If you’re noticing more mood swings, fatigue, or night sweats and wondering if it’s perimenopause, you’re in the right place. This journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and insights, you can bring balance back into your life naturally.

In this episode, Susannah Freeman, founder of Guide to Wellness, brings a compassionate and practical approach, blending Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to address perimenopause symptoms. She highlights how the Five Pillars of Health—Digestion & Detoxification, Functional Nutrition, Hormonal & Metabolic Health, Rest and Movement, and Brain Health & Well-being—can help you manage symptoms and improve your well-being.

• Understand the root causes of perimenopausal symptoms through the lens of TCM, like liver Qi stagnation and blood deficiency.

• Discover practical ways to balance hormones with nutrition, herbal medicine, and acupuncture.

• Learn actionable tips for improving digestion, sleep, and energy with simple lifestyle adjustments.

This episode is filled with practical advice and strategies to support you through perimenopause. Whether it’s addressing brain fog, boosting your energy, or easing hormonal shifts, these solutions can make a difference. Want more support? Visit Guide to Wellness to learn how we can work together to help you feel your best, and contact us if you have questions about your symptoms. You don’t have to navigate this alone—there’s a solution waiting for you!

• Receive a free 15 minute consultation! Just fill out the Work with Us form on our website and mention episode #21 of the Guide to Wellness podcast.

(Note: you must be a resident of Montana or Arizona for us to provide medical advice to you.)

• Check out our Website: www.guidetowellness.com

• Or the Website of the acupuncture clinic: www.greatturninghealing.com

• Give us a Call: 406-599-0088

• Follow us on Facebook, And Instagram

Resources referenced in the show:

• Histamine rich foods study on PubMed:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8308327/#B14-nutrients-13-02228

          See  Section 1.1 for references to histamine and the menstrual cycle.

• Histamine rich foods list: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8308327/figure/nutrients-13-02228-f004/

• Mindy Pelz : Fast Like a Girl

• Castor oil packs and information: contact us for handouts and your own supply

• Mindset coaching and mental training fitness app:  Innercise https://mkt.myinnercise.com/go/?p=JAAFF12857&w=APPINNERCISESUBSCRIB

In this second episode of this series, Dr. Breana McElgunn and Susannah Freeman delve into the complexities of menopause and postmenopause offering insights and practical advice for managing these natural transitions. They explore life after Menopause. Which is for many women almost half of their lifespan.

Many women live almost half their life postmenopause. We break down what to expect and how to tell if something you are noticing is a sign of a problem or a natural adjustment of your body. Aging with grace is not always easy in a culture that focused so much on youth but Dr. B and Susannah share about their experience of strength and comfort and helping patients feels the same. 

Explore the power of nutrition, lifestyle tweaks, and herbal remedies. Learn why early intervention is key. Regular hormone level testing and working with integrative providers like acupuncturists and naturopaths can make a world of difference.

Dr. McElgunn and Susannah bring a wealth of personal and professional experience, making their advice super relatable and actionable.

Let’s make this journey a little smoother and a lot more empowering—because you deserve it!

Great Turning Healing Center

406-599-0088

www.greatturninghealing.com

https://www.guidetowellness.com/

Facebook, Instagram

In part one, Dr. Breana McElgunn and Susannah Freeman delve into the complexities of perimenopause and menopause, offering insights and practical advice for managing these natural transitions. They emphasize that menopausal changes can begin as early as 35 and extend into the late 50s, a span of up to 20 years. This broad range can lead to confusing symptoms that overlap with other life stressors or dietary issues. Dr. B and Susannah address cultural concerns, noting how women are often misunderstood or stigmatized during this phase. They reassure listeners that these changes are normal and manageable, providing valuable tools to stabilize uncomfortable symptoms.

The conversation gets detailed about hormone production and interaction, focusing on low progesterone and estrogen. Dr. B and Susannah stress the importance of early testing to tailor treatments effectively. They advocate for holistic approaches—highlighting nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and herbal medicine as primary strategies. Hormone medications are discussed as a last resort, ensuring that women have a comprehensive, natural toolkit to manage their health. Their insights are not just theoretical but grounded in personal and professional experiences, making their advice both relatable and actionable.

Listeners are encouraged to seek proactive healthcare, use herbal and nutritional formulas to maintain hormone balance, and consider integrative providers like acupuncturists and naturopaths. Regular hormone level testing and collaborative care among healthcare professionals are crucial for personalized support. Dr. B and Susannah inspire women to embrace a holistic, proactive approach to their health, emphasizing that early intervention can significantly improve overall wellness. This episode is essential for anyone looking to understand and thrive through perimenopause and menopause, offering a supportive and informative guide for navigating these transformative years.

Let’s make this journey a little smoother and a lot more empowering—because you deserve it!

Great Turning Healing Center

406-599-0088

www.greatturninghealing.com

https://www.guidetowellness.com/

Facebook, Instagram

Join host Susannah Freeman, Clinic Director at Great Turning Healing Center, and Acupuncturist Jack Schwem as they explore the ancient practice of acupuncture. This episode delves into the history, practice, and benefits of acupuncture, tracing its origins from ancient China to its modern integration into global medical practices through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Discover acupuncture’s 3000-year history, from its beginnings in ancient China to its evolution and worldwide acceptance. Learn about the adaptation of acupuncture tools and techniques, including needles, acupressure, and moxibustion. Susannah and Jack share their diverse backgrounds and training, emphasizing personalized and holistic patient care. Understand how acupuncture integrates with other treatments like postural reeducation, therapeutic exercises, Chinese herbs, and nutritional guidance. Explore the subjective and objective diagnostic methods used to identify and treat the root causes of health issues.  Gain insights into a comprehensive approach to treatment, lifestyle factors, meridian theory, and trigger points.

Discuss the effectiveness of acupuncture in promoting health and relaxation, despite its mechanisms not being fully understood by Western science. Learn about the importance of addressing both symptoms and underlying causes to achieve overall well-being and prevent future health issues.

Discover the comprehensive and adaptable nature of acupuncture and how it can be tailored to meet individual needs. Subscribe to the Guide to Wellness Podcast for more episodes on holistic health practices.

Let’s make this journey a little smoother and a lot more empowering—because you deserve it!

Great Turning Healing Center

406-599-0088

www.greatturninghealing.com

https://www.guidetowellness.com/

Facebook, Instagram

Susannah Freeman, Clinic Director at Great Turning Healing Center, teams up with acupuncturist Jack Schwem to unravel the complex world of fasting and time-restricted eating. Whether you're curious about the benefits of skipping meals or how to safely incorporate fasting into your routine, this episode is packed with insights.

Jack shares his personal journey with fasting, starting as a high school student inspired by the life of Buddha, and explores the different types of fasting, including intermittent fasting. Together, they highlight the potential benefits, such as enhanced cognitive health and better metabolic regulation, while also acknowledging the ongoing research into long-term effects.

Listeners will gain practical tips on how to fast effectively, including the importance of staying hydrated and eating a nutritious diet. Susannah and Jack dive into the liver’s crucial role in fasting and discuss how to ease into ketosis, making the process more comfortable.

They cover popular fasting protocols like the 16:8 method and 24-hour fasts, and introduce Valter Longo's fasting mimicking diet, which offers an accessible approach for those new to fasting. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the need for personalized fasting plans tailored to individual health needs and goals.

Tune in to this episode to demystify fasting, gain valuable tools, and learn how to make fasting a beneficial part of your wellness journey.

Additional Reading: Fast Like a Girl by Dr. Mindy Pelz

To learn more about fasting options tailored to your lifestyle and metabolic needs, contact or schedule with us here:

Great Turning Healing Center

406-599-0088

www.greatturninghealing.com

https://www.guidetowellness.com/

Facebook, Instagram

In this episode, host Susannah Freeman, L.Ac., and guest Dawn Schwem, Health Coach, delve into the rejuvenating world of spring cleansing. As nature blooms anew, it's the perfect time to align our bodies and minds with the season of renewal.

Susannah brings her expertise in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as Functional Nutrition, to explain how seasonal changes affect our body's internal function and how specific cleansing practices can help us harmonize with these natural rhythms. Dawn, with her extensive background in holistic health coaching, shares insights from cultures around the world that utilize cleansing for psychological and psychospiritual purposes. She also describes how different practices affect other areas of our lives in a positive ripple effect.

Together, they discuss the benefits of detoxifying the body, strategies for mental clarity, and the spiritual aspects of cleansing. Whether you're looking to overhaul your diet, introduce gentle detox practices, or simply refresh your routine, this episode will provide you with the insights and inspiration you need to embark on a cleansing journey that revitalizes your body and uplifts your spirit.

Ready to start your cleansing journey? Connect with Susannah and Dawn at Great Turning Healing Center. Schedule your consultation today and begin your Spring Renewal.

Tools for home cleansing:

Click here for a Dry Brushing Handout

Castor Oil Packs: See Clinic for Details

If you want a Do-It-Yourself version, check out this handout.

Recipe: Pineapple Ginger Shrub

Books:

Nourishing Traditions. Sally Fallon Morell 

Healing with Whole Foods, Paul Pitchford

Contact or schedule with us here:

Great Turning Healing Center

406-599-0088

www.greatturninghealing.com

Facebook, Instagram

In this episode of the Guide to Wellness Podcast, we delve into the fascinating realm of the vagus nerve and how we can harness the power of breath, vibration, and body awareness to regulate it. Susannah Freeman is joined by Marianne Amsdon, a licensed mental health counselor and somatic experiencing practitioner. Marianne shares insights into the role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, as well as survival responses like fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. Through guided exercises, including the use of the "Voo" sound, listeners learn practical techniques to release tension, promote relaxation, and cultivate a deeper connection with their bodies. With an emphasis on self-care and gentle exploration, this episode offers invaluable tools for navigating life's challenges and fostering greater ease and resilience. Tune in to discover how simple practices can lead to profound shifts in your nervous system and overall well-being.

Marianne Amsden - SEI Practitioner Directory

Contact or schedule with us here:

Great Turning Healing Center

406-599-0088

www.greatturninghealing.com

Facebook, Instagram

Get ready because change is coming! Winter's fading away, and spring is peeking around the corner. Let's talk about how you can use the seasons to boost your success.  As you listen, please have in mind your health goals and apply these tools as we go!

In this lively podcast episode, Susannah Freeman, L.Ac., the host, teams up with Health Coach Dawn Schwem to dive deep into how the seasons impact our well-being. Using the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese medicine as our roadmap, we'll explore how Spring can shake things up for the better. Learn about the Lunar Year of the Green Wood Dragon in Chinese astrology and how this adds some extra energy this year.

As you listen, you’ll  draw connections between the seasons in nature and the seasons of our lives.  You’ll be reminded of the importance of detoxing, starting fresh, and having courage to make these changes. Reciprocity and generosity will be key in your success!

 Dawn reveals an exciting new expansion to her skills as a Health Coach with  Hungry Heart Quests. She's using outdoor experiences to empower us in making changes in our daily lives. As a Health Coach, Dawn facilitates group coaching sessions, and skill building backpacking adventures to boost your overall wellness and help you make meaningful connections with your community.

Check out https://www.hungryheartquests.com/

So, tune in, we're about to share some practical tips and insights. Susannah and Dawn are here to guide you in syncing up your well-being with the natural rhythm of the world. Let's do this! 🌟

Contact or schedule with us here:

Great Turning Healing Center

406-599-0088

https://[email protected]

https://www.greatturninghealing.com

Facebook, Instagram

In this episode, Susannah is joined by Bobby Ibarra, a Structural Integration practitioner, to discuss creating change in a simple way and embodying that change for a healthier, more joyful life. They delve into the discomfort of adapting new habits and emphasize the importance of celebrating small wins. The conversation touches on the three stages of reaching health goals and the role of awareness in disrupting old patterns. While the topic may seem lackluster, Susannah and Bobby believe that finding passion in life comes through embracing the mundane. Join them on a journey to simplify change and celebrate the small victories for a balanced and fulfilling life.

Bobby Ibarra

https://www.bobbyibarra.com/

Phone: 802-391-4442

Great Turning Healing Center

https://greatturninghealing.com/

Phone: 406-599-0088

Resources and Show Notes:

Think and Grow Well by Dr. Lori Barr

www.thedoctorsmentor.com : Get the free download "The Catalyst Prescription" here

Be one of the first 10 people to call and receive a free copy of the Journal to accompany Think and Grow Well when you schedule a Functional Nutrition Consultation.

Contact or schedule with us here:

Great Turning Healing Center

406-599-0088

www.greatturninghealing.com

Facebook, Instagram

Join us as Susannah Freeman, LAc, and Lori Barr, MD venture into the world of language, thought, and action. Dr. Barr shares insights into her journey and introduces essential tools for effective communication.

Susannah and Lori present advanced language and communication techniques from the science of NeuroLinguistic Programming (NLP) into the conversation, from their experience with Michael Bernoff's Human Communications Institute. They encourage listeners to actively identify these embedded tools, use the four Rs, and choose how to speak differently to oneself and others. 

Learn how to recognize and reshape thoughts, foster positive habits, and optimize personal growth. Dr. Barr introduces concepts from her book, "Think and Grow Well," offering practical tools to improve the quality of life and navigate challenges effectively.

This episode is practical.  Susannah and Lori want you to play with these skills, and build them into your daily life. 

Dr. Barr invites listeners to visit her website, thedoctorsmentor.com, and to join her mastermind community.  On her website, she offers a free download: "The Catalyst Prescription: How to Accelerate Your Career Success, Become an Authority, And Finally Live Life With More Freedom and Prosperity."

Susannah invites listeners to receive a free copy of the Journal that accompanies Dr. Lori’s book, "Think and Grow Well" when you schedule a Functional Nutrition Consultation. Be one of the first 10 people to schedule a Functional Nutrition Consultation and receive this offer.  If you are a part of our clinic community,  or would like to be, and are scheduling a Functional Nutrition Consult with Susannah, mention this podcast episode. 

Disclaimer: The content presented in these show episodes, including accompanying descriptions, show notes, and links, is solely for informational purposes. The information reflects the accumulated experience of the author and show guests over the years. It is not intended to replace advice provided by your physician, attorney, accountant, or other professionals. Please do not disregard professional advice or postpone seeking it based on content from this show. The information provided, including any products or services mentioned, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, an attorney-client relationship, or any other professional-client relationship between you and any of the affiliated providers associated with this show. Statements about health regimens, drugs, and/or dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, as stated on product labels or packaging. Always consult with your physician or another healthcare professional before taking any medication, nutritional, herbal, or homeopathic supplement, or pursuing any treatment for a health issue. If you suspect a medical, legal, and/or accounting problem, promptly seek advice from your healthcare provider, attorney, and/or accounting professional.