Acupuncture For Pre- and Post-Surgery

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes a holistic approach to health and regards illness as a sign that the body is out of balance. Unlike western biomedical science, TCM does not make a distinction between the physical, mental, and emotional components of life. Acupuncture indirectly stimulates the central nervous system (CNS). When an acupuncture needle is… Read more »

Now Boarding: Patients Wanted

When it comes to medical care, transportation is the second most common barrier to cost. And if your means are limited, the specialist hundreds of miles away that you or your child needs may feel out of reach, creating loss of hope and despair. This is when Angel Flight West (AFW) may swoop in to… Read more »

The Issue with GMO Food

During the last decade, there has been increased focus on foods and chemicals thought to be harmful to the body. Of particular controversy are Genetically Modified Organism (or GMO) foods. Despite all the attention, many people are still unaware of exactly what GMO foods are, and why are they potentially harmful. The term “GMO food”… Read more »

DECLUTTERING: 101

Are you a “stuff-aholic”? Many people collect stuff. Some even pay for storage units to house their extra stuff. Answer this honestly…when you walk into your home, is there a sense of overwhelm and frustration as you see piles of clutter from papers, magazines, clothes, gadgets and dishes? Don’t feel badly if this describes you.… Read more »

Your Brain on Gluten

It has taken us over 200 years to discover and prove that gluten, introduced late into the human diet, can – and is – producing disease. Gluten, the protein in wheat, normally associated with gastrointestinal problems, is now clearly linked to dysfunction of the brain along with other systems of the body. It is eye… Read more »

Understanding Reflexology

People often think that reflexology is simply a gentle foot massage, when it fact, it’s not a foot massage at all. Reflexology is a therapeutic approach used to complement treatments for illnesses and to relieve tension. It focuses on pressure points in your feet, hands and ears that are connected to other parts of your… Read more »

Acute Stress Isn’t Very Cute

Someone recently told me they were going to the cardiologist for a stress test. This got me thinking that stress really gets to the heart of the matter; pun very much intended. Stress just seems to be part of our society today with technological advances, multitasking, deadlines, double income families, kids’ busy schedules, staying afloat… Read more »

Alternative Cancer Care Pioneers

Over the last several decades, a search for a cure for cancer has largely been focused on developing new chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy and surgical interventions. Nonetheless, the incidence and mortality of cancer, in general, are increasing. The number of cancer-related deaths is expected to double in the next 50 years in spite of current… Read more »

Thank YOU, Mr. President!

Last October I was extremely honored to have been asked by the Clinton Foundation to write an essay on behalf of the Coachella Valley about President Clinton’s impact in this region. Worldwide essays were compiled in a book presented to the President in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Clinton Presidential Center in Little… Read more »

New Year’s Resolutions

Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions, and many of them involve trying to break addictions. But according to statisticbrain.com, only 8 percent of those who make New Year’s resolutions are successful. 8 percent! From stopping smoking to quitting drinking to cutting out sweets or foods that are high in fat, Americans love… Read more »

Mitochondrial Inflammation and Cancer

Dr. Thomas Seyfried teaches neurogenetics and neurochemistry at Yale University. He is also a pioneering researcher in promoting how to treat cancer nutritionally. His book, Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: On the Origin, Management and Prevention of Cancer, contains over 400 pages and 1,740 medical references that make a compelling argument for the following: Cancer… Read more »

Whole Body Cryotherapy for Athletic Performance

Everyone knows that icing injuries can be very beneficial. Fortunately, technology has advanced and the days of submerging into a tub full of chilling ice water have given way a simpler, more comfortable and more effective method, nitrogen driven whole body cryotherapy (Cryo). Medical doctors initially praised the benefits of Cryo on arthritis and inflammatory… Read more »

The Benefits of Thai Massage

If you’ve been receiving regular massage or body work then you already understand the benefit of taking care of your muscular and skeletal pains with therapeutic bodywork. Most people choose a Swedish, deep tissue or sports massage for these purposes. Thai massage is an often overlooked or misunderstood treatment that provides unique and profound benefits.… Read more »

Setting an Intention for the New Year

It’s the start of 2015 and by now many of us have set resolutions. 45% of the population makes a New Year’s resolution and approximately 8% sticks to the intention. The most common reason for this is related to the busy time during the week between Christmas and New Year. During this time, an idea… Read more »

Meditation: A Widely Studied Phenomenon Today

Not that long ago, the word “meditation” conjured up images of ascetics dwelling austerely in Himalayan caves. Today, just about every town in America has a yoga studio which typically offers some form of meditation practice. Until recently, however, no one really knew if meditation could offer consistent, practical benefits, or if it was merely… Read more »