AboutHeather Vandeburg Expertise I can answer any questions about Acupuncture, Chinese Herbals, Tuina (Chinese massage, Cupping, and Gua Sha. I can answer questions about Qi, Meridians, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory. I can answer how these different modalities can benefit different conditions.
Experience I have a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practice in DeKalb IL. I have been practicing TCM since 2002. I have given many lectures and classes on the subject of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Women’s Health, Nutrition and Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation. This Includes speaking at an International Conference for the United Leukodystrophy Foundation.
Organizations AAOM, NCCAOM, CCAOM, ILAAOM
Publications Women Today, ILAAOM website,
Education/Credentials Master degree in Oriental Medicine, Bachelor degree in Nutrition, Bachelor degree in Biological Sciences. I am lisensed and board certified in Acupuncture. I did an advanced internship at Guang Zhou University in Guang Zhou China.
Awards and Honors I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine
Question i'm writing to ask a second opinion about a condition that i've been seeing an
acupuncturist for. i've been taking acupuncture for about 6 months, every 2-
3 weeks, and while i've experienced some relief from my symptoms, even my
practitioner is confused by the lack of improvement.
i've always had a very healthy lifestyle, but a few years ago i was taking
ephedra. after a year of doing so, i knew i was endangering my health and
couldn't do it anymore. i just stopped one day, cold, and from that day my
belly swelled up like a balloon and it's been that way ever since.
i used to have a lot of pain in my gut and liver, but acupuncture has taken
that away. however, the swelling is still there, and while it's not painful, it's
very uncomfortable.
the only thing i can compare it to is being bloated while on my period. it just
lasts all the time.
my acupuncturist has been working on points related to my stomach and my
liver--usually the needles go into my abdomen and my legs. i'm also taking
an herbal formula, mu xiang.
in the last couple of weeks, my lower legs have started to hurt. the pain is
located on the outsides of my shins, and it feels like tingly pressure. i feel it
sometimes in the top of my feet, as well.
i'm hoping that the pain means the treatment is starting to work better. but
i'd really like to hear another acupuncturist's opinion about what might have
caused it and if there's anything i could do better to relieve the huge bloating.
thank you so much!
Answer Hi Chelsea, Have you had your liver and kidneys checked by a western MD? That would be something I would do as well. Are you taking anything other than mu xiang. Usually, herbals are in formulas of many herbs not just one herb. Mu xiang sounds like a good herbs for you just from what you have told me. I would add a formula to work on your stagnant and invading liver qi. It sounds like you may have something going on with your liver or pancreas. Once every 2-3 weeks may not be enough treatment. You should be going 2-3 times a week if your are still have the bloating. I would be concerned with the neuropathy signs. Have your talked with your acupuncturist about them? Think about Reishi (ling zhi) mushroom to protect and heal the liver and kidneys.
