Conditions We Treat

Radiant Health and Vitality for Women

Use natural methods to support your fertility as you prepare for pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Decrease monthly pain, bloating, and moodiness that often accompany menstruation.

Manage weight fluctuations, reduce stress, build bone strength, and optimize breast health.

Create a comprehensive plan to support every phase of your transition through menopause.

Duke Integrative Medicine offers a wide array of therapies and services that can help women experience radiant health and vitality through every stage of their lives. Our services are based on the latest research that demonstrates the proven effects of a multidisciplinary approach and the powerful connection between body and mind.

Our expert providers include physicians, integrative health coaches, nurses, acupuncturists, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, integrative massage therapists, yoga therapists, and health psychologists. Working together as a team, they can help you evaluate the pros and cons of tests and treatments so you can address the health concerns that affect you throughout the many transitions in your life:

• Pre-menstrual Syndrome
• Breast health
• Fertility
• Pregnancy, labor, delivery, and post-partum
• Menopause and its common sympoms: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, changes in mood and libido
• Weight management
• Stress management
• Fatigue, changes in energy levels, and sleep difficulties
• Heart health
• Bone density and strength

Experience the many benefits of an integrative approach to your health such as acupuncture and massage for joint and muscular discomfort, hypnosis for unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness and labor pain, stress reduction techniques to improve energy and sleep, nutrition for breast health and weight maintenance, yoga and exercise for heart and bone health.

Learn more about Radiant Health and Vitality for Women

The Evidence

Conception, Pregnancy, and Reproductive Well-Being

Extensive research demonstrates the effectiveness of an integrative approach to obstetrical health. Here is a sample:

• Acupuncture has been shown to increase fertility by 60% in patients using assisted reproductive techniques. (1)

• Managing stress is of significant importance during conception and pregnancy. Increased stress is associated with decreased fertility and an increased risk of gestational diabetes, preterm labor and delivery, and prolonged labor. (2)

• Massage can reduce the pelvic and back pain that may occur with pregnancy, and it has also been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, sleep, and reduce stress hormone levels throughout pregnancy. (3, 4, 5)

• Research has shown the importance of omega-3 supplements for infant brain development and birth weight. Supplementation with probiotics in mothers has been shown to decrease infant eczema, atopic skin conditions and decreased ear infections in the first 2 years of life. (6, 7, 8)

• Acupuncture and acupressure are safe and effective treatments to improve digestion and reduce nausea associated with pregnancy. (9)

• Hypnosis may shorten the length of labor and improve pain and the need for medication during labor. (10)

Menstruation, Menopause, and Gynecological Health

An integrative medicine approach to women’s health has been shown to result in dramatically improved outcomes for women throughout their lives. Here is a sample of the research:

• Complementary therapies including acupuncture, dietary supplements and herbal supplements, nutrition, and exercise have been shown to decrease menstrual symptoms of pain, bloating, moodiness, and breast tenderness and to improve overall well-being. (1,2)

• Breast health has been linked to adequate vitamin D levels, weight maintenance, exercise and decreased alcohol intake. (3)
• Dietary supplements and herbs, acupuncture, and nutrition can be options to hormonal or surgical therapy for heavy, painful periods. (4)

• The symptoms of menopause can be improved using acupuncture, herbal therapies, yoga, and relaxation practices. (5, 6)

• The incidence and intensity of hot flashes have been reported to significantly decrease with the use of mind-body therapies, including hypnosis, guided imagery, and relaxation techniques. (7)

• Hypnosis, exercise, herbal therapy, nutrition, and acupuncture have all been shown to improve sleep during the physical transitions in a woman’s life. (8)

Choose Your Experience

Select from one of these services to support you throughout your life.

Classes
Enjoy a personalized mind-body session (guided imagery, hypnosis--with a personalized CD for your ongoing use--or relaxation training), an acupuncture session, massage, individual yoga therapy, or one of our many experiential classes to enhance your overall health.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Course This proven method of using meditation and yoga to cultivate awareness and reduce stress is taught in an eight week/eight session course by trained experts. In addition to the sessions, you receive a workbook containing handouts, reading lists, support materials, and a set of guided meditation and yoga practices on CD.

Day Package
Choose one or two therapeutic treatments, participate in a class, enjoy lunch, and relax in our healing environment including mediation spaces, sauna, whirlpool, steam room, walking labyrinth, and library.

Health Packages and Membership
We offer customized health experiences tailored to your specific needs.

The Health Immersion Experience
This in-depth three day experience--working closely with our integrative physicians and practitioners, integrative health coaches, and teachers--is the optimal way to jump-start your journey to increased joy in your life.

Annual Membership
Over the course of a year, partner with a personal integrative health care team. We work with your caridologist and other providers and guide you through treatments that ensure you have the greatest opportunity to reduce stress and toobtain your optimal health.

Contact Us

CONCEPTION, PREGNANCY, AND REPRODUCTIVE WELL-BEING

MENSTRUATION, MENOPAUSE, AND GYNECOLOGICAL HEALTH