Joyce Wellness

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, taps into the body's intricate network of meridians, where over 360 acupuncture points serve as portals to our internal energy flow, or "qi." ☯️

Imagine these acupoints as the body's command centers, strategically located to influence health and vitality. For instance, the LI4 (Hegu) point, nestled between your thumb and index finger, isn't just for relieving headaches; it's a powerhouse for boosting immune function and alleviating stress.​​​​​​​​
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These points aren't merely physical locations but rather dynamic intersections where the body's energy and biological functions converge. Stimulating them can unleash a cascade of biochemical reactions, such as endorphin release, which can alleviate pain and enhance your mood. Acupuncture helps modulate the autonomic nervous system, helping to balance the often unnoticed yet crucial processes like digestion and heart rate.

By accessing these points, acupuncture doesn't just treat symptoms; it harmonizes the body’s internal landscape, fostering a profound sense of well-being and equilibrium. This holistic approach highlights the elegance and depth of acupuncture, making it a fascinating blend of art and science.​​​​​​​​
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In addition to my telemedicine appointments for functional medicine and fertility, I am available for in-person acupuncture sessions on Wednesdays 10am-4pm in San Clemente at ! I will only be seeing one patient per hour to give my full attention to my clients. This also gives me the ability to add more extras like acupressure, ear seeds, gua sha and cupping for no extra charge.​​​​​​​​
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My next availability is July 31st. Send me a DM or en email to schedule a session 🌸 I can't wait to see you in person!

Breakfast. One of the best changes I ever made in my health and weight management is ditching traditional breakfast foods. I first learned how counterproductive American breakfast choices are while doing medical volunteer work in Central and South America, and doing my advanced training in Gynecology in Hangzhou, China. While the Americans were all eating cereal and pancakes, our host families would be eating rice, beans and steak, or soup with veggies and protein. I would be reaching for snacks by 11 am while my local counterparts were still busy at work. Now in my work with clients a huge priority in nutritional coaching is aiming for 30 gm of protein at breakfast and loading up on nutrient dense ingredients like greens and fermented foods. So, while my hubby and kiddos have pancakes and bacon this memorial day I am having beef kabob, pickled vegetables, dolmas, rice and tabbouli… and I might still have a pancake for dessert if I want it. 🌸

In addition to my telemedicine appointments for functional medicine and fertility, I am now available for in-person acupuncture and herbal medicine sessions on Wednesdays 10am-4pm in San Clemente at ! This nourishing space has ocean views and you can smell the salty air 🌊 ​​​​​​​​☀️
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I will only be seeing one patient per hour to give my full attention to my clients. This also gives me the ability to add more extras like acupressure, ear seeds, gua sha and cupping for no extra charge.
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Send me a DM or en email to book a session 🌸 I can't wait to see you in person!

After closing my office in Costa Mesa last year, I had a grieving period. I loved the team I had, I loved my space, I loved feeling a part of something bigger than myself. There were some huge transitions over the last year and it was necessary for me to put my family first and work on a smaller scale. It was a difficult choice, but the right one. A few months ago I started feeling called to being back in a work community and seeing patients in person, but I wasn’t sure where or how that would happen. Then a door opened with a beautiful team of practitioners in San Clemente led by . It took some time and settling to make sure it was the right fit but now I am thrilled to be joining their team at . I will still be seeing most of my functional medicine clients via telemedicine but am happy to get back to my first love, acupuncture and herbal medicine. Come visit me on Wednesdays at the nourishing space by the beach! DM me or email me to book. ☀️

“The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.” - Ann Wigmore
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In my practice, I embrace this truth wholeheartedly. Through a whole foods approach, I guide patients to discover their metabolic type, empowering them to make food choices that optimize brain and body function while addressing acute medical conditions. 🍎🥗🧀🍓
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For women, personalized nutrition takes on deeper meaning with “cycle syncing.” This innovative therapy adapts to the unique fluctuations in a woman’s nutritional needs throughout her menstrual cycle. By tailoring food choices to provide targeted micronutrient support for each phase, we can naturally support hormone regulation and improve fertility.
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Ready to explore which foods best nourish your unique body and take charge of your holistic health? Schedule a virtual “Functional Medicine Consult” with me—a comprehensive 45-75 minute session where we’ll delve into your medical history and address your concerns. After our session, I’ll provide you with a detailed summary and action plan. Book your session through the link in my bio. 🌸

If you are on the journey to conceive naturally, seeking to boost the success rates of fertility treatments, or have experienced unsuccessful IUIs or IVF cycles, I'm here to support you 💗 My name is Megan Joyce, LAC FABORM and I specialize in holistic and integrative fertility treatments.​​​​​​​​
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Collaborating with Reproductive Endocrinologists both in Orange County and nationwide, I offer my expertise to guide you through functional fertility testing. This testing helps identify your unique obstacles to conception, enabling me to tailor a treatment plan designed specifically for you, aimed at enhancing your fertility and clearing any potential hurdles to conception.​​​​​​​​
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My approach incorporates functional nutrition plans, precise supplement protocols, and lifestyle counseling to not only improve your overall health but also to increase your chances of a live birth. Recognizing the importance of mental and emotional well-being, I also provide psycho-emotional support throughout your fertility journey, aiming to significantly reduce stress levels and create a more positive and hopeful experience.​​​​​​​​
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To learn more about how I can support you on your journey, schedule a "Fertility Consult" telemedicine meeting with me. You can easily book a time on my website—just look for the link in my bio 🌸

It is an honor to support women at every stage of their journey towards motherhood, from the moment they decide to conceive, through pregnancy, into postpartum, and beyond 🌸
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For those of you currently navigating pregnancy, I'm dedicated to optimizing the support for both you and your developing baby. By scheduling a virtual Functional Medicine consultation with me, we can embark on a personalized health journey tailored specifically to your needs during this crucial time.
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Functional Medicine offers a holistic approach that integrates advanced Western diagnostics with natural treatment options. This method is particularly beneficial during pregnancy, as it allows us to comprehensively address the unique health challenges and needs you may face. Potential testing could include blood work, DUTCH tests for detailed adrenal and s*x hormone analysis, GI map stool analysis for uncovering hidden gastrointestinal issues, and Genova Organix tests for a thorough evaluation of your metabolic, detoxification, and inflammatory statuses. These specialized tests are selected based on your individual health profile and pregnancy journey, ensuring we uncover and address any underlying issues that could impact your and your baby's health. This personalized approach aims to provide you with the most effective support, guiding you towards a healthy pregnancy and beyond.​​​​​​​​
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To learn more about how I can support you on your journey, schedule a "Functional Medicine Consult" telemedicine meeting with me. You can easily book a time on my website—just look for the link in my bio 🌸

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Looking to get pregnant in 2024 or know someone who is? Get in touch!

I am a fertility expert, and I’m now accepting new patients in my fully virtual fertility program 🎉⁣

Embarking on the path to becoming a parent is an extraordinary journey, filled with hope and challenges. As a dedicated fertility doula, I am committed to enriching this journey with professional expertise, deep empathy, and unparalleled convenience. Here’s how my virtual fertility doula program can transform your experience:

🌸 Accessibility & flexibility: No matter where you are or how busy your schedule, my virtual support is just a call or message away, offering flexibility that is ideal for those with busy lives or living in remote areas.

🌸 Custom-tailored support: My approach is to offer personalized guidance that caters specifically to your unique fertility journey, focusing on both the practical aspects and your emotional and mental well-being. As your dedicated ally, I am committed to supporting you every step of the way.

🌸 Educational resources: I simplify the complexities of fertility with clear, accurate information, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and journey.

🌸 Holistic approach: Beyond physical aspects, I emphasize a holistic approach, incorporating mindfulness, stress-reduction techniques, and lifestyle advice for a positive impact on your fertility journey.

🌸 Privacy and comfort: Receive support in the comfort and privacy of your own home, making it easier to discuss sensitive topics and express feelings freely.

🌸 Cost-effectiveness: My virtual doula services are often more affordable than traditional in-person services, making professional support accessible to a wider range of individuals.

I work with patients located anywhere in the US 🇺🇸 Send me a DM or an email at [email protected] for more information or to book a consultation appointment 🗓️

Modern nutritional science has made significant advances in understanding how food biochemistry impacts our health 💪🏻 🧠 This body of research sheds light on how various foods can affect our metabolic processes, immune system, hormonal balance, and even mood and cognitive functions.

By integrating this knowledge with the principles of oriental medicine nutritional therapy, which emphasizes the balance and flow of energy (Qi) through the body and the thermal and energetic nature of foods, we can develop highly personalized dietary plans. These plans are tailored not only to meet individual metabolic types but also to align with specific health goals, such as enhancing energy levels, managing weight, or preventing disease.​​​​​​​​
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In my practice, I employ a whole foods approach to help patients discover their metabolic type, enabling food choices that optimize brain and body function while addressing acute medical conditions.​​ 🍎🥗🧀🍓
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For women, the concept of personalized nutrition takes on added depth with the practice of "cycle syncing." This innovative nutritional therapy adapts to the unique fluctuations in a woman's nutritional needs throughout her menstrual cycle. By fine-tuning food choices to provide targeted micronutrient support for each phase, it's possible to naturally support hormone regulation and improve fertility.

I work with patients located anywhere in the US 🇺🇸 Send me a DM or an email at [email protected] for more information or to book a consultation appointment 🗓️

This summer’s reading included this baby. At first I found myself covering the book cover while reading on a plane. Despite being a women’s health practitioner, I got caught up by the centuries of conditioning that the word “vagina” is shameful, vulgar and improper. And no wonder! Shame is literally imbued into our language. The german word for l***a translates to “shame lips”! What the F?!?!
For centuries, doctors and researchers exclusively studied male anatomy and assumed women’s anatomy was the “inferior form” or merely a “receptacle”. Science and healthcare is only recently catching up to the reality that women’s anatomy, women’s sophisticated hormonal matrix, and the innate physiological connection to nature is FAR from inferior.
So I woke the F up and started proudly flaunting this work of art. You better believe my daughters friends were giggling at first when they saw me reading this at the beach. And then it opened up a whole conversation about why we have those feelings about the word “vagina” but not about “nose” or “belly”. The giggling stopped. It resonated with them. We deserve to know our bodies, name all parts with their proper names, and feel nothing but gratitude for our bodies and curiosity about how we can understand them better.

This is not a post about food…. it’s about nourishment. Last weekend I attended the second installment of Exploring the Veda through . For those of you who do not know, I first learned Vedic Meditation when I was deep in the trenches of postpartum depression and postpartum rage that started about 5 months postpartum and continued for a number of years. Learning this meditation technique provided a much needed lifeline that reconnected me to my self worth, which at the time, was completely gone. As I have healed, slowly… I have continued to deepen my meditation practice with retreats and now with the Exploring the Veda courses. We are fed beautiful, love- infused meals, listen to lectures from and discuss tools for leading more effortless lives. If you have struggled with meditation, as I had for years, I can’t recommend this technique enough. It switches the script on what a “good meditation” is. What used to feel so hard now provides opportunities for release and deeper connection to myself and others.

Looking to get pregnant or know someone who is? I am a fertility doula ✨​​​​​​​​
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Imagine having a dedicated fertility expert by your side, providing personalized support every step of the way. My fully virtual program is designed to meet your unique needs as an individual or couple, offering comprehensive fertility support tailored to your goals.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Whether you're seeking to enhance natural conception, navigate assisted reproductive technology, or simply make your fertility journey easier, I'm here for you. With a functional and reproductive medicine approach, I'll conduct an initial consultation and thorough evaluation, empowering you with holistic guidance and recommendations.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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I work with patients located anywhere in the US 🇺🇸 Send me a DM or an email at [email protected] for more information or to book a consultation appointment 🌸

In the world of functional medicine, sleep is a pillar of health, and essential oils can play a valuable role in optimizing your sleep quality. 🛌✨⁣

Research shows that certain essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, and valerian, have natural compounds known to promote relaxation and support the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. These oils can help ease stress and anxiety, two common culprits behind sleep disturbances.

As one of the most popular sleep inducing essential oils, lavender has a sweet and comforting aroma with a cooling effect on the nervous system. It is associated with the Lung, Liver, and Pericardium. Research shows that lavender essential oil helps alleviate headache-causing tension, treat anxiety and insomnia, reduce the prevalence of inflammation in the body, and ward off various viral and bacterial infections.

Here's how to incorporate essential oils for better sleep:
💨 Aromatherapy: Use a diffuser to disperse essential oils into the air before bedtime. The gentle aroma can create a calming atmosphere, preparing your body and mind for a restful night.

🧴 Topical Application: Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and apply them to pulse points, like your wrists and neck. This can have a soothing effect and promote relaxation.

🛀 Bath Time: Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a warm bath before bedtime. This can be a luxurious and calming ritual to unwind before sleep.

💆🏻‍♀️ Massage: Consider a gentle massage with diluted essential oils, focusing on areas like the shoulders and back. The tactile sensation combined with the aromatherapy can be incredibly relaxing.

Functional medicine x PCOS (Polycystic O***y Syndrome) 🌸 ​​​​​​​​ Functional medicine offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to managing PCOS. Rather than simply addressing the symptoms, functional medicine seeks to identify and treat the underlying root causes of this complex condition. With a focus on holistic well-being, functional medicine provides a promising approach for managing PCOS and improving overall quality of life.​​​​​​​​
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By examining factors such as hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, inflammation, gut health, and stress, I develop individualized treatment plans for PCOS patients in my (fully virtual) functional medicine program. These plans often include dietary and lifestyle modifications, targeted supplementation, stress management techniques, and exercise recommendations. By addressing the unique needs of each individual with PCOS, my functional medicine program empowers patients to take an active role in their health and achieve long-lasting results.​​​​​​​​

Send me a DM or an email at [email protected] for more information 🌸

Sleep: The Gateway to Optimal Wellness 💤​​​​​​​​
In the realm of holistic health, Functional Medicine and the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) "organ body clock" converge, shedding light on the profound importance of sleep. Just as the sun rises and sets, our body operates on a 24-hour cycle, intricately linked to the functions of our organs. According to the ancient wisdom of TCM, each organ has its designated time of peak activity, allowing for optimal energy flow and restoration. But here's the key: Sleep is the essential catalyst. When we prioritize quality sleep, we unlock a treasure trove of benefits for our well-being.​​​​​​​​
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During the night, our bodies enter a phase of repair, rejuvenation, and healing. Ample sleep supports our immune system, regulates hormonal balance, sharpens mental clarity, and nurtures emotional well-being.​​​​​​​​
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For example, the liver is associated with peak activity time between 1 am and 3 am. This period is crucial for liver functions such as detoxification, regulating blood flow, and emotional well-being. Disruptions during this time may lead to sleep issues and other symptoms. By addressing imbalances and supporting the liver during its peak hours, through practices like adequate sleep, relaxation techniques, and mindful eating, we can optimize overall health and well-being.​​​​​​​​
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Functional Medicine recognizes that quality sleep nourishes not just our bodies but also our minds and spirits. By aligning with our body's natural rhythms, we unlock its remarkable capacity for self-healing and restore equilibrium in our lives.⁣ ​​​​​​​​
My fully virtual Functional Medicine program is for anyone dealing with complicated health concerns, like trouble sleeping, where there is no clear diagnosis, or for those who have been diagnosed but are not responding to conventional medicine. My program is completely customized to your unique needs, providing you with holistic guidance and recommendations.​​​​​​​

Send me a DM or an email at [email protected] for more information 🌸

I’ve been in limited contact for a bit while I have been in Ireland visiting my husband’s family, soaking in stories from my 91 year old father in law, escaping torrential downpours and marveling in all the shades of green. I have also been struck by the juxtaposition of my world in the wellness industry, where experts debate about the dangers of oxalates in spinach versus the acidic nature of meat. It wasn’t too long ago here in Ireland when there were mass emigrations due to a devastating famine (politically created but that is for a different post), when food… of any form, was a luxury. Many died, and many who were able to leave lost their lives at sea. Our being here has created a powerful opportunity to not only teach our kids the reality of their privilege, but also eat and breathe in my own. Sometimes “wellness” means eating ice cream, by the sea… with such deep appreciation for life’s gifts that you know your body and soul are being nourished.

Herbal Medicine has been used for thousands of years in every culture of the world to provide natural relief for pain and illness. Herbal medicine is commonly used as a substitute for over the counter or prescription medications, or is used to combat the unfavorable side effects of pharmaceuticals. Herbs are excellent for increasing energy, decreasing stress, managing chronic pain, and alleviating allergies 🌿

Herbal medicine is very powerful in helping with women’s health issues such as PCOS, endometriosis, menopause and other hormone irregularities. Most people don’t realize that many of the most commonly prescribed medications, from aspirin to quinine, are derived from herbal medicine. The active ingredient is extracted from these natural substances, and then synthetically reproduced and concentrated.

The adulteration of these natural medicines is usually what leads to unpleasant or dangerous side effects. However, in herbal medicine, extracts of the whole herb are used so that the natural balance is retained. These natural substances are prescribed in a variety of forms depending on the patient’s individual needs. Herbs may be consumed in tea, powder, or pill form. I prescribe a combination of patented herbal pills and tablets, as well as customized herbal formulas that are compounded specifically for each patient. Only the highest quality, herbs and supplements are prescribed and all products are all third-party tested for safety, purity, and efficacy.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates​​​​​​​​ 🍎 🥖🥩🍳🌮🥗
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With greater technological advances in modern medicine, we have lost sight of the most basic and most important medical treatment of all: nutritious food. Every time we sit down for a meal there is an opportunity to satisfy our taste buds as well as fuel our bodies.

My practice honors this truth by providing customized nutritional counseling that is based on each individual patient’s needs. Using a whole foods approach, I combine modern research on food biochemistry with the fundamentals of oriental medicine nutritional therapy. I help patients discover their metabolic type so that food choices can be made to optimize brain and body function, while helping to alleviate acute medical conditions.​​​​​​​​
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For my female patients, I teach the principles of “cycle syncing”. This form of nutritional therapy allows patients to make food choices that provide micronutrient support for each phase of the menstrual cycle to support hormone regulation and improve fertility.​​​​​​​​
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Send me a DM or an email at [email protected] for more information on my fully virtual Functional Medicine program 🌸

As a fertility doula, my approach seamlessly blends my training in holistic fertility support with the latest advancements in reproductive medicine research, ensuring that each patient receives the utmost effective and cutting-edge treatment available.​​​​​​​​
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I guide my patients through personalized dietary and lifestyle adjustments to optimize fertility and manage stress effectively. Should functional medicine testing be recommended, I focus on addressing physiological aspects known to influence egg and s***m quality while also supporting implantation and ongoing pregnancy wellness.​​​​​​​​
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Throughout your journey, whether you're aiming for natural conception or using assisted reproductive technology, I provide unwavering support. Collaborating closely with reproductive endocrinologists, my approach aims to enhance s***m and egg quality, improve blood circulation to reproductive organs, and alleviate inflammation. By harmonizing holistic medicine with contemporary reproductive technology, I can elevate success rates for medicated cycles, IUI, and IVF. My commitment extends to offering expert guidance to all patients, including single mothers, same-s*x couples, and those interested in preserving eggs for future conception.​​​​​​​​
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​Send me a DM or an email at [email protected] for more information 🌸

"I want to thank you for all your help leading up to this and always being so supportive and fighting alongside me! 🤍"​​​​​​​ The best news is a patient’s fertility success story 😃 🎉 ​​​​​​​​
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My fully virtual "Fertility Doula" program is designed to meet your unique needs as an individual or couple, offering comprehensive fertility support tailored to your goals.​​​​​​​​ Whether you're seeking to enhance natural conception, navigate assisted reproductive technology, or simply make your fertility journey easier, I'm here for you. With a functional and reproductive medicine approach, I'll conduct an initial consultation and thorough evaluation, empowering you with holistic guidance and recommendations.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Send me a DM or an email at [email protected] for more information 🌸

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of Yin and Yang serves as the foundation for understanding health, as well as diagnosing and treating illnesses. Yin and Yang are two opposite, but mutually interconnected forces. ​​​​​​​​
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In terms of the human body, yin is associated with the lower parts of the body, while yang is associated with the upper body and back. Given yin and yang’s interconnectivity, diseases are not seen as entities separate from the body, but instead are understood as states of yin and yang imbalance.​​​​​​​​
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Yin and yang are in constant flux. If one becomes unbalanced in the body, illness occurs. For example, since yin is cold, an excess of yin can cause illnesses such as insomnia and dry-mouth. Conversely, a yang deficiency can cause cold limbs and a sickly-complexion. Good health then, is maintained by balancing yin and yang ☯️

Herbal Medicine is the study of the botany and use of medicinal plants. Plants have been used for thousands of years in every culture of the world to provide natural relief for pain and illness. Herbs are excellent for increasing energy, decreasing stress, managing chronic pain, and alleviating allergies. They can even play a powerful role in helping with women’s health issues such as PCOS, endometriosis, menopause and other hormone irregularities.​​​​​​​​
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Most people don’t realize that many of the most commonly prescribed medications, from aspirin to quinine, are derived from herbal medicine. The active ingredient is extracted from these natural substances, and then synthetically reproduced and concentrated. The adulteration of these natural medicines is usually what leads to unpleasant or dangerous side effects from prescription medications.​​​​​​​​
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On the other hand, Herbal Medicine uses extracts of the whole herb so that the natural balance is retained ☯️ These natural substances are prescribed in a variety of forms. Depending on the patient’s individual needs, herbs may be consumed in tea, powder, or pill form. For Joyce Wellness patients, I prescribe a combination of patented herbal pills and tablets, as well as customized herbal formulas that are compounded specifically for each person's needs.

If you can spare a few minutes, we would love if you left a review on Google! 🌸 https://g.page/r/Ccp7taMxhZOTEAI/review

Outside people are rushing to work, running errands, taking calls. Inside this office, a woman and her husband just saw a picture of their embryo, and watched as that embryo was carefully placed inside her uterus. It’s not the way this couple hoped they’d conceive, but it’s beautiful and awe inspiring nonetheless.
I’ve been asked by a number of patients recently about the data around pre and post embryo transfer acupuncture. Most women that I work with do a lot of research to increase their success rates of IVF treatments. At first glance it can seem like the data is very mixed around embryo transfer acupuncture, but in fact certain data points are clear throughout:
1) implantation increases with acupuncture 30 minutes before and after embryo transfer.
2) if you have to drive to the acupuncture treatment, then go to your transfer, and back to the acupuncturist’s office then implantation rates actually DECREASE. When a patient isn’t able to have me come to the fertility center to give acupuncture on-site, I recommend getting a treatment the day before, and then resting, cuddling with a partner or loved one and watching funny movies afterward. No extra trips and stress on the road.
3) There are specific acupuncture protocols which seem best for fresh transfers (namely Paulus protocol) but customized treatments are best for frozen embryo transfers. This is new exciting data!
Is it necessary to have acupuncture to have a successful transfer? Absolutely not. But data does support an increase in clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. There is also something that changes about the experience when there is tender touch, calming music and ritual around this extraordinary experience. One of the most important roles I play is by helping patients connect to their bodies, their partners and the experience… which can sometimes be difficult in a procedure that can feel very clinical.