This one time I went back to China
In 2008, I traveled back to Hangzhou with Five Branches to study in the hospitals for a few weeks over my last summer of school.
If you have any opportunity to shadow in a Chinese hospital, I highly recommend it!
One of the most formative memories for my current profession was during a grand rounds session with the head OBGYN herbalist doc at the hospital. She sat a large desk in the middle of a large room, packed full of women.
Each patient would come up one by one and sit at the desk why she felt pulses and asked questions. What struck me most, was that these sessions were not just about the doctor and patient, but the entire room became a community of support chiming in about their own experiences, all while the doctor would nod or respond.
You could just feel the ease of some of the patients when they would hear stories from others that mirrored their own, assuring them that they were not alone.
It was truly one of the most groundbreaking experiences while learning to become a practitioner.
This also gave me the inspiration to put together this panel of awesome practitioners to come together and present you with our series The Vital Change.
Our webinar series will cover all the basics of peri and menopause support, whether it's for yourself or to learn more for your patients.
Plus, my lecture on April 30th is a sneak peak of what's to come during my Fall 8 week cohort on the Yin and Yang of Hormones.
💻 VIRTUAL SERIES: "The Vital Change: 4-Part Perimenopause Panel"
Wednesdays 10-11am PST, Starting April 30th Full series: $95 for all 4 classes or $30 per session - Register here
If you can't make the in-person event, our comprehensive virtual series brings together four specialists (including menopause expert Chantal Traub!) for an in-depth exploration of how to navigate perimenopause with more ease and better physical and emotional well-being.
Each session focuses on a different aspect of this transition that I've found makes a real difference for my patients:
Session 1: April 30th - Decoding Functional Blood Work & Perimenopause Hormones
Led by: Dr. Jessica Parker (that's me!)
Navigating perimenopause can feel like a mystery, but your blood work holds the answers. In this talk, we’ll break down how to interpret functional lab markers to understand your shifting hormones. Learn how to spot imbalances, what they mean for your symptoms, and how to use this knowledge to support your body through the transition. Whether you're a practitioner or someone experiencing perimenopause firsthand, this session will provide practical insights for optimizing hormonal health.
Session 2: May 7th - Hot, Bothered, & Hungry: Nutrition Secrets for Your Menopausal Metamorphosis
Led by: Lyssandra Guerra, Native Palms Nutrition
Are hormonal changes affecting your energy, mood, and waistline? In this interactive session, you'll discover nutrition strategies to help manage common symptoms and support your body's changing needs. Learn which foods can help ease hot flashes, improve sleep quality, stabilize mood swings, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Learn the essential nutrients your body requires during this transition, natural approaches to relieve common symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings, practical meal planning strategies that work with your busy life, simple recipe modifications to transform your favorite dishes, and adaptogens and other supportive herbs to incorporate into daily nutrition. Whether you're just beginning to experience perimenopausal symptoms or have been in menopause for years, this workshop offers valuable tools to help you thrive during this natural life transition. Take control of your health journey with nutrition that works with your body, not against it.
Session 3: May 14th - Connecting through the Liminal: Peri/menopause and Mental Health
Led by: Elena White, MFT
This session won't be recorded to create a safe space for authentic sharing.
How do we begin to prepare for shifts and changes in our mental and emotional health? What have YOU experienced or noticed? This session will explore the emotional and psychological challenges that many women face during this transitional phase of life. During this group, Elena will utilize her role both as mental health clinician and post-menopausal woman who has experienced first-hand changes in mental and emotional health during perimenopause. We will discuss self-care practices, lifestyle adjustments, family history, connection with others, and the importance of seeking professional support. Whether you're experiencing these changes yourself or supporting someone who is, this workshop will empower you with knowledge and strategies to foster mental well-being during perimenopause. Please come prepared to participate, share experiences and connect and learn from others. There will be time at the end for Q&A. Please note: this group will not be recorded.
Session 4: May 21st -Menopause, Sleep and The Nervous System
Led by: Chantal Traub, Doula, Women's Health Educator, & Menopause Specialist
Sleep becomes an invaluable resource in midlife, often disrupted by the hormonal changes that accompany menopause. In this session, Chantal will explore how these changes impact sleep, why women are more prone to sleep challenges during this time, and how chronic stress further exacerbates sleep disruptions. Participants will learn how shifting from "fight or flight" state to the restorative "rest and digest" mode can improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Objectives: • Understand the connection between hormonal changes and sleep disturbances in midlife. • Explore the role of the nervous system in regulating sleep and stress. • Learn practical strategies to improve sleep hygiene and develop supportive bedtime habits. • Discover mindfulness and relaxation techniques for truly restorative sleep. Session will include presentation, experiential participation from the audience and time for Q&A.
In health,
Dr. Jessica Parker