Guide to Wellness

Episode 21 – Understanding Perimenopause, Part 3. Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Five Pillars of Health

Feeling Out of Sync? There’s a Path to Relief If you’re noticing more mood swings, fatigue, or night sweats and wondering if it’s perimenopause, you’re in the right place. This journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and insights, you can bring balance back into your life naturally. In this episode, Susannah Freeman, founder of Guide to Wellness, brings a compassionate and practical approach, blending Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to address perimenopause symptoms. She highlights how the Five Pillars of Health—Digestion & Detoxification, Functional Nutrition, Hormonal & Metabolic Health, Rest and Movement, and Brain Health & Well-being—can help you manage symptoms and improve your well-being. What’s Covered: * Understand the root causes of perimenopausal symptoms through the lens of TCM, like liver Qi stagnation and blood deficiency. * Discover practical ways to balance hormones with nutrition, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. * Learn actionable tips for improving digestion, sleep, and energy with simple lifestyle adjustments. Start Your Journey Now This episode is filled with practical advice and strategies to support you through perimenopause. Whether it’s addressing brain fog, boosting your energy, or easing hormonal shifts, these solutions can make a difference. Want more support? Visit Guide to Wellness [https://www.guidetowellness.com/] to learn how we can work together to help you feel your best, and contact us if you have questions about your symptoms. You don’t have to navigate this alone—there’s a solution waiting for you!   Interested in learning more? Wanting personalized care? * Receive a free 15 minute consultation! Just fill out the Work with Us [https://guidetowellness.com/appointment] form on our website and mention episode #21 of the Guide to Wellness podcast. (Note: you must be a resident of Montana or Arizona for us to provide medical advice to you.) * Check out our Website: www.guidetowellness.com [https://www.guidetowellness.com/] * Or the Website of the acupuncture clinic: www.greatturninghealing.com [http://www.greatturninghealing.com/] * Give us a Call: 406-599-0088 * Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/GreatTurningHealingCenter], And Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/greatturninghealing/]     Resources referenced in the show: * Histamine rich foods study on PubMed:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8308327/#B14-nutrients-13-02228 [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8308327/#B14-nutrients-13-02228]           See  Section 1.1 for references to histamine and the menstrual cycle. * Histamine rich foods list: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8308327/figure/nutrients-13-02228-f004/ [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8308327/figure/nutrients-13-02228-f004/] * Mindy Pelz : Fast Like a Girl [https://drmindypelz.com/] * Castor oil packs and information: contact us for handouts and your own supply * Mindset coaching and mental training fitness app:  Innercise https://mkt.myinnercise.com/go/?p=JAAFF12857&w=APPINNERCISESUBSCRIB [https://mkt.myinnercise.com/go/?p=JAAFF12857&w=APPINNERCISESUBSCRIB] Disclaimer: The information in these show episodes (and the accompanying descriptions, show notes, and links) is provided for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice experience by the author and show guests. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician, attorney, accountant or other professional. Do not disregard professional advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have seen, heard or read related to this show. Information in this show (and the accompanying descriptions, show notes, and links) and the use of any products or services trialed or purchased by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship, an attorney-client relationship or any other professional-client relationship between you and any of the providers affiliated with this show. Information and statements regarding health regimens, drugs and/or dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Always speak with your physician or another healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect you have a medical, legal and/or accounting problem, contact your healthcare provider, attorney and/or accounting provider promptly.

Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause, Pt 2 Postmenopause

In this second episode of this series, Dr. Breana McElgunn and Susannah Freeman delve into the complexities of menopause and postmenopause offering insights and practical advice for managing these natural transitions. They explore life after Menopause. Which is for many women almost half of their lifespan. Many women live almost half their life postmenopause. We break down what to expect and how to tell if something you are noticing is a sign of a problem or a natural adjustment of your body. Aging with grace is not always easy in a culture that focused so much on youth but Dr. B and Susannah share about their experience of strength and comfort and helping patients feels the same.  Explore the power of nutrition, lifestyle tweaks, and herbal remedies. Learn why early intervention is key. Regular hormone level testing and working with integrative providers like acupuncturists and naturopaths can make a world of difference. Dr. McElgunn and Susannah bring a wealth of personal and professional experience, making their advice super relatable and actionable. Let’s make this journey a little smoother and a lot more empowering—because you deserve it!   Great Turning Healing Center 406-599-0088 www.greatturninghealing.com [http://www.greatturninghealing.com] https://www.guidetowellness.com/ [https://www.guidetowellness.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/GreatTurningHealingCenter], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/greatturninghealing/]

Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause, Pt 1. Perimenopause.

In part one, Dr. Breana McElgunn and Susannah Freeman delve into the complexities of perimenopause and menopause, offering insights and practical advice for managing these natural transitions. They emphasize that menopausal changes can begin as early as 35 and extend into the late 50s, a span of up to 20 years. This broad range can lead to confusing symptoms that overlap with other life stressors or dietary issues. Dr. B and Susannah address cultural concerns, noting how women are often misunderstood or stigmatized during this phase. They reassure listeners that these changes are normal and manageable, providing valuable tools to stabilize uncomfortable symptoms. The conversation gets detailed about hormone production and interaction, focusing on low progesterone and estrogen. Dr. B and Susannah stress the importance of early testing to tailor treatments effectively. They advocate for holistic approaches—highlighting nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and herbal medicine as primary strategies. Hormone medications are discussed as a last resort, ensuring that women have a comprehensive, natural toolkit to manage their health. Their insights are not just theoretical but grounded in personal and professional experiences, making their advice both relatable and actionable. Listeners are encouraged to seek proactive healthcare, use herbal and nutritional formulas to maintain hormone balance, and consider integrative providers like acupuncturists and naturopaths. Regular hormone level testing and collaborative care among healthcare professionals are crucial for personalized support. Dr. B and Susannah inspire women to embrace a holistic, proactive approach to their health, emphasizing that early intervention can significantly improve overall wellness. This episode is essential for anyone looking to understand and thrive through perimenopause and menopause, offering a supportive and informative guide for navigating these transformative years.   Let’s make this journey a little smoother and a lot more empowering—because you deserve it!   Great Turning Healing Center 406-599-0088 www.greatturninghealing.com [http://www.greatturninghealing.com] https://www.guidetowellness.com/ [https://www.guidetowellness.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/GreatTurningHealingCenter], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/greatturninghealing/]

Everything you want to know about acupuncture, and might have been afraid to ask.

Join host Susannah Freeman, Clinic Director at Great Turning Healing Center, and Acupuncturist Jack Schwem as they explore the ancient practice of acupuncture. This episode delves into the history, practice, and benefits of acupuncture, tracing its origins from ancient China to its modern integration into global medical practices through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).   Discover acupuncture’s 3000-year history, from its beginnings in ancient China to its evolution and worldwide acceptance. Learn about the adaptation of acupuncture tools and techniques, including needles, acupressure, and moxibustion. Susannah and Jack share their diverse backgrounds and training, emphasizing personalized and holistic patient care. Understand how acupuncture integrates with other treatments like postural reeducation, therapeutic exercises, Chinese herbs, and nutritional guidance. Explore the subjective and objective diagnostic methods used to identify and treat the root causes of health issues.  Gain insights into a comprehensive approach to treatment, lifestyle factors, meridian theory, and trigger points. Discuss the effectiveness of acupuncture in promoting health and relaxation, despite its mechanisms not being fully understood by Western science. Learn about the importance of addressing both symptoms and underlying causes to achieve overall well-being and prevent future health issues.   Discover the comprehensive and adaptable nature of acupuncture and how it can be tailored to meet individual needs. Subscribe to the Guide to Wellness Podcast for more episodes on holistic health practices. Let’s make this journey a little smoother and a lot more empowering—because you deserve it! Great Turning Healing Center 406-599-0088 www.greatturninghealing.com [http://www.greatturninghealing.com] https://www.guidetowellness.com/ [https://www.guidetowellness.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/GreatTurningHealingCenter], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/greatturninghealing/]

The Fast Track to Fasting Like a Pro: How, Why, and Why Not?

Susannah Freeman, Clinic Director at Great Turning Healing Center, teams up with acupuncturist Jack Schwem to unravel the complex world of fasting and time-restricted eating. Whether you're curious about the benefits of skipping meals or how to safely incorporate fasting into your routine, this episode is packed with insights. Jack shares his personal journey with fasting, starting as a high school student inspired by the life of Buddha, and explores the different types of fasting, including intermittent fasting. Together, they highlight the potential benefits, such as enhanced cognitive health and better metabolic regulation, while also acknowledging the ongoing research into long-term effects. Listeners will gain practical tips on how to fast effectively, including the importance of staying hydrated and eating a nutritious diet. Susannah and Jack dive into the liver’s crucial role in fasting and discuss how to ease into ketosis, making the process more comfortable. They cover popular fasting protocols like the 16:8 method and 24-hour fasts, and introduce Valter Longo's fasting mimicking diet, which offers an accessible approach for those new to fasting. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the need for personalized fasting plans tailored to individual health needs and goals. Tune in to this episode to demystify fasting, gain valuable tools, and learn how to make fasting a beneficial part of your wellness journey. Additional Reading: Fast Like a Girl by Dr. Mindy Pelz To learn more about fasting options tailored to your lifestyle and metabolic needs, contact or schedule with us here: Great Turning Healing Center 406-599-0088 www.greatturninghealing.com [http://www.greatturninghealing.com] https://www.guidetowellness.com/ [https://www.guidetowellness.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/GreatTurningHealingCenter], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/greatturninghealing/]