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Soothing the Gut: Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for IBS

By Amy | Published August 30, 2024

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that can significantly impact quality of life. While Western medicine often struggles to provide comprehensive solutions, TCM offers a holistic approach that can bring balance and relief to those suffering from IBS.

Understanding IBS

IBS is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. There are three main types:

1. IBS-D (Diarrhea predominant)
2. IBS-C (Constipation predominant)
3. IBS-M (Mixed type, alternating between diarrhea and constipation)

Each type presents unique challenges, but with Traditional Chinese Medicine we focus on the root imbalances rather than just the symptoms to get relief for our patients.

How Acupuncture Helps IBS

By stimulating specific points on the body to regulate Qi (energy) flow and restore balance, here are some of the improvements we can effect:

1. Reduce abdominal pain and bloating
2. Regulate bowel movements
3. Decrease stress and anxiety, which often exacerbate IBS symptoms
4. Improve overall digestive function
5. Boost energy levels

Research has shown that acupuncture can be particularly effective in reducing IBS symptoms and improving quality of life.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for IBS

Chinese herbal medicine offers a personalized approach to treating IBS. Herbal formulas can:

1. Soothe and heal the digestive tract
2. Regulate bowel movements (addressing both diarrhea and constipation)
3. Reduce inflammation
4. Strengthen the digestive system
5. Support overall health and energy

Formulas are tailored to each individual’s specific symptoms and underlying imbalances.

Treating Different Types of IBS

IBS-D (Diarrhea predominant):
TCM often views this as an excess of “dampness” or “heat” in the intestines. Treatment focuses on draining dampness, clearing heat, and strengthening the Spleen (which in TCM governs digestion). Herbs like Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu) and Ginger Root (Gan Jiang) may be used in a customized formula, tailored to each person’s specific needs.

IBS-C (Constipation predominant):
This is often seen as a deficiency of Qi or Blood, or an excess of “dryness” in the intestines. Treatment aims to nourish Yin, moisten the intestines, and promote bowel movements. Herbs like Hemp Seed (Huo Ma Ren) and Magnolia Bark (Hou Po) might be included in formulas.

IBS-M (Mixed type):
For alternating symptoms, treatment focuses on harmonizing the Liver and Spleen, regulating Qi, and balancing the intestines. Formulas may include herbs that address both diarrhea and constipation, such as Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) and Peony Root (Bai Shao).

Supporting IBD Symptom Management

While Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a different condition from IBS, many patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis find that acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help manage symptoms. TCM can:

1. Reduce inflammation in the digestive tract
2. Alleviate abdominal pain
3. Improve energy levels
4. Support regular bowel movements
5. Enhance overall well-being

The Holistic Approach for Longer Term Health Gains

What sets TCM apart is its holistic approach. We don’t just treat the gut; we look at how the entire body is functioning. This means addressing diet, stress, sleep, and other factors that influence digestive health.

Every patient’s experience with IBS is unique, which is why I create personalized treatment plans. By combining acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary advice, and lifestyle recommendations, we can work together to bring your digestive system back into balance.

If you’re struggling with IBS or IBD symptoms and looking for a natural, comprehensive approach to healing, I invite you to explore how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help. Together, we can work towards a calmer, healthier gut and improved overall well-being.

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Nurturing Fertility: The Power of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

By Amy | Published August 24, 2024

As an acupuncturist and herbalist specializing in women’s health, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in supporting fertility. Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or undergoing assisted reproductive therapies, acupuncture and herbal medicine offer a holistic approach to enhance your fertility journey.

The Mind-Body Connection in Fertility

Fertility is not just a physical process—it’s intimately connected to our mental and emotional well-being. Stress, anxiety, and other emotional factors can significantly impact hormone balance, ovulation, and overall reproductive health. This is where the mind-body approach of acupuncture and herbal medicine shines.

Acupuncture for Fertility

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to regulate energy flow, or Qi. For fertility, this can help:

1. Balance hormones
2. Improve blood flow to the reproductive organs
3. Regulate menstrual cycles
4. Reduce stress and promote relaxation
5. Support implantation and prevent miscarriage

Research has shown that acupuncture can increase the success rates of IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies when used in conjunction with these treatments.

Herbal Medicine for Fertility

Chinese herbal medicine offers a personalized approach to fertility support. Herbs can:

1. Nourish the body and build vital energy
2. Regulate hormones
3. Improve egg and sperm quality
4. Support a healthy uterine lining
5. Address underlying imbalances affecting fertility

Complementing Assisted Reproductive Therapies

For those undergoing IVF, IUI, or other assisted reproductive therapies, acupuncture and herbal medicine can be valuable complements. They can help prepare the body for treatment, support the process, and potentially increase success rates. Always consult with your reproductive endocrinologist about incorporating these therapies into your treatment plan.

Natural Conception Support

For couples trying to conceive naturally, acupuncture and herbal medicine offer a gentle yet effective approach. By addressing any underlying imbalances and optimizing overall health, these therapies can enhance your body’s natural ability to conceive.

The Holistic Advantage

What sets acupuncture and herbal medicine apart is their holistic nature. Rather than focusing solely on fertility, we look at your overall health and well-being. This approach not only supports fertility but also promotes a healthy pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

Every fertility journey is unique, and that’s why I offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey or looking for additional support, acupuncture and herbal medicine can provide the nurturing, balanced approach your body needs to thrive.

Remember, patience and self-compassion are crucial on this journey. Your body has innate wisdom, and sometimes it just needs a little support to find its natural balance.

If you’re interested in learning how acupuncture and herbal medicine can support your fertility journey, I invite you to schedule a consultation. Together, we can explore a holistic path to parenthood that honors your body and your dreams.

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5 Keys to the Best PCOS Diet

By Amy | Published November 10, 2023

I don’t like the word diet – but it’s short for a way of eating.  Diet brings to mind fads, restrictions, and missing out.  But it doesn’t have to! The PCOS diet empowers you to take back control of your health, and not rely on doctors who are quite frankly decades behind the research which shows that what and how you eat definitely matters. Food is truly your best medicine!

PCOS is a condition associated with metabolic syndrome, and as such what you put in your mouth has a big impact.  Food can be inflammatory, and food can wreak havoc on your hormones unless you learn what to avoid and what to include. Read on for the Keys to a PCOS diet to help reverse this curable disease.  The basics are nutrient-dense whole foods, healthy fats, and plenty of protein for stabilizing blood sugar!

Healthy meals are key for PCOS

 

Sugar Cravings

As a metabolic disorder, a PCOS diagnosis means you likely have a blood sugar metabolism dysregulation.  This can affect everything from your weight to your mood to thinking and of course cravings.  Upping your protein and replacing refined sugars and refined carbs with whole grains, fresh fruits, and real veggies feeds your mind and body with natural fuel that it knows what to do with!

To reset your blood sugar regulation, you can schedule an appointment where we do an easy painless test and correction to make the big change of cutting out sugars a lot easier.

 

Gluten’s Gotta Go

Cutting out gluten is super important if you have PCOS, because it is definitely an inflammatory type of protein, and it’s mostly found in foods containing wheat, which are mostly either refined or at least full of pesticides and herbicides like the notorious glyphosate.  When you avoid gluten, you’re avoiding all kinds of processed and sweet foods that contribute to PCOS symptoms.

 

Veggies for the Victory

When you add dark green leafies to your meals, you’re giving your body what it needs to heal and help with hormone balancing and reducing inflammation . For breakfast, try softly scrambled eggs with avocado slices and steamed or sauteed chard or spinach. It’s quick and tastes great. Add sea salt or himalayan salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Very nourishing and a great way to get in a good serving or two of your greens for the day. Other quick options for getting your veggies in through out the day can include salad, a veggie soup, and steamed or sauteed greens.

 

Finesse your Fats

Read labels on packaged foods and you’ll see safflower oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, even cottonseed oil.   Guess what? All of these fats are heavily processed, which makes them foreign and unnatural to our immune system and intestinal mucosa.  HIstorically, humans ate foods high in Omega-3’s, and now our processed diets have a too-high amount of Omega-6 fatty acids. This creates inflammation in the body.  Grass-fed, pasture raised animals also will have a healthier natural types of fatty acids whereas industrial, conventionally raised livestock and poultry will have less healthy omega-3 and more of the inflammatory Omega-6’s.

 

Prioritize Protein

Eating sufficient amounts of protein, throughout the day, stabilizes blood sugar, whereas carbohydrates destabilize.  When grains are limited and healthy natural proteins are emphasized we can help regulate blood sugar so we don’t get spikes and dips which is stressful for the body.

 

Support For PCOS

Acupuncture, Lifestyle changes, and Nutritional and Diet changes create an effective treatment plan for reversing or addressing the symptoms of PCOS including infertility.  So don’t lose hope! Seek out a holistic provider to help guide you to better health! Contact Amy at Energy Flow to schedule your free complimentary discovery call 630-335-1069.

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Acupuncture for Women by a Woman

By Jerry Hall | Published November 2, 2023

 

 

Top 9 Women’s Symptoms That I Have Successfully Used Acupuncture for Healing

 

 

I am Amy Rieselman, the owner and practitioner of Energy Flow Acupuncture and Wellness Center. We specialize in women’s acupuncture. Women’s acupuncture is a widely studied treatment recognized globally for its effectiveness in addressing gynecological hormonal problems, heart diseases, hypertension, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, digestive disorders, mental/emotional challenges, fatigue, and sleep issues.

 

When was the last time you felt deeply relaxed? This is the most common feeling our patients report during and after their acupuncture sessions.  Scientifically, stimulating acupuncture points releases many chemicals in the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. These chemicals, namely endorphins, modulate pain, help tissue regeneration, and boost the body’s natural healing processes.

 

We offer patient-centered health care in Naperville, IL, focusing mainly on women. Our approach integrates herbal therapy and acupuncture. We always prioritize listening to and partnering with our patients to achieve enduring health improvements.

 

Pain is a manifestation of our nervous system responding to energy blockages.  Acupuncture releases these blockages, enabling the release of endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers.

 

Here at Energy Flow Acupuncture & Wellness Center, our acupuncture treatment plans reduce menstrual cramps, ease premenstrual syndrome symptoms, and regulate menstrual cycles. Furthermore, acupuncture complements fertility treatments. Some patients undergoing in vitro fertilization have reported enhanced success rates after acupuncture sessions.

 

1)  Menstrual Cramps and PMS: Acupuncture may help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps and alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Irregular Menstruation: Some women find acupuncture helps better regulate their menstrual cycles.

 

2) Fertility Challenges: Acupuncture is a complementary therapy for women undergoing fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Some studies suggest that acupuncture may improve the success rates of these treatments.

 

Fertility setbacks can stem from various reasons, including hormonal imbalances and physical barriers that hinder pregnancy. At the same time, acupuncture creates a conducive environment for conception but cannot help physical damage, such as scarred ovaries.

 

3) Pregnancy and Postpartum Support: Acupuncture may help alleviate common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, back pain, and fatigue. Acupuncture also supports recovery, boosts energy, and addresses issues such as postpartum depression.

 

During pregnancy, acupuncture can mitigate symptoms like nausea, back pain, and fatigue. After childbirth, I recommend acupuncture to bolster recovery, rejuvenate energy, and tackle postpartum depression.

 

4) Stress and Anxiety: I often recommend acupuncture for stress and anxiety. Acupuncture has a calming effect, which helps my patients combat their daily stresses more effectively.

 

5) Digestive Issues: Acupuncture helps alleviate symptoms of various digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation. Specific digestive issues can be healed with acupuncture. We treat digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

 

6) Menopause presents another set of challenges for women. Acupuncture targets the adrenal glands, reducing cortisol levels and helping mitigate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. By addressing the root causes, acupuncture can harmonize hormonal imbalances and provide significant relief.

 

7) Sleep Problems is a lesser-known benefit of acupuncture. By relieving built-up stress, and removing energy blockages, sleep improves naturally with acupuncture therapy.

 

8) Endometriosis and painful menstruation are imbalances where addressing the root cause is essential. Normal menstruation should be regular, with a consistent flow and minimal clotting. Increasing pain or reliance on pain medications is a red flag. In Chinese medicine, endometriosis is categorized as a blood stagnation condition. Along with conditions like PCOS and uterine fibroids, acupuncture is effective in alleviating lower abdominal pain, improving blood circulation, and bolstering the immune response.

 

9) Headaches and migraines can significantly impair one’s quality of life. Through acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, I help ease the severity and frequency of these debilitating pains, offering relief without the common side effects of conventional drugs.

 

We would love to discuss your concerns and layout strategies to alleviate pain. Energy Flow Acupuncture is located just east of downtown Naperville and serves the surrounding communities. We offer free phone, Zoom, or in-person consultations. Please call us at 630-335-1069 to schedule yours today.

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Amy’s Favorite Foods for Fall

By Jerry Hall | Published September 28, 2023
Naperville Pumpkins
Naperville Pumpkins

 

 

Amy’s Favorite Foods for Fall

 

According to Chinese tradition, autumn is associated with the metal element, lungs, and large intestinal organs. Both the lung and large intestine are organs of detoxification and elimination. We release waste products in gas form through exhalation and solid waste through defecation.

 

Nutritional Consulting

 

Traditional Nutrition Fall Flavor

The flavor of the metal element is pungent. This flavor’s action is dispersing; it promotes the circulation of Qi and blood. Some examples of pungent foods are radish, mint, ginger, garlic, onion, and cinnamon.

 

Days gradually shorten, the temperature is excellent, and the climate is dry. The harvest is close, and traditionally, people would be busy preserving and storing for winter.

 

This environmental shift also affects our bodies; we may notice drier skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

 

Our lungs are considered the most external internal organs in East Asian medicine because the respiratory system connects to the outside world through our sinus and nasal passages. These delicate tissues can become dry in the autumn and more susceptible to invasion and infection.

 

Internally, we can think about releasing what no longer serves us—what we held on to this year that did not advance our purpose, goals, or joy. And we can turn inward and reflect on what we’ve learned this spring and summer.

 

Autumn Seasonal Eating

 

The way we eat changes with the seasons. To counter the dryness, we eat moistening, yin-enriching foods; we eat cooked and warming foods to counter the cold. Spicy foods, herbs, and spices provide warmth, while meats, grains, roots, and winter squash provide moisture. The savory disperses the sweet and moist throughout the body. So the key to autumn eating is sweet and spicy!

 

Here are a few foods I recommend and enjoy in the fall and some of their benefits:

 

Winter Squash includes pumpkin, butternut, acorn, and many other varieties. Winter squashes are sweet and enrich you. They provide nourishment as food choices naturally decrease at this time of year and as we go into the winter storage months. Cut into big pieces, scoop out the seeds, sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice, and oil the skin. Bake at 400 until the flesh is tender.

 

Apples and pears Both apples and pears are abundantly available during the fall season. They are sweet, slightly tart (especially certain apple varieties), and possess cooling properties. Apples help detoxify the liver, promote bowel movements due to their fiber content, and can help moisten dryness. Pears are particularly beneficial for the lungs, as they help produce fluids and alleviate coughing. Try enjoying them fresh or bake them with a sprinkle of cinnamon and honey for a delightful treat.  A traditional Chinese remedy for cough is to eat steamed pears.

 

Root Vegetables Beets, carrots, turnips, and parsnips are some root vegetables that shine during the fall. Root veggies are grounding, which is helpful when the winds of change sweep through during autumn. They are packed with vitamins and minerals that help nourish our bodies during the cooler months. You can roast them with your spices, add them to soups, or make a hearty stew.

 

Ginger and turmeric Both of these spices are warming in nature. Ginger is known to enhance digestion, warm the body, and help blood circulation. Turmeric, with its vibrant yellow hue, is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse. It’s excellent for joint health, significantly as the temperatures drop. You can add ginger and turmeric to soups, teas, or smoothies.

 

Leafy Greens Kale, chard, and collard greens appear strongly in the fall. These greens are packed with essential nutrients and are a good source of dietary fiber. They help support the body’s detoxification process, particularly the liver. Sauté them with garlic and a touch of red pepper flakes for warmth, or add them to soups and stews.

 

Walnuts and chestnuts: As we move into the colder months, our bodies require more nourishing and warming foods. Walnuts and chestnuts are ideal for this time of year. Walnuts benefit the brain and kidneys and have a warm nature. Chestnuts, on the other hand, are delicious and support our digestive and respiratory systems. Roast them for a heartwarming snack, or add them to your favorite dishes.

 

Broths and soups: Warm, hearty broths and soups are the essence of fall. They can be both nourishing and hydrating. Bone broths are particularly beneficial as they are rich in minerals, collagen, and amino acids that support gut health. Vegetarian broths made with a mix of autumn veggies can also be profoundly enriching.

 

Reflection on Autumn Eating

Fall is a transitional season—a bridge between the vibrant energy of summer and the quiet introspection of winter. It’s a time to slow down, turn inward, and nourish our bodies with warming, grounding foods. It’s also a period to reflect on the harvest of our efforts throughout the year and to shed what no longer serves us, much like the trees letting go of their leaves. Embracing the foods of the season helps us remain physically and emotionally balanced as we prepare for the colder months ahead.

 

 

Acupuncture for Naperville

 

We treat the WHOLE person at Energy Flow Acupuncture & Wellness Center, not just a symptom. We genuinely believe in the mind-body-spirit connection, which is why Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have withstood the test of time – we are more than the sum of our parts!

 

We would love to discuss your concerns and see if we could work together. Energy Flow Acupuncture, located just east of downtown Naperville and serving the surrounding communities, offers free phone, Zoom, or in-person consultations. Please call us at 630-335-1069 to schedule yours today.

 

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