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Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Witness : Miss Li

Symptom : Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

On a Friday morning in mid-January this year, I let out a big yawn and heard a cracking sound. Later that afternoon, I started experiencing severe pain in my chin. In the three days following, I had unbearable pain. I was unable to use my left temporomandibular joint or even stick my tongue out. After taking painkillers prescribed by my dentist, the pain was alleviated slightly. However, I could only take in food in liquid form. The biggest problem was that,because I was a teacher,having damaged temporomandibular joints meant that I lost my ability to work!

I did some online research about the experiencesof people who had suffered from similar conditions and had received hospital treatment. I became more worried, because what I had was an incurable chronic disorder. Although it posedno imminent risk, it would have a significant impact on myquality of life. This impact cannot be measured by an external observer; only those who experience it can know how painful and helpless one is made tofeel. Furthermore, I already had a brain tumor, Ménière'sdisease and severe gastric reflux; contractinganother disease on top of these issues made my life even more difficult.

        I am a Christian. Although I was mentally and emotionally troubled, deep down in my heart, I knew that God would undoubtedly lead the way for me. Therefore, in addition to proactively searching for treatments, I, along with my friends and family,prayed wholeheartedly. The Bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” With such a simple belief in God, I stopped feeling anxious. A warm current of peaceflowed through me,guiding me to have hope despite being in pain.Amazingly, I found Dr. Wen’s website just before I was about to visit a specialized clinic at a large hospital. I also found out that many patients with the same symptoms had experienced immediate effects after receiving treatment from Dr. Wen. On that Monday morning when the symptoms first appeared, I visited a hospital. I could only open my mouth as wide as 15 mm. The doctor had to prescribe high dosage painkillers and strongly suggested that I receive a steroid injection to stop the inflammation. In the clinic room, I prayed constantly. I had a feeling that I needed to try acupuncture first,so I turned down the doctor’s suggestion and decided to visit Dr. Wen. 

        That afternoon, I only underwent one acupuncture treatment. Onreturning home, I was already able to eat solid food and did not take any painkillers at all. I enrolled in a 10-treatment program. Because this was the month of Chinese New Year, I received just four treatments this month. I visited the hospital again on 9th February. At that time, I was able to open my mouth as wide as 25mm. Although I still could not take large bitesof foods such as burgers or apples, I believed that as long as I received the acupuncture treatments regularly and completed the entire program, with sufficient rest and attention to my health, I would undoubtedly return to my normal life and work. In addition to scalp acupuncture, I took the abdomen acupunctureprogram, because I believe that the human body works holistically. Since I was travelling from afar by High-Speed Railway to visit Dr. Wen’s clinic, I wanted the treatment to be as effective as possible. Because of my long-term ailments, I had visited many Chinese doctors in Taiwan, the US and Canada, but I found the quality of Dr. Wen’s treatments to be the best. In addition, the facilities for patients to rest in the clinic are very thoughtful.

        Many of the so-called “effective” acupuncture treatments are unknown to the public. They are very expensive but, as they are not certified, there is no assurance that they will work. However, if you go to receive acupuncture treatment at the hospital, they will just rush to finish the treatment in 5 or 10 minutes. How can that kind of treatment be effective? After the scalp needle treatment, I really enjoyed lying down in the treatment room and receiving the far infrared light treatment, with the soft music and stress-relieving dim light. The nurses were very beautiful, friendly and patient. They treated patients as if they were their own family;that’s really rare! Dr. Wen’s professionalism and medical management were indeed a lot better than others. At his clinic, I not only received treatments but also learnt a lot! 

        Thank you God. All things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. Getting ill is a tormenting experience,but as long as there is faith, hope and somewhere to rely on, all the negative elements will turn into positive effects, making us stronger, helping and comforting those in challenging circumstances. Everyone gets ill and faces difficult situations,but as long as you find the source of faith and reliance, you will find the right direction – the right doctor. Our lives will become richer and more meaningful. God bless you!