Women are often told that our natural cycles, whether monthly, seasonally or over our lifetime are pathologies that need to be medicated, suppressed, and dismissed. Women typically have four times more medical appointments than men do and many struggle for years to receive an accurate diagnosis or to even have their symptoms addressed. The top-down nature of the current medical system often leaves women feeling disempowered, ignored, and devalued. As a practitioner of Chinese Medicine, a Yoga therapist, and a woman, Amy believes: The menstrual cycle is not a disease. Pregnancy, nursing, and post-partum life are not diseases. Peri-menopause is not a disease. Menopause is not a disease. Aging is not a disease. All stages of life should be celebrated and when appropriate, symptoms should be eased. And ultimately, we should remember how to connect with and listen to the wisdom of our bodies, to hear that quiet internal voice that is often drowned out by cultural and societal pressures and expectations. My job as a practitioner is to remind women how to listen to their internal voice and to honor their bodies and their lives, to take charge of their health and feel empowered to trust their own inner wisdom.
 
Amelia is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine specializing in pain management and women’s health. She is a nationally certified Diplomat of Acupuncture and Diplomat of Chinese Herbology and a Licensed Acupuncturist in the state of Washington. She has additional training in functional medicine for women’s health and is an internationally certified Yoga Therapist.