Conditions Treated
Depressed or Anxious Mood
- Rule out underlying untreated health conditions (e.g., low thyroid, anemia).
- Make sure there are sufficient neurotransmitter building blocks through amino acid testing and comprehensive nutritional evaluation.
- Replete the biochemical substrate of healthy brain function through individualized supplementation of specific nutrients – without the common side effects of anti-depressants.
Intestinal Disturbances
- Respect the profound importance of good gastrointestinal (GI) function for the immune system, energy, well-being, and mental clarity.
- Carefully investigate potential food allergies, infections, and significant imbalances in intestinal microflora – using very specialized laboratory testing.
- Repair GI tissues, eliminate pathogens and irritants, and increase beneficial microflora and digestive co-factors.
Memory, Attention, and the Aging Brain
- Assess for deficiencies of critical neurochemicals (e.g., tyrosine, folic acid, carnitine, and essential fatty acids).
- Supplement catalytic compounds (e.g., phosphatidylserine, huperzine).
- Investigate and address toxicities, including heavy metals.
Children’s Allergies, Mood, and Temperament
- Carefully assess for food allergies, GI dysfunction, and nutritional deficiencies that commonly affect school performance, impulse control, emotional regulation, and well-being.
- Use natural treatments, without the risks of medications in a developing brain and body
- Offer realistic, tested-in-the-trenches suggestions for meal planning and tasty alternative food choices – as well as lots of support and problem-solving for parents.
Pain
- Identify and eliminate causes of inflammation (the source of much chronic pain).
- Use acupuncture – a well-researched intervention for pain.
- Use natural anti-inflammatory herbs that reduce pain without negative side effects.
Weight Loss
- Understand the neurochemistry of food cravings – ironically, often for those foods that disturb digestion and add pounds.
- Bring compassion and skillful solutions to the emotional factors behind unwanted weight.
- Develop delicious alternatives to problematic foods.
Women’s Health
- Draw on the widely recognized benefits of Chinese medicine for fertility, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, PMS, and menopause – and combine those with assessment-based, nutritional interventions for individualized treatment.
- For menopausal issues: use endocrine testing and natural methods – which can be integrated, if you wish, with bio-identical hormones from your doctor.
Teens and Young Adults
- The parent of two young adults myself, I use a nurturing and direct approach to nourish self-confidence, positive body image, and personal responsibility for their health care.
- Use integrative treatments for acne, eating issues, hormonal balance, and mood.