Women’s Health
Women’s bodies go through numerous changes throughout their menstrual cycles and lifespan. The constant fluctuations in hormones often lead to internal disharmony, causing various women’s health issues. Painful menstrual cycles, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hormonal imbalances, frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and gynecological syndromes like endometriosis are just a few examples of the challenges women face.
This disharmony within the body can induce stress, which can stem from genetic or hereditary conditions, further exacerbating the imbalance.
Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Perspective on Women’s Health
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on menstrual disorders and recognizes the weakening of crucial reproductive health foundations, including the Kidney, Blood, and Uterus. In many cases, these areas of the body become overworked, leading to stress symptoms such as pain and inflammation.
Additional stressors on the body, such as an improper diet or stressful emotional environments, can add to this burden. The constant state of stress increases sensitivity to pain and other symptoms, potentially becoming the underlying cause of chronic conditions.
Addressing and managing this stress is crucial to prevent serious damage to internal organs and emotional well-being.
Physical Symptoms of Disharmony
Apart from the primary symptoms mentioned above, disharmony within a woman’s body can manifest in various other physical symptoms, including painful cysts, fibroids, interstitial cystitis, incontinence, urinary dribbling, and even osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis, characterized by a decrease in bone mass and an increased likelihood of fractures, is more than just a calcium deficiency. As a complex living tissue, bones are influenced by multiple variables, including the body’s use of calcium to balance pH levels in the blood. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis threatens 44 million Americans, with women accounting for 68% of cases.
Preventing Osteoporosis
The behaviors women develop during childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood play a significant role in the development of osteoporosis. Building and maintaining bone mass until around the age of 30 is crucial. After this point, bone formation slows down, and the focus shifts to maintaining existing bone mass.
To improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from bone and joint problems, a combination of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, coupled with a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise, can be highly beneficial.
Navigating Menopause
Menopause marks the transitional period in a woman’s life when ovulation ceases. Symptoms can range from mild to severe as the body adapts to decreasing estrogen levels. Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, dryness, headaches, joint pain, and weight gain are common experiences during menopause. Women are encouraged to maintain a healthy weight, stabilize blood sugar, and find ways to manage stress, tension, and anxiety to alleviate the effects of menopause.
Oriental medicine recognizes that menopause is not a singular syndrome but rather treats the specific symptoms unique to each individual. Techniques such as acupuncture, herbs, bodywork, lifestyle and dietary recommendations, and energetic exercises aim to restore imbalances in the body.
By incorporating acupuncture and Oriental medicine into one’s lifestyle and making small changes in diet and daily routines, menopause can become a time of revitalization and personal growth.
Promoting Cardiovascular Health
Contrary to common perception, cardiovascular disease is not exclusive to men. It is the leading threat to women’s health, accounting for approximately 29% of deaths in women, as reported by the CDC. Unfortunately, women are often underdiagnosed, and by the time the condition is discovered, it may be too late for effective intervention.
Integrating acupuncture and Oriental medicine into a heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to eighty percent. Prevention steps include managing high blood pressure and cholesterol, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, reducing stress, and improving sleep quality. Acupuncture has been found to be particularly effective in lowering blood pressure.
By stimulating specific acupuncture points, such as those along the wrist, inside the forearm, or in the leg, researchers have observed the release of opioids, resulting in decreased heart activity and reduced oxygen demand. As a result, blood pressure is lowered, contributing to cardiovascular health.
Empowering Cancer Prevention and Treatment
The advancements in early detection and cancer treatments are significant. While standard medical care is effective, aggressive treatments often lead to unwanted side effects and a weakened immune system. Breast, lung, and colorectal cancer are the most common cancers among women, with breast cancer being the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women.
Acupuncture has gained attention as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatments. It offers pain relief, reduces side effects, accelerates recovery, and improves overall quality of life. Oriental medicine takes a preventive approach by restoring imbalances in the body using acupuncture, herbal therapy, tui na, qi gong, dietary recommendations, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments. Seasonal acupuncture treatments can serve to tonify the inner organ systems and address minor annoyances before they escalate into serious problems.
Nurturing Emotional Well-being
Depressive disorders affect a significant percentage of women, compromising the immune system and impairing daily functioning, work performance, and social relationships. Symptoms may include decreased interest in activities, insomnia, fatigue, emptiness, worthlessness, and, in severe cases, even thoughts of suicide.
Oriental medicine views the human body as an interconnected system of body, spirit, and mind. Its goal is to bring all these elements into a healthy balance, promoting overall well-being. When used in conjunction with psychotherapy, acupuncture has shown positive and holistic effects on depressed patients. It helps regulate the immune system, restore peace of mind, and support overall health.
Acupuncture’s Role in Women’s Health
According to TCM, the Uterus and Liver are closely related. The Liver ensures the smooth flow of Qi, which is responsible for moving the Blood and bringing vital energy to the body. Channels of the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen run through the pelvis, significantly influencing the menstrual cycle.
When these channels are blocked or not functioning optimally, it often indicates a menstrual problem. Acupuncture targets specific acupoints to provide relief from various symptoms women experience in their lives. Beyond alleviating external symptoms, acupuncture aims to address the internal imbalances causing these issues.
Conclusion
Women’s health is a dynamic journey that requires attention and care. Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with acupuncture and Oriental medicine, offers valuable insights and holistic approaches to support women throughout their lives. By addressing internal imbalances, managing stress, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, women can nurture their overall well-being and embrace the transformative potential of each life stage.
Learn More About Women’s Health From Our Blog:
Edmonton Women’s Health Specialists:
Dr.Ac Lalonde 🇬🇧
“As a clinician and leader, I see myself not only as a caregiver but also as a teacher—empowering patients with the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their health. By educating and guiding them, I can help transform their lives far beyond the treatment room, creating lasting wellness that they can carry with them. – Dr. Tammy Lalonde”
Caring for people is my true passion and one of life’s greatest callings. With years of experience as both a Paramedic and Acupuncturist, I’ve supported patients through obvious and invisible injuries alike. I’ve been there during moments of deep crisis—whether delivering babies in cars parked roadside, providing care at 30,000 feet aboard a domestic flight, or flying emergency medevacs over the Arabian desert. Through these experiences, I’ve learned not only how to care for those in urgent need but also how to recognize the long-term impact that lifestyle, diet, and fitness can have on overall health.
As my career has evolved, so has my focus. I now concentrate on helping more people earlier, preventing minor concerns from escalating into more complex and costly illnesses. A key part of this shift is my role in leading our Hormone Health program, which empowers patients to address hormonal imbalances that affect energy, mood, and overall well-being. This program has far-reaching impacts, not only improving individual lives but also strengthening the health of entire communities. By helping people regain balance, we’re preventing chronic diseases and fostering long-term wellness. Through a combination of my background in emergency medicine and women’s health, I offer a unique, integrative approach. I draw on the strengths of oriental medicine, along with the expertise of top practitioners, to deliver care that restores balance to the body, mind, and spirit.
My academic journey has allowed me to seamlessly blend oriental medicine with Western healthcare, creating a holistic approach to patient care. My expertise lies in navigating high-stress, complex situations, and I have a deep passion for managing care and treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD—especially among Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel. In addition to my extensive background, I have advanced training in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) through Worldlink Medical, which enhances my ability to help patients achieve hormonal balance and long-term wellness. With a long-standing career spanning North America and the Middle East, I have been privileged to serve as a respected clinician, clinical educator, and fire and emergency medical dispatcher. I hold active licensure and registration with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA), the California Acupuncture Board, and the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA). Additionally, I have served as a Board Director with the Alberta Pain Society and am a current member of the CAA Competence Committee.
Education:
- Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM), American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Master of Science (MS) – Traditional Chinese Medicine, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Master of Science (MS) – Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, cum laude, South Baylo University
- Bachelor of Science (BS) – Holistic Science, South Baylo University
- Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
Licensure
- RAc – Registered Acupuncturist of the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
- RH – Registered Herbalist of the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA)
- LAc – Licensed Acupuncturist of the California Acupuncture Board
- Dipl.Ac – Diplomate of Acupuncture of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
Dr.Ac Winton 🇬🇧
Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, and Advanced Care Paramedic she is widely recognized for developing unique care plans which draw on her knowledge and therapeutic touch gained across each of these specialized disciplines. Having over twenty years of combined expertise in caring for her patients, Michelle has had a front row seat to observe how stress and emotion affect the mind and body. Complementing her acupuncture services at Red Leaf Wellness, Michelle offers a variety of therapeutic and relaxation massage therapies, including pregnancy massage, myofascial release and myofascial cupping.
Michelle began her health career as a massage therapist, graduating the 2200hr Massage Program at Macewan University in 2001. Being active in competitive sport in her youth, Michelle understood the benefits of massage on sport performance, recovery and injury prevention. She subsequently branched into emergency care and became an Advanced Care Paramedic where she was able to offer a calming presence in stressful, emergent situations. Michelle has always believed that soft skills, an extra moment spent with family, or a hand to hold on the way to the hospital, can be as healing as the specific medical interventions themselves. Working as a Paramedic Michelle saw, and began to question, how it is that people differ in disease and the aging process and why the same drug benefited one person, but not the other. Her lifelong learning journey had her begin to look for these answers in the time-tested practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture, thus kicking off another quest for knowledge at MacEwan University’s Acupuncture Program.
Education:
- Diploma – Acupuncture, Macewan University
- Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
- Honors standings
- Certificate – Massage Therapy Grant MacEwan College
Licensure:
- RAc, College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
- RMT, National Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC)
- ACP, Alberta College of Paramedics
Dr.Ac Masuda 🇬🇧 🇯🇵
Dr. Yoko Masuda is a master practitioner – skilled in the rare craft of Japanese style acupuncture – where she incorporates and tailors gentle needling, moxibustion (specific deep heat), therme (heat massage) and cupping into her acupuncture treatment plans. These skills, as well as her reputation for delivering tangible results, make her a sought-after provider, especially in the areas of pain management, sports injuries, orthopaedic injuries and emotional health. Yoko firmly believes that the mind and the body are intertwined in healing and she continually advocates for a healthy lifestyle alongside of the care she provides.
Yoko received her acupuncture degree in Japan and, after working at several clinics in Tokyo, she accepted a staff acupuncturist position with the world renowned Cirque du Soleil touring show. For nearly twenty years, she went on to travel the far reaches of the globe, working on several other productions, and earning the respect of an international group of artists, staff and athletes before eventually selecting Edmonton for her permanent clinical practice. As a former high school physical education teacher, and also as an alumnus of the Japanese national rhythmic gymnastics team (where she competed internationally on numerous occasions), she has amassed an impressive background in sports therapy and physical education, uniquely positioning her to address all manner of orthopedic and performance related concerns.
Outside of work, Yoko enjoys travelling, the outdoors, and spending time with her husband and two elementary-aged daughters.
Education:
- Diploma of Acupuncture, Hanada College, Tokyo, Japan
Licensure:
- RAc, College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇯🇵 – Japanese
Manuela Hofer 🇬🇧 🇩🇪
Manuela provides a sanctuary for her clients, a place where they can relax and rejuvenate. As a dedicated somatic practitioner, she believes in the body’s inherent wisdom and intelligence. Her compassionate approach and healing touch set the stage for relaxation, vitality, and energy flow. She is committed to optimizing your health in the most effective ways possible.
The therapeutic techniques Manuela specializes in—Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Massage Therapy, and Qigong—emphasize the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and emotional states. Through her gentle Craniosacral touch, she helps to release long-standing tensions and restrictions. She places a special focus on balancing the central nervous system, enabling your body to achieve a state of rest, recovery, and optimal functioning.
Having recently graduated from the 2200-hour Massage Therapy Program at Reflexacademy in Sherwood Park, Manuela has broadened her range of services. She now offers Massage Therapy as a standalone treatment or in combination with Craniosacral Therapy. Her nurturing touch and massage skills work to dissolve muscle tightness and tension, restoring your energy and vitality to a harmonious state.
Beyond her hands-on treatments, Manuela offers additional resources to support your well-being. She consistently provides body meditations, exercises, and practical tips to help you maintain your health between sessions. Her extensive background in somatic techniques, which focus on the internal experience of movement and bodily awareness, equips her with invaluable tools to help you manage day-to-day stress and self-regulate both body and mind.
Schedule an appointment with Manuela to experience a range of benefits: from stress and anxiety reduction, pain and muscle stiffness alleviation, to enhanced relaxation and improvements in digestive, respiratory, and joint health, as well as circulation, energy flow, and immune system function. Her treatments aim to deepen your connection with your body, leaving you feeling peaceful and revitalized.
Education:
- Somatic Movement Therapist (SMT), Moving On Center, Oakland, USA
- Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist (BCST), BodyIntelligence, Canada
- Qigong Instructor Certification (ASS Institute, Germany)
- Training in Continuum Movement (USA)
- Massage Therapy at Reflexacademy Sherwood Park, AB, Canada 2200hrs
Licensure:
- Natural Health Practitioner Canada / NHPC (RMT)
Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇩🇪 – German
Anjali Nagda 🇬🇧 🇮🇳
Anjali Nagda has been working as a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist with an extensive academic background in Clinical Psychology, advocating for the powerful potential of utilizing the subconscious mind. Over the past year, Anjali has been navigating the evolving scope of counseling in Alberta, registering herself as a Registered Clinical Counselor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and as a Counseling Therapist with the Association of Counseling Therapists of Alberta (ACTA). Her affiliation with additional regulatory bodies is underway, especially now that clinical counseling can be directly billed.
Anjali combines her expertise as a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Registered Clinical Counselor to offer integrated services as a Clinical Counseling Hypnotherapist. This dual approach empowers her to work with both the conscious and subconscious minds of her clients. She supplements various conscious therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), to name a few, which help individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, manage painful emotions, decrease conflict in relationships, and transform irrational beliefs into rational ones. These techniques are particularly effective for treating anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, anger, guilt, and unhealthy dependency.
Under hypnotherapy, Anjali employs techniques such as JPMR (Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation), Guided Visualizations, Regression Therapy, Parts Integration Therapy, Behavioral Hypnotherapy, Analytical Hypnotherapy, and Inner Child Therapy, among others, to support clients with psychological trauma, specific fears, phobias, anxiety, sleep issues, and more.
Anjali’s invaluable experience at a De-addiction and Rehabilitation Center has given her the opportunity to work closely with individuals grappling with addiction. She focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying triggers that contribute to addictive behaviors, helping clients achieve a natural state of mindfulness and emotional regulation. By incorporating techniques such as Age Regression and Parts Therapy, Anjali empowers her clients to replace their dependency on substances with healthier coping mechanisms and a renewed sense of self-worth.
Anjali’s role has been evolving as her stay in Canada lengthens, driven by her dedication to supporting her clients to the best of her abilities. By combining Clinical Hypnotherapy and Clinical Counseling, she offers a holistic approach not commonly found in the Edmonton market. This unique service allows her to reach more individuals who previously faced barriers due to billing issues.
Anjali’s dedication to her clients’ well-being, combined with her expertise in both Clinical Hypnotherapy and Clinical Counseling, makes her a compassionate and effective guide on their journey towards transformation and healing. Her hard work behind the scenes ensures she can now support a broader range of clients through direct billing, welcoming those who were unable to access her services earlier.
Education:
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical and Applied Hypnotherapy
- Masters in Clinical Psychology
- B.A. Psychology, Journalism, English Literature
Licensure:
- Registered Clinical Counselor, British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
- Counseling Therapist, Association of Counseling Therapists of Alberta (ACTA)
- Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist (RCH), Canada Association Of Counselling Hypnotherapists And Educators (CACHE)
- Certified Hypnotherapist (CH) – National Guild of Hypnotists
Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇮🇳 – Hindi, Gujarati (fluent); Bengali, Punjabi (conversational)
Dr.Ac Wiebe 🇬🇧
Olivia Wiebe is a dedicated practitioner of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a compassionate and holistic approach to wellness. Graduating from MacEwan University in 2017 with a diploma in Acupuncture, Olivia’s journey into this ancient healing practice began during her high school years, where she first experienced its transformative effects. This initial exposure led her to a profound understanding of the body’s complex interplay with lifestyle and environment, shaping her therapeutic approach.
Equipped with deep knowledge in yin/yang theory, 5-element theory, meridian channels, and organ diagnosis, Olivia views health as a harmonious balance between physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Her commitment to expanding her expertise led her to pursue an additional 2.5 years of study in Chinese Herbology at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC. This rigorous training, coupled with her experience in Western Herbology, has enabled her to integrate a rich tapestry of herbal wisdom into her practice.
Olivia’s therapeutic focus includes alleviating aches and pains, addressing insomnia, stress, and anxiety, and enhancing women’s health, among other areas. She is passionate about assisting her patients in every step of their healing journey, regardless of their familiarity with Acupuncture or Chinese Medicine.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Olivia is an avid nature enthusiast, often found embracing the tranquility of the river valley or indulging in forest bathing with her beloved dog. She is also a skilled pianist, classically trained through the Royal Conservatory, and has shared her love for music by teaching piano lessons for over a decade.
At our clinic, Olivia Wiebe stands as a testament to the power of integrative care, combining her rich knowledge of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with a deep-rooted passion for natural healing. Whether you are new to Acupuncture or seeking advanced care, Olivia welcomes all questions and looks forward to guiding you on your path to wellness.
Education
- Diploma of Acupuncture, MacEwan University
Certifications/Licensure
- Registered Acupuncturist – College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
Sarah Hennings 🇬🇧
“Every patient deserves a healthcare provider who listens, investigates, and treats the root cause of their concerns with compassion and expertise.” – Sarah Hennings, NP
Sarah Hennings, a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner and graduate of Worldlink Medical’s advanced training in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Workshop Series, lives by this mantra, which stems from her diverse healthcare background and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. With a unique blend of experience in primary care, mental health, occupational health, and various nursing specialties, Sarah brings a holistic and collaborative approach to addressing the health needs of her patients.
Graduating from Athabasca University in 2020 with a focus on primary care for all ages, Sarah’s passion for healthcare began long before. Her journey started in 2007 when she obtained a degree in healthcare administration from the University of Calgary, followed by a supervising role in the EMS division of Capital Health, where she honed her skills in patient transport and working with PFCC.
As a Registered Nurse since 2012, Sarah has gained extensive experience in medical/surgical nursing, palliative care, addiction and mental health, home care, and long-term care. Her commitment to education led her to teach supportive living sites across Alberta about proper antipsychotic use and dementia care. Most recently, Sarah worked in acute mental health, emergency, rural, and outpost nursing in various locations throughout British Columbia, further expanding her skill set.
Sarah’s experiences in OH&S in the oilfield and primary care have sparked her interest in addressing the unique barriers men face when accessing care services and the importance of women’s health and hormone balance. She believes in getting to the root of health problems through proper investigation and personalized treatment regimens, valuing collaborative teamwork and input from various disciplines.
To further enhance her skills, Sarah has completed additional education and certifications in hormone replacement therapy, addictions, cosmetic and migraine injections with Botox and fillers, pain therapy and joint injections, emergency nursing, and occupational health. Her advanced training in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) through Worldlink Medical’s Workshop Series has equipped her with the latest medical treatments in the prevention of chronic disease, with a hormone foundation. This knowledge allows Sarah to empower her patients with life-changing information and drive protocols and results based on academic journals and peer-reviewed content.
When not dedicating herself to her patients, Sarah is a proud mother of a 15-year-old son and an avid Edmonton Oilers fan. Together, they are learning to become pilots, showcasing Sarah’s love for travel and her commitment to personal growth alongside her professional development.
Education:
- Bachelor of Health Administration, Athabasca University
- Bachelor of Nursing, University of Calgary
- Master of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner Family of All Ages, Athabasca University
Licensure:
- NP – College of Registered Nurses of Alberta
Allie Kusnierczyk 🇬🇧
Allie Kusnierczyk is a passionate and dedicated Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner with a deep commitment to holistic women’s health across the lifespan. She recognizes that menopause is often poorly screened and managed in primary care and is focused on bridging this gap through personalized, evidence-based care. Allie is driven by the privilege of helping women improve their quality of life, particularly in the areas of hormone health and mental well-being.
With over 8 years of experience across diverse healthcare settings—including obstetrics, psychiatry, adult critical care, and emergency medicine—Allie’s approach is both comprehensive and integrative. She specializes in women’s health, with a particular focus on BHRT, menopause management, and mental health, especially in relation to suicidality during menopause and the perinatal period. Allie understands the physical and mental toll that unmanaged menopause can have and is committed to providing the care and support women need to navigate these challenges.
At Red Leaf Wellness, Allie is dedicated to creating individualized care plans that empower women to take control of their health. She emphasizes long-term, trusting relationships, ensuring her patients feel heard, supported, and empowered to actively participate in their care.
Outside the clinic, Allie enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, canoeing, and backcountry camping with her husband and their dogs.
Education:
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Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Diploma – Western University, London, Ontario
-
Master of Nursing – Western University, London, Ontario
- Critical Care Nursing Certification – George Brown College
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Minor in Psychology – Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario
Licensure:
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Nurse Practitioner – College of Nurses of Ontario
- Nurse Practitioner – College of Registered Nurses of Alberta