Today's modern woman wants, and has the opportunity of obtaining, safe, effective, affordable health care. Women want to be educated about their bodies and their health so they can then make the choices that are the best for them. By philosophy, by design and by commitment, Naturopathic Medicine offers women what they want.
What is Homeopathy?
Many Californians mistakenly use the terms "Homeopathy" and "Naturopathy" as one in the same. The truth is is that Homeopathy is its own specific system of Medicine, like Chinese Medicine or Herbal Medicine. Naturopathic Doctors receive Homeopathic training as part of their medical school program. Therefore, many Naturopathic Doctors are also Homeopaths.
Intramuscular Injections
Delivering nutrients intramuscularly is a quick, simple and effective way to bypass the gastrointestinal tract and get high dose nutrients directly into the bloodstream, where they're needed the most.
Our Doctors frequently uses various B vitamins, Folic Acid and homeopathics intramuscularly as an adjunct to her treatment plans.
Basic Detoxification Guide
History of Natural Medicine
Licensed in the state of California since January 2004, Naturopathic Doctors (ND's) are licensed Primary Care Doctors who are medically trained in conventional as well as alternative medicines.
Naturopathy has been around since ancient times. Hippocrates, a physician who lived about 2400 years ago, formulated one of the main principles of naturopathic medicine, vis medicatrix naturae - the healing power of nature.
What is Emotional Plasticity?
The four rules of neuroscience upon which EBT is based are:
Rule 1. It's not us. It's our wiring
Every thought, emotion or action is a wire, a string of nerve cells or neurons that is aroused. These wires or circuits are formed by experiences, the way that the brain enables us to anticipate challenges, plan for the future and respond effectively to current stresses in order to promote survival, the goal of all organisms. Each circuit guides emotional processing, cognitive processing and a corrective action, and fires in time measured in 10,000ths of a second. Most wires are formed during the first three years of life or during stress.
Your Skin and the Summer Sun
For thousands of years people have honored the sun. We know that without the sun, our existence would not be possible and out planet would be a very different place. In recent years, as the increased fear of skin cancer has permeated out society, the sun has been viewed more as a hazard to your health than a life-giving orb in the sky.
Natural Medicine & Your Thyroid: Why Your Thyroid May Not Be Doing Enough
Our thyroid gland is one of our most important endocrine organs. The functioning of the thyroid directly affects more bodily functions than all the other endocrine glands because it controls cellular metabolism by secreting hormones which govern the metabolic rate of most of our body’s vital functions. Imbalances of the thyroid can have serious effects on your health, so you should always seek advice from your doctor when dealing with any hormone problem.
Peaceful, Balanced and Joyful Kids: Natural Ways to Nourish Young Minds, Bodies & Spirits
In 2006 an estimated 4.5 million kids were diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). Whether or not the diagnosis truly fits, many of these kids have symptoms of restlessness, hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity that are beyond what is expected in most healthy children. This is a frustrating situation for parents and children that is often avoidable with the right tools in hand.
Lunar Cycles and Fertility
Human beings have always been inextricably tied to the moon and its cycles. The moon has long lit the way for nighttime activities and divine rituals. We have an innate sense of the moon’s esoteric power, but have little knowledge about how its existence affects our physical bodies. We do know that the moon cycle is 28 days, the same exact number of days as the female menstrual cycle – common sense tells us that this link is too profound to chalk up to coincidence, but what does it really mean?
Are the Foods You're Eating Making You Sick?
Do you suffer from asthma, allergies, eczema, acne, fatigue, inability to lose weight, constipation or loose stool, brain fog, stiff or achy joints, migraines or a lowered immune system? Does your child have chronic ear infections, complain of headaches, is hyperactive or has ADD? If so, you or your child may be suffering from Food Sensitivities and all of these symptoms are likely tied together.
What is the Big Deal about Cholesterol?
“My total cholesterol is 237 and my doctor wants to put me on a lipid lowering medication. What are my options? And should I be concerned?”
This is a common question that patients have. Conventionally we are taught to associate cholesterol with bad health, yet in fact this fat-like substance is essential for proper health. It is essential for the health of our cell membranes and is also the precursor for many hormones, including our sex hormones. So why has Lipitor (a statin or cholesterol lowering drug) been the #1 prescription dispensed since 2000?
The concern is that when certain types of our cholesterol are elevated, we can develop fatty deposits in our arterial walls and increase our risk for cardiovascular disease. So looking only at your total cholesterol doesn’t tell you the whole truth.
Cholesterol is carried in the blood by proteins called lipoproteins. You may have heard of the terms "good" and "bad” cholesterol. HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or “good” cholesterol, carries excess cholesterol to your liver for export. LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or bad cholesterol, transports cholesterol throughout your body where it can build up in arteries. The good news is this: High LDL cholesterol is completely avoidable. Diet, lifestyle factors, and genetics all play a role in your cholesterol. A whole foods diet composed of vegetables and fruits, lean protein, and whole grains with minimal prepackaged foods is imperative for health.
Avoid foods high in saturated fats such as organ meats and whole milk products. Eat meats that are free-range, grass-fed and grass-finished. Wild fish such as salmon have high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids which can protect against cardiovascular disease. Farm raised fish contain very small amounts healthy omega-3’s. Avoid trans or partially hydrogenated fats. Eggs have gotten a bad rap. Several recent studies have shown no corresponding increase in egg consumption and blood cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber found in foods such as beans, oats, flaxseed and psyllium also help lower bad cholesterol. And of course regular cardiovascular exercise lowers triglycerides and LDL while increasing HDL. Losing weight if you are overweight will also greatly improve cholesterol numbers.
Some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the US are statins, which work by blocking an enzyme that makes cholesterol in your liver. Lipitor, Zocor, and Crestor are examples. But these drugs can have side effects, including muscle aches, liver toxicity, and block the production of Co-enzyme Q10, a natural compound concentrated in the heart muscle and a powerful antioxidant. Patients taking statins should speak with their doctor about supplementing with Co-enzyme Q10.
There are numerous supplements that can lower cholesterol besides dietary changes and exercise. Garlic, lecithin, guggul, green tea, fish oil, and niacin are just a few. Policosanols and red yeast rice are also fairly well-known natural cholesterol-lowering substances. If you are unsuccessful at lowering your cholesterol through dietary changes, exercise, and weight loss alone, it would be best to speak with a naturopathic physician concerning what an appropriate protocol may be for you.
If you have questions please call 831.477.1377 to schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation.
Breast Thermography
Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. One out of eight American women who live to be 85 years of age will develop breast cancer. It is the most common cancer in women under the age of 50 and breast cancers in younger women tend to be more aggressive and have poorer survival rates.
Back to School: Naturopathic Medicine for Kids
With cold and flu season approaching, it’s important to have kid friendly tools around to stave off or reduce the severity of an illness. Beyond the basics of prevention, there are an abundance of Naturopathic treatments that can be used safely and effectively to keep your child healthy and vibrant.
Prevention Basics:
Hygiene: As simple as it is, basic hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread contagious disease. There is a lot beneficial flora on the skin so it’s not necessary to go overboard with hand sanitizers, hand washing with warm water and gentle soap is sufficient.
Sleep: Our immune systems are most active while we are deeply asleep. Make sure the house is quiet an hour before bedtime, turn bright lights down, turn electronics off, and get the nightly chores done well before bedtime. Sipping on Chamomile, Catnip, or Avena teas before bed is a good way to wind down for a deep, restorative sleep.
Nutrition: Key immune nutrients are Vitamins A, C, and D; and minerals like Selenium and Zinc. Bright colored fruits and veggies have a wide spectrum of vitamins and Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds are rich in minerals. Sun exposure is the best way to get Vitamin D but in winter months supplementation is helpful.
GI Support: Probiotics are a simple way to boost immunity in the GI tract and throughout the body. This is especially important of your child has taken antibiotics and/or if they eat non-organic animal products. Saccharomycess boulardii is a strain that has been shown to increase the immune response in mucous membranes and therefore is well suited to prevent respiratory illnesses.
During Illness:
Diet: Kids aren’t hungry when they’re sick for a reason. Less food intake will allow more energy to be used for supporting a strong immune response and less energy to be used for digestion. Plenty of water, teas, and fresh juices are essential. Light soups with garlic, onions and ginger are also beneficial; you can throw in some brown rice and organic chicken, beans, or tofu for heartier appetites.
Herbal Medicines:
Herbs work well in combination and are great in glycerite for kids. Echinacea, Goldenseal, Elderberry, Osha, Licorice, and Myrrh are all generally safe immune boosting herbs. Ask your Naturopathic Doctor which herbal combination is best suited for your child.
Homeopathic Remedies:
Homeopathy has the potential to profoundly reduce the intensity and duration of an illness. While homeopathy is most effective when highly individualized (with the help of a Naturopathic Doctor or other knowledgeable practitioner), there are a few remedies that are commonly effective in colds/flus. Allium c., Arsenicum, Belladonna, Kali b., Pulsatilla, and Nux v. are a few common cold/flu remedies.
Adrenal fatigue
So often I hear my patients say, “I have such a hard time getting started in the morning. I don’t feel rested when I wake and then I have this afternoon crash…”
Adrenal fatigue is one of the most pervasive, yet under-diagnosed, health conditions affecting people today. Approximately two-thirds of folks with chronic fatigue appear to have underactive adrenal glands.