted treatment approach that includes lifestyle change(s) and patience. Oftentimes our goal in cases such as fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, migraine headaches, or severe allergies (among other conditions) is effective management as opposed to cure. Please ask for more information if you have questions about how your condition might respond to treatment.
"Since 1997, I have had chronic pain in different areas of my body. I have finally found long-term benefits from a treatment with NO SIDE EFFECTS using acupuncture. I have used the following therapies for pain relief: massages, biofeedback, relaxation, pain injections, physical therapies, pain medications and exercise before starting acupuncture. I am also diabetic and I have had 12 major surgeries and 77 day surgeries. The locations of my pain were: headaches, pressure points, neck, ears, eyes, sleep, joints, feet top and bottom, toes, stress, middle fingers, constipation, skin, diabetic issues, leg cramps, stomach, liver, two discs in my back, other back issue, shoulders, lymph glands, muscle pain, urination, fibromyalgia, hot flashes, and pain after breast surgeries. Using acupuncture Ms. Horner has relieved the above pain areas. Now, we have three chronic areas that she is working on. I have loads of energy now. Acupuncture has changed my life!!!"
- J.B.
"As a child my nervous system began its long trek toward becoming more sensitive and more painful. Then about ten years ago when I was in my 40s, the stress of it manifested into depression, severe fibromyalgia, and hypothyroidism. You can imagine all of the symptoms spiraling and becoming chaotic, since most of them have similar effects. I was prescribed one drug after another after another for decades until nothing worked. My world was in upheaval, and I didn’t know where to turn next. A very trusted friend recommended Kristen Horner for acupuncture. Frankly, I had never given it a thought and didn’t know much about it. But, because of my friend’s encouragement, I did some research and tried it. Just after my FIRST session and along with Kristen’s suggestions of herbal supplements, I felt healthy and clear-minded for the first time in years! I continue to improve (after only a handful of treatments)—I have NO fibromyalgia pain, the depression has seeped away, and my nervous system is on the road to recovery. Kristen is professional, gentle, a caring listener, and is fabulously trained. I would recommend Kristen’s practice to anyone!"
- H.B.
"Kristen Horner provides a comfortable, non-judgmental, and relaxing atmosphere. This is my first experience with acupuncture. It is difficult to express in only a few sentences my profound gratitude to Dr. Horner. I got my first migraine when I was 19 and now I am 55 years of age. For the past 5 years migraines had been a part of my weekly existence, lasting 2-3 days each. Under the care of Dr. Horner I have not had any (not even one!) migraine headaches. And no hot flashes either! This has changed my life! No headaches from the very first treatment – amazing! I recommend Kristen Horner to anyone who wants to end the cycle of suffering, especially regarding migraines. Oh yes, and there were important bonuses – no more sinus trouble, no hot flashes, and no night sweats. Awesome experience! You have to experience it to really believe the benefits that are waiting. So if you want to end your suffering I say 'go for it!'”
- L.C.
"18 months ago I suffered an attack of sciatica which was severe enough that walking was excruciatingly painful, sitting was hard to do for long without pain and even lying in bed was painful. Chiropractic care which had helped me before after 15 treatments and I had been pain free for 5 years afterwards frighteningly seemed to make matters worse this time and I was afraid to try it again. Somewhat in despair I contacted Kristen Horner who got me in to see her quickly and carefully listened to my story and gently gave me my first acupuncture treatment. While I still had pain when I left I felt more hopeful and relaxed and did not feel afraid of going back. Kristen encouraged me to try Chinese herbal medicine: I confessed to her later that I took it to be polite but to my astonishment 24 hours later I still had pain but miraculously and for the first time in days felt like myself again and knew I could get well. It got better from there on: I went to see her about 6 or 7 more times for acupuncture treatments and continued taking the medication. Very soon I was pain free and enjoying walking again and feeling not only recovered from sciatica but also noticing more energy and happiness in general. Since then during this year when sciatic threatened again, briefly, I went to see Kristen again and was delighted to have instant relief and it is encouraging to know that this treatment heals me from a condition I am prone to as I get older (77 next January) due probably to scoliosis which I have had from birth. In addition Kristen has been able to work with me in an integrative, holistic way an approach that works well with my goals and life style, to manage stress and other ailments I am prone to so that I am able to function optimally. I find her to be an outstanding example of the best integrative health care and it is very comforting to know that we have her practicing in our community."
- D.B.
"I am a 44 year old female scoliosis patient, and am 25 years post Harrington rod/fusion surgery. Above and below the rod and fusion is a deformed/deteriorating mess. Pain has always been constant and has been managed with various medications and physical therapy. I really wanted to reduce the medications that I've been on for years. I read about acupuncture in Arthritis Today and a RN friend of mine highly recommended Kristen to me. Immediately after starting acupuncture I felt a reduction in pain. After a month of treatment I have a ton of energy and I am taking almost no pain medication. I never dreamed I could feel this good. Occasionally I have an ache, but not the constant pain I was accustomed to. Thank you Kristen for giving me the energy, strength, and wellness that I've been searching for for years."
- K.H.
"A year ago I injured my shoulder so that I could not raise my right arm at the shoulder without pain. I saw my internist who is our gatekeeper to specialist health and he referred me to an orthopedic specialist. The specialist examined me and pretty much diagnosed a condition where a tendon was either tearing or detaching from the bone. This was causing pain each time I lifted my arm above a certain height. He confirmed the diagnosis by MRI and we discussed options. He was honest and remarked that while most people opt eventually for surgery as they get tired of the pain on movement of the arm he also had to point out that the scar tissue inevitable even with the most careful surgery would probably still cause some pain. We decided that we would wait and see what happened. My wife who had been pleased with acupuncture treatment by Kristen Horner suggested that I try acupuncture to see if it could give me some ease. I took two treatments and the pain was about the same but while seeing Kristen I also discussed a chronic problem with migraine especially under stress which I had been taking medication for and was troubled by. Kristen recommended a simple nasal irrigation treatment which I now practice daily: I no longer need the medication and am migraine free. Amazingly some months ago I noticed by chance that I have no pain on moving my right arm even in the extended way which formerly caused pain. I am grateful for the simple and holistic care Kristen gave me. I am impressed with her professionalism and would not hesitate to consult her again. She is a great adjunct to medicine in this area."
- C.W.B.
"We have seen an AMAZING recovery of our daughter’s eczema! I mean her skin is very close to completely normal. The texture and everything has changed! So exciting! Last week, we were raving about the change. Then she drank some [pasteurized] dairy chocolate milk and the next day she was flared up again. We completely cut the dairy back out (she still has some cheese here and there in casseroles) and her skin has almost completely recovered again! I have not seen her scratching for several days! I just wanted to let you know that the whole family is very enthusiastic and owing much of this change to you and your therapies!"
- J.U., mother of 4-year-old T.U.
"For the past eight years I have struggled with significant hormone imbalances that manifested themselves most visibly as facial acne. I tried visiting dermatologists, nutritionists, and our family doctor, and threw myself into various medicinal regimens. Prescription medicines, microdermabrasion, supplements, diets, special skin care products – none of these things produced lasting results. I began acupuncture treatments last spring and within three months I saw dramatic improvement in my skin. I stopped all of my other regimens and simply went to my appointments and took the herbs that Kristen prescribed. I overcame my fear of needles on the first day when I realized that they caused much less discomfort than being pricked by a sticker burr during my walks in the country. I have found that my constant anxiety about my skin has disappeared along with the stress that it had created in other areas of my life. I’m extremely grateful for Chinese medicine and for the opportunity to allow my body to heal itself in natural ways. Thanks, Kristen!"
- E.L.R.
"In the spring of 2006 I had severe back problems, this had been going on for many years. I had been through four spine surgeries, physical therapy, chiropractors, neurologists, and neurosurgeons but with little relief. I was referred to Kristen by a friend and fortunately she started treating me with acupuncture. It has been a difficult problem but I have had more relief from acupuncture than anything I’ve tried. Kristen has been so supportive through many emotional problems as well; she is very knowledgeable about the human body and mind. I look forward to each visit no only for the treatment but the kindness and encouragement."
- E.P.
"Following a severe episode with my lower back and a diagnosis of the possible need for surgery, my neurosurgeon suggested that I try acupuncture with Kristen Horner. I had already had the standard treatment: 6 weeks of physical therapy as well as a shot in my lower back. These helped, but I was far from being on the road to recovery! I decided to try acupuncture in hopes of avoiding surgery. It worked! At my first visit, Kristen explained the purpose of acupuncture and the methods used. I found the procedure to not only be painless, but calming. I felt a difference in my pain level and mobility after only one visit. Within five visits I felt like a new person! I am now able to strengthen my back through walking and exercises which complement the healing process found through acupuncture. I believe I am on the road to recovery due to this experience and recommend acupuncture to anyone with lower back pain."
- K.M.
"I belive that acupuncture has helped me with my sciatica, back pain, mental stress, and ability to walk. I think it improved my problems better than medications or chiropractors have. Kristen's herbal medicine has helped my bladder problems and chronic yeast infections."
- M.S.
"I did a lot of research beforehand and I am so happy that I decided to call Kristen! I have had problems with fibromyalgia which was also causing my anxiety and depression, IBS and PMS with severe cramping. I have tried medications (all had uncomfortable side effects to say the least), chiropractors and was even contemplating surgery. Within a month I had complete relief from my PMS and my IBS. I have been going to see Kristen now for 3 ½ months, and my fibromyalgia pain is no longer bothering me. My anxiety and depression are much better as well. I can finally sleep better at night and I have a lot more energy during my day, which is very important so I can keep up with my toddler. Something that I was not intending to fix with acupuncture, my bunion on my left foot has completely gone away as well! I am so glad I did not spend the money on a podiatrist before going to see Kristen. I also take herbal supplements that have made a tremendous difference overall. Even my 2 year old daughter takes the herbal allergy medicine which has no side effects like her regular prescription drug does."
- D.E.
"All my life I have had pain from skeletal and joint problems – with osteoporosis, scoliosis, a slipped disc, and fibromyalgia. I had great help from yoga, chiropractic, massage, and a rheumatologist, but still endured almost constant pain. Finally, I added acupuncture with Kristen Horner and was amazed at the relief I received from the painless sessions. I have been impressed with Kristen's professional and empathic approach and by her knowledge and expertise. I have much less joint and muscle pain now and have been able to arrive at a maintenance level schedule. Although I still have some pain, I am much more comfortable that I ever have been before. When I first came to Kristen, I had lost hope of ever being pain free. She has restored that hope. I am truly grateful and I heartily recommend her."
- P.H.
"What led me to try acupuncture was over a year of chronic knee pain, diagnosed as Iliotibial Band Syndrome. I had done months of physical therapy, gotten two MRI's, seen two orthopedic surgeons---none of whom were able to figure out the source of my knee pain. Kristen listened to my concerns and helped me understand my body more holistically. She linked my knee pain to other problems I have struggled with, such as chronic constipation and an unexplained absent menstrual cycle. With several weeks of Chinese herbs and acupuncture my digestion is now functioning normally, my period has returned after an absence of 4 years, and my knee has greatly improved and is on it's way to full recovery. I am very thankful for Kristen's help and willingness to see me and my body as a whole."
- E.V.
"My mother has suffered from crippling migraines for as long as I can remember. She has tried drug after drug that leave side effects and only weaken the pain at best. So when I began to have monthly migraines, I knew I had to find someone to treat the cause, not just the symptoms. Since my treatment by Kristen Horner, my life has turned a complete 180. Through acupuncture and Chinese herbs, my headaches have weakened and nearly disappeared. However, the greatest result was completely unexpected. I have a new natural energy that keeps me excited about life! I had no idea how much of life I was missing out on before Chinese medicine!"
- M.C.
"A pair of doctors, who are my wife's coworkers, suggested that I try acupuncture to help my rapidly deteriorating arthritis. A search of local practitioners revealed Ms. Horner. Shortly thereafter I started treatment. It was quick, very pleasant, inexpensive, and effective. The relief that I had not found in traditional western medicine and pain killers for five years was found in a few short acupuncture treatments. Periodic follow-up has been effective in maintaining my good results. I am now free of both pain and pain medication."
- N.C.
"We were desperate to find some relief for my 88 year-old mother's pain from neuropathy and arthritis. As conventional treatments had failed, luck led us to Kristen Horner. My mother turned from skeptic to grateful believer very quickly. Kristen's acupuncture treatments have eased her pain and given her a positive outlook on life again. Needless to say, our entire family is happier."
- M.V.W.
"Finding you was an answer to prayer. I had nearly exhausted the list of medicines available to treat my rheumatoid arthritis and had almost resigned myself to living a life filled with pain and disability, but now I have hope. I'm having much less joint pain and I have been able to reduce my blood pressure medicine twice."
- S.D.
"I had been suffering from sciatica for years, with pain that radiated all the way from my low back to my toes. After several weeks of acupuncture, the pain was completely gone. A year later it still hasn't come back!"
- D.C.
"I have suffered from chronic pain for a number of years. The pain is related to arthritis, fibromyalgia, and herniated discs. Pain meds and physical therapy failed to control the pain. My daily activities were very limited. Then I was diagnosed with cluster headaches and pain meds didn't help. Skeptical but desperate, I turned to acupuncture. After my first couple of visits, which were not nearly as scary as I had imagined, I began to feel good again and the headaches stopped completely. I continue with acupuncture treatment and continue to improve. This has really been an unexpected miracle and I encourage anyone with chronic pain to give this a try."
- D.W.
"We have been so fortunate this year. Our daughter is in so much better health since she has been seeing you. She started to try to get a little stuffy nose that lead to a cough and she could feel it begin to affect her bronchial tubes so we started her on the Gan Mao Ling (I have no idea if I spelled that right) and she has improved to the point that we are not afraid that she is going to get sick now. These are such huge improvements over the past."
- K.B., mother of 17 year old J.B.
"Thank you so much for your help. I have regained full range of motion in my neck and have happily returned to my everyday activities. Not only did acupuncture help to significantly reduce my neck pain, but it also enhanced my range of motion when nothing else could. Thanks to you, I was able to move beyond a state of acute pain to begin the road to full recovery."
- R.G.
"Acupuncture is working for me! I had a wonderfully busy and full five-day holiday weekend and was so very thankful that I felt so good. My energy was great, even with three grandkids and little sleep. And no pain - I outlasted everyone! It is so wonderful."
- J.V.
"For years I struggled with neck and shoulder pain. The chiropractor provided temporary relief, but mostly I just suffered with it. To my amazement, you provided me almost immediate relief with acupuncture. Finally my days were pain free and I could rest comfortably at night! Later, my knees started hurting. Soon I was hobbling around with a cane and a whole lot of pain. Before resorting to medications or surgery, I wanted to give you a chance at it. After four treatments, I put the cane up and got back to my regular activities. Considering the other options, acupuncture is a tremendous blessing - I am so glad this alternative is available to me."
- S.P.
"No matter how stressed, frustrated, or down I am when I visit you, I always feel encouraged when I leave. I feel blessed to have you in my corner."
- W.C.
"When I began to consider acupuncture, it was as an alternative to more extreme medical procedures. At my first acupuncture appointment, I was nervous. But it didn't take long to realize that I was in good hands. You made me feel at ease and extremely confident in my choice. My body responded almost immediately to treatment and within a few months, all of my symptoms were gone. Acupuncture has done more than heal my condition -- it has taught me the value of a holistic approach to medicine. I am more aware and informed not only about my body, but my mind and spirit as well."
- M.J.
"For years I had felt like I was drowning in phlegm -- my chest, my nose, and my sinuses were full of it and I caught every bug that went around. None of the medications, either prescribed or over the counter, were much help. My daughter suggested that I give acupuncture a try. My granddaughter had been treated with much success by Kristen. I figured if she could do this, I could too. I am much better now and am so glad I chose to come. The Chinese herbal medicine is amazing and so effective, without the worry of side effects. A very big plus in my book!"
- B.G.
"After five years of trying to get pregnant, my husband and I had nothing to lose, so I called Kristen to try acupuncture. Within 3 months of starting treatment I was pregnant! Not only was my body in better condition, but my mind and emotions were, too. I don't know exactly how it works, but I was amazed that after five years of infertility, including much stress and many expenses at other doctors, within three months using acupuncture with Kristen, I was pregnant. Whatever she did worked and I am so grateful."
-A.A. (baby girl born 11/2006)
"My experience working with Kristen Horner to treat my infertility was very positive as well as beneficial -- I truly believe that her treatments helped me get pregnant. I was very impressed with her vast knowledge of both Eastern and Western medicine, as well as her willingness to integrate both viewpoints and to work with my OB/GYN and his treatment plan."
-B.M. (baby girl born 5/2007)
"After a year and a half of spending our energy on seeking out traditional medical intervention to get pregnant, and not seeing any results, we asked God to show us another way. I had never had acupuncture done before and was a bit nervous. However, after the first session, I knew this was the direction we needed to take. Only after 4 1/2 short months my husband and I were delighted to learn that we were going to have a baby! We are so thankful for you and the wisdom God has given you to help couples achieve a healthy pregnancy."
- J.B. (baby boy born 1/2006)
"After many months of struggling with fertility drugs and depression, I decided to give acupuncture a try and called Kristen on my doctor's recommendation. Within a few weeks of beginning treatment I felt healthier, slept better, and felt more like myself again. After only a month of working with Kristen, I became pregnant and am now anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first child! Kristen was a tremendous source of support and knowledge for me and I feel extremely fortunate to have met her. I highly recommend her and believe that God has given her an incredible capacity to help others."
- N.P. (baby girl born 3/2007)
"Because of PCOS and endometriosis, I once despaired of ever having a healthy pregnancy. With the support of my OB/GYN, I found hope in acupuncture and herbal medicine. Kristen's gentle treatments and extensive understanding of nutrition and wellness were instrumental in my conceiving naturally. I am deeply thankful to have Kristen as a part of my health care team."
- A.G. (baby boy born 12/2007)
"I have suffered from severe endometriosis for many years, but I noticed improvements in my condition after my first session with Kristen. With ongoing acupuncture and herbal medicine, I have continued to improve and how have the most pain-free periods of my life. I am so happy I no longer have to plan my life around my period!"
- C.S.
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