In this program, each patient will receive –

• 6 Acupuncture Treatments
• A personalized constitutional evaluation according to Chinese medicine. This evaluation outlines the “patterns of disharmony” or imbalances that cause irregular periods and other health problems.
• An individually tailored eating plan. This plan outlines the specific foods that treat each patient’s imbalances and which foods to avoid. Each personalized eating plan includes simple and healthy recipes.
• A customized herbal formula. Recommended herbs are individualized to address each patient’s unique needs. Herbs can be taken in the form of teas, powders (which dissolve in hot water), or capsules.
• A stress reduction/relaxation program that includes gentle exercise and meditation techniques. Patients will be given a meditation CD and a Qi Gong DVD.

Cost of Program: $595 (includes CD, DVD, and binder with above-mentioned materials).

Additional cost for herbs varies: (approximately $20-$30/week)

Some insurance plans partially or fully reimburse patients for the cost of the program. Contact your insurance company directly for details of your acupuncture coverage.

 About the Practitioner

Antonia Balfour, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., Dipl. CH is a nationally certified acupuncturist and herbalist running the Balfour Healing clinic in Pacific Palisades, California. As a practitioner of mind body medicine, her specialty is treating women’s health conditions. Founder of Qi Blends Herbs, Antonia holds a Master’s degree (highest honors) in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Yo San University.

Educating the public on Chinese medicine as a holistic health modality is a passion for Antonia. She has written numerous articles on women’s health and pain relief for newspapers, journals, and websites and has lectured for organizations such as Trinity Care Hospice, Pharmaca, and LA Help. She has also appeared on local and national radio programs focusing on holistic healthcare and Chinese Medicine. Antonia serves as a Vice President of the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce.

 

About Menstruation & Chinese Medicine

The key to successful treatment with Chinese medicine is to bring balance to the body and emotions. This is done with acupuncture treatment, dietary therapy, and herbal remedies that are specific to the individual needs of each patient. Instead of giving the same treatment for every case of menopause, Chinese medicine addresses a woman’s “patterns of disharmony” (or areas or imbalance).

Patterns of disharmony take into account - 

·       Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids –

Qi (vital energy), blood, and body fluid are fundamental substances that sustain health. Imbalances in these three areas can cause a variety of health problems. Qi, blood, and body fluids can be weak and deficient, in which case they are unable to nourish the body and function properly. Deficient qi causes dull, generalized period cramps along with fatigue. There could also be loose stools or weak immunity before the onset of each period. Deficient blood and body fluids can create light periods, late periods, dizziness, or insomnia. On the other hand - qi, blood and body fluids can be excess and overflowing in which case they become stuck or stagnant. Blood that is stuck can be clotted and cause sharp, fixed cramps that may be severe. On the emotional side, stuck qi can cause frustration and irritability. To attain balance, these three vital substances need to be strong and healthy in their flow.

·       Yin & Yang –

Yin and Yang are opposites. A person’s symptoms can be looked at in terms of yin/yang parameters. For example, cold is yin and heat is yang.  Damp is yin and dry is yang. An acupuncturist’s job is to apply the theories of yin and yang to all aspects of the patient. Specifically for women, vaginal dryness and hot flashes indicate that the yin is weak and deficient. A low libido, cold feet, increased urination at night, and back pain indicate a deficiency of yang.

·       Channels and Collaterals –

The channels and collaterals are considered to be a series of connecting passages through which qi and blood flow. The primary channels are indicated by the lines that are shown on acupuncture charts. Ten of the 12 primary channels are named for organs they are associated with. It’s important to note that these organs in Chinese medicine are not the same as their western counterparts. The Chinese Liver, for example, is a much broader concept than simply the anatomical organ. Excess heat in the Liver meridian can cause bright, heavy bleeding or headaches before the onset or during each period. If the Liver qi is stagnant, there can be breast pain or painful periods. In these scenarios, the anatomical liver is probably perfectly healthy. Imbalances in the Spleen meridian also come into play with period problems. Fatigue, digestive problems, or heavy, watery periods come from deficient Spleen qi. Emotions are also associated with Chinese meridians. The emotion of the Spleen is worry and the emotion of the Liver is anger or irritability.

This brief explanation of patterns of disharmony just touches the surface in describing the many different ways an acupuncturist analyzes imbalance. Most people have multiple patterns going on at a time, sometimes as many as eight or ten.

 The Healthy Period Treatment Program focuses on a combined approach to addressing all areas of imbalance. Through the use of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, dietary therapy, gentle exercise, and relaxation techniques, whole health and wellness is within reach!