A few days ago I had a conversation with Doctor of Oriental Medicine Suzanne Smart about the incredible healing powers of acupuncture. I had previously been a patient of Suzanne's because I was suffering from a pain that medical doctors could not help me with. In a moment of quasi despair, I telephoned her and made an appointment. With regular sessions,a special diet, and herbal treatments the pain disappeared.

Seated in the comfort of her office for our talk, she described how acupuncture essentially unblocks energy that is logged up in a part of the body when there is an emotional issue. Pain can of course be caused by physical ailments having nothing to do with emotions.The treatments are accompanied by a diet and herbal medicine, for the most part.

Most of Suzanne's patients are women because women are more concerned about body maintenance than men are. They are also more aware of the essential connection between emotions and physical symptoms. Suzanne told me she treats infertility, menstrual irregularity and pain, migraines, lupus, fibromyalgia, unpleasant effects of menopause, and more.

Suzanne works with cancer patients and those who are terminally ill. I asked her about those who are dying, and she said that acupuncture helps them to relax, and can relieve pain if they are suffering.

We talked about the large number of people who are overweight and she stressed that a diet rich in vegetables, particularly the green ones, fruits, and protein is extremely important. Oh yes, and hardly any sugar. When I was treated by her I recall how difficult it was to have coffee with no sugar. I thought I would never make it through, but I found that by having no sugar I lost weight, although that was not really the intention.

Finally, I said my goodbyes to her comfortable environment where there is no stress in the air, nor strange hospital-like smells. It was all very relaxing.

Suzanne practices in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her website is www.nobhillacupuncture.com.