What I really do is listen.

I listen to your health story, and to subtle signs from your body. I use two complementary analytical frameworks to understand you and what may be ailing you: cutting-edge functional medicine complete with lab tests, traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic methods such as taking the pulse, looking at the tongue and palpating the body. Together we come up with a plan to get you from where you are now to where you would like to be.

ACUPUNCTURE
I’m drawn to acupuncture as a modality because it is so safe and effective. It activates the body’s own healing mechanisms, respecting our innate ability to heal. I recommend acupuncture for people who are experiencing stress, or have some tissue that is hypo-functioning or inflamed. The frequency of treatment depends on type and severity of the issue.Acupuncture:
• Calms the nervous system
• Connects the mind and body
• Reduces inflammation
• Promotes healing
• Increases flexibility/fights stiffness

DIET THERAPY
The small things we do daily add up to real changes in our health and in our lives. What to eat is a question that confuses many of my patients, so I spend more time guiding them on food choices than the average Chinese Medicine practitioner because I find it brings great results.
I help people look at their diet from these different perspectives:
• Does your diet support healthy gut microbes?
• Are you eating a broad range of nutrient dense foods?
• Are the foods you eat promoting inflammation and disease?
• Does your blood sugar remain balanced throughout the day?
• Does your diet match your unique constitution according to Chinese medicine?
• Do you have a food allergy or sensitivity?

Depending on your health goals and current diet, guidance may range from increasing or reducing a couple foods, to supporting you in an elimination and reintroduction plan.
This is a partnership, but perhaps the most important thing I teach is how to listen to your own body’s cues about what works best for you, so eventually you can guide yourself to health with confidence.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION
If we drive a particular organ system too hard, or don’t eat perfectly balanced and varied meals all the time, we may be deficient in certain nutrients. These items are like food concentrates, and can be very useful in keeping our systems working properly.

HERBS
Sometimes an imbalance is extreme enough that it requires a stronger intervention. Although diet therapy is my first approach, herbs are more concentrated than food and can be used in conjunction with diet to greater effect. I’m trained as a Chinese herbalist, and customize formulas to suit your unique needs.