Few of us are encouraged to actively contemplate the inevitability of our death, or that it could happen at any time. This year, I actively sought out the opportunity to do just that. An email from Spirit Rock, a meditation center nestled in the hills of Woodacre, California, presented a class entitled, “A Year to… Read more »
Water. The scientifically unique molecule that makes life on Earth – and yourexistence – possible. The 8 x 8 (8 glasses of 8 oz/day) recommendation is out of date, and most professionals in the health community, including myself, have embraced aiming for a more proportional recommendation: half of your body weight in ounces of water… Read more »
“The Game of Life is not a game at all with winners and losers. You compete with only yourself, bettering what you did the day before. We are born, we grow, we constantly learn, we love. People change, people leave and believe. New friends emerge. Wisdom is discovered and then you are born again.” ~… Read more »
THC. CBD. When it comes to cannabis, we understand those. But what are CBG, THCV, THCA, CBN and the nearly 100 other cannabinoids? With more research, it’s getting more and more confusing. So, with each edition of Desert Health, I am going to focus on one individual cannabinoid and the science behind how and why… Read more »
The practice of sound bathing, or immersing oneself in the vibrations of various instruments such as singing bowls and gongs, has been gaining popularity in recent years. However, its roots can be traced back centuries to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks who recognized the healing powers of vibrational sound. In my personal… Read more »
Although we often associate organisms like bacteria, viruses and fungi as negative to our health, this is far from universal. There are countless living substances in our bodies that are not harmful, but helpful in keeping our organs and immune system working properly. These substances are collectively known as microbiome. Our gut is one of… Read more »
We are all familiar with the old-time debate of nature versus nurture. Well times have changed. When it comes to your genetics, we now know health outcomes are not set in stone but are a combination of the genes you have from inception (nature) AND environmental influences on you since that moment (nurture). Environmental exposures… Read more »
We can all agree that we feel much better and refreshed after a good night’s sleep. The restorative theory of sleep provides a scientific explanation of that special feeling. Scientific evidence from both animal and human studies has proven our body literally heals and renews itself as we slumber. The majority of restorative functions in… Read more »
With cannabis now readily available in California, many are experimenting and with that may come the fear – or unpleasant experience – of becoming too high. While there is no getting “unhigh” quickly, several things can help you relax and ride it out. Know that this will pass The feeling of discomfort or panic has… Read more »
My friend Ashley and I were talking about the new year and something she said really resonated with me. “Winter is not the right energy for renewal.” It is so true! Winter is a time to reflect, let go, get cozy and rest. Spring is the perfect time for resolutions, goals, intentions and action. So,… Read more »
Winter is back with a bang, along with all the colds and flu the season brings. The CDC has reported the highest levels of influenza in more than a decade, with 13 million cases since early December 2022. Rising cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) along with this year’s variation of influenza are in the… Read more »
A good friend and I were discussing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the role it plays in the health of veterans. During the conversation, we did not mention the possibility of other individuals experiencing the condition. The unfortunate reality is, however, that PTSD is more common in society than what popular media may portray. In… Read more »
Do you remember last holiday season? Did you get to January and swear that you were going to do things differently next year? Well, here we are… It has been a bumpy road over the last couple of years, and this may be the year that you do a little bit more…or after last year,… Read more »
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), pulse diagnosis dates back thousands of years. It is a means of identifying and differentiating diseases by feeling pulses in the radial wrists. It is one of the four major assessments in TMC along with inspections (general observation of patient), auscultation (listening), olfaction (smelling) and questioning (obtaining medical history and… Read more »
“The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance – it is the illusion of knowledge.” – Author and Historian Daniel J. Boorstin In recent months, I discovered an underlying notion that I need to be heard by my family. An old belief of not being heard nor valued by my mother and father was reawakened… Read more »
Sleep can be challenging at any age, but an estimated 40-70% of older adults have chronic sleep issues.1 Busy mind, fluctuating hormones, medical conditions, pain and stress may be to blame, and those suffering have usually tried an array of sleep aids, including me. My symptoms may sound familiar: night sweats, need to urinate, busy… Read more »
Have you ever stopped to think how much the composition of the human body and planet earth are the same? This realization gives deeper meaning to the phrase “you are what you eat.” Fruits and vegetables grown in earth’s bountiful soil are merely the method of delivering the many elements, minerals and microbes our bodies… Read more »
Naturopathic doctors are trained at four-year, post-graduate, accredited medical institutions. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, a naturopathic doctor (ND) is required to complete four years of training in holistic and nontoxic approaches to treatment with a strong emphasis on disease prevention, such as nutrition and lifestyle modifications and in-depth lab testing and diagnosis. … Read more »
It is the holiday season once again. How might visions of sugar plum fairies dancing in our dreams during a blinding snowstorm be a healthy omen? Are gifts beneath an evergreen tree covered in icicles a precognitive message? And, what could the colors red, blue and green mean in your dream? Dreams are often our… Read more »
When was the last time you stopped – really stopped – and asked yourself this question? The true answer doesn’t come from aching body parts or overwhelmed brain chatter. It is found when you become still, close your eyes, put your hand on your heart and reach deep inside to ask, “Hey there, how are… Read more »