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If you are in your 40s and dealing with irregular periods, sleep problems, mood changes, hot flashes or brain fog, you are not imagining it. Perimenopause often starts before menopause itself, and changing hormone levels can affect how you feel long before your periods stop completely. ACOG notes that changes in menstrual bleeding are one of the most common first signs, and the National Institute on Aging says this transition can also bring hot flashes, night sweats, trouble

If you have PCOS, you may be dealing with more than irregular periods. It can affect ovulation, fertility, acne, unwanted hair growth, insulin response, weight, mood, and energy, which is why so many women feel like the issue is bigger than one symptom. PCOS is a hormone-related condition, and major medical sources note that common signs include irregular or missed periods, infertility, acne, excess hair growth, and metabolic changes. At Wheeler Acupuncture & Functional Welln

The vagus nerve, a crucial component of our autonomic nervous system, plays a pivotal role in regulating various bodily functions and is increasingly recognized for its influence on overall health and well-being. Originating in the brainstem and extending through the neck to the abdomen, this "wandering nerve" interfaces with major organs like the heart, lungs, and digestive system, impacting everything from heart rate and digestion to immune response and mood. At Wheeler Acu

Are you on the brink of quitting because your job has literally become a pain in your neck? As minor as it may seem, neck pain from sitting at a desk for long periods of time can cause more serious chronic pain and missed time from your work or home life. As a female, you already have a greater risk for neck pain because women hold stress in their necks and upper backs more than men. But the good news is…you don’t have to quit your job. You can release that built-up tension a

In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an oppressive force, affecting our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As we navigate the demands of daily life, finding effective ways to manage stress is essential for maintaining overall health and vitality. Enter acupuncture, a time-honored practice that offers a holistic approach to stress relief and well-being. Located St. Charles, Missouri, Wheeler Acupuncture & Functional Wellness clinic specializes in providing p

In the midst of July's sunny days, there's a golden opportunity to leverage the sun's rays for your health, particularly through the production of vitamin D. Vitamin D, often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," is crucial for numerous physiological functions, ranging from supporting bone health to enhancing immune function and regulating mood. At Wheeler Acupuncture, we emphasize the importance of optimizing vitamin D levels, especially in relation to stress management and

In our modern, fast-paced world, stress has become an unavoidable aspect of daily life, impacting our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. While there are various methods for coping with stress, one increasingly recognized approach is acupuncture. At Wheeler Acupuncture & Functional Wellness in St. Charles, Missouri, we advocate for the regular use of acupuncture, 2-4 times a month, to help regulate stress and cortisol levels, ultimately aiding individuals in managing

Wheeler Acupuncture and Functional Wellness, in St. Charles, MO offers a holistic approach to well-being that encompasses mind, body, and spirit. One of the primary benefits of acupuncture is its ability to reduce stress and alleviate the physiological effects of chronic tension on the body. In today's fast-paced world, stress has become a pervasive concern, contributing to a myriad of health issues ranging from anxiety and depression to cardiovascular disease and immune dysf

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), also known as premature ovarian failure, is a condition in which a woman's ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40. This can result in irregular or absent menstrual periods, infertility, and symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. The exact cause of POI is often unknown, but it can be associated with autoimmune disorders, genetic factors, and certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. Ac

There are several hormones that play a critical role in fertility in both men and women. The normal hormone levels for optimal fertility can vary depending on the individual and their age, but here are some general guidelines: For Women: 1. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH ) : Normal levels of FSH vary depending on where a woman is in her menstrual cycle, but on average, levels should be less than 10-15 IU/L during the follicular phase and less than 50 IU/L during the luteal

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy or "qi." While there is no scientific evidence that acupuncture can directly detoxify the body, some proponents of acupuncture believe that it can help support the body's natural detoxification processes by promoting circulation and reducing stress. In the case of detoxing after years of taking the birth control pil

Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points in the body. Many studies have shown that acupuncture can be beneficial for fertility, and it can help in the following ways: 1. Regulating menstrual cycle : Acupuncture can help regulate the menstrual cycle by stimulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, which controls the release of hormones that regulate ovulation. 2. Increasing blood flow to the reproductive org

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy or "qi" throughout the body. It is believed that acupuncture can help a breech baby by stimulating certain points on the body that can help turn the baby into the proper head-down position for delivery. According to some studies, acupuncture may be effective in turning a breech baby by promoting relaxation in the mot

If you have been struggling with infertility issues and diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), be encouraged and know that you can still get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy – naturally . Infertility and diminished ovarian reserve can leave you frustrated, heartbroken or hopeless as you struggle to get pregnant or have multiple miscarriages. The trauma that comes with infertility can cause marital distress, an inability to function well at work and major financ

Digestive disorders can bring discomfort or be downright disruptive to your life. More importantly, they can be indicators of more serious health problems – even conditions that don’t seem related to your gut. Over the past decade, tons of research supports the idea that your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is your second brain – you’ve probably heard this. The good news is, you can completely restore your gut health and consequently restore your overall health. The Gut-Wrenching

If you’ve begun looking for natural infertility treatments because you are exhausted from the rollercoaster of IVF and all the other options you’ve tried, let this blog bring you new hope! If you are just thinking about trying to get pregnant but concerned about your fertility or your husband’s, this could help you get a quicker positive result without so much trauma. Even if you’ve suffered a miscarriage, acupuncture can help you conceive and support your baby through delive

Every successful journey needs a good map, so your road to good health needs the data to ensure you will reach your destination. Think of it this way: If you don’t know the root cause of a problem, you don’t know the best starting point and route to follow. A thorough evaluation of your overall health is essential to plot your road to success. Conventional medicine typically focuses on just one aspect of that journey. Testing is narrow in scope and focuses on a specific sympt

The small choices we make every day add up to a lasting impact on our long-term health. One of the most striking examples of how good decisions lead to good outcomes is the role of our everyday food choices on longevity. Growing research points to the importance of diet on both quality of life and lifespan - it turns out there really is a fountain of youth, and it starts with what you eat! We Are What We Eat Western diets have increasingly become pro-inflammatory, calorie hea

Do you need to take supplements? The answer isn’t always straightforward. In a perfect world, all the nutrients we need are readily available from a well-rounded diet. However, many other factors come into play. Simply put, today’s world isn’t always conducive to a diet that meets all your needs. Here are some questions to ask to determine if supplementation is the right choice for you. Where do you get your food? Conventional farming practices have led to nutrient loss in ma

Spring is a time for renewal, rebirth, new beginnings – and spring cleaning. One survey found that almost 80% of us embark on at least one spring cleaning project at this time of the year, with bedrooms, closets, and kitchens being the top priorities. With this focus on fresh starts, it's also a great time to focus on cleansing your body and recharging your health. After all, it was a long winter and taking some time to make your health a priority will help recharge your ener