Chrystal Ciodyk, LAc, Dipl. OM, DACM, is the founder of Chrystal Clinic, an integrative alternative medicine practice. A graduate of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago, she holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and specializes in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and various traditional healing modalities. Chrystal is dedicated to empowering individuals to heal naturally, serving as a valued member of the Dekalb County health and wellness community. MysticMag discovers more.
Chrystal, what inspired you to open Chrystal Clinic during such a challenging time in 2020, and how has the clinic evolved since its inception?
I discovered acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine in 2011 and right away I knew that I had to study this medicine and share it with the world. I waited a few years, then went back to school while raising my boys and I graduated in 2019. People are ready to heal in a natural way, so the timing worked out where I was pursuing my dream/mission in life and the pandemic happened. I was fortunate to be able to open a clinic in a small town where I felt the medicine was needed. Throughout the years I have worked with many practitioners providing many natural healing services. The clinic will always be growing and evolving, hoping to continue to provide healing to the community.
How does your integrative approach, combining traditional therapies like acupuncture with contemporary practices such as red light therapy, benefit patients with chronic pain and stress?
There are many ways to heal. I encourage my patients to listen to their intuition and try many things. I actually give them a homework assignment of having a daily, weekly, and monthly goal to bring their mind/body in balance and also bring them joy. The more you do to heal, the better you will feel.
Can you explain how acupuncture and herbal medicine can enhance fertility treatments, and what results have you observed in your patients?
These are natural tools that encourage your body to come back into balance. In one case, a woman had a failed IVF attempt. She was not sure if she wanted to do it again. I told her that we will focus on bringing the mind and body into balance, and it will be her decision. She received 4 acupuncture treatments and took an herbal formula. She went back to IVF and her uterine lining was over 11 when they could not get it over 9 with medications before. She also had 8/9 eggs before and after our sessions she had 18/19 with 13 fertilized. She had a successful second IVF, and now has a baby! I can not promise results for anyone, we just use the tools we have and see what the body can do!
In treating stress-induced disorders, how do you decide which therapies to combine, such as yoga, acupuncture, or Reiki, to provide the most effective care for each patient?
Like before, I encourage them to listen to their intuition and actually do multiple things. It’s not about choosing one, I recommend choosing many, as long as they bring you joy!
With so many holistic options available, like cupping, craniosacral therapy, and thermography, how do you guide first-time visitors in choosing the best treatment for their health concerns?
I guess I would say it’s all about intuition. There are many ways to heal. Scan all of your options and try what you feel will be helpful on your healing journey. This is your body, having your experience. You will know best!
If you would like to find out more about the Chrystal Clinic, please visit https://chrystalclinic.com/