I first came to Noami Gottlieb in 1994, when she was working as a physiotherapist for Maccabi Health Insurance, to strengthen the calf muscles of my left leg. I had fallen six weeks earlier, had just had my plaster cast removed, and needed a cane to walk. Her massage technique was efficient and determined, relaxing the weak, stiff muscles of my leg. In a few weeks, I was able to walk without a cane or a limp.
Seventeen years later, at the age of 65, I returned to Naomi. By then she had trained in the IMT Method (Integrative Manual Therapy) in Connecticut and various institutes in Europe, and was working in the Pain Clinic in Rambam and at her private clinic. I came to her with an undiagnosed illness that needed hospitalization in 2003, the symptoms of which included severe osteoporosis, weakness and pain (especially in the neck, back, and legs), high blood pressure, and general tiredness. Walking (especially up inclines), climbing stairs, carrying more than 100 grams, prolonged sitting, and taking public transportation were all difficult. I had no appetite. I was fearful and anxious, especially during sleepless nights, with low self-confidence.
That day, Naomi started by a general diagnosis on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. She saw that I was blocking my energies, and worked on my liver and caecum to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and leaky gut syndrome (preventing me from digesting food properly). As I was lying my back on the treatment table, Naomi used her fingers, exerting very gentle pressure, with deft, delicate but purposeful strokes, focusing on different sections of my abdomen. I felt better immediately. The following week, she worked on my circulation and was able to calm me down. Two weeks later, I was able to take a tourist to Wadi Nisnas, walking up and down the winding streets, and using the stairs as well. I continued to see Naomi weekly, as well as other alternative practitioners.
During the following months, Naomi helped me through having a tooth pulled and receiving a new bridge, getting accustomed to new shoes, overcoming chronic urinary tract pain, starting Aclasta osteoporosis treatment, and recovering from the trauma to neck and back following a minor car accident. Another car bumped into mine as I stopped for a pedestrian at a street crossing.
Apparently, my left calf muscle was thinner than my right, but Naomi was able to increase its strength so that it became symmetric. There was also pain in my leg that was referred from the Pons section of the brain. Naomi taught me good nutritional habits and breathing techniques as well as how to use my hands for support at specific chakra points on the head, chest, and abdomen. She explained how my thoughts and fears led to pain and prevented me from relaxing, trusting, and enjoying life.
Within seven months, Naomi declared that she was pleased with my progress and that I was a healthy woman. I am still going to Naomi for maintenance, however. I want to continue to improve my good health, and know that I am in good hands.