Balance for Self Healing

How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can effect real change in your life!

A yin-yang symbol with green and black colors and spiral designs inside each half.
A yin-yang symbol with black and green halves and spiral designs inside each section.
A yin-yang symbol with a black and green color scheme, featuring spirals within each half.
  • I found Tamara when I was desperately seeking help for severe pain from Rheumatoid Arthritis. My rheumatologist was wanting to put me on a treatment that involved very dangerous side effects. I admit I was very skeptical that acupuncture was going to actually help my pain. Tamara was so professional in our conversations and so informative that I decided I had nothing to lose so I made my first appointment. That was almost a year ago today, I have had gaps in the timing of my treatment because work can get all consuming, however I found that even seeing her on a semi regular basis I was in less pain, severe pain turned to mild discomfort and when I am consistent on her suggestions of diet and herbs I am quite often completely pain free. I am off of my daily arthritis meds for about 5 months now. Needless to say she has changed my life for the better. I recommend her to anyone struggling with pain. There is nothing to lose and quality of life to gain.

    K.F. Northport, MI

  • Tamara is simply amazing. Not only is she incredible at what she does as acupuncturist, she is a wonderful person who makes it her mission to help you heal your body, calm your mind, and center your spirit. Her experience extends well past acupuncture. The depth and breadth of her knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine and nutrition allows her to not only treat your specific issues, but also to treat you holistically. She is very patient, and her office visits are always comfortable and enlightening. While I go to a Western doctor here in Traverse City, and an Endocrinologist to monitor my diabetes, Tamaras help has dramatically improved my blood sugar and balanced my health from an Eastern perspective. I’m 41 years old, and her involvement in my understanding of my body, mind, and energy has been paramount to being the healthiest I have ever been in my entire life. There are two final words to describe Tamara and her practice: Life Changing.

    J.Y. Lake Leelanau, MI

  • I initially sought Tamara’s expertise with helping me heal from a physical ailment (major problems with my digestive system). Through work on both of our parts, regular visits and Tamara’s guidance- I was healed. I kept returning. My reason? There are not adequate words to describe the healing that takes place in Tamara’s office. I leave with a feeling of Euphoria. Our time together invokes a balance of mind, body, and spirit I have never experienced. As my physical ailments healed- another “magical” thing began to happen- my mind and soul began to feel a peace. A true inner peace and I believe it all has to do with my visits to Tamara and acupuncture. Do not put this off. GO! Set up an appointment and from the first moments you will never look back. Now, Tamara and her practice are a regular part of my health journey. Her ability to heal and balance your entire mind, body, and soul are truly remarkable. I am grateful to her daily.

    A.S. Suttons Bay, MI 

  • I no longer have chronic fatigue. I can exercise again, my muscles no longer miss-fire at rest, I have energy to do my work and enjoy life again! At age 5, I was affected by the Polio virus due to receiving the vaccination. I had what was considered full recovery and led an active life. I was even on a Track and Field Scholarship at Western Michigan University. 35 years later, I began to experience what I later learned was “Post Polio Syndrome” symptoms. These symptoms left me weak, fatigued and mildly depressed. I lost my ability to work effectively and participate in recreational activities. My physician did not understand PPS and suggested that my symptoms were mental. A friend suggested I try Acupuncture. I had nothing to lose, I gave it a try even though I thought Acupuncture was “Hocus-Pocus” and didn’t believe in Eastern Medicine. I was so desperate, I called Tamara. I now live an active lifestyle again and have found relief from these symptoms. I use Chinese Herbs, eat healthy and get worked on regularly by Tamara. Thank you Tamara ! I am now a believer!

    M. F. Kalamazoo, MI

  • An autoimmune disease caused me to need a liver transplant. The transplant saved me — BUT I was not able to LIVE until I found Tamara Graf! Tamara, the proprietor of “Balance for Self Healing” has treated me, as needed for years. Acupuncture has returned vitality and energy to my life. Tamara has helped me with everything from flairs of my Ulcerative Colitis to Planter Fasciitis after a broken leg. Her skills are amazing, and I am forever grateful for her.

    L. T.  Interlochen, MI

  • For over 6 years, I suffered from a mysterious inflammation of my face and neck area. My husband and I spent thousands of dollars on professionals in many branches of modern medicines well as experts in alternative therapies from colonics to hypnosis and everything in between. We tried herbs, creams, cautious diets and even fasting. We also eliminated suspect chemicals from our household. While I do believe some of these efforts helped to rebuild my system’s strength, it wasn’t until I visited Tamara for my second acupuncture appointment that my relief was suddenly very noticeable not only by me but other people in my life. My energy picked up and the swelling and redness diminished! It was so amazing! I mean, really amazing! I am continuing treatments even though my episodes have almost disappeared entirely because her skin rejuvenation is truly helping my face recover from years of swelling and itching. We are also rebuilding the probable calcium loss in my body from many years of Prednisone use. I completely trust Tamara’s advice and find that when I do what she recommends, the results are positive. For me, Tamara with her expertise was a God-send and I am truly thankful for having found her.

    J.A.  Traverse City, MI

Green Yin-Yang symbol with spiral design on a black background.
Green and black yin-yang symbol with spiral patterns inside both halves
A circular design divided into two halves with spiral patterns, one side green and the other black, resembling yin-yang style symbols.
  • She has abundant knowledge beyond the role of acupuncture and provided me with holistic, all-encompassing methods to bring me into a better state of mind and thus, body. Two and a half years ago, I severely fractured my wrist. I was diagnosed with RSD (aka Regional Pain Syndrome). My life and home and work was a struggle. I was having more pain and discomfort than usual after the normal healing phases and had been off work indefinitely. Frustrated with lack of direction for treatment and a plan, I sought unconventional methods to help relieve my pain and increase mobility which included: physical therapy, ganglion blocks, qigong, hyperbaric chamber, vitamins and massage. Fortunately, I called Tamara and set up an appointment. At first I was skeptical and afraid of more pain, but soon, I found relief. Tamara spent time assessing my needs and went to work. I was amazed at how my body responded and how quickly I felt better! Tamara is a master of her craft. She spent time and energy helping me to feel comfortable and was able to get my energies redirected to self healing. She has abundant knowledge beyond the role of acupuncture and provided me with holistic, all encompassing methods to bring me into a better state of mind and thus, body. Tamara is the perfect combination of a competent, intuitive and personable practitioner. I am now able to work long hard physical days doing heavy lifting. My arm is healed but now I need her for all the other stressors I put into my life and keep my body, mind and energy in a much more balanced state. Thank you Tamara!

    J.C. Traverse City, MI

  • After relying on traditional fertility treatments for my first pregnancy, I decide to work with Tamara, using Acupuncture, diet and Chinese Herbal therapy. Immediately, I noticed a difference in my body and within only a few months, we conceived. Traditional fertility treatments were very difficult on my body with lots of side-affects: I felt like I was forcing my body to do something it wasn’t prepared for. Tamara’s treatments strengthened my system’s weaknesses and moreover, prepared me for a strong, healthy pregnancy which resulted in fraternal twins!!! I would highly recommend working with Tamara before seeking other fertility options. This is a way of naturally helping your body do what it was designed to do and come into a balance of what it instinctively knows how to do!

    K.A. Kalamazoo, MI

  • In Dec 2002, I was a college cheerleader. We were preparing of our national championship that would air on ESPN. I had several missed attempts while working on a stunt. After four falls in a row landing on my back and neck I called it a day. The next day I realized that I had likely experienced my second concussion in just over a year. That was the beginning of my medical journey with two severe grade 3 concussions. Before finding Acupuncture, I had visited several doctors including 3 different neurologists, at least 5 different physical therapists, 5 chiropractors and 7 or more different massage therapists. I had CT scans, an MRI, and had taken so much pain medication that I slept for 20 hours per day and experienced other unhealthy side effects. I withstood Botox injections in my shoulders, neck and head and worn dental appliances to relive TMJ. I tried 3 or 4 other medication protocols along with various vitamins and supplements. The migraines never let up, but my life had to continue. I learned to live with excruciating pain, blurry vision, upset stomach, moodiness, muscle tightness and deep sadness. I was working to accept that my life would forever be lived this way. In March of ’09, a massage therapist recommended that I see Tamara Graf at Balance for Self Healing. I had never been to an acupuncturist. I was nervous and quite skeptical, yet at this point I was willing to try anything. Tamara listened as I explained my history and desired outcome of therapy. She opened her Heart and I opened my mind and we began to work together. I began to feel relief in the early stages of treatment. I was hesitant to share this with others for the obvious reason of previous disappointments. About two months after my first treatment, I could no longer deny the impact. People who knew me well could see that my mood was lighter, I smiled more and a few people closest to me could “see it in my eyes” that the pain was gone. After more than 6 years of migraine pain, I could finally admit that I was a healthy person who would not always have to live with pain! I continue to receive treatments from Tamara on an as-needed basis. I have learned to take cues from my body and to respond to those needs. Throughout my visits with Tamara I have learned many things about Chinese Medicine and about myself. I have adjusted my lifestyle to be a healthier person. I continue to encourage all of my friends and family to experience the benefits of Chinese Medicine for themselves.

    T.F. Traverse City, MI