The Thing No One Tells You About Intermittent Fasting

I’ve tried more than a few traditional approaches to fasting or “cleansing” over the years.

Not a fan!

As a functional medicine doctor and acupuncturist, I’m here to tell you that fasting & intermittent fasting are TOUGH on women's health.

That’s because it messes with our hormones and can disrupt menstrual cycles and mood. 

If you have female reproductive organs and struggle with fasting or intermittent fasting, know that it’s not a problem of willpower; our bodies genuinely struggle with it.

While I’m ranting, I’ll add that the concept of “cleansing” implies our bodies are somehow unclean and in need of aggressive purification - ridiculous.

That said, I’m all in for a good nutritional reset!

Once a year, I do the 21-day MediClear Cleanse nutritional reset:).

Why do it? Honestly, in my case, it’s mostly vanity (I do it when I’m feeling bloated, extra tight in my jeans, and or muscles seem a bit weak).

I know from years past that this reset restores my energy and stamina and generally makes me feel great, so I look forward to it even though it means less of some of my favorite foods for a few weeks.

This approach works for me because it provides a clear meal plan and has zero to do with caloric restriction. I especially like that the list of foods you CAN enjoy is way longer than the avoid list.

The optional liver-supportive Mediclear vegan protein powder is awesome and helps alot with inflammation, but I’ve been skipping it the last few years.

That’s because I usually run functional medicine blood and saliva tests on myself before I do this reset and the last few times, those tests showed what my protein levels were fine and I haven't been dealing with inflammation.

If you’re anything like me, you’re wondering which list coffee is on.

Technically, it’s an “avoid,” but I always keep up with my daily cup because, hey, I’m not a masochist.

If you want to try the MediClear Cleanse nutritional reset, click here for details (here’s my discount link if you want to include the Mediclear vegan protein powder).

Want to look at your health through a detailed functional medicine lens first? Sign up for the Virtual Functional Medicne Program here!

Use the following links to book comprehensive in person acupuncture, Eastern medicine, or functional medicine treatments in Oakland or Nevada City, California.

Bridging East and West: My Journey to Integrating Acupuncture and Functional Medicine at Root & Stem

Today, I want to discuss the intricate dance between two distinct medical approaches: acupuncture and functional medicine (I practice both). While you might think these fields seem worlds apart, they interlace beautifully. By looking at the big picture (your unique genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors) through a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and functional medicine lens, I can offer more effective tailored treatment plans and work with you to achieve outstanding results.

A Threefold Approach to Healing

At Root & Stem, I use a threefold approach combining comprehensive lab testing, the time-honored art of acupuncture, and functional medicine principles. It's a balance I've honed over time. I've come to appreciate the value of in-depth scientific analysis combined with acupuncture and TCM diagnostics and Chinese herbs for creating individualized paths to wellness for my patients.

So how does it all come together?

The Power of Modern Diagnostics

Every health journey begins with understanding. To bring the complete picture of your health into focus, I use modern lab tests (blood and saliva testing) as a critical first step in my functional medicine practice. These tests allow me to assess your health at a granular level, uncovering anything that may be causing imbalance or disease.

As a functional medicine doctor, I interpret test results through a unique lens. While your conventional doctor might look at the same tests and pronounce them "normal," my training allows me to see nuances and make inferences from small details and patterns traditional Western medicine commonly overlooks.

Tailored Treatment with Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Guided by these insights, I create a personalized treatment plan with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. I use acupuncture to address your specific concerns, rebalance the body's energy, or 'qi,' reduce inflammation, and help you relax and rejuvenate. When needed, Chinese herbal medicine comes into play to address imbalances and support acupuncture treatments.

Herbs like Huang Qi (Astragalus) to boost the immune system, Bai Shao (White Peony Root) for harmonizing the liver, or Ren Shen (Ginseng), to name a few, synergize with acupuncture to stimulate and enhance your body's inherent ability to heal.

As valuable as modern diagnostics are, they only provide part of the picture. This is why every acupuncture treatment begins with a traditional Chinese pulse and tongue diagnosis.

Lifestyle Guidance as a Pillar of Health

Functional medicine recognizes that our daily habits and choices are pivotal to our overall well-being and physical health. I offer customized lifestyle guidance to support and enhance your health journey. This might include suggestions for a nourishing diet, physical activity, stress management techniques, or restorative sleep practices.

In Practice: A Case Study

To elaborate: Let's say we have a Root & Stem patient grappling with chronic fatigue. Conventional medicine might prescribe stimulants or pain relievers, focusing on treating the symptoms without uncovering and addressing the root cause. I take a different approach.

For example, lab test analysis might reveal an imbalance in the patient's thyroid hormones (often the case in chronic fatigue cases). A detailed analysis of the patient's lifestyle might also uncover high-stress levels and poor sleep patterns.

In response, I would create a multi-pronged treatment plan: acupuncture to enhance energy flow and reduce pain and stress, targeted herbal remedies to support thyroid function, and lifestyle modifications such as stress management techniques and dietary adjustments to promote restful sleep and overall well-being. 

The goal isn't just symptom management but a comprehensive overhaul that helps the patient reclaim vitality and get back to feeling their best.

The Path to Wellness

My journey in both acupuncture and functional medicine is about stepping into your shoes so I can offer a well-rounded, empathetic perspective on health and well-being. I firmly believe that our bodies are complex symphonies, not isolated notes. By focusing on the interrelationships and balance between body systems and leveraging the therapeutic potential of acupuncture and Chinese herbs, my goal is to build resilience, diminish or eliminate discomfort, and guide my patients toward optimal health.

At Root & Stem, we're passionately committed to the principles of acupuncture and functional medicine. This integrated approach empowers us to offer you the most holistic and effective care possible.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive approach to health or struggling with a stubborn issue that conventional Western medicine has failed to address, book an appointment at our Oakland or Nevada City clinic and get started on your path to optimal health!