Mad Love Monday - Dr. Melanie Morrill Ac.
Searching for health care in Edmonton is not an easy task. Finding a doctor who is accepting new patients is hard and finding a provider who has the time to help you work through all your health concerns is even harder.
Can acupuncture help with painful periods?
Searching for health care in Edmonton is not an easy task. Finding a doctor who is accepting new patients is hard and finding a provider who has the time to help you work through all your health concerns is even harder. I would know, I spent several years trying to find someone who would help me with my own painful periods. I’m Dr. Melanie Morrill Ac. and I had terrible periods. As a teen, I had such bad cramps I had to stay home with a heat pack and DVDs. I’d spend days hanging out in bed or on the couch waiting for the next cramp or wave of nausea to come from the pain.
It was frustrating and tiring. I was supposed to be learning, chilling with friends, and doing the things that teenage girls do and instead, I was at home with period cramps. Boo. I thought my Family Doctor would be sympathetic and understanding and she would help me resolve my cramps. My hopes were dashed after speaking with her about my nausea, cramps, and missed school days. She told me there wasn’t much to do, just take some over-the-counter medication for pain and nausea. I thought this was so unfair. How on earth can women run the world with 3-4 days of pain so bad it makes you nauseated? Nobody gets three days of sick leave each month for their period.
I knew there had to be a better way. After researching painful periods I learned it had an official name, dysmenorrhea and I found several scientific journal articles about how to treat it. (See Below) Multiple articles said acupuncture was as good or better than the Midol I had been popping like they were skittles. I tried acupuncture and it was life-changing. Seriously, I became a Doctor of Acupuncture because the relief I found was so profound that I needed to share this with everyone.
Being pain-free is joyful. I have not missed school or work since starting acupuncture. I have told all my friends about how much better I felt after acupuncture. It changed my life and now I have the honour of changing other people’s lives with this amazing medicine. No one with a uterus should be told they need to live with severe pain.
I founded Accessible Acupuncture to address Edmonton’s overwhelming need for accessible, timely, effective, and inclusive healthcare. When you go to see your Doctor they should take your concerns seriously and they should not tell you that you are going to have to get used to period cramps because they last until menopause. I am excited to tell people that we can fix period cramps with acupuncture. Part of being accessible is taking patient concerns seriously. Another part is being a safe and welcoming space for everyone including LGBTQIA2S+, disabled people, BIPOC, and neurodivergent people. We need healthcare that is not dismissive, that is supportive, and without long waitlists.
I’m here to help everyone who needs acupuncture care, but I have additional training in pain management, uterine health, fertility, and pregnancy health. If you’re living with terrible periods acupuncture might be that missing piece you have been looking for. Acupuncture has been proven to resolve many different health problems and concerns, but on top of that, my success rate speaks for itself. 90% of patients who commit to treatment reach their health goals.
More Information about Painful Periods.
Dysmenorrhea, also known as painful periods, is one of the most common ailments that people with a uterus live with. Though it is a common practice to treat these painful cramps with heat or over-the-counter medication, a research study has proven that acupuncture for period pain works better, and has fewer side effects when compared to ibuprofen. (Shetty GB, Shetty B, Mooventhan A. Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Management of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2018 Aug;11(4):153-158. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2018.04.001. Epub 2018 Apr 12. PMID: 29654840.)
Menstrual cramps are part of menstruation, but painful cramps are not. The uterus is a muscle and it contracts to expel the uterine lining. The strength of the muscle contraction is determined by several factors including the level of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are hormone-like active lipids that your body uses for several functions including conception, menstruation, and inflammation. The more prostaglandins a person makes, the harder their uterine contractions are going to be. Acupuncture helps by working with the body to produce fewer prostaglandins leading to more gentle and less painful contractions.
What could you do without your painful period cramps?
“My experience with Dr. Melanie has improved my quality of life immensely... My first appointment, I felt like I was finally truly heard about how this was impacting my life, and together we made a treatment plan that worked for me. Dr. Melanie was confident that within 3-5 months she could improve my symptoms. I’ve been diagnosed with Endometriosis from my gyno....I can not thank her enough and if you’re experiencing similar symptoms or problems, I highly recommend trying acupuncture with her to help. 10/10 rating from me, she’s a hero in womens health, and I hope more women learn that this option is available.”
Carolyn S. Five stars on google reviews.
Patients highly recommend Dr. Melanie Morrill Ac. for her outstanding care, but more importantly for the fact that she goes above and beyond for all of her patients. There is no question of her love for her patients; when they voice their concerns, she listens, and when they meet their health goals, she shares in their joy. If you are living with painful periods and you are ready to be pain-free call the clinic to book your same-week consultation with Dr. Melanie Morrill Ac. today.
Submission by:
Dr. Melanie Morrill Ac.
Owner and Doctor of Acupuncture
Accessible Acupuncture ltd
p: 587-879-7122
a: 600, 11010 101 St NW Edmonton, AB
Mad Love Monday | Stephanie Walsh - Steph Walsh Styling Inc.
Stephanie Walsh is a passionate Canadian entrepreneur. She is the owner of Steph Walsh Styling Inc. located in the beautiful Iron Salon in Edmonton, Alberta and she also is the Founder of BeautyBound Boutique, a new modern online beauty and lifestyle shoppe.
Stephanie Walsh is a passionate Canadian entrepreneur. She is the owner of Steph Walsh Styling Inc. located in the beautiful Iron Salon in Edmonton, Alberta and she also is the Founder of BeautyBound Boutique, a new modern online beauty and lifestyle shoppe.
As a Master Stylist, her mission is to bring the newfound confidence to all clients that she works with by keeping innovative with cutting-edge hair treatments and creative hair styles. Her clients’ happiness and satisfaction are the secret to her success.
As the BeautyBound founder, her big vision is to continue to partner and support other female founders so they too can feel confident about their products and businesses, making Canada and the world a better place.
“My boutique was born with a desire to create a go-to stylized space where I can refer you to some of my favourite products that I personally use and absolutely LOVE!!! Nothing would make me happier than to see you reflect your amazing individuality while elevating your daily self-care, wellness and environmental imprint, infused with a luxurious experience to your everyday. Nearly all products are custom designed and proudly made by female owned businesses. A few of BeautyBound signature pieces are exclusively made in collaboration with some of my favourite creative women founders in Canada as supporting other women entrepreneurs and empowering them to live their best lives beautifully, has been a huge mission behind my business” - Stephanie Walsh
Stephanie believes that each one of us were always meant to be an individualistic expression of life and unique beauty.
Whether it’s through her artistic hair expressions or the products she features in her BeautyBoundBoutique, she inspires others to be boundless and live life to its fullest!
Submission by:
Stephanie Walsh
Owner / Master Stylist
Steph Walsh Styling Inc.
www.stephwalshstyling.com
5466 Calgary Trail, Edmonton, AB T6H 4J8
EMAIL | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK
@beautybound.boutique
780.240.9767
Mad Love Monday - Sonja Deklerk Fine Jewellery
The decision to become a jewellery designer was a natural fit for me as it complimented my educational background in Fine Art. Truly, jewellery is art at its finest...
Hi, I'm Sonja and I am so excited to introduce myself to the YBB community!
I’m a fine jewellery designer who is passionate about creating jewellery as unique and beautiful as the individual for whom it is intended. I am a listener and interpreter who artistically transforms your heart's deepest emotion and life experience into tangible tokens of your love and affection.
Image Credit Tracey Jazmin
The decision to become a jewellery designer was a natural fit for me as it complimented my educational background in Fine Art. Truly, jewellery is art at its finest... the most precious of materials are used to create these timeless works of art. Studying at the Gemological Institute of America enhanced my understanding and appreciation of the precious materials that I work with. A vital component in all that I do is having a clear understanding of how and where my materials are sourced. I will only work with ethically and sustainably sourced diamonds, gemstones and precious metals.
With over 20 years of experience in the fine jewellery industry, the desire to launch my own line was always present. I have had the privilege and opportunity to work for and with the best of the best in our beautiful city of Edmonton. However, the yearning for something more propelled me into becoming an entrepreneur. I was searching for deeper meaning...deeper purpose and a way to share with the world something that was more authentically me. This is the powerful driving force behind all that I do.
If there was one message that I could shout from the rooftops, it would be this:
YOU are precious
YOU are of value
YOU are worth more than gold...
Image Credit Tracey Jazmin
The treasures of this earth are not diamonds and gold. The treasures of this earth are you and I. I am so passionate about sharing this message that I host a podcast dedicated to sharing real stories of the joys and sorrows of life while instilling a message of love and self worth. More Than Gold, the podcast can be found on apple podcast, Spotify and SoundCloud.
I find joy and purpose in helping to empower other women. This is always at the heart of my jewellery design and podcast. I have designed what I lovingly refer to as my "power ring." Wearing it brings me joy, comfort and confidence...when I can design something for another individual that evokes those same responses, it is so gratifying. Every individual needs their own power ring!
I love being an entrepreneur because there is no limit to what is possible. It was the only option available to me that allowed for full freedom of expression in a way that felt meaningful and truly authentic. Through becoming an entrepreneur I have found my voice, calling and purpose. In addition to this, I have had the opportunity to connect with so many inspirational and like minded individuals.
The harsh reality entrepreneurs face as we strive for limitless levels of success means that the possibility of failure is just as strong… the two go hand in hand. There have been many moments of insecurity and self doubt...questioning if I have made the greatest decision of my life, or the worst. I don't know that those feelings will ever truly be overcome, but I have found things that help to reduce the sting. Acknowledging that those insecurities are real and present is part of the solution. Surrounding myself with other likeminded individuals who help and support me is another part of the solution. I have come to accept that some days I am going to need a hand up, and other days I will be the one helping another up.
Image Credit Tracey Jazmin
There have been many collective small moments along my way that have reassured me that I was on the right path, but it wasn't until I signed the lease agreement for my own space that I felt an indescribable feeling of joy, peace and gratitude envelop me...everything felt aligned and right.
On social media, Instagram is where I like to spend more of my time and effort, but I am finding success using LinkedIn as well. My strategy has and always will be to be present and authentic. I recently discovered reels and admittedly am having way too much fun with that. If ever I feel that social media is too much, I just step back and take a little break. I think that is more healthy on every level for myself, my clients and my business.
Stress is a very real part of anyone's life, but especially that of an entrepreneur! I need my own time for solitude where I can play the piano in order to de-stress. It is without a doubt the most effective way for me to unwind at the end of the day. My family knows exactly how I am feeling based on how and what I play.
With all of my heart, I am eager to connect with and learn from others in the YBB community. We all need those around us who inspire us to become the best version of ourself...there's always room for improvement, and I have found that positive connections and role models are a highly effective tool. Let's all help to sharpen each other's tools rather than to dull them. I look forward to connecting with you!
Submission by:
Sonja Deklerk GIA AJP