Michelle Hansen, a Chinese medicine acupuncturist, naturopath, and women’s health specialist, has spent over three decades in women’s health. As a mother of three daughters, Michelle deeply understands the challenges women face with hormonal issues and the ways these can impact living life fully. With a Bachelor of Acupuncture, Bachelor of Asian Studies, and recognized qualifications in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Natural Therapies, Live Blood Screening, and Physical Therapy, Michelle has built a unique approach to biohacking women’s health through Chinese medicine.

Why Women Were Excluded from Drug Trials in Western Medicine

Historically, women were often excluded from drug trials, leading to gaps in understanding the effects of pharmaceuticals on women. Michelle emphasises that, because of this, holistic and personalised approaches—like those found in Chinese medicine—can be crucial in addressing women’s unique health needs.

Acupuncture’s Power to Relieve Pain Remotely

Michelle explains that in Chinese medicine, an acupuncture needle doesn’t always need to be placed directly at the pain site to provide relief. Instead, it can be applied at different points to activate chi (life energy) flow throughout the body, providing comprehensive pain relief and healing.

Chi and Blood Health: Foundations for Women’s Vitality

Healthy chi and blood flow are vital for a woman’s well-being. Michelle discusses how chi stagnation or poor blood circulation can cause pain, emotional imbalance, and fatigue, impacting overall health. By enhancing chi flow and blood circulation, Chinese medicine supports balanced hormonal cycles and higher energy levels.

Veganism vs. Diets with Meat: Finding What Works for You

Michelle dives into the ongoing conversation around veganism versus diets that include meat, highlighting that individual factors, like blood type, may influence which diet is best for each person. Certain blood types may thrive on plant-based diets, while others benefit from animal proteins. Michelle encourages women to prioritise health over dietary labels and find a personalised approach that fits their needs.

Warming Foods for Digestive Health

In Chinese medicine, eating warm foods supports the “digestive fire” necessary for nutrient absorption. Cold foods can weaken this digestive energy, often leading to digestive discomfort and sluggishness. Michelle recommends incorporating warm, cooked foods into daily meals for better digestion and energy.

Sourcing Meat Carefully for Nutritional Quality

For women who include animal proteins in their diet, Michelle underscores the importance of ethically sourced, hormone-free meat, which offers greater nutritional value. Consuming high-quality meat can enhance energy, iron levels, and hormone balance, supporting overall chi.

Simple Practices to Reverse Blood Chi Stagnation

Michelle shares that reversing blood chi stagnation can be simple and transformative. Gentle exercise, regular acupuncture, and dietary adjustments can make a significant difference, improving energy levels and reducing discomfort associated with hormonal or menstrual issues.

Folate in Pregnancy: Choosing the Right Supplements

Folate is essential during pregnancy for foetal development and health. Michelle advises choosing folate in its activated form, such as methylfolate, to ensure better absorption and effectiveness, supporting a healthy pregnancy.

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