The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.1 Most Americans base their health on how they look or feel, referring to good health as a lack of disease. However, following this map has led the majority of the… Read more »
If you have ever suffered with a migraine headache or seen someone who has, you know firsthand how debilitating the pain can be. Migraines can occur anywhere from once or twice a year to several times per month. The cost of treating migraine patients in the United States is estimated at $13 – $17 billion… Read more »
Many of my patients come in seeking relief from acute or chronic pain from neurological conditions or injuries. Often, we do not acknowledge our health until it is compromised and only then do we seek ways to regain it. Some will not try acupuncture until they’re in so much pain the thought of a needle… Read more »
Cabbage, kale, collards, radishes…Each of these vegetables is packed with a host of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, plus the natural disease-fighting compound called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane reduces inflammation, fights unhealthy bacteria and protects against carcinogenic toxins…and it only takes a few servings a month to realize the benefit. It is recommended in the prevention and… Read more »
Iron Moxa is a unique union of Japanese massage and moxibustion, a traditional Chinese therapy using moxa, or mugwort herb. Its significant benefits include relieving fatigue, improving circulation, easing neuralgia (nerve) and muscle pain, and boosting gastrointestinal function. Iron Moxa can also be used for facial rejuvenation treatment, as its combination of gentle heat and… Read more »
Arthritis can be a debilitating condition. Some of the easiest everyday activities seem challenging — like putting on a shirt or placing one foot in front of the other. Did you know that your digestive health can be a critical factor in the treatment of arthritis? Maintaining digestive health is a key to overall body… Read more »
Nutritional deficiencies are very common in the general population and may be even more prevalent in people who suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease. Optimal nutrition–including vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, coupled with weight loss, increased exercise, smoking cessation and moderate restriction of alcohol and caffeine–can help prevent and control nutritional deficiencies in… Read more »
A landmark study by the National Institutes of Health confirmed that acupuncture provides pain relief and improves function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee. They concluded that the modality serves as an effective complement to standard care. The study—the longest and largest randomized, controlled phase III clinical trial of acupuncture ever conducted— was funded… Read more »
Over 100 forms of arthritis have been identified, and one in five (22%) of all adults in the United States report having doctor-diagnosed arthritis. 50% of people over age 65 are currently being treated for arthritis–a staggering statistic. At the core of any natural treatment for arthritis is reduction of inflammation and effective control of… Read more »
You don’t have to go far for a little sweat this time of year, but sometimes a “good sweat” is what you really need. Many think that the best part of sweating is ridding your body of toxins, but that is not always the case. Sweat does contain trace amounts of toxins, says Dr. Dee… Read more »
Longevity, as understood in the West, relates to the duration of life. It doesn’t always consider the quality of that long life. Longevity, or “Chang Shou,” in China is used to connote the length in years and the blessings of having quality of life unmarred by pain, disease and stress. In looking for ways to… Read more »
There is little doubt that health care in the future will be patient centered, personalized and focused on improving function throughout the body and not just addressing symptoms. The days of “one size fits all” treatment plans are coming to an end. Health care is moving away from simply naming a disease and treating the… Read more »
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the US. Growing scientific evidence supports plant-based, or vegan, diets in halting and even reversing cardiovascular disease. There is also increasing interest among the public about the purported health benefits of vegan diets, in part due to many celebrities who have publicly gone vegan. With… Read more »
The science of Chinese nutrition dates back some 6000 years and is based on the idea that the healing properties of foods can correct disharmonies within the body and promote health. These properties are: temperature (hot/cold/warm); taste (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, pungent or bland); drying or lubricating; and the energetic action as a result of… Read more »
The American diet is filled with calorie-rich and nutrient-poor foods. No wonder there is an epidemic of childhood obesity, ADD/ADHD, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. People are overweight yet nutritionally starving! So what can we do about this crisis? The answer starts with your fork! When talking about nutrition with my patients, I always tell… Read more »
Lyme disease is grabbing headlines nationwide. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) new Lyme disease cases are 4 times more common annually than new cases of HIV/AIDS. It is also thought to be the leading cause of ‘vector-borne’ infections in the U.S. Lyme disease is defined as an infectious illness that results from… Read more »
March is National Nutrition Month and the theme this year is “Revamp Your Plate.” The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is encouraging Americans to follow the guidelines set forth by the USDA’s new MyPlate graphic that illustrates half your plate should be fruits and vegetables, one fourth lean protein and one fourth whole grains. MyPlate… Read more »
Winter and spring are challenging for a person like me for two reasons: the cold weather does not agree with my joints; and my practice is busier during this season due to the influx of desert visitors. As a massage therapist, I give 30 massages a week, approximately 6- 60 minute massages , 5 days… Read more »
When you plan your next meal, don’t forget to include some raw broccoli and a few strawberries…they may just save your life. Heart attack, cancer, stroke and respiratory disease are the leading causes of death in the U.S., and for the most part these conditions are easily preventable. Sulforaphane, diindolylmethane and ellagic acid are three… Read more »
The first official day of spring is March 20th. It marks a time to welcome the beautiful hues and heady aromas nature provides. Morning Glories, Lilacs, Pansies and Lavender open their blooms and thrive. The benefits of Lavender are that it adds beauty to a table in the form of a fresh or dried bouquet,… Read more »