Patients' Comments

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I am very touched by the appreciation and acknowledgements I have received.

Thank you,

Dr Hal Brown

I have discovered prolotherapy, and it's like discovering a miracle cure. Having had an extension injury in my shoulder and lived with it for 5 years, not knowing there was a way it could be cured, I was very happy to discover that there was a way to cure it! I am now able to do
activities I could not do without incurring pain and discomfort, and I now have strength and endurance in the joint that I have not experienced for a long time. Prolotherapy works.

Thank you!

Ellen Halliday

Vancouver, BC

I have been an avid hiker, distance runner, cyclist, yogi, and generally active person for years. Almost 2 years ago I developed a nagging ache in my hip that, over the course of about 6 months, progressed to intense pain and weakness. Any exercise became impossible, and even walking uphill was difficult. It even hurt to sit still. The hardest part for me was not being able to run. I tried everything — physiotherapy, massage, sports medicine, acupuncture, natural remedies, medication, chiropractic — but nobody could even explain what was wrong, let alone help my hip.

Six months ago, I went to see Hal on the recommendation of a friend. He was able to determine the cause of my pain and weakness on my first visit, and immediately started me on a course of prolotherapy. I was apprehensive at first — I wasn't sure how injecting dextrose into my joints was going to help, but I was desperate and willing to try anything. Now I'm telling everyone about the magic "corn syrup" injections (dextrose is a sugar derived from corn) that finally fixed my hip problem. (Since I do research that is largely based on criticizing our corn-based food and agriculture system, most people – including me – find this quite amusing.)

Now, thanks to Hal and prolotherapy, I'm back on the trails and have finally started running again after a full year off. I'm almost completely pain free and feeling stronger by the day.....and it feels GOOD!!

Karen Rideout

Vancouver, BC

Dear Dr. Brown:

Your prolotherapy treatments have changed my life. After 10 years of
feeling defeated by severe low back pain, I now have a whole new
outlook. Pain levels are down by 90%. No longer confined to short day
hikes, I can now do what I love and carry a backpack into the
mountains. I've started running the forest trails again. I sleep
through the night and no longer wake several times yelling in pain. I
feel more rested and relaxed after a decade of chronic fatigue from
poor sleep. I get out of bed each morning with enthusiasm. 
         

Thank you for your skillful and sensitive administration of
prolotherapy.  I am and will be forever grateful.

Garry G., Vancouver, B.C.

Follow up message 4/9/07:

I have another significant prolo win to share with you.   It relates to the theatre seat" symptoms which I've presented for years. Once a favourite thing to do, I've gradually withdrawn from going to the theatre or movies because it's so uncomfortable for me. I typically squirm through every performance. Friends who've been to shows & movies with me know better than to invite me out again.  On Friday my girlfriend took me to see Romeo & Juliet at Bard on the Beach which was 3 hours long. I sat up straight and was relaxed in my body and low back throughout the show. That really got my attention! I don't recall being able to do that for over a decade, at least. I've decided to invite her to a show now. Something I wouldn't have wasted time or money on in the past.

Another valued aspect of my life, once narrowed and frustrating, is now reinstated. My life continues to be enriched by the incredible work you are doing. And I am so very grateful.

Thank you again and again!!

Garry

Attached is a snapshot of me (bearded/foreground) laying a floor in a cabin. Precisely one year earlier I was almost immobile from back strain despite my many years of Pilates, etc. After a brief series of manipulations and acupuncture with Hal I opted for prolotherapy. The results were immediate and enduring. Ok, the process is painful but there is no doubt in my mind as to its effectiveness and safety. With Dr. Brown's able hand I have addressed some long-standing/chronic injuries and have resumed all of my activities - many of which - such as Pilates, Tai Chi and cabin renovations - require a strong and flexible body. I can recommend it wholeheartedly. Thanks Hal.

Martin Gotfrit
(born 1952)

I've had Hal Brown as my naturopathic practitioner for for the past 15 years now, and he's always helped me with the aches and pains that come with the physical aspects of my job as a gardener. About 6 years ago, I developed a chronic, nagging pain in the lower lumbar area of my back. Hal would treat me for it, but the pain always returned. He said that I'd damaged the ligaments in the area, and suggested prolotherapy as a means to rebuild and strengthen them. I was sceptical at first, but decided to try it. After undergoing 6 treatments, I've been pain free for the past 3 months, the problem cured.

Now, when I get out of bed every morning with no back ache, I think to myself "God bless ya Hal".

Phillip Beck,

Vancouver.

A cure for the incurable…

My medical doctor said to me that I had “Incurable ulcerative colitis and that I had better start taking some (expensive) drugs and join a support group”.  After thinking about that for a moment, and deciding I was not going to have this disease, I said to myself, “You’re no longer my doctor”.  I decided to go the natural, alternative route and a friend recommended Hal. Hal spent the time to work with me in finding out all the internal and external causes.

After some testing, we found that I had allergies to a variety of foods. I also discovered I had some external stress in my life that I never made the connection was contributing to my condition. Hal had advised me that it was possible to reduce my symptoms if not cure them completely – but it would take some work. Hal designed a strict program for me to follow, and I followed it!

Within 10 months, I was completely symptom free. Not only did I stop having symptoms of colitis, I learned how my body works with food and how to manage my diet and stress levels for optimal health.

It is now 8 years later and I have not had one symptom. I am completely cured. I am eternally grateful for this result.

Don Epp

Burnaby BC

"When I first saw Hal (should it be Dr. Brown??) in 1999 I had been off work for several months with a number of chronic health problems, some of which dated back 28 years. As a teenager I missed most of grade 10 due to health problems, and later, in my early years of practicing law, I was off work for close to a year. I saw more allopathic specialists than I can count and was getting nowhere with allopathic medicine. One specialist told me that I had a condition that would very likely prevent me from working and having regular relationships for the rest of my life. Nothing could have been further from the truth!

Within 1.5 months of seeing Dr. Brown, I began experiencing consistently positive, dramatic health benefits. I have since fully recovered my health, embarked upon a new and exciting career and have the energy and excitement to live a full and satisfying life."

Anne O’Neil

Vancouver BC

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Hal Brown for being an essential part of my Vancouver healing team -- whenever some ache or pain sends me the message that I am not taking good enough care of myself. A friend recommended him to me several years ago when I was suffering from a lower back problem. The pain was rather typical lower back pain until the disk “ruptured.” When it became excruciating and chronic, doctors at Vancouver General Hospital recommended an operation to place rods into my lower back to stabilize the spinal column. Dr. Brown asked me to wait for 6 months. With his guidance, he told me that I could learn how to heal my own body's structural pain. And, I did! I have no back pain any more. What did he do? He carefully examined me. It was not the usual examination. For the first time, I felt that a doctor was able to integrate all the body parts. But more. He integrated the body, the emotions, the overall energy, and he was able to help me to listen to both the primary and secondary causes of the pain. To this day, when I walk into his office, I sense that he understands my whole being. And he treats me with respect and good humor. Nothing is too hard to deal with. While I cannot attempt to understand what has taken him thirty years to learn, I do know that he has a gift in caring and healing. I know he will take the time required to find the origin of the problem so that I can work on it , deal with it, and in many cases heal it on my own.

Ricki Goldman, PhD
Professor
New Jersey Institute of Technology

I have eczema accompanied with asthma. Skin specialists and physicians had been telling me until recently that I would have to use hydrocortisones and oral steroids for the rest of my life. I had a constant itch in my skin. With the medicines I was taking, the relief was instantaneous but the symptoms never left me. The asthma, the eczema and the itch were always there.

Dr. Brown was recommended to me by a mutual friend and we started on a course of action that has lead to steady improvement beyond what I had thought possible.

In just a few months I was able to wean myself off all hydrocortisones and I now use asthma drugs rarely. ...and most significantly, the constant itch left me some time last year and I'm coming to realize this is normal for me.

Dr Brown's approach has been one of compassion and humour.

It has been important for me to understand that compared to traditional western medicine, improvement is measured sometimes in weeks and months but the effects are more permanent ... and there are no side effects.

I will continue my path of discovery with Dr.Brown.

With thanks and appreciation
Tim Whillans
Vancouver

When I came to see Dr Hal Brown in December of 2004 I was very sick. He gave me confidence in my own abilty to heal myself using his guidance and my own hard work. Getting better was not easy and I confess I hated the initial cleanse consisting of veggies, rice and protein shakes. But I suffered through the experience of stripping myself of my addictions (sugar, carbs etc) and now that I'm much better I'm able to enjoy all the delicious foods that bring me so much joy. Hal not only attended to my physical issues, he offered a listening ear and the warmth of a good friend. Once when I was having a particularly hard day, I asked Hal if I could spend the morning in his office. All joking aside, Hal provides a safe place to get better and feel good. I am so pleased to have him to come to for help, both when I am sick and healthy. I highly recommend Dr Hal Brown as a doctor because his empathy, knowledge and genius is undeniable. He is both intuitive and book smart.

Natalie Grunberg

Vancouver, B.C.

Dr. Hal Brown has been one my of health professionals over the past 10 years. I've recommended him often to my friends and colleagues. I find his diagnostic skills at pin-pointing the root of a particular problem (usually pain or body part not working properly) especially brilliant. On one occasion, having to emcee a wedding later that night, I was bent over with inexplicable agonizing back pain. I was able to get in to see him, to get the treatment I needed so I could do my important job that evening. He cheerily worked on me until I was 'as good as new' and then to top it off, gave me some pointers on doing a good job as emcee. He's a doctor with skill, heart, respect and genuine dedication.

Peter Clement

Proctor BC

Vancouver BC

Having worked with you for over four years now, I have many other reasons for which to appreciate you. For myself, I appreciate how you put into practice the philosophy of supporting me on my particular healing journey, whether in my own approach or in following the solutions you offer. I wish you could fix all my problems in the next appointment, but since that isn’t going to happen, I’ll just list a few of the things you have done for me.

The first thing I remember is how you helped me identify residual radiation poisoning in the leg which had been scanned for bone density and had never been the same since that scan. We have come a long way with removing the problem and others that came as ‘fallout’ from the scan. I have been working on possibly the most complex case of mercury poisoning you’ll ever see - and have found your most recent suggestion for how I can bind the mercury now coming out of my bones most helpful. I often don’t enjoy my treatments with you as they frequently involve injections, but I always appreciate the knowledge and logic behind them. We have also identified and treated a number of residual viral and bacterial infections long protected by the mercury in my soft tissues. Necessary, not fun, but done with Sanum remedies and other homeopathics so it went as well as it possibly could.

What you have achieved for my family members in just a few appointments is truly remarkable. My husband had severe foot pain which finally led to his consulting you in the week before he was leaving on an overseas sailing holiday. Two appointments using a combination of your chiropractic and neural therapy skills had him pain-free before he left. Scar treatment on my brother-in-law’s back surgery incision reduced his pain and increased his mobility considerably. Three treatments for pain related to carpal tunnel syndrome resulted in my sister’s full recovery within two weeks of seeing you.

In short, I admire and respect your wide knowledge and remarkable range of healing skills. I appreciate your honesty and humour and most of all your ability to accept and explore the validity of my knowledge even if it challenges yours. You have a rare combination of confidence and humility.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Barbara Alldritt,

Vancouver BC

As a 23 year old in 1996, I met Dr. Brown and was immediately touched by his caring attitude.

Among my health concerns was a recurring infection that subsided when I was on antibiotics but then would return when I was off them.  The only suggestion of medical doctors was to keep prescribing stronger antibiotics. Dr. Brown suggested I stop taking the antibiotics immediately and recommended various natural remedies and diet changes. Within a short period the infection disappeared and never returned. Additionally, my acne vanished, my energy levels picked up dramatically, sleep improved, and as well, another on-going embarrassing problem ended.

A few years later I was involved in a car accident where I was hit by another car from the side. Months later I still had the on going fear while driving that at any moment I was going to be hit again. I was treated with the NET method, and the fear went away and never came back.

Then years later, a few tiny red spots appeared in my eye area. After a couple of months, I went to a GP and his response was that there was nothing that could be done about them, they were merely the products of getting older and pointed to a whole bunch of similar specks on his face. Dr. Brown examined them and said they were due to toxins not being released in my face from clenching my jaw during the night. He recommended I get a night splint made from my dentist. Three days after using the
splint the red spots disappeared and never came back.

Thanks again for nine great years!

Mike P.

Vancouver BC

I have been a patient of Dr. Hal Brown for many years and words cannot begin to express my gratitude toward him and my admiration for him as a person and a doctor.

It's very difficult to be succinct in describing the many qualities Dr. Brown brings to his practice.

• He is exceptionally caring and when treating me, he always puts me first.
• I appreciate that he works so hard to make me feel better and to support me at my optimum health. 
• He is always willing to challenge himself in the support of making me feel better.
• All these years he has put me first and has supported me warmly and solidly even in my work with other practitioners.
• He has a genuine love for people and authentically wants his clients to function at optimum health.
• He always gives you whatever time you need for treatment. I was never rushed.
• He is on time.
• He is compassionate in listening to your health concerns. 
• Most than everything else he has a great sense of humor. I always have a laugh in his office. 

Throughout my dealings with Dr. Brown I have found him to be professional, responsible and caring. When you combine all these traits including the positive value of laughter, you’ve got the perfect formula for a doctor. 

Monica Magnetti

Life/Wellness Coach

Luna Coaching

www.lunacoaching.com

Dear Dr. Brown:

How do I begin to aptly express my gratitude towards you for believing and hearing people in similar health related circumstances like myself?

Yesterday I saw my family doctor for the first time in seven months. He was noticeably surprised by my obvious physical improvement. And he admitted that I have improved and that it is obvious at this time. However, he added that he did not believe that my improvement has anything to do at all with the treatment I receive from you. In shock and dismay I wonder why our medical system resides within so much darkness?

Both your belief in me and your treatments are giving more time.

THANK-YOU for all you have done, to be who you are today; and for all that you do daily to alleviate human suffering. Amen

Namaste,
Natalya Burtney

I have been a patient of Dr. Hal Brown's for the past 20 years. During that time I have been involved in several car accidents--from which he has managed to successfully realign me... and in various dips and dives from
optimal health, for which he has prescribed supplements, IV drips, manipulation, acupuncture, and various other treatments. In time of need, I seek Dr. Brown's support. His confident, welcoming presence is always the
first step towards returning health--as many of my friends have also discovered, on referral. I am grateful that I and my health have been supported by such a knowledgeable healer.

Thanks Dr. Brown

Shannon Tipple

The eloquent words written by St. Catherine of Sienna (1347 - 1380) speak to the delightful spaciousness I have experienced since pursuing integrative healing with Dr. Brown.  the care and commitment that Dr. Brown lends to this process compliments his skillful practice instilling a sense of well being.

Renee G.

Vancouver, BC

GIVE THE HEART MORE STRENGTH

Herbs can help the body and give
the heart more strength
to love.

When my sight became clearer,
I could see auras around different foods,

and I now know—should I say this?—
that everything can sing.

The songs of fruits and grains will calm,
why not put them into yourself,
a new language you
will learn?

And just from touching life's requirements
close to their source
will add grace to your
movements.

More generous eyes we need.
The songs of light
will help
you.

St. Catherine of Sienna (1347 - 1380)

Hello,my name is Jarek Rees. I have been in touch with chiropractic therapy since 1975 as the result of a series whiplash accidents. This set off a course of needed healing which not many are prepared for financially or mentally and being 50 now the deterioration a body sustains from an active lifestyle complicates things more. There are very few people in the world (as I am a active traveller as well)who posses the many healing techniques that Dr Brown has accumulated from his natural approach as a naturopath and incredible knowingness of the body structure. I have been a patient of his clinic for many years and will continue when in Canada for this sort of help is hard to find.

Jarek Rees

Vancouver,BC

thanks for helping me recover this year. Donna

your acceptance as your treatment calmed my spirit and made life bearable again. MT

Dear Hal

Strong and steady and always there,

that is what you gave me

as I made my way across this stormy sea.

There is someone on the other side,

always there,

that is what you gave to me.

And on a clear day I can really see you

as light and love

and fire and wisdom

and truth and generosity

and earth

and hands and eyes.

And always you have been there,

this is what you have given me.

Deepest thanks

Shaune

Vancouver BC

Dear Hal

I want you to know how much I value your care - and how many times it feels like you save my life.

I am in Yelapa[Mexico] on my yearly R&R break, sitting under afternoon birds and boughanvillea- and I think of most gratefully of you. How many times you have used your hands and your mind to heal me and help me find my own inner healing, how often I come to you at my lowest ebb and you find a way to turn my tide and set me back on the road to balance and grace and how surely I am but one of hundereds or maybe thousands who you receive as if each is the only one and I want to thank you for doing what you do the way you do it.

With blessings and many thanks.

V.H.

Nanaimo

Dr. Brown

       -Thanks-

For good care and for giving me hope and helping me with stamina and strength.

S.P.