A significant part of my therapeutic approach comes from Chinese Medicinal Herbs and Nutritional Counseling.

Food is the first medicine. Ideally, we should be getting all of our nutrition from our food, but in today's world that may be difficult. The one thing that most Nutritionists will agree on is the necessity of eating whole foods -- those that are minimally processed. The key question to ask yourself is: Did my food look this way when it came out of the ground or from the animal?

If the answer is yes, then that is more than likely a whole food. Whole foods are inherently simpler and easier for the body to process with fewer additives, preservatives, and chemicals and still retain more of their original nutritional value. Through working with me, you can begin to understand healthier and simpler food choices.

The second part to good nutrition is whether or not you are able to absorb those essential nutrients. And this comes down to the all important health of your digestive system. Yes, we are born with genetic tendencies toward health or disease, but it is though food and our ability to digest and assimilate nutrients that we get the necessary fuel to maintain our health. With the proper evaluation and guidance, you can learn to better understand what are healthy foods for you and your inner ecosystem. And we can also work on creating greater awareness about not simply what you eat, but why you eat, how you eat, and when you eat. All of these questions are essential to answer if you are to create a more intimate relationship with your food and your body.

If food is the first medicine, then acupuncture and herbs would be the second. When you come to see me, after a thorough history and intake, I arrive at a diagnosis. In Chinese Medicine, a diagnosis is a pattern of disharmony. Though acupuncture alone may be of great help, there are some patterns that are more quickly addressed with a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas.

If I do prescribe herbs for you, whether as a ready-made formula or one that I custom-write for your individual needs, the approach that is best for you and your condition will be determined based on the severity and duration of your condition, and the most effective and convenient means for you to regularly and consistently take your herbs.