Welcome!

The purpose of our group is to connect women of New York City who want to improve their health, explore natural relief for common gynecological concerns, and prevent future problems through holistic means. We will explore the concepts of acupuncture and Chinese medicine to better understand how this ancient paradigm approaches the female system and is having a huge impact on the health of the modern woman. If you are a woman in need, a woman passionate about holistic health options, a health provider, a woman unsatisfied with her conventional medical treatment, or simply want to learn more about holistic women's health please join our group!

Stress, emotions, hormonal imbalance, diet, overwork, and even financial burdens all have an affect on the female body and can thus effect our lives through manifestations of various health problems. One such problem, "PMS," is often regarded a "norm" that one must endure due to the simple fact that she is a woman with monthly cycles. Some women can experience PMS for up to two weeks before their period, and then during their period, leaving about one-week a month free of discomfort. I created this group to bring women together and discuss why this doesn't have to be the case. Being a woman doesn't mean that every month of our menstruating life must be accompanied with agonizing symptoms - instead, this biological process can fit seamlessly into the modern lives we create. Learn how acupuncture and herbal medicine can help bring your cycles back into harmonious balance, and how certain lifestyle habits may be contributing. In addition to having a greater sense of empowerment within your body and happiness in your life, regulating your cycle has many future pay-offs as well. The discomforts felt during or around a woman's period are simply markers to an underlying imbalance. If left untreated, this imbalance can lead to other hormonal problems later in life such as severe menopausal symptoms - also effectively alleviated with holistic means.

Other topics our group will discuss are more specific disorders and include Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Uterine Fibroids, Amenorrhea, among others. Pregnancy health, the treatment of common pregnancy discomforts, acupuncture during labor and delivery, and health during the post-partum period all have a huge place in Chinese medicine obstetrical care. Get your questions answered and meet people who can help you accomplish your goals of health and wellness. If you have a specific area you would like us to discuss at one of our future meet-ups, please let us know!

I welcome comments and discussion among our group, and please feel free to email me if you have a more private matter you would like to discuss. I look forward to seeing this group grow, and to working with other women in taking control of our health!

In good health,

Erin Hessel, L.Ac
Director, Berkley Center for Women's Health
www.berkleywomenshealth.com
erinhessel@berkleycenter.com