Menopause
While some women sail through menopause, others suffer from a number of distressing ailments. If you are seeking relief from problematic symptoms but have concerns about the risks associated with taking hormone therapy (HT), there is an alternative.
Our 100% natural approach has been effectively treating women’s hormonal imbalances for over 20 years and provides a natural, safe and effective option.
Do these symptoms sound familiar?
- Night sweats and hot flashes
- Mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety and nervousness
- Sleep issues: difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently or restless sleep
- Menstrual cycle changes: heavier periods, uterine fibroids, spotting between periods, skipped cycles or worsening PMS symptoms
- Decreased libido, lack of sexual desire or vaginal dryness
- Fuzzy thinking, decreased/impaired memory and attention
- Increased food cravings, stubborn weight gain, insulin resistance and difficulty controlling blood sugar
- Digestive problems: irritable bowel, bloating or acid reflux
- Cardiac complaints: heart arrhythmia or palpitations, chest pain, heart disease or stroke
- Joint or muscle inflammation, stiffness or pain
- Dizziness or decreased balance
- Headaches or menstrual migraines
- Breast tenderness, breast cysts, or nipple discharge
- Hair loss or unwanted facial hair growth
- Dry eyes, skin, or hair; midlife acne
- Pelvic prolapse, urinary incontinence or urinary tract infections
- Increased allergies and sensitivities, hives, skin rashes
Western medical studies have shown that acupuncture and herbal medicine can effectively treat hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, insomnia, and many other symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. At Acubalance, we use a multidisciplinary approach that includes a comprehensive Chinese medicine/naturopathic assessment along with conventional and functional medicine lab testing to help us uncover the underlying causes of your symptoms. Your treatment plan will involve natural therapies, which may include a combination of acupuncture, low level laser therapy (LLLT/photobiomodulation), herbal medicine, and naturopathy.
We know how you feel, and we know we can help.
That’s because we’ve helped thousands just like you since opening our clinic in 2000.
We invite you for a free 15-minute Discovery Call to find out more
Click Now To Request Your Free 15-minute Discovery Call
Or, just call 604-678-8600 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
We invite you for a free 15-minute Discovery Call to find out more
Click Now To Request Your Free 15-minute Discovery Call
Or, just call 604-678-8600 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
How It Works
We address the root cause
Instead of the mainstream medical approach that focuses on treating symptoms, we treat the whole person to help restore you to your ideal state of health. We dig deep and give you a complete health audit, looking for the underlying causes that are currently preventing you from experiencing vitality and optimal health.
We use an all natural approach that your doctor may not be familiar with
Our individual sessions include one or more treatments from the best combination of modern and traditional medicine: functional medicine, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, naturopathy, low level laser therapy (LLLT)/photobiomodulation, IV nutritional drips, diet therapy, lifestyle counseling, and mind-body stress reduction tools. You deserve to be pain free.
We help you awaken your body's own healing abilities
Your body is not “broken” and it is absolutely possible for you to take control of your hormones and naturally resolve unpleasant symptoms stemming from menopause. We help bring your body back into balance so it can regain its innate self-regulating functions and truly heal itself.
We keep it simple and results are quick
Resolving hormonal imbalances doesn’t have to be difficult or take a long time. Simple lifestyle and diet changes, along with our targeted natural therapies, offer a straightforward and effective way to attack symptoms related to menopause head on.
We focus on how you FEEL -- not just the lab results or numbers
We will provide you with ongoing support every step of the way. Your practitioner will monitor your progress to ensure you are starting to feel better, and where appropriate will adjust your treatment as you improve. We will be there to discuss any worries or concerns you may have, and provide you with ongoing lifestyle and diet coaching to help you manage stress and stay on track. Within a few weeks, you should notice significant changes in your symptoms and overall sense of well-being.
Our approach ALWAYS includes stress reduction
Stress is often one of the causes that may be exacerbating your symptoms. As part of our treatment protocol, we teach you very simple ways to enhance sleep and relaxation that will support your body’s natural healing system.
We invite you for a free 15-minute Discovery Call to find out more
Click Now To Request Your Free 15-minute Discovery Call
Or, just call 604-678-8600 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
The Process Is Simple
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Free Phone Consult
At your free phone consultation, you and our clinician will discuss your case, medical history, any medications you’re taking, and most important of all, your goals. We want to be certain that our program will meet your needs and there is a high probability of success for you before we move on to the next step.
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Detailed Assessment & Treatment Plan
Once your free consultation is complete and you agree to move forward, the next step is your intake appointment. At this appointment, your clinician will take a detailed assessment of your symptom patterns, medical history and other relevant factors, in order to determine the root cause of your issue and devise a specific plan catered to you.
As part of our integrative approach, your Acubalance practitioner will do a thorough evaluation to diagnose your particular pattern and come up with a treatment plan that addresses your health concerns. Based on our findings and your goals, we will then set up an individualized protocol that may include acupuncture, herbs, dietary therapy, lifestyle changes, stress reduction techniques and, if necessary, nutraceuticals.
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Active Treatment & Symptom Resolution
You’ll return for regular visits (exact frequency to be determined by your practitioner) to ensure close support as you begin to feel the positive shifts of the therapy. Using acupuncture, we will help bring your hormones into balance and reduce anxiety through a process called homeostatic regulation. Acupuncture has also been shown to improve the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which is the mechanism responsible for balancing reproductive hormones.
We will also use herbal therapy to tone and replenish deficiencies and stimulate your own hormonal production. Studies have shown herbal medicine is an effective method of treatment for menopause that is well tolerated and has no serious adverse effects. These versatile herbs are helpful in treating hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue, headaches and depression.
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Transitional Care As Your Condition Stabilizes
Once we see stable improvements, we will begin to reduce the frequency of your visits. This usually occurs after about 8-12 visits. Typically you would start out coming on a regular basis, then once a month for a couple of visits, and then you will no longer need regular treatments.
We’ll be here in case you ever want to come in for a tune-up or to address other health concerns.
Of course, many of our patients do wish to continue with “ongoing maintenance” and we are happy to work that out with you, should that be your wish.
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Taking Care Of Your Friends and Loved Ones
We pride ourselves on the fact that 80% of our new patients have been referred to us by our past patients or people in the community who have witnessed their friends and loved ones receiving life-changing benefits from our work.
So we very much look forward to helping your friends, family, and loved ones on their journey to a more joyful, energetic and purposeful life.
We invite you for a free 15-minute Discovery Call to find out more
Click Now To Request Your Free 15-minute Discovery Call
Or, just call 604-678-8600 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture:
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture is not meant to be painful. You may feel a slight prick upon insertion of the needle or feel a dull ache, tingling, warmth, or sensation of heaviness with needle placement, but no part of the treatment is ever meant to be painful or uncomfortable in any way. Once the needles are in, you should be able to rest comfortably for the duration of the treatment. Please let your practitioner know if anything feels uncomfortable at any point during your treatment.
We can use laser acupuncture instead of needles to avoid any discomfort or fear of needles.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Acupuncture is an incredibly safe treatment modality with minimal risk of adverse side effects. Although occasional and minimal, some side effects are possible and normally disappear shortly after treatment (such as slight bleeding or small bruises). Each needle is sterile and disposable, eliminating the risk for infection.
How often will I need treatment? When will I start to notice results?
Frequency may be determined by the severity of the condition (whether chronic or acute) and a variety of other factors that will be determined during your initial consultation. Typical treatment frequency is once or twice a week with regular reassessment of symptoms and appropriate modification of treatment frequency and protocol. Most people feel calm and relaxed after acupuncture treatments, and improvement of conditions will vary depending on severity and duration.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture consists of inserting hair-thin, stainless steel needles in different parts of the body to elicit various biological and physiological responses through activation of sensory receptors. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the healing state of the autonomic nervous system, as opposed to fight or flight), increases blood flow to injured areas, decreases inflammation, boosts the immune system, and sends the message to the brain via the central nervous system to release pain-relieving neurotransmitters such as endorphins and serotonin.
What if I’m afraid of needles?
We have a solution. We offer a "no needle" approach using laser acupuncture (low level laser therapy) for those who are needle-phobic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT/Photobiomodulation) Treatment:
How does low level laser therapy work?
Low level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser or photobiomodulation, utilizes red and infrared light. These wavelengths of light work to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, promote blood circulation and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), and promote tissue regeneration. How does it accomplish this? By increasing mitochondrial ATP production through the process of photobiomodulation. Mitochondria function as the "power plants" of your cells, and the increase in ATP production (cellular energy) accelerates your body’s healing process, cell metabolism, and cellular regeneration at the DNA level. Low level laser therapy also facilitates the secretion of serotonin, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and endorphins for pain management.
How is low level laser therapy different than acupuncture?
Low level laser therapy shares many benefits of acupuncture, including:
- Increased blood circulation
- Decreased inflammation
- Pain relief caused by the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines and neurotransmitters.
Instead of using acupuncture needles to activate the nervous system, low level laser therapy uses red and infrared light to stimulate cellular photon metabolism. Our combined laser and acupuncture treatments incorporate the best of ancient Eastern and innovative Western modalities for powerful and effective relief of symptoms. During your initial consult, we can discuss whether low level laser therapy, acupuncture, or both, will be best for your specific health concerns.
How often will I need treatment? When will I start to notice results?
With low level laser therapy, initial frequency is crucial for positive results. Depending on the condition, we typically recommend three treatments per week for the first two weeks or so, and then gradually taper down to periodic maintenance treatments or until your symptoms have been completely alleviated. Depending on the severity, type, and length of injury, between 5-20 treatments are typical before the desired results are achieved.
Are there any side effects of low level laser therapy?
No. Low level laser therapy is completely safe, non-invasive, pain free, and has no adverse side effects.
We invite you for a free 15-minute Discovery Call to find out more
Click Now To Request Your Free 15-minute Discovery Call
Or, just call 604-678-8600 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
An Unparalleled Track Record of Excellence
Our mission is simple: Exceptional Caring. Exceptional Results.
Success Stories
MY HOT FLASHES COMPLETELY WENT AWAY
“I had been in peri-menopause for eight years when I started seeing Emilie. After acupuncture and only two doses of her medicinal Chinese tea, my hot flashes completely went away and my life finally felt calm. Emilie saved me from insanity in my 40s!” Read more »
DR. FUNK SINGLE-HANDEDLY HELPED ME MORE THAN ANY OTHER PRACTITIONER IN ANY OTHER FIELD
“Dr. Ryan Funk offers a knowledgeable, unique, and heartfelt approach to his acupuncture practice. After years of visiting many doctors...” Read more »
COMING TO ACUBALANCE WAS A HUGE STEP FOR ME
“Your knowledge, skill, and sensitivity to what I had gone through was evident. I remember coming to my first appointment arms full of operative reports and pathology, feeling I had to prepare for being dismissed. I was shocked when you didn't look at a single paper. It was obvious to me right then that this was going to be a totally different experience than what I was used to. You just listened...” Read more »
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
We invite you for a free 15-minute Discovery Call to find out more
Click Now To Request Your Free 15-minute Discovery Call
Or, just call 604-678-8600 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
Our Team
We look forward to helping your friends, family, and loved ones on their journey. Meet our team.
Finding Acubalance in Vancouver
208-888 W 8th Ave #208 Vancouver, BC V5Z 3Y1, Canada
Phone: 604.678.8600
Email: clinic@acubalance.ca
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