In this episode Jennifer talks with Dr. Michael Hurley, co-founder of Cup of Life Healing Center (Keene & Nashua, NH), specializing in PCOS, fertility and women's health. Dr. Hurley is a licensed acupuncturist, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine and Fellow of the Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine

Key topics discussed:

• Understanding PCOS. What it is, how common it is, and its wide range of physical symptoms.
• PCOS as a hormonal AND metabolic disorder. Why addressing it now matters for long-term health, not just fertility
• The emotional toll of PCOS. Frustration, fear, anxiety, depression, hopelessness and grief that patients commonly experience
• How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches PCOS. Treating the whole person through acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, functional nutrition and mind-body practices
• The nervous system connection. Why calming the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) nervous system is the first priority in treatment, and how it directly impacts hormonal balance and ovulation
• Yin & yang in modern life. The importance of balancing activity and rest, and what that looks like practically
• Chinese herbs and nutrition. How herbal formulas complement acupuncture, and simple dietary starting points (whole foods, reducing processed foods, hydration)
• How acupuncture can regulate cycles. The HPO (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian) axis explained, and how treatment can gradually bring cycle lengths toward a normal range
• Working alongside Western medicine. How acupuncture can support patients using fertility drugs and fertility treatment
• Mindset shifts and self-compassion. Why ”you are not broken” is the most important thing Dr. Hurley wants PCOS patients to know
• Between-session tools. Breathwork, meditation apps, community support, and therapy as complementary practices
• Clinical hypnotherapy and Reiki. Offered at Cup of Life; how hypnotherapy helps reframe limiting beliefs 

Resources Mentioned

• Insight Timer (meditation app)
• AllPaths Family Building ( support groups, professional directory) 
• P2S Foundations for Natural Fertility. An upcoming course for couples covering the menstrual cycle, PCOS, fertility, and mindset. Follow Cup of Life Healing Center for details.

Connect with Dr. Michael Hurley:

• Website: Cup of Life Healing Center
• Instagram: @cupoflifehealingcenter
• Facebook: CupofLifeHealingCenter
• LinkedIn: Cup of Life Healing Center

Connect with Jennifer:

• Schedule a free Fertility Support Session
• Follow her on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.