Acupuncture and Herbs from Yiping Fang, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire

" I have suffered from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) for about 7 years. It was quite a shock, the first time I need to go to the toilet without any warning. It was always when I went out for dinner - always the most embarrassing times.

Gradually it became worse and worse. Before I knew it I need to go to the toilet every time I ate something. I went to the doctors and was dismissed after being told I probably had an intolerance to something. I was incredibly upset, it had taken a lot of courage to go and speak to someone about a condition I felt was very embarrassing.

After 2 years I was still no better, often too scared to eat anything when people were round or I was out at a restaurant. It had begun to take over my life and it was all I could think about.

With a lot of persuasion from my partner, after yet another ruined holiday, I went to see another doctor. She referred me to a local specialist who conducted a colonoscopy. This confirmed there was nothing seriously wrong, which was a massive relief at the time as I was beginning to worry that things just weren't normal. I was told I had a wheat allergy and to give up all bread, pasta, cakes, biscuits and all things that contained any wheat at all.

It was difficult at first, but I soon got used to it. We ate a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, no processed food and we rarely had takeaways. Walking is our favourite past time and research showed that was an excellent way of keeping your body balanced.

6 weeks after my colonoscopy I went back for my first check up. I explained to the specialist that although I felt better I was still not right. I was told to give it time and shown the door. I didn't understand why I still couldn't control my bowel movements even though I was sticking to the diet religiously. Another 6 weeks and I went to my second check-up and again when I tried to express my concerns I was dismissed and shown out. I then realised that the doctor knew I had medical insurance, that he didn't really care about condition and that he was only interested in the money that he would get for seeing me. That was 4 years ago and I have never been back to see a doctor again apart from check ups required by work. But that did not help my condition.

4 months ago I got to the stage where I was unable to leave the house unless I had sat on the toilet 4 or 5 times. I would panic whenever it was suggested that we go for a walk or visit people. This panic would cause me to have a bout of diarrhoea. I couldn't go into a meeting without have a panic attack ?would I need to leave the room in the middle of someone's presentation or, even worse, one of my presentations? It was on my mind constantly - I could help it.

It was then that I started acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies with Dr Yiping Fang. I felt immediately better that someone was willing to listen, understand and do their best to help. Although my symptoms did not stop immediately they did begin to noticeably improve. Gradually, week after week, the attacks I had grow further and further apart. I still felt a little apprehensive about leaving the house but never a panic. A few weeks later I had the best week in 7 years.

I now feel normal, happy and ready to start enjoying life again. I can't believe what a difference it has made to my life and my well being. When I finish my treatment I would not hesitate again to take this course of action for any ailment I may have.

I feel human again. Thank you Dr Fang. "

Vol, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire