Discovering effective and empowering solutions for menstrual health can transform lives. In this interview, we explore the inspiring journey of Adrienne Irizarry, a certified Peristeam Hydrotherapist who overcame personal struggles with endometriosis and irregular cycles through holistic practices like pelvic steaming, Acutonics®, and Chinese nutritional therapy. Her mission is to share these transformative tools, helping women reclaim their health and harmony by addressing root causes and embracing the wisdom of non-invasive healing.
What inspired you to transition from being a pelvic steaming client to a certified Peristeam Hydrotherapist?
I had always struggled with my cycle. I started my period at the age of 12 and within a few months of starting I began developing pain and other symptoms that challenged my quality of life. I had explored all the conventional medicine solutions offered to me. Diagnosed with endometriosis, I was put on birth control which lead to a heart attack at the age of 25. I tried herbs and acupuncture which made a huge difference but the piece that really brought it all home for me and established a healthy 28-30 cycle with no pain, no clots and no PMS was pelvic steaming. It was such a significant game changer for me I wanted to share this wisdom with the world. Every body with a uterus needs this support.
How does Acutonics® differ from traditional acupuncture, and what drew you to specialize in this practice?
Acutonics® uses the same points and meridians as acupuncture but I like to explain it as “acupuncture with sound” because you use vibrating tuning forks on these points to move blood and Qi in the body. I have always been interested in becoming an acupuncturist but couldn’t see myself sticking needles in people. I love the wisdom and artristry of the medicine but Acutonics provided me a way to embrace this ancient wisdom but provide a non-invasive solution for people who were needle adverse. So much of conventional medicine is invasive. It was a perfect fit in my practice of non-invasive solutions for healing.
What role does Chinese nutritional therapy play in addressing hormonal and menstrual health issues?
As corny as it sounds – we are what we eat. Learning how to eat in such a way that supports the seasons of your life, the seasons of your cycle and in harmony with the seasons changing outside the window is incredible power. You have the ability to heal and harmonize your system with how and what you eat. Most of our cycle challenges arise when we try to work and live outside of the natural cycles our body moves through. It drains our resources and our energy. Supportive foods in the right seasons helps to restore harmony
Can you share how your own experiences with painful and irregular cycles shape your approach to working with clients?
I feel so called to this work because of my own struggles with reproductive health. I’ve had irregular cycles since the beginning. I experienced secondary infertility, endometriosis, miscarriages and more and it has shaped the passion with which I approach my work as well as my ability to connect with them in their time of need. Many who start with the conventional medical model feel like a number – unseen and unheard when seeking help. It takes women, on average, 3-4 trips to the doctor before the issues that brought them there are discussed/addressed.
That is a huge challenge. The gift in the struggles I’ve experienced is being able to step into that space with my client and really see them for what they are dealing with. It gives me compassion and empathy and a first hand perspective which makes my clients feel safe enough to share their secrets and symptoms. This authentic vulnerable sharing helps me help them in the deepest ways possible. This is where the healing truly happens.
How do you see holistic health practices like pelvic steaming and sound therapy empowering women in managing their cycles?
These are practices they can use at home. With education and these tools to call upon it empowers women to take their healing and symptom management into their own hands. No longer are they at the mercy of a system that doesn’t see or hear them. The reason we “Dr. Google” things online is because we are seeking to understand and be proactive about how to solve the “problem” of symptoms we are having. I empower women with knowledge. I teach women how to see symptoms as a means of the body communicating its needs to us and provide them with the tools they need to meet those needs so that they live healthier and more balanced lives.
What advice would you give to women hesitant to try holistic approaches for menstrual health?
Birth control doesn’t “fix” period problems – it only masks them. Holistic health is healing – not just addressing the symptom but getting to the root cause of why the symptom started in the first place. If you are looking for a true cessation of symptoms, holistic health is the only way to achieve this.
