OK, folks, I’ll make this short and sweet. If you don’t have swine flu, there’s at least a 1 in 3 chance you will. I can help you prevent it or minimize symptoms if you do get it. And, I’m not afraid to have you come into my office because I use my own medicine. Now—on to my next point.

I’ve been studying and practicing Chinese Medicine for almost 11 years now and have been amazed at all this medicine can do. I am also beginning to see some of its limitations. That’s why I will be spending the next 18 mos taking courses in “Functional Medicine”. In short, it uses Western medical tests and diagnostics and treats with supplements and nutrition. I will still leverage acupuncture and herbal medicine, but I’ll be adding more tricks to my bag.

Between stress, caffeine, long work hours, and family duties, a regular sleep cycle is on the wish list of many people these days. This sleep rollercoaster which produces insomnia and daytime fatigue can stem from a number of things, such as adrenal cycle disregulation between cortisol and melatonin. Low melatonin levels can make it difficult to fall asleep, and low cortisol levels can cause nighttime waking and a serious need for coffee in the am. There are ways to assess both of these deficiencies through blood and saliva tests.

Chronic pain, stress, and overwork can also lead to impaired sleep. Acupuncture works well in these situations as it can often get down to the root cause. Acupuncture can relieve chronic pain (stimulate endorphin release, increase circulation to the injured area, etc.) and help you relax (increases oxygen flow, calms the nervous system, etc.); by addressing these specific root causes, the door opens up to a deep, restful night's sleep.

If you're having a hard time sleeping, I invite you to contact me today. We'll discover what's keeping you up at night -- and how to overcome it.

As the calendar turns towards winter, weather changes and exposure to germs increase, I advocate the use of adaptogens. Adaptogens have the unique ability to calm the nervous system while simultaneously improving energy and overall function. Astragalus is one such rarified herb, and has many immune boosting properties.

Astragalus has a high concentration of antioxidants which protects cells from free radical damage. Studies show that astragalus has both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to anti-viral benefits and the ability to boost the immune system. That’s why astragalus is a great preventative for a number of things, from the common cold to allergies to fatigue. In fact, Western medicine has looked at astragalus' immune boosting capabilities as a means to help people receiving chemotherapy and radiation.

I use astragalus in my immune support formula called Ground Support. It’s available in 4oz and 8oz bottles at my office.