Podcasts about acupuncture society

In today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, Mike Berkley shares his personal journey with acupuncture and herbal medicine in fertility treatment. He highlights the value of integrative medicine in fertility enhancement. Mike explains how acupuncture and herbal medicine improve fertility by increasing blood flow to the ovaries and testes, enhancing egg and sperm quality. He also discusses the importance of preparing for IVF and the timing of treatment.    Mike Berkley, LAc, FABORM, is a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist and a board-certified herbalist. He is a fertility specialist at The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness in the Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan, New York. Infertility can be a daunting journey for couples longing to start a family, which is a reality Mike faced with his wife. Luckily, she sought the guidance of an acupuncturist and herbalist who possessed some knowledge of reproductive issues. Despite initial disappointments, after undergoing acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments for seven months, the couple became pregnant and carried the child to term without any complications. Their once seemingly elusive dream had become a beautiful reality thanks to the remarkable effects of acupuncture and herbal medicine. This experience led Mike to obtain his degree in acupuncture from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine's New York campus and his National Board Certification in herbal medicine. Equipped with the necessary license and fueled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Mike studied Western medical approaches and the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine about infertility treatment. Through rigorous study and invaluable clinical experience, he developed unique acupuncture protocols and proprietary herbal formulas, tailoring them to each individual or couple seeking his assistance. Mike is also a member of several organizations, including the Acupuncture Society of New York and the American Infertility Association. He is writing a book on reproductive disorders and Chinese medicine and hosts his groundbreaking seminars nationwide. Mike has witnessed firsthand the life-changing potential these ancient practices hold for couples struggling with infertility. Together, he can help transform your dreams into reality and create a world where the joy of parenthood knows no bounds.   Website: www.berkleycenter.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeberkley56/   For more information about Michelle, visitwww.michelleoravitz.com   Click here to find out how to get the first chapter of "The Way of Fertility" for free.    The Wholesome FertilityFacebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/   Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/         Transcript:   Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey 00:30 Discovering Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine 05:16 The Limitations of Western Reproductive Medicine 06:33 The Value of Integrative Medicine in Fertility Treatment 08:59 How Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Improve Fertility 20:16 Living in Accordance with Nature and the Impact on Fertility 26:11 The Mind-Body Connection and the Importance of Mental and Emotional Health 28:48 The Impact of Acupuncture on Blood Flow 32:35 The Heart and Uterus Connection 33:49 Contact Information     Michelle (00:00) Welcome to the podcast, Mike. Yeah, I'm actually really happy to have you. And mike berkley (00:02) I'm thrilled to be here. Thank you for having me.   Michelle (00:07) read about your story and I find it fascinating that you guys started out as patients, kind of like how I was. I was working in New York, really close to you, for doing architecture. So completely different life, completely different world. So I went in for my menstrual irregularities and then everything started getting resolved.   for the first time with acupuncture. And I know you guys were also moved by it with your own journey. So I'd love for you to share your story and how you got into this type of work.   Mike berkley (00:39) Sure, I'd be happy to. So, while I was in acupuncture school, my wife and I were trying to have a baby. And we couldn't. And I had, she had anti -sperm antibodies and I had, I don't remember, motility issues or morphology issues or something. And she went to a...   She didn't go to a reproductive endocrinologist. She went to a gynecologist and he wanted to do some IUIs. And then she met or heard about an acupuncturist and herbalist in New York. And she went to this one.   And the woman gave her herbs and acupuncture and gave me some   then two months later, I was I think I was working and going to school. I can't remember so long ago, but she called me. My wife called me and said that she was pregnant and I didn't know anything about medicine in any way, shape or form. And I said, how do you know?   And she said, well, I peed on the stick. And I said, well, that's all well and good, but I don't believe in that. You better go to the doctor and get a blood test. And she did. And now I have a 29 year old son. Yeah. So I got very inspired at that time to pursue knowledge in the realm of reproductive medicine.   Michelle (02:03) amazing.   Mike berkley (02:17) And so I spent many years studying Western reproductive medicine. I don't mean officially, I didn't go to medical school, but on my own, I studied a lot of Western reproductive medicine and a lot of acupuncture and a lot of herbs. And I've been treating fertility cases exclusively. Like I won't treat a neck or a back or a headache. I've been treating fertility cases exclusively for 27 years.   Michelle (02:29) Yeah. Amazing.   So that's awesome. I mean, I personally love working with fertility. I first started, it was more general, but I just love it. And the rewards are like insane. You know, when you get the positive pregnancy pictures sent to you and it's really incredible and people are shocked. Oftentimes, because they're like, there's no way. I mean, sometimes five years of nothing like Western medicine. And I think one of the common things is that people think that IVF is a guarantee. Do you find that?   Mike berkley (03:17) Of course, of course. I mean, it's, you know, our lives as acupuncturists and herbalists are very interesting, gratifying and ungratifying. I'll give you an example. This has happened to you. It's happened to any acupuncturist listening. Patient does four failed IUIs and three failed IVFs.   Michelle (03:18) Yeah.   Right. Right, or it helped me relax through the process.   Mike berkley (03:43) And then you work with the patient for three months and she does an IVF and she gets pregnant and has a baby. And then I've had patients more than one say, well, you know, it's possible that that what you did helped me. And I'm like, yeah, it's possible, you know.   Exactly, exactly. I love that one. You know, it helped me relax. So I think that I'm I think more and more individuals more more couples more women more men are becoming aware of the the efficacy and the value of You know complementary medicine or integrated medicine acupuncture herbs You know diet In the context of fertility enhancement   Michelle (04:16) Mm -hmm.   Mike berkley (04:34) And I often say to patients, I say, listen, you can go to the best reproductive endocrinologist in the world. I don't care who it is, but that person cannot improve your egg quality. They cannot improve your lining quality and they cannot rectify your husband's sperm DNA fragmentation. I can. So therefore,   Michelle (04:37) Mm -hmm.   Mm -hmm. Right.   Mike berkley (05:03) We should work as a team. And I'm saying this to the patient, but I'm also saying it to society. And I'm saying it to reproductive endocrinologist. The best type of medicine is integrative medicine. You can do something I can't. I can do something you can't. Let's do this. Let's try again.   Michelle (05:05) Right, 100%. Everybody has their blind spots, you know, and their strengths. I mean, we don't have the technology, we can't go in there and extract eggs. Right.   Mike berkley (05:32) That's right, but who cares? You know, a good car mechanic can fix an engine, but it doesn't mean he can make an engine. So it doesn't matter that we don't have the technology. It doesn't matter that we're not reproductive endocrinologists. What matters is, is that for an IVF to work, you need four things. You need a good egg, a good sperm.   Michelle (05:36) Right.   Mm -hmm. Right.   Mike berkley (06:00) And so the reproductive endocrinologist cannot offer a patient good eggs and good sperm and good line. In fact, there are patients that come to me and they say they have a five millimeter lining and the doctor will give them either transvaginal Viagra or something called Trentol and Neupogen. And these medications will thicken the lining and they still have implantation failure. Why? because a thick lining or within normal limits lining, a 10 millimeter lining doesn't convey that it's a good lining.   Michelle (06:31) Definitely. And of course I've asked this question a lot. I love asking questions that I can answer them too, but obviously every acupuncturist says it in a different way. So,   Mike berkley (06:38) So I think that as acupuncturists and herbalists, we have a lot to offer a patient suffering with infertility for sure.   Michelle (07:00) I'd love for you to talk about how acupuncture and herbals can help somebody who's trying to conceive.   Mike berkley (07:08) Sure. So I'm gonna kinda speak around a little bit, but it'll all make sense in the end. So blood is nothing other than a taxicab. Blood is nothing other than a messenger service. When we inhale, the oxygen gets into the blood and the body is oxygenated through blood flow.   When we eat food, our nutrient products get into the bloodstream and nutrients are disseminated through the blood. FSH and LH coming from the pituitary get to the ovaries via the blood. And so I'm gonna step back for a second and say what I say to patients.   You have a heart that's beating. It's disseminating blood throughout your body. But there are two things that are happening. Number one, that dissemination of blood is generalized. And number two, you're 40 years old. And your blood flow is not as good as it was when you were 20. And if you're not 40, you're 37 or you're 36. Same case. Your blood flow is not as good generally as it was when you were running around in the playground at nine years old. You exercise less, you do less in general, I'm speaking.   And so now to acupuncture, what acupuncture does is it improves and elevates hemodynamics, which means blood flow. And when a patient says, well, my heart is doing that, though that's true, with the utilization of acupuncture, you're improving hemodynamics to a specific area, which is the ovaries.   Michelle (08:57) Mm -hmm.   Mike berkley (08:58) Blood, therefore, is you're increasing the delivery of oxygen, electrolytes, nutrients, and hormones to the ovarian milieu. Not only that, but you know when a taxi cab takes a passenger to the airport and the passenger gets out, the taxi cab doesn't want to drive back to the city empty. They want to take a passenger back to the city.   It's a 45 minute trip from JFK to New York City to Manhattan. So they don't want to go back without a passenger. Well, blood is the same thing. So when you're increasing blood flow to the ovaries, you're delivering these essential products, but the blood is also picking up debris. What is debris? Debris are dead cells. Now, of course, during this conversation, both of us have lost a billion cells. They've died and they've regenerated. But what happens to the cells that die? Well, they get emitted through the sweating, exhalation, urination, defecation. This is how we get rid of toxins in the body. But again, because our digestive functions are not necessarily great, because our hemodynamics are not necessarily what they could be, by stimulating blood flow to the ovaries, you're delivering the good and helping to take back the bad which is the dead cells. So you're actually taking this garden that's not getting a lot of rain and it's not getting a lot of sunshine because the trees are like this over the garden. So when you're doing acupuncture herbs, you're cutting down the tops of these trees and you're going like this. So the garden is now getting all this sunshine and the rain is able to hit the flowers. And in a month, the flowers are joyous, beautiful, smiling, looking at everybody and winking at them and saying, hey, I'm a beautiful rose, look at me.   And so that's kind of, I think that the analogy or the metaphor is to how acupuncture improves egg quality. And the same is true with sperm quality. You're causing improved and increased hemodynamics to the testes and the same thing happens as with the ovaries. So it's the testes and the ovaries are really homologues. They both do the same thing. One creates eggs, one creates sperm and...   Michelle (11:09) Mm -hmm.   Mike berkley (11:23) …stimulating blood there, we're improving the quality of the contents. Now let's talk about herbal medicine. So herbal medicine is much more sophisticated, in my humble opinion, than acupuncture. Acupuncture is very sophisticated and very effective in all areas, whether you have pain or infertility. But the thing about herbal medicine is that you can construct an herbal formula that specifically deals...with the overall presentation of the patient, in my opinion, in a more powerful, efficacious manner. So for example, if you have a patient with polycystic ovarian syndrome who's five foot five and weighs 250 pounds and she's 40 years old, and then you have a PCOS patient who's five foot five and she's 29 years old and she's 110 pounds, they're both suffering with...   Michelle (11:56) you   Mike berkley (12:23) lack of proper menstruation, they're both suffering with infertility. So when you use herbal medicine on those patients, you're not just treating PCOS, treating this woman who's 250 pounds, this woman who's 120 pounds, this woman who's 40 years old, this woman who's 29 years old. So the herbs are very pinpoint accurate in what they do and how they work. And...   The beauty of herbal medicine is that one can create a very specific formula for this patient. So this patient is suffering with infertility, but she also has constipation and chronic headaches and...   Michelle (12:56) you   Mike berkley (13:05) She's got low back pain. So you can give her herbs to deal with all of that stuff. And so acupuncture is efficacious in the same manner. So really, what's the difference? So there's a couple of differences. As I said earlier, in the perspective of herbal medicine, you're taking it orally. It's internal medicine. It's having an effect on the organs, on the follicles.   Michelle (13:16) you   Mike berkley (13:34) the ovaries, on the testes, et cetera, et cetera. But I'm going to say something that's even more interesting. Let's say that you or I had a really bad headache. And we said to our partners, honey, I have a splitting headache. Could you please massage my shoulders and massage my head? It would really make me feel better. And our partners say, of course, of course. And they stand. I'm sitting in this chair and my wife comes.   Michelle (13:46) you   Mike berkley (14:03) me and starts to massage me and she's massaging my head and maybe in a half an hour I feel better. Let's retell that story. The same exact scenario except before my wife starts to work on me I take three Advil. Now what happens is instead of my headache dissipating in 30 minutes it dissipates in 15 minutes. Why?   Michelle (14:22) you   Mike berkley (14:32) because I'm being treated from the outside in, which is the massage, and I'm also being treated from the inside out, which is a three Advil. And so when you use these together, you're increasing the efficacy of the treatment. And so I think using acupuncture nerves together, they do similar things, but they also do different things, and they certainly potentiate each other's efficacy and power.   Michelle (15:00) Yeah, for it's very complimentary. Now, typically somebody comes to you and says, I'm starting IVF in a month. Sometimes I'm like, okay, I kind of wish you came here a couple of months before. So for people who are listening, if they want to prepare for IVF or really just prepare their body and their egg quality, how early...   should they come to you? Like how long does it take really for everything to take effect?   Mike berkley (15:30) So it's a great question. So again, I'm going to talk about sperm and egg. Again, the similarity is quite fascinating. It takes three months for a spermatogonia, an immature sperm, to reach a mature sperm. And it takes three months for a primordial follicle, which is...speck of dust to turn into a 20 millimeter follicle. It is the 20 millimeter follicle that the egg is retrieved from. So three months before a transfer is the, you know, is the gold standard. It's the best thing to do. But what I will say to patients, because I get this kind of situation all the time, is listen, you're having a cycle, you're having a transfer next month. That's okay. Let's start tomorrow.   Yeah, but you just told me it takes three months. No, no, no, no, I understand. But let's start tomorrow. I'm going to tell you why. If you do the transfer and it works, you've thrown out a couple of hundred dollars on some sessions. So what? I'm going to continue to treat you twice a week for 13 weeks to help prevent miscarriage. Why for 13 weeks? Because 90 % of miscarriages occur viable for the 12th week. In the event, in the most unfortunate event,   Michelle (16:29) you   Mike berkley (16:52) that the cycle fails. We've already started treating you now. So then in the subsequent cycle or the cycle subsequent to that, you'll have much better egg quality. You know, I don't know if you know Warren Buffett. Warren Buffett is one of the greatest investors in the history of America. And somebody said to him one time, Mr. Buffett, when is the best time to invest in the stock market? And he said, today.   And the point of the story is you can't really time the market. Invest if it's high, invest if it's low, dollar cost average. Invest 100 bucks every month for the rest of your life and you'll be okay. And so that's kind of like this. Invest in the treatment even though your transfer isn't a month. Doesn't work out? Okay, we've still improved follicular quality. Does work out? It's all good. I'm gonna continue to treat you twice a week for 13 weeks. You're gonna have a baby.   Michelle (17:47) Yeah. That's a good perspective for sure. yeah, I mean, what are some of the things that you see? Cause cause I feel like the way we're living right now is impacting our bodies in so many ways. And Chinese medicine, really the heart of it is living in accordance with nature, living in accordance with our own nature. And what happens is when we live outside of that and against our normal flow, that's when we start to get patterns and symptoms. So living in New York, I remember having a lot of really kind of like climbing an uphill battle because it is go, go, go. And so some of the things that I tell people who are not close to here, wanted to get coaching calls is even getting a grounding matter somehow finding ways to living in more flow. And what are some of the things that you see?   Mike berkley (18:43) So I think everything that you just said is true, real and valid. However, I'd like to say that unfortunately, and remember, this is to the listening audience. This is my opinion only. I do feel it's next to impossible to get to one's nature. I do think it's next to impossible to be really settled, really like, able to exhale. Why do I say this? I say this because the world is at war, because there is intense poverty, there's joblessness, there's crime, there's all kinds of negative things. Of course there's many beautiful things, but there's many negative things. And so how can people possibly exhale?   So it's very difficult to become kind of, you know, one with nature and one with yourself and this kind of thing. I do think, however, that even though it's difficult to achieve, that the achieving is not the goal. The trying is the goal. The journey is the goal. One will probably never reach the destination, but it's okay because through the journey one's psychic and mental and emotional and physical health can improve. So even though I don't see a path to ultimate improvement, I don't see a path to ultimate health, I do think that there is a mind -body connection for sure. It's completely unassailable. And I think that people, I don't really get involved with this kind of thing too much in my own practice. I'm very, very clinical, but that doesn't mean that I don't totally embrace what you're saying. I think people should do yoga. I think they should meditate. Listen, I'll tell you an example of exactly, I'll put a patient in the room and I'll come to take the patient out and she's laying on the table with the cell phone.   You know, this is terribly destructive to the patient and he or she doesn't understand that. And I'll say to them, listen, you have 30 minutes of your entire life that you cannot be bothered by anybody. You can just be free. You're in this room on this table with beautiful music and it's a lovely room and you're taken care of here.   Michelle (20:53) yeah.   Mike berkley (21:22) put the phone down, man, and B, and it's really hard because people need that constant stimulation. I need it. The first thing I do when I wake up is I check my phone at 6 .15 in the morning. You know, it's mental illness. It's mental illness. It's craziness. But I do think that trying to be at peace is very important, not only for fertility,   Michelle (21:26) Yeah.   It's an addiction for sure. Yeah.   Mike berkley (21:49) but for life, for happiness, for joy. And so, as I say, I don't have meditation classes here or yoga classes here, but I strongly recommend that patients do engage in those activities. And I also think people should go to the gym. I think people should work out three days a week.   Michelle (22:09) yeah.   Mike berkley (22:10) and work out pretty hard. I don't mean hard like a professional athlete, but you know, don't get on the treadmill for five minutes. Like work. You know, listen, we have this thing called liver -chi stagnation, right? It means that, you know, the chi is stuck and people are stuck. And as a result of being stuck, inflammation occurs and they're angry and they get headaches and they're bitter. Guess what happens to the stuck chi when you move, when you exercise, the chi becomes unstuck and the   Michelle (22:37) Right, yeah.   Mike berkley (22:39) Exercise makes you feel better psycho -emotionally and when you feel better psycho -emotionally, you'll be better off physically   Michelle (22:47) 100%. I remember, so when I was in New York in the craziness just over firm, you know, that's the only way you can really survive there. You have to like show that you're a good quality employee. And I remember I found Acupuncture and what I found that it gave me is this flow.   in my life where I was able to still withstand and have that pressure, but I felt more resilient. It like, it increased my ability to adapt more than anything else has. And that was one of the things that I was so amazed by. But then it really made me realize whole beings that have so many different aspects to ourselves and how one...   part, if we work on our own energetic frequency and chi, it impacts our life and it impacts our how we can think and how we feel.   Mike berkley (23:47) I agree with you. You know, another problem that I see quite frequently is, you know, there were two kinds of patients. There are patients that are very self -aware, and they exercise and they meditate and they do yoga and they eat properly.   And then there are patients that they may not be overweight, but they don't eat well. You know, they drink Coca -Cola and they eat French fries and listen, guess what? There's nothing wrong with drinking a Coca -Cola and having French fries, you know, once every two months, once a month. It's all good. Chinese medicine is about yin and yang. What does yin and yang mean? Balance. It's all good. But when you have French fries and burger and ice cream tonight, you smoke a joint tomorrow and you, you know, you don't go to the gym for three days. You know, this just...   Michelle (24:07) Mm -hmm.   Mike berkley (24:36) it's just going to have negative attributes. It's going to create negative outcomes, certainly physically. So I try to encourage patients to eat properly and I try to give them some type of helpful diet plan if I think they need it. But I think nutrition and diet are very important for health in general. And certainly in the world of infertility, many of the   Many of the causative factors can really be, I don't want to get too technical, but they can kind of originate with what's called free radicals, reactive oxidative species, and these things cause inflammation in the body. And if you have inflammation in the uterus or inflammation in the testes, inflammation in the testes kills sperm. Inflammation in the uterus is going to kill an embryo. So we need to be careful about what we're eating from the inflammatory point of view.   You know, the inflammation point.   Michelle (25:37) Right. Yeah. Gut health is everything. interesting how the spleen and stomach are center. That's their location. The direction is center because, and it really is, it's such a symbol of how important it is in creating blood. And actually speaking of blood flow that you were talking about before, did you ever see, there was something on Instagram, somebody took a sample of blood before and after acupuncture.   it was shocking. Like you could see it literally move everything that you learn in textbook about how it improves chi and flow. You could see the blood cells being a little bit more stuck together from the before. They're a little more stuck together and very slow moving. The after the blood cells not only are not stuck together, but they're more round.   Mike berkley (26:30) Interesting.   Michelle (26:30) They're more round and they're moving fast and flowing. They're not right next to each other. It's crazy. And that was mind boggling. And I actually, so I shared it on my Instagram. I'll forward you the link. And I shared it on my Instagram. And interestingly enough, I had a lot of acupunctures, because we all learn this in theory. That's the theory. We don't really often see this with our own eyes. So I think that a lot of   Mike berkley (26:45) Please.   Michelle (27:00) acupuncturists that saw this were like blown away. They're like, my God, this is exactly what it says in the textbook. And to actually see it with your own eyes is amazing.   Mike berkley (27:09) So I'm going to share a little story with you that's completely apropos of the story that you just told   I'm going to tell you a story that's a little bit different than what you told me, but it's the exact same outcome. So about 10 years ago or 12 years ago, there was a study done. First of all, let me talk about the uterine artery impedance index. The uterine artery impedance index is an index that determines the flow through of blood through the uterine artery.   Uterine artery at its end point has branches that come out and enervate the ovaries. So the ovaries are getting their blood through the uterine artery. And so the more patent and effective the uterine artery is, the more blood will get to the ovaries. And so there was this little study done.   where they did a transvaginal ultrasound with a color doppler. And for the listeners who don't understand that, you know, when you have an ultrasound and the doctor looks at the monitor, it's all black and white and gray. But with a color doppler, the monitor is color. You can see all color. It's not just gray. And so they did these transvaginal ultrasounds with a color doppler to determine the uterine artery impedance index. The higher the index,   the lower the amount of flow through of blood through the uterine artery. So they took a bunch of women, they did this and they wrote down the uterine artery impedance index numbers. and by the way, when they did the transvaginal ultrasound, you could either see no blood or just a little blood in the uterus, in the uterine lining. Then acupuncture was given to the patient and...   Michelle (28:37) Mm hmm. Mm hmm.   Mike berkley (29:00) 25 minutes after acupuncture was done, they repeated the transvaginal ultrasound with a color Doppler and two things happened. The uterine artery impedance index dropped like three or four points and you could actually see a red line right across the uterus. So you could actually perfectly well see evidence of enhanced blood flow into the uterine environment which   you know, really I'm talking about the ovarian environment, but you don't see it on the ovaries, you see it on the uterus. And it was fantastic. So it's exactly what you're saying, a little bit of a different study, but the same outcome.   Michelle (29:43) more specific to fertility. Yeah, that's amazing. Wow, incredible. So fascinating. I mean, it is really fascinating when we get to see with our own eyes, something that has been, you know, taught for thousands of years, and to actually see science and you know, I look also housing the mind   Mike berkley (29:45) Absolutely. Yeah. Pardon.   Michelle (30:04) that also reflect that in modern science, but the heart math and the heart -brain coherence that they're finding is pretty much proving the whole idea of the heart housing the mind.   Mike berkley (30:04) you   So I don't even, I don't know anything about this. This is all brand new news to me, but it sounds really fascinating. I love.   Michelle (30:22) Yeah.   It is. And this is why I love talking to acupuncturists. Cause you just told me something that I did not, I thought I heard about it, but I didn't hear it in that detail. And I'm learning so much talking you. So this is why I love coming together with fellow acupuncturists because I always, always learn something new.   Mike berkley (30:44) as do I from you, thank   Michelle (30:46) of course I could talk to you for   But I would love for you to   can people find you or find more about you?   Mike berkley (30:53) Yeah, thank you so course, I'm Mike Berkeley and my website is berkeleycenter .com, which is B -E -R -K -L -E -Ycenter .com. And I'm happy to speak to anybody, answer anybody's questions. There's no charge for that. And I'm a plain, simple, down to earth guy. And I'm just here to help people.   Michelle (30:55) Yeah.   Yeah. You got the New Yorker mentality that I miss that I'll be honest, the culture of New York, I really miss since I've moved. So it kind of brings me back home to like, you know, the accent and all that. So Mike, it was great meeting you. I really enjoyed our conversation and thank you so much for coming on today.   Mike berkley (31:35) Well, I want to say it was an absolute pleasure and an honor to meet you. I enjoyed our conversation so much and thank you so much again for having me as a guest. I'm grateful.

Dr. Michelle Robin, chiropractor, author, and healer, completed the Hoffman Process in 1997. After decades of a life of service to humanity's well-being, Michelle has a lot of wisdom to share. In this conversation with Liz, Michelle reflects back on her time at the Process and the 25 years since. Michelle came to the Process because she realized she'd lost her sense of joy. She left with the profound realization that she isn't broken and never was. She shares that she left no longer carrying that dark cloud of not-enoughness. Michelle shares her sense of and vision for a life of well-being. One of the beautiful takeaways from Michelle is how vitally important it is to be part of a community, especially one that is vibrantly alive and caring. Listen in to hear this wisdom about living a vibrant life. And listen all the way to the end to hear Michelle's wishes for you and the coming year. More about Michelle Robin: Michelle is the founder of Small Changes Big Shifts®, Big Shifts Foundation®, and the Kansas City Wellness Consortium®, but more importantly, she is a visionary for the well-being of many generations. With a 30-year chiropractic practice in Kansas City, Michelle has become a national influence and memorable leader in the wellness industry. Her simple framework – called the Quadrants of Well-Being – is the key to what many people have been looking for when it comes to discovering their best life. Michelle has spent the majority of her career helping people make small changes that ultimately create the biggest shifts in their well-being. As a chiropractor, author, teacher, holistic healer, podcast host, unshakable optimist, international speaker, and passionate advocate for generational change, Michelle has left an impression on thousands of lives by helping them find their unique path to wellness and enriching their purpose in life. Learn more about Michelle on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Find out more about Your Wellness Connection on  LinkedIn and Facebook.   https://media.blubrry.com/the_hoffman_podcast/content.blubrry.com/the_hoffman_podcast/Liz_and_Michelle_Robin_Podcast.mp3 As mentioned in this episode: Crystal Jenkins: Michelle's partner is Crystal Jenkins, Hoffman teacher and coach. Crystal holds a B.S. in education and a Master's degree in counseling. She is trained in EMDR and the Enneagram and is a certified Daring WayTM facilitator. Read more about Crystal here. A Path to Personal Freedom & Love: Written by Bob Hoffman, this booklet offers substantial insight into the principles upon which The Hoffman Process is based. Read or download the booklet here. Chiropractic: In the chiropractic model, people are sick for three reasons: Thoughts, Trauma, and Toxins. Read more about these here. Dr. Richard Yennie: "In 1968, Dr. Yennie founded the Acupuncture Society of America, which was the first professional acupuncture association in the USA (NCCAOM was founded in 1982.) During the 1960s and 1970s, Dr. Yennie brought in the best teachers and healers from China, Japan, and Korea to teach acupuncture classes to healthcare professionals in the chiropractic, medical, osteopathic, and veterinary fields." - Miridiatech.com Chinese Medicine & Three Sources of Chi (or Qi): Original Lifestyle Chi, Soul Chi, and Chi from our parents. Learn more about Chi/Qi here. Qigong: "Qigong, pronounced “chi gong,” was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being." - National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health Feng Shui: "Feng shui, sometimes called Chinese geomancy, is an ancient Chinese traditional practice that claims to use energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment. The term feng shui means, literally, "wind-water"." Wikipedia

Explore What Jane Has To Offer!!! Join The Monthly Newsletter Case Study: Orthopedic Acupuncture Instead of A Total Shoulder Replacement with Anthony Von der Muhll, DAOMIs it possible to avoid or postpone orthopedic surgery with acupuncture?Can you help patients with extensive soft tissue damage regain full range of motion and strength?Yes. Yes you can! Listen in as Anthony walks me through a case where he helps his patient avoid a total shoulder replacement.In this episode….ACU-045 I remember treating a case during my internship where after a couple orthopedic tests I suspected that my patient had torn his meniscus. It was a great opportunity to practice my new set of advanced orthopedic skills and my patient responded well, but after a couple of weeks he had pain again. Unfortunately, I did not get to see the treatments through because the semester ended, but I have wondered how it might have concluded many many times. Can you really treat a patient with substantial soft tissue damage that would otherwise require surgery? Can you treat in a way that facilitates the body's healing mechanisms so much that the patient achieves pain free normal range of motion? Does the structure damage change or is someone just miraculously free of pain?In this episode Dr.Anthony Von der Muhll, DAOM walks me through a pretty unbelievable case of exactly that. You don't want to miss this episode!this episode is a little long, so here are some rough time jumps for you3:45 I introduce Anthony and we talk about his path to becoming an East Asian Medical Practitioner.10:45 Anthony talks about what distinguishes him from other practitioners like Matt Callison, Poney Chang, Clayton Shui and Whitfield Reeves.14:00 Why treating unstable joints is paramount to healing.43:52 The Case Study Starts HERE!Today's GuestANTHONY VON DER MUHLL, DAOMAnthony Von der Muhll graduated from the Five Branches University of TCM in 2002, and founded the Santa Cruz Acupuncture Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic in 2003. In 2022, Anthony relocated to Charlottesville, Virginia, where he now practices at the Sports Acupuncture Clinic/Berkeley Bamboo Clinic with his wife, Tamara Brown, L.Ac., DACM.Anthony Von der Muhll is the founder of AOM Professional, and has taught Certification in Acupuncture Orthopedics since 2015, and served as a clinical supervisor at the Masters and Doctorate levels for over 17 years. He has also taught acupuncture orthopedics and pain management in the DAOM and DACM programs of the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences (Oakland CA), the American College of TCM (San Francisco, CA), the Five Branches University of TCM (Santa Cruz, CA), and the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine (Fairfax, VA). He has been a featured instructor in acupuncture orthopedics at conferences of the Sports Acupuncture Alliance, the California State Oriental Medical Association, California Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine Associates, and the Acupuncture Society of Virginia.ResourcesWant to learn more...

YOUR STATE ASSOCIATION IS SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS!!ACU-017 Hey Sprouts! Are you feeling a little lost in all of the legal jazz your state is offering up? Trying to figure out what hoops to jump through and in what order? Not really sure where to find some help? Did you know that your state association might have the answers you need? They may even have a detailed explanation or road map for you to follow. And even if they don’t, the ASA has mentors to help you!! Don’t know who the ASA is? Listen in to get the 411, then go join your state association. Then volunteer! TODAY’S GUESTDr. Beth Howlett, DAOM, LAc, is the Vice President of Communications and Academic Services and adjunct faculty at Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM). In addition to leadership and teaching roles in the field of Chinese Medicine, Dr. Howlett also serves as the Education Working Group Co-Chair for the Academic Collaborative for Integrative Health (ACIH) and the Board Chair for the Oregon Collaborative for Integrative Medicine (OCIM).YOU’LL LEARNHow Oregon’s University level healthcare programs are championing collaborative systems that other states and organizations can learn from.How we keep students linked to their state associations from graduation to start up.This can happen at the school level by providing educational resources to students about what state associations have to offer.At the state level, welcome emails or letters to new practitioners may be a helpful entry point.Schools could host special events on campus around graduation time to onboard the new practitioners and create personal bonds.At the ASA level states could be educated on how to create meaningful packets on how to get your business started.States need to provide help where information is based on the specificity of the state.Part of the bridge program could be on having a granular herbal medicinary and prescribing.The Acupuncture Society of Acupuncturists has a mentorship program! The committee chair is Christine Cronin.Listen in as Beth gives her top 4 things Acupuncturists do that could bite you in the ass later. (My words, not hers…)RESOURCESNational Practitioner Survey: Attitudes and Practices Around Herb Sourcing: LINKOregon Association of Acupuncturists: (OAA): LINK Facebook: LINKOregon Collaborative for Integrative Medicine (OCIM): LINKOCOM/Kam Wah Chung Medical Collection Database: LINKMore about Kam Wah Chung: LINKAmerican Society of Acupuncturists (ASA): LINKAmerican Society of Acupuncturists State Association list: LINKWHAT TO DO NOW…Join your State Association and maybe even volunteer!! You can forge some pretty helpful relationships this way.Be sure to participate in the National Practitioner Survey.If your website is not ADA compliant, you need to listen to Episode 016.

As a licensed acupuncturist and massage therapist, Dr. Flora has combined the best of both Eastern and Western treatments. She acquired the families 'healing touch' from her abuella (grandmother) . The pandemic has taken it's toll on many people and thanks to technology Dr. Flora is able to meet her clients virtually. Offering Chinese Herbal consultations, Energy work and Fire and Suction cupping, she is able to assist her clients physically and mentally. Listen in as we discuss her journey from dental hygienist to holistic practitioner . Dr. Flora's Bio: Dr. Flora Luyando completed her Doctorates in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego. Prior to that, Dr. Luyando attended Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York, where she received her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and her Associate Degree in Massage Therapy. Dr. Flora, as she is affectionately called, is also a Chinese Herbalist. Prior to her journey in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dr. Flora attended West Virginia University where she studied Dental Hygiene. Dr. Flora's mission is to provide Eastern and Western treatments to all who seek to live a healthy and balanced life. Her unique approach to combining the two practices allows her to create specialized treatment plans specific for her clients. Flora Healing Bodyworks knows that staying healthy is an art that continues to blossom when embraced by a safe, warm, and loving touch. She shares both her holistic and medical practice suggestions on her show called “Love Stream” which airs weekly. Dr. Flora is a New York State licensed Acupuncturist and New York State licensed Massage Therapist. She is also a member of the Acupuncture Society of New York and the American Massage Therapy Association. She is bilingual in English and Spanish. State up to date with Dr Flora: Website: FloraHealing.com Instagram: @florahealing Facebook: @florahealing Stay up to date with Sisters of Sexuality: Website: www.sistersofsexuality.com Email: sistersofsexuality@gmail.com Instagram: @sistersofsexuality Facebook: @sexysostour Twitter: @sistersofsex LIKE SHARE SUBSCRIBE AND SUPPORT --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sistersofsexuality/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sistersofsexuality/support

My guest in this episode, Lonny Jarrett, is one of the world's most recognized practitioners, authors, and teachers in the field of Chinese Medicine. Although we cover a lot of ground in this conversation, you do not need to be an expert in Chinese Medicine, or even have any knowledge of the field, to follow along and glean wisdom from Lonny's experiences. And it is worth mentioning that we also discuss many things other than Chinese Medicine, including martial arts, transpersonal psychology, Taoism, and the art of writing. Lonny holds master's degrees in both acupuncture and neurobiology. His work in the field of neurobiology has been published in leading scientific journals. A founding board member of the Acupuncture Society of Massachusetts, in 1993 Lonny was elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He is an expert in pulse diagnosis, having studied intensively with Dr. Leon Hammer. Additionally, Lonny has achieved the rank of fourth degree black belt in the Korean martial art Tae Kwon Do. Lonny is the author of two distinguished texts in Chinese Medicine – Nourishing Destiny: The Inner Tradition of Chinese Medicine, and The Clinical Practice of Chinese Medicine. Lonny maintains his full-time practice of acupuncture and herbal medicine in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. He moderates nourishingdestiny.com, an online community of 3000 practitioners dedicated to evolutionary, ecological, and integral perspectives on Chinese Medicine. This episode was pure joy for me to record. I hope you find bliss in Lonny Jarrett's perspectives on Chinese Medicine and life. Episode Links: Lonny@nourishindestiny.com chinesemedicine.courses nourishingdestiny.com Spirit Path Press Learning Links: School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Pacific Rim College Online Acupuncture and TCM Courses at PRCOnline

This BrainTap Business Journal Podcast is a timely one. While we wait out COVID-19, we are all looking for ways to protect our health. Dr. Porter and Dr. Kelly Miller got together to discuss one simple, practical way to stay healthy. This conversation originated as a Facebook Live, but we felt it was important to get this information out to as many BrainTappers as possible. Dr. Kelly Miller is a 1980 Graduate of Logan University of Health Sciences in Missouri where he received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. He is certified in Industrial/Occupational health from Northwestern Chiropractic College, worked as an ergonomic and safety consultant and after-care doctor for many corporations in the Kansas City area and is a Fellow of the Acupuncture Society. Dr. Miller is also a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and has a fellowship in Aging and Regenerative Medicine. He has been in clinical practice for over 38 years. He’s an international lecturer and author of more than seven books. In these uncertain times, we are all concerned about staying healthy and free of viruses. Dr. Miller has done extensive research on the new Air and Surface Pro with the ActivePure System. This system is not an air purifier that you can buy from Wal-Mart. It’s an air and surface scrubber that contains NASA Space Certified technology and is in process of FDA approval. Listen in how to hear how you can benefit from this amazing technology in your own home. What you’ll Learn in this Podcast: • How the ActivePure System can rid every surface in your home of 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, mold and more within 15 minutes and 99.9999% within an hour. • How this system turns oxygen and humidity in your air into hydrogen peroxide molecules called Peroxyls that bind with mold, mycotoxins, bacteria, viruses, dander, allergens and other contaminants and render them inert. • How the air in your home can be up to 800x more toxic than the air outside and what to do about it. • How this system can help rid you of chronic inflammation, which is the cause of many health conditions. Follow Up Live Video from Dr. Miller and Dr. Porter: https://www.facebook.com/braintaptech/videos/3001204093292410/UzpfSTE0ODEyNDgyMTg4NTE0MDk6Vks6MzA4MDU1OTEwMTk2NDExNg/?epa=SEARCH_BOX Resources: Ordering Information: https://www.savingyourbrain.com/vollara-air-purifier/?fbclid=IwAR0qyJ1jxGjg4HFxgXTpMhWIXov5eHC6ECwLkN05zQu8R_TcQfAzzyjgmBs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SavingYourBrain Website: https://www.savingyourbrain.com/ Text: 816-210-6913 - Text Dr. Miller and he will respond ASAP. https://www.savingyourbrain.com/pro-air-and-surface-scrubber/

In this episode, we talk with Ryan Diener and Michelle Pederson, Chinese Medicine practitioners.    Michelle is a licensed acupuncturist who dedicted the last nine years of her life to working for ASNY, the Acupuncture Society of New York.  Michelle has now moved her practice and is looking to expand, but faces many of the same issues that we all do with practicing in this field.  Ryan Diener is a licensed acupuncturist who has a large multidiscplinary practice, and has offered practice management consulting on past podcasts with Chinese Medicine That Works.   Ryan discusses strategies with Michelle to help her get her practice to the next level.   After the consult, we discuss the field today and ways of navigating to help assure success in these tides of change. 

Dr. Kelly Miller joins to discuss all the ways you can improve your brain function and keep it running at its optimal level. On today’s podcast, you will learn: How your mother’s thyroid function impacts the number of mitochondria you are born with Exactly how metals like mercury and aluminum contribute to poor brain function, and cause the production of beta amyloid plaque that can lead to dementia like Alzheimer’s The 15 things that impact brain function that can be evaluated and improved The latest technologies to dramatically restore brain function and memory Dr Miller’s top tips to improve brain function that you can do at home Dr. Kelly Miller's Bio: Kelly Miller DC NMD FASA FBAARM CFMP received a Doctor of Chiropractic from the Logan University Of Health Sciences in 1980. He received a certification in Industrial/Occupational Health from Northwestern College of Chiropractic and a Certification in Acupuncture/Meridian Therapy. He became a fellow of The Acupuncture Society of America and became a Board Certified Naturopathic Physician from the American Naturopathic Medical Certification and Accreditation Board in 2001. He is also Board Certified in Acupuncture from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. He is a Fellow of the Brazil American Academy for Aging and Regenerative Medicine and became Certified in Functional Diagnostic Medicine from the Functional Medicine University in 2014. Dr. Kelly Miller is an International lecturer and he is the author of seven books including: -13 Secrets to Optimal Aging -Micronutrient Testing -Is Your Environment Stressing You Out? -Saving Your Brain: Causes, Prevention, and Reversal of Dementia and Alzheimer’s You can learn more about Dr. Kelly Miller at You can learn about Dr. Miller's brain function testing and therapies at Are toxic metals causing your fatigue and health issues? Find out by taking Wendy’s Heavy Metals Quiz at

Dr Michael Gaeta's purpose is to create a world of vital, resilient people who find fulfillment through positive contribution, choose a lifestyle of “nature first, drugs last,” and interact with the medical system only in emergencies. To do this, he works directly with patients in Boulder and by phone, and by training natural health professionals. Michael is a licensed acupuncturist, dietician-nutritionist and herbalist, and a doctor of acupuncture in Rhode Island. Over the last 25 years he has trained over 17,000 practitioners. His teaching is informed by 28 years of successful clinical practice. He co-founded Acupuncture for Veterans, which provided free treatments in New York City. Michael is past president of the Acupuncture Society of New York, earning an award for State Association President of the Year. He appeared on the CBS Early Show and NBC News, and his wellness radio show attracted over 100,000 subscribers. Michael is also a pianist, which was his first career. He teaches a one-year practitioner certification program in natural functional medicine, and the seven-week Autoimmune Mastery Program, for health professionals. Michael has spoken nationally on vaccines and choice for 15 years.   Connect with Michael here & get his FREE download on Vaccines & Choice

Why do zebras don’t get ulcers!?! Listen for ways to rate and reduce the negative effects of stress in the third part of our series with Drs. Amy and Steph.   To ask Dr. Steph a question, call 708.808.6250 and you will hear your answer on one of our episodes. To make an appointment, call  773.528.8485 or go to CommunityChiropractic.net 1442 W. Belmont Ave., 1E Chicago, IL 60657 To learn more about Dr. Maj, go to drmaj.com/bundle to receive the digital copy of her book & speaker’s books and resources will be delivered right to your inbox.   BRONSON’S HEALTH PHILOSOPHY Most illnesses and lack of vitality are caused by unhealthy lifestyles. Our genes alone are not at fault. Most of the time it is what you are doing to your genes.   Many health issues that people suffer with can be helped through natural medicine. The focus of my practice is to provide guidance for my patients so they can achieve better health and wellness.   We work together on the following 3 basics: nurturing balanced energy, the fundamentals of healthy eating, as well as restoring proper spinal and joint movement. These four approaches; functional medicine, acupuncture, nutrition, and chiropractic can help move people toward health and healing.   Health is a process and a lifelong journey that demands our attention. My ultimate goal is to provide care to help people live a full and productive life.   AMY A. BRONSON, D.C., DIPL. Ac Dr. Bronson received her B.S. degree in Community Health Education from Iowa State University. She received a B.S. degree in Human Biology, and a doctorate degree and initial acupuncture training from the National University of Health Sciences in Chicago. She began her initial training and study in Functional Medicine in 1998.   Dr. Bronson is certified as a diplomate in acupuncture by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in Washington, D.C. She earned her diplomate status by satisfying the requirements of the examination board of the NCCAOM and other clinical practice criteria of oriental medicine.   Dr. Bronson's additional post graduate acupuncture training was through New York College of Chiropractic and the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture. She is also certified as a Fellow in the Acupuncture Society of America and the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture and has also traveled and studied in China.   She has been in private practice since 1995.  

What is your belief system about your health? Whose responsibility is the maintaining of your health? These are the cumulative effects of your life lived...good and bad! The quality of the questions can directly determine your level of health.   To ask Dr. Steph a question, call 708.808.6250 and you will hear your answer on one of our episodes. To make an appointment, call  773.528.8485 or go to CommunityChiropractic.net 1442 W. Belmont Ave., 1E Chicago, IL 60657 To learn more about Dr. Maj, go to drmaj.com/bundle to receive the digital copy of her book & speaker’s books and resources will be delivered right to your inbox. BRONSON’S HEALTH PHILOSOPHY Most illnesses and lack of vitality are caused by unhealthy lifestyles. Our genes alone are not at fault. Most of the time it is what you are doing to your genes.   Many health issues that people suffer with can be helped through natural medicine. The focus of my practice is to provide guidance for my patients so they can achieve better health and wellness.   We work together on the following 3 basics: nurturing balanced energy, the fundamentals of healthy eating, as well as restoring proper spinal and joint movement. These four approaches; functional medicine, acupuncture, nutrition, and chiropractic can help move people toward health and healing.   Health is a process and a lifelong journey that demands our attention. My ultimate goal is to provide care to help people live a full and productive life.   AMY A. BRONSON, D.C., DIPL. Ac Dr. Bronson received her B.S. degree in Community Health Education from Iowa State University. She received a B.S. degree in Human Biology, and a doctorate degree and initial acupuncture training from the National University of Health Sciences in Chicago. She began her initial training and study in Functional Medicine in 1998.   Dr. Bronson is certified as a diplomate in acupuncture by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in Washington, D.C. She earned her diplomate status by satisfying the requirements of the examination board of the NCCAOM and other clinical practice criteria of oriental medicine.   Dr. Bronson's additional post graduate acupuncture training was through New York College of Chiropractic and the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture. She is also certified as a Fellow in the Acupuncture Society of America and the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture and has also traveled and studied in China.   She has been in private practice since 1995.  

Drs. Steph and Amy are friends from chiropractic school and sit down for a 3 part conversation about functional health! BRONSON’S HEALTH PHILOSOPHY Most illnesses and lack of vitality are caused by unhealthy lifestyles. Our genes alone are not at fault. Most of the time it is what you are doing to your genes.   Many health issues that people suffer with can be helped through natural medicine. The focus of my practice is to provide guidance for my patients so they can achieve better health and wellness.   We work together on the following 3 basics: nurturing balanced energy, the fundamentals of healthy eating, as well as restoring proper spinal and joint movement. These four approaches; functional medicine, acupuncture, nutrition, and chiropractic can help move people toward health and healing.   Health is a process and a lifelong journey that demands our attention. My ultimate goal is to provide care to help people live a full and productive life.   AMY A. BRONSON, D.C., DIPL. Ac Dr. Bronson received her B.S. degree in Community Health Education from Iowa State University. She received a B.S. degree in Human Biology, and a doctorate degree and initial acupuncture training from the National University of Health Sciences in Chicago. She began her initial training and study in Functional Medicine in 1998.   Dr. Bronson is certified as a diplomate in acupuncture by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in Washington, D.C. She earned her diplomate status by satisfying the requirements of the examination board of the NCCAOM and other clinical practice criteria of oriental medicine.   Dr. Bronson's additional post graduate acupuncture training was through New York College of Chiropractic and the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture. She is also certified as a Fellow in the Acupuncture Society of America and the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture and has also traveled and studied in China.   She has been in private practice since 1995.  

In this episode we speak with Bill Reddy L.Ac., a Director of the Integrative Health Policy Consortium, the former President of the Acupuncture Society of Virginia and former Vice President of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine about acupuncture addressing issues including the scientific support for applications of acupuncture, conditions treated with acupuncture and how acupuncture is performed. http://www.pinecrestwellnesscenter.com/about-us/meet-bill-reddy--acupuncturist.html

Gordana studied acupuncture at the University of Westminster in London and graduated with the BSc Hons Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). She also holds a Masters Degree (MA) in Music Performance from City University and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London and Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy from the New School of Counseling and Psychotherapy (NSCP) in London Waterloo.   As a traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncturist, Gordana has a special interest and extensive postgraduate training in use of acupuncture in reproductive medicine, gynaecology, male and female fertility and pre and post natal care. In her clinical practice, Gordana always combines the best aspects of eastern and western medical practices to achieve positive treatment outcomes as she believes that this is the most effective method for resolution of modern health issues.   Gordana also held a position of Assistant Clinical Supervisor at the Student Polyclinic at University of Westminster until 2012 combining her 25 years teaching experience and clinical supervision of acupuncture students. She is a Senior Associate member of the Royal Society of Medicine, and The Acupuncture Society. I recorded this interview at 38 weeks pregnant, little did I know I’d have another four weeks before my baby came! Gordana is an incredible woman with a passion for what she does, and an amazing ability to inspire you to create health. In this episode, we discuss: Acupuncture for labour preparation Optimum timescales for labour preparation acupuncture What you can realistically achieve with acupuncture How your emotional state affects your outcome Fear and the sympathetic nervous system How balancing your body with acupuncture will improve every body Postpartum effects of acupuncture including speedier recovery, more energy & improved breastfeeding outcomes A shift in paradigm – health promotion rather than sickness treatment! The importance of being able to be the best expression of yourself Issues with lack of studies showing efficacy for acupuncture Difference between choosing acupuncture and dry needling in reproductive health Acupressure points for pain relief during labour – a great hands-on way to involve your birth partner